Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Joplin Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Joplin, Mo., police officer was sentenced in federal court today for violating the civil rights of a woman he arrested by attempting to get her case dismissed in exchange for a sexual relationship.
Brian Rogers, 30, of Joplin, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to three years of probation, including six months of home detention with electronic monitoring.
On Sept. 19, 2016, Rogers pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of deprivation of rights under color of law. Rogers – who was a Joplin police officer at the time – arrested a woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe for driving under the influence in October 2015. She was subsequently charged with DUI by the Joplin Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Rogers admitted that he communicated with Jane Doe via texts and Facebook Messenger in December 2015 and offered to get the charge dismissed. Rogers said he would like to see Jane Doe’s body and asked her to send him pictures, which she refused to do. Rogers asked Jane Doe what she was offering and said he wanted her to “show me one hell of a time!” Rogers also asked her to come by his office, which she also refused to do.
On Dec. 28, 2015, Rogers approached city prosecutor Becky Seidl and suggested she dismiss the case. Rogers stated that he had experienced a maintenance issue with the breathalyzer that he had used to take the sample from Jane Doe. Rogers told Seidl they would have a hard time of making the case stick and he was inclined to give Jane Doe the benefit of the doubt.
Seidl told Rogers she agreed and the case would need to be dismissed. After speaking with Rogers, Seidl spoke to police officials, who contacted the FBI. When federal agents interviewed Jane Doe, she agreed to place a recorded phone call to Rogers. During the call Rogers stated he had spoken with the city prosecutor and he believed the charges would be dropped. Rogers also stated he would check up on the status of the case the following day.
On Jan. 25, 2016, federal agents interviewed Rogers. Rogers admitted that he had hoped his actions in helping to dismiss Jane Doe’s case would lead to him and Jane Doe developing a friendship and then a sexual relationship. Rogers had hoped that after getting the charges dropped Jane Doe would meet with him.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department.
Former Church Youth Leader Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor for Illicit SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former church youth leader in Iberia, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to entice a minor for illicit sex.
Jamey Lee Becker, 45, of Iberia, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to the charge contained in an Aug. 24, 2016, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Becker admitted that he used the Internet and a cell phone in an attempt to entice an individual under the age of 17 to engage in illegal sexual activity between Feb. 1 and June 10, 2016.
Under federal statutes, Becker 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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Miller County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
St. Joseph Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a St. Joseph, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing UMB Bank.
Terry L. Hager, 49, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan to the charge contained in a May 19, 2016, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Hager admitted that he stole $13,957 from UMB Bank, 1211 N. Belt Hwy., St. Joseph, on March 5, 2016.
Under federal statutes, Hager 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 Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Third Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man who led police in a pursuit that resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Michael Pearson, 33, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to the charge contained in a July 15, 2015, federal indictment. Co-defendants David Eugene Rodebaugh, 41, and Hernan Hurtado, 25, both of Jefferson City, have also pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
By pleading guilty today, Pearson admitted that on Feb. 13, 2015, he was driving a black Acura, in which Rodebaugh was a passenger, which was under surveillance by the Drug Enforcement Administration and MUSTANG (the Mid-Missouri Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group). Officers followed Pearson to the parking lot of the Capital Mall in Jefferson City, where they met Hurtado. After speaking with Hurtado for about 30 minutes, Pearson reached into the cab of Hurtado’s pickup truck and retrieved a plastic bag (later determined to contain methamphetamine), which he placed in the back seat of the Acura.
As the group left the parking lot, law enforcement officers attempted to stop Pearson. However, Pearson failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The Acura left the roadway, drove down an embankment and was rendered inoperable. Pearson jumped from the Acura and fled. Rodebaugh was arrested at the scene. Pearson was later located and arrested.
Officers found a plastic bag, which contained two bundles that each contained 1,968 grams of pure methamphetamine, approximately 75 yards from where the Acura stopped. Rodebaugh admitted he threw the bag out of the vehicle’s window during the pursuit.
Later that same afternoon, Hurtado called the Jefferson City Police Department to report he had been robbed at his home in Jefferson City. Hurtado voluntarily came to the police station, where he was questioned and arrested.
Hurtado admitted that an unidentified source from Kansas City, Mo., had delivered the approximately five pounds of methamphetamine to him the evening prior to his meeting with Pearson and Rodebaugh.
Under federal statutes, Pearson, Rodebaugh and Hurtado are each 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 Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, MUSTANG (the Mid-Missouri Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group) and the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
Four Fulton Men Plead Guilty to $6.6 Million K2 ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that four Fulton, Mo., men have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies related to the distribution of more than $6.6 million of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2, at Callaway County, Mo., businesses.
Shawn Michael Browning, 26, Timothy Christopher Sandfort, 30, and Brandon Derek Rader, 32, all of Fulton, pleaded guilty today in an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth. Joshua Adam Sheets, 30, of Fulton, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016.
Browning, Sandfort, Sheets and Rader each pleaded guilty to participating in a mail fraud conspiracy from Dec. 18, 2012, to July 16, 2015, and to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy during that time; both conspiracies were related to the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids.
Browning, Sandfort, Sheets, and Rader are among seven co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case. Dara Leanne Shirley, 30, of Fulton, pleaded guilty to participating in the money-laundering conspiracy. Casey Dewayne Miller, 32, of Columbia, and Billie L. Bruce, 36, of Jefferson City, each pleaded guilty to distributing synthetic cannabinoids.
According to court documents, the drug-trafficking conspiracy generated $6,656,843 in gross proceeds. Rader and Sandfort each acknowledged that his conduct directly contributed to the generation of approximately $4,544,700 of that total; under the terms of today’s plea agreements, they must forfeit a money judgment of that amount to the government. Browning and Sheets each acknowledged that his conduct directly contributed to the generation of approximately $2,112,142 of that total; under the terms of today’s plea agreement, they must forfeit a money judgment of that amount to the government.
Sandfort, Rader, Shirley, Miller and others operated First Stop Last Stop Pawn & Aromatherapy, Inscentives Resale and Inscentives Auto. First Stop Last Stop Pawn & Aromatherapy represented itself as a “pawn shop” and “potpourri store.” Inscentives Resale was represented to be a “buy, sell, and trade business.” Inscentives Auto held a Missouri motor vehicle dealer’s license. Browning, Sheets, Bruce and others operated Esscentials Resale and S&J Tobacco.
These businesses purchased synthetic cannabinoids from co-conspirators in California and Nevada. At least 251 shipments of synthetic cannabinoids were made via FedEx and UPS. Inscentives Resale sold synthetic cannabinoids from locations in Auxvasse, Mo., and Fulton. Esscentials Resale and S&J Tobacco sold synthetic cannabinoids from locations in Holts Summit, Mo.
Browning, Sandfort, Sheets, Rader and others obtained packages of synthetic cannabinoids from co-conspirators and periodically supplied each other with packages of synthetic cannabinoids for resale.
The packages of synthetic cannabinoids bore misbranded labels that misidentified the contents as “incense,” “aroma therapy” or “potpourri” that were “not for human consumption.” In fact, these products were drugs intended for human consumption as a drug. Conspirators mislabeled packages of synthetic cannabinoids for the purpose of avoiding government regulation over these drugs, and to protect the continued sale of these drugs.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the DEA Task Force – Jefferson City, DEA Sacramento, Calif., DEA Reno, Nev., IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the MUSTANG Drug Task Force, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department and the Holts Summit, Mo., Police Department.
Two Men Charged with Illegal Firearm Following Police Chase, CollisionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that two men were charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm following a head-on collision with a police vehicle in a Quik Trip parking lot while attempting to flee from officers.
Curlie Pruitt, III, 36, and Roy L. House, 38, addresses unknown, were charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Pruitt and House remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Today’s federal criminal complaint charges Pruitt and House with being felons in possession of a firearm.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Independence police officers were contacted by an employee at the Super 8 Hotel, 4031 S. Lynn Court Drive, Independence, at approximately 8:36 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in regard to two men – later identified as Pruitt and House – who were acting suspiciously. The employee feared the men were going to rob the hotel, the affidavit says. They left the hotel but returned at approximately 9:05 p.m.
When officers arrived at the hotel, the affidavit says, Pruitt and House were in a blue Ford 500 and were leaving the area, with Pruitt driving. A police officer activated the emergency equipment on his patrol vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, however, Pruitt allegedly accelerated the vehicle and drove through the parking lot of the Quik Trip at 4024 S. Noland Road, Independence. As Pruitt’s vehicle continued at a high rate of speed through the parking lot, traveling toward S. Noland Road, it collided head-on with the patrol vehicle of another officer who was responding to assist. The collision was severe enough to disable both vehicles.
Pruitt immediately attempted to exit his vehicle and flee, the affidavit says, but was trapped by a third police vehicle that pinned the driver’s side door closed. Pruitt and House were placed under arrest. Officers found a loaded American Tactical .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on the floor board of the front passenger seat area.
According to the affidavit, Pruitt and House are suspected of the armed robberies of the Road Star Gas Station, 11100 E. US 40 Hwy., Independence, on Dec. 11, 2016; Beeline Mini-Mart, 1005 Isley Blvd., Excelsior Springs, Mo., on Dec. 15, 2016; and Discount Smoke Shop, 4718 N.E. Vivion Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 18, 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. Pruitt has prior felony convictions for assault and robbery, as well as a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm for which he was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison. House has prior convictions for assault and robbery as well as a federal conviction for carjacking for which he was sentenced to 11 years and five months in federal prison. House is currently serving a term of supervised release for that federal conviction.
Dickinson cautioned that 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 Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Man, Woman Sentenced for Tax Refund ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a tax refund conspiracy.
Theresa R. Gee, 45, of Kansas City, Mo., and Nathaniel J. Justice, 54, of Las Vegas, Nev., but formerly of Kansas City, Mo., have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner. Gee was sentenced today to 20 months in federal prison without parole. Justice was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2016, to three years and four months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Gee and Justice to pay $93,951 in restitution, for which they are jointly and severally liable.
Gee and Justice have each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government. Gee and Justice admitted that they participated in a conspiracy from March 29, 2011, to Feb. 10, 2013, to submit false claims for federal income tax refunds.
The tax refund scheme involved the creation of false and fraudulent Form W-2s. The false W-2 forms reported fictitious employer information, fictitious income, fictitious income tax withholdings, fictitious dependents and other false information. Gee and Justice provided false W-2 forms to others (“filers”) who would then use the false W-2s to fraudulently file for federal and state income tax returns. Sometimes they would escort the filer inside H&R Block and assist the filer in the preparation of the fraudulent tax forms.
Gee and Justice recruited filers into the conspiracy through family relationships, friendships and other personal contacts. Conspirators promised each filer a portion or percentage of the illegally obtained refund. Gee and Justice also paid a fee – typically $500 – to those who referred a filer who was willing to participate in the scheme.
At the completion of the tax preparation process Gee and Justice retained the filer’s Emerald Card. (The Emerald Card would access an ATM account upon which the return would automatically be downloaded.) Gee and Justice withdrew the refunds, gave a portion of each refund to the filer and kept a substantial portion for themselves.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Gregg Coonrod. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Springfield Woman Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for producing and distributing child pornography.
Tracy Ann Smith, 42, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 50 years in federal prison without parole.
On May 10, 2016, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Smith admitted that she used a minor, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1, to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Smith also admitted that she received and distributed child pornography during that time.
Co-defendant Christopher Peck, 40, of Springfield, pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2016, and awaits sentencing.
Peck admitted that he used two minors, Jane Doe #1 and another minor identified in court documents as John Doe #1, to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Peck also pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography during that time.
Under federal statutes, Peck is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Maryville Sex Offender Sentenced to 19 Years for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Maryville, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today on charges related to child pornography.
Edward Grimes, 58, of Maryville, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 19 years in federal prison without parole. Grimes, a registered sex offender, has prior felony convictions in New York for sexual abuse of a child and for a criminal sexual act against a child under the age of 14 – for which he is subject to lifetime sex offender registration – and for endangering the welfare of a child (related to a sexual act against a 4-year-old victim).
On July 6, 2015, Grimes pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet, one count of attempting to receive child pornography over the Internet and one count of possessing child pornography. Grimes admitted that he attempted to distribute child pornography over the Internet on March 29, 2013; that he attempted to receive child pornography over the Internet on Dec. 31, 2013; and that he possessed child pornography on Feb. 12, 2014. Grimes must forfeit to the government two desktop computers, a laptop computer, four hard drives and a thumb drive that were used to commit the offenses.
Court documents cite a pattern of activity by Grimes involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, Grimes created a photo album on a file-sharing website on March 29, 2013. He posted 65 images depicting clothed, semi-nude to full nude images of both adult females and young girls ranging in age from 8 to 25 years of age. Among the images were three pornographic photographs depicting girls approximately 12 to 13 years of age.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Grimes’s residence on Feb. 12, 2014. A firearm was recovered and Grimes was arrested on state charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Investigators also seized electronic media that contained child pornography movie files depicting nude girls approximately 3 to 6 years of age. Two hard drives and one thumb drive had a total of 132 child pornography images. Almost all of the images were of prepubescent children.
Investigators also found four movie files, recorded by Grimes, of an approximately 10-year-old girl. Law enforcement believes it is possible Grimes was grooming the child for sexual activity.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Henley Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Henley, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Michael Raymond Robinett, 38, of Henley, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 11 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 25, 2016, Robinett pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Moniteau County.
On July 9, 2015, law enforcement officers stopped a Chevrolet Impala in which Robinett was a passenger. Robinett had a .22-caliber pistol in his back pocket. The owner of the vehicle, who was driving, gave officers permission to search the vehicle and they found more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in a black bag behind the passenger seat, along with a digital scale and a glass pipe.
Robinett admitted that he and a co-conspirator had distributed several pounds of methamphetamine over the past year. According to court documents, Robinett had made three trips to Kansas City, Mo., in the week before his arrest and obtained 600 grams of methamphetamine for $10,000 on each trip. Robinett committed the federal offense while on parole for an unrelated state felony conviction.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force and the Moniteau County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Ten KC-Area Residents Indicted for 100-Pound Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that 10 Kansas City, Mo.-area defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute at least 100 pounds of methamphetamine.
Juan Rodriguez-Rivera, also known as “Juan Carillo,” “Armando Garcia,” and “Luis Rodrigues,” 32, a citizen of Mexico, Rafael Elodaid Baylon-Palma, also known as “Eli,” 27, Mauricio Daniel Dominguez, 34, and Rolando Segura, age unknown, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Jesus David Baylon-Palma, also known as “Raul,” “Fathead,” and “Primo,” 29, and Esmeralda Contreras-Fernandez, 27, both of Raytown, Mo., Jose Carlos Baylon-Carrasco, age unknown, a citizen of Mexican residing in Grandview, Mo., Eduardo Luna-Avina, 26, a citizen of Mexico, and Jose Santana-Chavez, 36, both of Kansas City, Kan., and Rory Sanchez, 32, address unknown, were charged in a five-count superseding indictment returned under seal on Dec. 14, 2016, by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. That indictment has been unsealed and made public upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.
The federal indictment alleges that all 10 defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2013, to Dec. 13, 2016. The indictment also alleges that all 10 defendants participated in a money-laundering conspiracy during that time.
The indictment contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy, including a money judgment of $700,000 (based on a sale price of $7,000 per pound of methamphetamine and distribution of at least 100 pounds of methamphetamine), a 2007 Land Rover, a 2008 Ford F-250, a 2010 Ford TCN van and a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.
In addition to the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies, the indictment charges Rodriguez-Rivera with illegally entering the United States after previously being deported following his conviction in Kansas for possessing cocaine.
Sanchez is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sanchez allegedly was in possession of a loaded AA Arms 9mm assault pistol.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery, KidnappingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing Bank of America and kidnapping the bank manager by forcing him to leave the bank with him.
Timothy Polodna, 54, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 13, 2016, Polodna pleaded guilty to bank robbery and kidnapping. Polodna admitted that he stole $26,536 from Bank of America, 633 W. Kearney St., Springfield, on July 9, 2014. Polodna entered the bank at approximately 10:30 a.m., wearing a ball cap, sunglasses and a large piece of white gauze over his chin. Polodna told a bank employee he needed to talk to someone about getting a loan and was directed to the bank manager’s office. The bank manager, who was already on alert due to Polodna’s apparent disguise, asked him to remove his hat and sunglasses. Polodna then told the bank manager, “You know why I’m here.” He then said that he had an “explosive device with a remote.” Polodna ordered the bank manager to stand up, turn around and lift his pant legs to check him for weapons. Polodna then ordered the bank manager to take him to the vault.
The bank manager, who had already activated the alarm, attempted to stall Polodna and suggested that Polodna wait in the office while he went to the vault alone. Polodna refused and demanded that he be taken to the vault. He took Polodna behind the teller counter to the drive up window where he told a teller to give Polodna cash from her teller drawer. She placed the money in a bag Polodna was carrying and he told her in a low voice, “Don’t push the alarm. I have an explosive device. I’ll set it off.”
After receiving the money, Polodna ordered the bank manager to open the doors for his exit from the bank. The bank manager opened the doors as instructed, exiting each of the two doors while holding them open for Polodna, who was behind him, to walk through the doors. Once outside, the bank manager then walked in front of Polodna, across the bank parking lot, toward the Rice House restaurant. Polodna’s gestures, actions and instruction to open the doors, coupled with the representation that he had a bomb, reasonably caused the bank manager to believe he was being ordered to leave the bank with Polodna. After crossing the street, Polodna told the bank manager to continue to walk three blocks north before calling the police. The bank manager initially complied and began to walk away, but after observing that Polodna had gone around the corner of the Rice House, the bank manager returned to the bank.
On July 14, 2014, the FBI received an anonymous tip that the vehicle in surveillance photos looked very similar to a vehicle owned by Polodna’s father. FBI agents were told that the rear window of the vehicle had been broken out a few days earlier, shortly after police reports highlighting distinctive stickers were noted in a news report about the bank robbery. The anonymous source also said the Polodna closely resembled the individual in the surveillance photos.
Agents contacted Polodna’s father, who confirmed that the rear window of his truck had been broken. Polodna’s father told agents that he believed his truck window was damaged because his son had used his truck when he committed the bank robbery and wanted to remove the incriminating stickers observed in pictures and by witnesses noted in press reports.
Agents searched the basement of Polodna’s parents’ home, where he was living, on July 16, 2014. They found a portion of the money taken during the bank robbery hidden in the area above the drop ceiling of the basement and Polodna was arrested.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Physician Indicted for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Kansas City, Mo., physician was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to child pornography.
Jeffrey A. Hassenflug, 41, formerly of Kansas City, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Hassenflug, a physician, currently maintains a practice in Texas.
Today’s federal indictment alleges that Hassenflug distributed child pornography over the Internet from March 7 to May 12, 2016. Hassenflug is also charged with receiving child pornography over the Internet and with possessing child pornography of a child victim under the age of 12.
Dickinson cautioned that 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 David Luna. It was investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man who was tackled by a security guard while making his escape was sentenced in federal court today for armed bank robbery.
Sidney A. Williams, 63, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Williams, who pleaded guilty on July 6, 2016, admitted that he stole $5,493 at gunpoint from Bank Midwest, 7904 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 10, 2015.
According to court documents, Williams was wearing a black ski mask and black gloves when he entered the bank and ordered everyone in the lobby to the ground. Williams entered the security guard’s office, grabbed his shirt and forced him to the ground. Williams pointed a .38-caliber revolver at bank employees, including the security guard and the assistant branch manager. Two bank employees placed money into a blue canvas grocery bag that Williams was carrying.
When Williams ran out the door of the bank after the robbery, the security guard chased after him. The security guard tackled Williams across the street from the bank and a struggle ensued. Williams pointed the revolver at the security guard before he was able to disarm him. The security guard received assistance from a passerby in subduing Williams. Law enforcement officers recovered a blue canvas bag of cash, the handgun and a black ski mask from the area where Williams was taken into custody.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Edwards. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Jamal L. Vassie, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 11 years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 16, 2016, Vassie was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit robbery, the armed robbery of Public Storage at 9820 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo., and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Vassie is the third defendant to be sentenced in this case. Randolph E. Wells, 31, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on Sept. 18, 2015, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Gary S. Dorch, 23, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on July 22, 2015, to five years in federal prison without parole. Sergio A. Rascoe, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
According to testimony during the trial, Vassie initially told his co-conspirators that he wanted to rob a bank. When Rascoe indicated he was uncomfortable robbing a bank with Dorch, whom he did not know, the decision was made to “audition” Dorch with a different robbery. Vassie and his co-conspirators drove to a car wash, where Rascoe pointed a firearm at a victim and demanded she turn over her car keys. Rascoe drove off in the victim’s vehicle, a Chrysler Sebring.
Rascoe and Dorch then used the stolen vehicle to commit the armed robbery at Public Storage. During the robbery, Dorch went into Public Storage and held the clerk at gunpoint while he demanded cash, the clerk’s wallet and the clerk’s cellphone.
Vassie and Wells were waiting a short distance away during the robbery, so that they could be available to pick up Rascoe and Dorch if they were involved in a pursuit with the police and had to abandon the stolen vehicle. Vassie and Wells were apprehended immediately after the robbery occurred, while Rascoe and Dorch led police officers on an extended chase through residential neighborhoods. Rascoe, who was driving the stolen vehicle, collided with a truck and they were both apprehended.
According to court documents, Vassie, Wells, and Rascoe participated in the robbery of five hotels, two storage facilities, a cellphone store, a bank, and three carjackings. Vassie had been on parole for four months at the time of this offense for a prior state conviction for the armed robbery of a Papa John’s Pizza.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man who photo-shopped images of child pornography to appear as if he was engaged in sexual activity with children pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court today.
Patrick O. Chapin, 68, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark and was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Chapin pleaded guilty today to receiving child pornography over the Internet. On March 17, 2014, Chapin took his desktop computer and a backup external hard drive to a computer repair shop to have work performed on the devices. He requested that the computer’s internal hard drive be replaced with a new one and that data from the external backup hard drive be transferred into the new internal hard drive. The technician working on Chapin’s computer discovered what appeared to be child pornography on the external hard drive and turned the computer and hard drive over to the Kansas City Police Department.
A police detective interviewed Chapin, who said he had been looking at child pornography for the past 14 years. A recurring theme in the images he possessed was the graphic depiction of the rape and sodomy of pubescent and prepubescent girls by adult men. Chapin admitted that his child pornography collection included images of bondage and bestiality.
Investigators found 2,131 photos and 101 videos of child pornography on Chapin’s devices. They also found several files created by Chapin using Photoshop Deluxe, an image-editing software. These files contained images of Chapin that were combined or layered with existing pornographic images of 13-to-14-year-old children downloaded from the Internet. Chapin thus created final images that appeared to depict himself engaged in illegal sexual activity with these child victims.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the FBI and 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."
North Carolina Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Joplin-Area ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a North Carolina man has been charged in federal court with sexually assaulting a Joplin, Mo., area child in order to produce child pornography.
David Lee Perkins, 33, of North Carolina, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Perkins remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, police officers were dispatched to a Joplin hotel where Perkins was staying on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. Officers met a woman at the hotel who showed them an iPad that contained videos of Perkins molesting an 11-year-old victim, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe.” She told officers that she looked through the iPad while Perkins was out in the parking lot with Jane Doe and another minor, and discovered three videos of Perkins sexually abusing Jane Doe.
Officers entered Perkins’s hotel room and placed Perkins under arrest for child molestation. In an interview the following day, the affidavit says, Perkins told an officer that he had been sexually abusing Jane Doe for approximately one year, in various hotels and motels in Joplin. Perkins stated he used his iPad and iPhone to photograph and create videos of the sexual abuse.
According to the affidavit, investigators found three videos on Perkins’s iPad that depict Perkins engaged in sexually explicit conduct with Jane Doe.
Dickinson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
KC Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing two firearms.
Leon D. Stinnett, 28, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to nine years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Stinnett had pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of two firearms. Stinnett admitted that he was in possession of a Jimenez 9mm pistol and a Glock .40-caliber pistol on Nov. 2, 2013.
Stinnett, driving a 2003 Honda Accord, attempted to flee from police officers to elude arrest. He was found a short time later at a location that was under police surveillance. Stinnett was arrested and officers searched his vehicle. They found the loaded Jimenez 9mm pistol in the driver’s seat and the loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol in the trunk of the car.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Stinnett has two prior felony convictions for burglary and a prior felony conviction for robbery.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes, IV. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing MailRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former U.S. Postal Service employee pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing mail.
Shannon N. Hill, 22, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to a federal information that charges her with stealing mail.
According to today’s plea agreement, Hill took cash and gift cards from mail addressed to 33 victims in Kansas City, Raytown, and Parkville, Mo., from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016. The loss to date is a total of $795. The thefts occurred at the Raytown Station, the Barry Woods Carrier Annex, the Hodge Park Station and the Parkville Post Office.
Under federal statutes, Hill is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole and must pay restitution to the victims. 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 Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General
KCK Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor for Sex, Faces at Least 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Kan., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to enticing a child victim, whom he met online, into engaging is illegal sexual activity.
Nathan R. Caylor, 42, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of receiving child pornography.
By pleading guilty today, Caylor admitted that he communicated online with a 14-year-old victim, identified in court documents at “Jane Doe,” and traveled to her home to engage in sexual intercourse on at least eight separate occasions.
Caylor initially contacted Jane Doe in May 2013. He used the false name “Justin” and told her he was 17 years old. They exchanged photos of each other electronically and communicated via Skype. Caylor told Jane Doe that he had been diagnosed with cancer when he was 14 years old and that the chemotherapy and radiation he had to undergo for cancer made him look older. In reality, Caylor had never been diagnosed with cancer.
Caylor eventually turned the topic of their communications to graphic conversations of a sexual nature and made arrangements to meet Jane Doe in person. Caylor traveled to her home for the first time in November 2013 when her parents were not home. Between May 2013 and July 2014 Caylor also electronically sent pornographic photos of himself to Jane Doe.
In July 2014 the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department was notified about Caylor’s contact with Jane Doe. A Blue Springs detective assumed Jane Doe’s identity on Facebook and began communicating with Caylor. Caylor asked if he could visit, and was told that her parents were not home. Caylor told Jane Doe that he would see her that same day. He traveled by bus from Kansas City, Kan., to Independence, Mo., then walked several miles to her home. Caylor was arrested while he was walking to the victim’s home.
Investigators also found images of child pornography on Caylor’s computer, including images of a 3-to-4-year-old victim and a 10-to-12-year-old victim.
Under federal statutes, Caylor 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 David Luna. It was investigated by the Blue Springs, 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 Woman Sentenced for Pharmacy Robberies, Fake Oxycodone PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in conspiracies to pass fraudulent prescriptions and to steal thousands of oxycodone pills in a series of pharmacy robberies.
Danielle Bradbury, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On May 23, 2016, Bradbury pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone and to participating in a conspiracy to commit robbery. Bradbury admitted that she was involved with others in passing numerous fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone from May 1, 2013, to July 16, 2015, and either using or distributing those pills for money. Once it became more difficult to fill those fraudulent prescriptions, Bradbury agreed with others to begin robbing pharmacies in the metro area for oxycodone.
Bradbury specifically admitted that she participated in the robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy at 1191 W. Kansas St., Liberty, Mo., on June 9, 2015. In that robbery, a female conspirator loitered briefly in the store, asked where the tampons were located, and then left the store without making a purchase. At approximately 3:49 a.m., Bradbury and a co-conspirator entered the store wearing hooded sweatshirts and hospital surgical-style masks and gloves. They made their way directly to the pharmacy, where they jumped over the pharmacy counter, grabbed the pharmacist by the shirt, and forced him to identify where the oxycodone was stored and unlock the shelf. During this time the pharmacist reported that the male suspect held him by the shirt collar from behind and was holding something in the small of the victim’s back that the victim perceived to be a gun. The pharmacist did not actually see a weapon. The suspects then removed approximately 2,911 oxycodone pills of various strengths from the shelves and placed them into plastic Walgreens shopping bags that they removed from the counter. The suspects then fled the store through a rear exit.
According to court documents, conspirators were also responsible for robing the Walgreens at 2630 N.E. Vivion Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on May 5, 2015, and a Walgreens at 3915 S. Noland Rd., Independence, Mo., on May 16, 2015. Conspirators attempted to rob the Independence Walgreens again on Sept. 9, 2015, but were detained by store personnel until officers arrived and arrested co-defendants Melinda Backhus, 24, of Gladstone, Mo., and Julian King, 22, of Kansas City, Mo. The getaway driver, Aaron Anderson, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., fled the scene before officers arrived.
Bradbury is the third defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced in this case. Anderson was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison without parole. Backhus was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendants Austin T. Bradbury (Danielle Bradbury’s husband), 27, Christa M. O’Dell, 21, and Matthew Larson, 25, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Michael C. Bellinghausen, 33, and Tara D Childress, 31, both of Gladstone, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
KC Woman Sentenced for Her Role in $1.2 Million Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a $1.2 million conspiracy to distribute oxycodone that was obtained by using forged and fraudulent prescriptions.
Michelle C. Newton, 46, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On June 23, 2016, Newton pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy from Dec. 6, 2013, to January 2016 to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, oxycodone. Conspirators obtained prescription-quality paper commonly used by authorized health care providers to write prescriptions. They also obtained the DEA registration numbers of health care providers, which they used to prepare fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone.
Conspirators took the false prescriptions to pharmacies in Kansas City, Drexel, Riverside, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Kearney, Butler, Odessa, Higginsville and Nevada, Mo. Conspirators commonly sold the oxycodone 30mg pills for between $15 to $25 per pill.
According to court documents, Newton’s role in the conspiracy was primarily as a “runner” – she was responsible for taking the false prescriptions for oxycodone to a pharmacy, attempting to pass the false prescriptions and obtain oxycodone. Newton then returned some or all of the oxycodone to others in the conspiracy; in exchange, she received either cash and/or a portion of the oxycodone pills.
Newton was arrested when she attempted to pass a false prescription at a Walgreens at 3845 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 20, 2013.
Newton is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case. Four co-defendants have pleaded guilty so far, including Katherine E. Beaven, 33, Felicita A. San Miguel, also known as “Cassandra Jasso,” “Susan Hernandez,” and “Sarah Buckner,” 38, and Jermaine C. Brooks, 29, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Christopher J. Neale, 27, of Harrisonville, Mo.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess E. Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the police departments of Riverside, Blue Springs, Independence, Kearney, Odessa, Nevada, Higginsville, Drexel Lee’s Summit and Butler.
Wheatland Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Wheatland, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing two machine guns.
William “Bill” Harlan Parker, IV, 41, of Wheatland, was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On May 17, 2016, William Parker pleaded guilty to possessing machine guns. Under federal law, it was illegal for him to possess any firearms or ammunition due to a prior misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence.
William Parker’s son and co-defendant, Devlin Quanah Parker, 21, of Wheatland, pleaded guilty on Aug. 2, 2016, to possessing a firearm with an altered and obliterated serial number. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2016.
Federal agents executed search warrants at Bill Parker’s residence on Oct. 23, 2015. William Parker was in the hallway holding an AR-15 style rifle. He was given verbal commands to put the rifle down, which he did, and he was then placed in handcuffs. Agents seized the AR-15 style rifle, a .223-caliber rifle. Agents also found several other firearms in the residence, including a Springfield .40-caliber pistol, a Stevens 12-gauge shotgun, an archangel .22-caliber rifle, and a Para .45-caliber pistol.
Devlin Parker was sleeping on a cot in a Chevrolet van outside the residence. Inside the van, officers found a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun with no serial number, which fell from the blankets that Devlin Parker was using in the van. There was also a 12-gauge shotgun with no markings. In a box behind the driver’s seat there were two AR-15 style rifles with no visible identifying markings. The rifles were fully automatic and thus “machine guns.” Neither of the machine guns were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record to either William Parker or Devlin Parker, and thus, could never have been lawfully possessed.
William Parker told agents that all of the firearms belonged to him and admitted that he had been making “AR-15 rifles.”
The investigation began when a cooperating individual reported to the Hickory County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department that s/he saw William and Devlin Parker with pistols on the back side of their hips on Oct. 12, 2015, at their residence. William Parker showed the cooperating individual two AR-15 rifles that were in his van, which he referred to as a “ghost gun” – meaning that the firearms did not have serial numbers on them. He told him/her that none of his firearms were registered.
Two cooperating individuals, one of whom was equipped with a recording device, met with William Parker at his residence a week later. William Parker showed them the two firearms, one of which was shorter than legally permissible and neither of which had serial numbers. William Parker stated, “You’re not supposed to do that, but I don’t believe in NFA (National Firearms Act) rules, personally.”
William Parker also stated to the cooperating individuals, “What about if I get pulled over, I’m thinking if they’re going to take my guns, I’m going to die, I’m going down, I’m giving my bullets first.” If the government came to him, he said, “I’m not going to be questioned … If there’s ever questions for me from them it’s going to be answered in lead … I’m going to take as many of them as I can.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Hickory County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Former Federal Employee Sentenced for Using Stolen Money Order Receipts in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a former federal employee has been sentenced in federal court for using stolen money order receipts in a fraud scheme to avoid paying his medical bills.
Byron G. Gorman, 52, of St. Joseph, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Gorman to pay $18,000 in restitution.
Gorman, who pleaded guilty on May 24, 2016, was employed as an information technology specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General, assigned to the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Kansas City, Mo., where he was being trained to become a computer forensic examiner. Gorman was terminated from federal employment on June 22, 2015.
Gorman admitted that he used stolen money order receipts – taken by Gorman as he participated in a criminal investigation – as fraudulent evidence in court, both to defend himself against a lawsuit against him by his creditors and in his own lawsuit against his creditors.
Gorman was a defendant in a civil collection lawsuit in Buchanan County, Mo., in which a judgment had been entered against him and a garnishment of his wages had been ordered to recover monies owed on medical bills incurred at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. On Sept. 28, 2012, Gorman’s creditors filed a second civil collection lawsuit against him in Buchanan County to recover monies owed on additional unpaid medical bills.
On May 22, 2012, Gorman participated in the execution of a federal search warrant at the offices of a private business in Kansas City, Kan. Gorman was there to search for computer-related evidence. He found and took five blank U.S. Postal Service money order receipts belonging to the private business and used them to facilitate the scheme to defraud Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Gorman used the stolen money order receipts and other fraudulent documents created as evidence in his defense. Gorman claimed that he had submitted postal money orders to his creditors, but the payments had not posted. As evidence, he provided the five stolen money order receipts, which were filled out to make it appear that money orders had been made out to Heartland Regional Medical Center, as well as a number of forged letters displaying the names and purported signatures of postal employees.
Gorman also used the stolen money order receipts and other fraudulent documents he created as evidence in a lawsuit he caused to be filed against his creditors. Gorman placed the names and forged signatures of the actual persons onto letters purporting to be from the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission onto two letters and two certified mail receipts as part of his wire fraud scheme.
As an examiner in training, Gorman did not perform any computer forensic examinations unless under the supervision of a fully certified Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (HARCFL) examiner.
Upon learning of the allegations regarding Gorman, the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory did a complete and thorough review of any cases which Gorman may have assisted in the examination of computer forensic evidence. No inconsistencies, errors or issues were noted with any evidence. The Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory is a fully accredited laboratory facility following a strict protocol for the examination of evidence and the training protocol for examiners in training.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General – Office of Compliance and Integrity.
Jury Convicts Columbia Man of Threatening a Lawyer in Drug-trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that the father of a man convicted of leading a large-scale drug-trafficking conspiracy in Columbia, Mo., was found guilty by a federal trial jury of threatening the attorney who represented one of his son’s co-defendants.
Bruce Wayne Stephens, 70, of Columbia, was found guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, of obstructing justice by threatening to retaliate against another person because of his participation in an official proceeding.
Stephens is the father of Malcolm Desean Redmon, who was sentenced on Sept. 29, 2016, to 24 years and four months in federal prison without parole. Redmon pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of powder cocaine and crack cocaine in Boone County from November 2011 to August 2014. Court documents also cite Redmon’s involvement in numerous shooting incidents and his history of criminal activity, including violent crimes and drug use. To date, 18 defendants in that case have been sentenced; eight more defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Stephens made a series of threats intended to retaliate against those involved in the prosecution of Redmon. The primary person Stephens threatened was Brian Risley, the attorney who represented one of Redmon’s co-defendants, Vershawn Edwards.
While the case against him was pending, Redmon was involved in threatening witnesses and cooperators, as documented by recorded phone conversations between Redmon and his mother, as well as postings on various social media sites and documents obtained via search warrant that contained the names of individuals next to witness statements of persons Redmon believed were responsible for cooperating against him.
When Risley arrived at the federal courthouse for Edwards’s sentencing hearing on Sept. 29, 2016 (the same afternoon as Redmon’s sentencing hearing), he was met by several persons outside the courtroom who asked him who he represented. When he replied that he represented Edwards, Stephens repeatedly stated, “snitches, snitches belong in ditches.”
Inside the courtroom, Stephens again repeatedly stated the phrase, “snitches, snitches belong in ditches,” and this time appeared to direct the comments toward Edwards’s family members in the courtroom. After the Edwards sentencing hearing concluded, Stephens moved toward Edwards’s family in the courtroom. Risley, fearing that Stephens would attempt to confront family members, attempted to physically block Stephens’s access by placing himself between Stephens and the family. The family left the courtroom and Risley kept himself positioned between Stephens and the family as the family moved toward the elevator. During this time, Stephens was again repeating the phrase “snitches, snitches belong in ditches.”
Risley raised his arm at one point to prevent Stephens from passing him and Stephens then began to curse loudly and accused Risley of pushing him. Two court security officers then escorted Stephens out of the courthouse. One of the officers heard Stephens threaten Risley and the officers.
A few minutes later, Risley left the courthouse and walked to his car parked on the street across from the courthouse. Stephens then accosted Risley as Risley got to his car and opened the car door. Stephens stated to Risley, “snitches, you a … snitch … I will kill you, kill your wife, kill your family.” Risley did not respond, finished getting into his car, shut the car door and drove off.
While there is no direct evidence that Stephens participated in his son’s drug-trafficking conspiracy, according to court documents, there is ample evidence that Stephens supported Redmon’s drug-dealing lifestyle as well as the culture associated with drug dealing, one part of which is to threaten harm to those who testify against drug dealers. For example, in his post-arrest statement, Stephens reaffirmed his belief that physical harm should be inflicted on “snitches.”
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., deliberated for four and a half hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Dec. 5, 2016.
Under federal statutes, Stephens 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 Deputy U.S. Attorney Gene Porter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Orsinger. It was investigated by the FBI.
Joplin Man Sentenced to 100 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.
James Hajny, 51, of Joplin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 100 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Hajny to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
Hajny entered a plea of no contest during the second day of his trial on July 19, 2016, to two counts of using minors to produce child pornography, one count of receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet and one count of possessing child pornography.
His wife, Gina Hajny, 41, of Joplin, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and was sentenced on March 1, 2016, to five years in federal prison without parole. Gina Hajny admitted that she occasionally used her husband’s laptop and saw images of child pornography. Gina Hajny admitted that even though she knew the laptop contained images of child pornography, she did not report the matter to law enforcement.
On Jan. 17, 2014, federal law enforcement agents received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an e-mail that contained child pornography. The e-mail included a pornographic image of a 7-year-old victim, identified in the indictment as Jane Doe #2.
On May 14, 2014, federal law enforcement agents received a referral from the Queensland, Australia, Police Service regarding a user – later identified as James Hajny – uploading child pornography to a Russian-hosted Web site that allows users to store and share images. Among the images of child pornography were seven photos of a 9-year-old victim, identified in the indictment as Jane Doe #1. Hajny’s user information for the Web site stated, “I am into younger girls and boys ages 8-13 also into taboo.”
Agents executed a search warrant at Hajny’s residence on May 16, 2014. Gina and James Hajny refused to allow officers to enter, attempting to slam the door shut. Officers were able to push the door open and enter the home. James Hajny was patted down for officer safety and a marijuana pipe was located in his front left pocket. James Hajny was placed under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigators examined a laptop computer seized from the residence and located 124 video files containing child pornography and 2,110 images of child pornography. Investigators also discovered numerous images of child pornography on James Hajny’s cell phone, as well as messages regarding the sexual abuse of children. Investigators also located numerous images containing child pornography of Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2, and an 11-year-old child victim identified in court documents as John Doe on James Hajny’s laptop and cell phone.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ami Harshad Miller and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Ava Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Producing Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that an Ava, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography.
Brett Corcoran, 27, of Ava, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Corcoran has been in federal custody since his arrest.
Corcoran, who pleaded guilty on March 29, 2016, admitted that he used a minor victim to produce child pornography between Jan. 1 and May 13, 2015. According to court documents, Corcoran engaged in numerous text conversations with a 14-year-old victim. He sent pornographic images of himself to her, and solicited images from the child victim.
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 St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Two Joplin Men Indicted for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two Joplin, Mo., men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for the armed robbery of Pinnacle Bank in Joplin.
Sean Ladue, 29, and Jimmy Eisenhour, 36, both of Joplin, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2016.
The federal indictment alleges that Ladue and Eisenhour used a firearm to rob Pinnacle Bank, 1316 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, on Nov. 14, 2016.
Ladue and Eisenhour are also charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Dickinson cautioned that 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Two Detroit Men Indicted for Robbing Springfield Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two Detroit, Mich., men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing a Springfield, Mo., jewelry store.
Mark Anthone Pitts, 32, and Justin B. Anderson, 32, both of Detroit, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016.
The federal indictment alleges that Pitts and Anderson robbed Maxon’s Diamond Merchants, 2622 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, on Sept. 1, 2016. Pitts and Anderson allegedly brandished hammers and threatened and pushed employees to steal Rolex watches from the store.
The indictment also charges Pitts and Anderson with transporting stolen goods across state lines.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Carney and Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the FBI and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Nine More Defendants Indicted for $1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that nine more defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1 million conspiracy to distribute at least 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, bringing the total number of defendants to 15 in an investigation that was initiated with an arrest by Buchanan County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies in St. Joseph, Mo.
Jake Ian Nixon, 19, Aaron Randall Stull, 51, and Michelle Vanne Gray, 49, all of Springfield, Mo.; Jarub Ray Baird, 27, of Carthage, Mo.; Breann Nicole Hall, 25, of Ozark, Mo.; Lanny Eugene Ham, 26, of Bakersfield, Calif.; Cindy Ann Nevatt, 62, of Gulf Shores, Ala.; and Autumn Sky Provience, 23, and Tara L. Harken, 44, both of Marion, Ill., were charged in a seven-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 17, 2016. The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned on April 21, 2016, and includes additional charges.
The superseding indictment adds Nixon, Stull, Gray, Baird, Hall, Ham, Cindy Nevatt, Provience and Harken to the original conspiracy charge against Michael Ryan Nevatt (the son of Cindy Nevatt), 26, Kara Rene Baze, 23, and Scott Bryan Sands, 51, all of Springfield, Kenneth Bryant Lake, 55, of Strafford, Mo., Jerry Lee Brown, 43, of Lebanon, Mo., and Travis Lee Bethel, 45, of Urbana, Mo.
The federal indictment alleges that all 15 co-defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2014, to Nov. 17, 2016. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require all of the defendants (jointly and severally) to forfeit to the government $1,060,070, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking based on a conservative average street price of $1,000 per ounce of 90 percent pure methamphetamine and the total conspiracy distribution of at least 30 kilograms of methamphetamine.
All of the defendants are also charged in a money-laundering conspiracy. They allegedly conducted financial transactions which involved the proceeds of unlawful activity in order to promote the drug-trafficking conspiracy, to conceal the nature, source, location, ownership, and control of drug-trafficking proceeds and to avoid bank reporting requirements.
For example, the indictment alleges that Michael Nevatt purchased $13,000 in chips at the Grand Casino of Biloxi. The indictment also alleges that Michael Nevatt spent $16,000 to purchase a 2003 Corvette. Michael Nevatt is charged with three counts of money laundering related to these transactions.
In addition to the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies, Michael Nevatt is charged with Cindy Nevatt and Provience in a conspiracy to possess and use various firearms during and in relation to the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Michael Nevatt, Provience and Nixon are also charged together in one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. They allegedly possessed a loaded Colt .32-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber handgun, a loaded Kahr Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Raven .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun, and a loaded Bond Arm .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a cooperating defendant was arrested by Buchanan County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies in St. Joseph, Mo., on July 20, 2015. The cooperating defendant, who was in possession of approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine and $5,000, allegedly identified Michael Nevatt as his source. The cooperating defendant also told investigators that s/he accompanied Michael Nevatt to Dallas, Texas, on multiple occasions to obtain multiple-pound quantities of methamphetamine, which was then transported back to Missouri for distribution.
According to the affidavit, Michael Nevatt was the middle man between Mexican methamphetamine suppliers and southern Missouri distributors. A second confidential informant told investigators that s/he had traveled to Dallas, Texas, with Michael Nevatt to pick up pound levels of methamphetamine approximately 20 to 30 times between October 2014 and July 2015. The methamphetamine allegedly was transported back to Springfield for distribution.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for child sex trafficking.
Kenyata D. Miles, 35, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
Miles, who owned and operated Precision Commercial and Residential Cleaning, pleaded guilty on May 16, 2016. Miles admitted that he booked two rooms for two nights at the Quail’s Nest Motel in Osage Beach, Mo., in April 2013. Law enforcement officers found a 16-year-old female who had been reported as missing in one of the rooms; Miles and two women were in an adjacent room.
Advertisements had been posted on Backpage.com advertising the availability of the child victim and one of the women for sexual services. Miles arranged hotel reservations and provided transportation to hotels for their prostitution activities.
According to court documents, the minor victim also had traveled with Miles and a woman identified as “K.M.” to St. Louis, where they engaged in prostitution. When they returned to Columbia, the minor victim again engaged in prostitution. Miles became increasingly violent, according to K.M., and assaulted her and threatened her with a gun. Miles initially split the prostitution proceeds with her and the minor victim, K.M. told investigators, but had recently only been giving them money for necessities.
According to court documents, Miles has an extensive criminal history, including a history of violent criminal behavior and drug abuse. He has been incarcerated or under court supervision for much of his adult life.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the FBI, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Osage Beach, Mo., Police Department in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.
St. Robert Woman Sentenced for Nigerian Fraud Scheme, Cheated Thousands of VictimsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a St. Robert, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for leading a Nigerian fraud scheme in which thousands of victims across the country were tricked into cashing up to $3 million in counterfeit money orders and cashier’s checks.
Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, 56, of St. Robert, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Barwick-Majeski to pay $49,131 in restitution to her victims and a money judgment to the government of $1,485,301, representing the proceeds of the conspiracy. Barwick-Majeski was taken into custody immediately at the conclusion of today’s hearing to begin serving her sentence.
On March 10, 2015, Barwick-Majeski pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Barwick-Majeski admitted that she was the primary leader of a conspiracy that involved counterfeit postal money orders, counterfeit bank cashier’s checks and numerous wires to unindicted co-conspirators in the country of Nigeria.
Barwick-Majeski and her co-conspirators dispatched counterfeit postal money orders and bogus cashier checks to thousands of victims throughout the United States. These false money orders and cashier checks were deposited in victims’ bank accounts after the victims were duped into believing they were paid participants as part of a “secret shopper” exercise designed for them to evaluate Wal-Mart and various money wire outlets. The victims were instructed to keep approximately $200 or more of the less than $2,000 counterfeited postal money order or bogus cashier’s check, and immediately wire the remaining money to Barwick-Majeski and her co-conspirators. After a few days, the counterfeited money order or bogus cashier’s check would be returned against the victims’ account as not negotiable. The victims would then be obligated to pay their banks or their financial institutions for most of the money they wired to Barwick-Majeski and others.
Barwick-Majeski and her co-conspirators shared most of their proceeds with a group of Nigerians that were responsible for supplying Barwick-Majeski with fraudulent postal money orders and cashier’s checks.
During the course of the investigation, according to court documents, law enforcement officers seized more than $1.7 million worth of counterfeit postal money orders. Some of those counterfeit money orders were taken directly from Barwick-Majeski and some were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or intercepted en route to Barwick-Majeski.
In addition to the counterfeit postal money orders, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Barwick-Majeski’s residence on Nov. 5, 2013, and seized a parcel that contained 354 counterfeit BMO-Harris Bank cashier’s checks with a total face value of more than $1 million. According to court documents, law enforcement officers also seized $406,800 in counterfeit Mid Missouri Credit Union cashier’s checks during the investigation.
Co-defendants Nancy Madelen Peebles, 76 (Barwick-Majeski’s mother), Cheryl Barber, 42, and Terry L. Shupe, 40, (who lived together), and Kenneth Fred Ruhl, 88, all of St. Robert, have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and been sentenced. Peebles was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison; Barber was sentenced to time served; Ruhl and Shupe were each sentenced to five years of probation. Peebles was ordered to pay $28,571 in restitution. Barber was ordered to pay $25,129 in restitution. Ruhl was ordered to pay $16,814 in restitution. Shupe was ordered to pay $2,796 in restitution.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Robert, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced for Stealing Pistol from Murder VictimRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for stealing a firearm from a murder victim.
Alfred C. Crater, Jr., 40, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to nine years and two months in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 4, 2015, Crater pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm. Crater admitted that he was in possession of a Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol, which he had stolen from a homicide scene on Feb. 19, 2012. Crater took the pistol from Anthony Wayne Van Buren, a murder victim, before the police arrived at the crime scene. Crater was later stopped by police in the area of Linwood and Indiana, Kansas City, Mo., and found to be in possession of the stolen pistol.
Crater has nine felony convictions, including a prior federal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was on state probation at the time of the offense.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Fulton Woman Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Money Laundering Related to Distributing K2Read the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Fulton, Mo, woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to her role in a money-laundering conspiracy related to the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2, at Callaway County, Mo., businesses.
Dara Leanne Shirley, 30, of Fulton, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, to the charge contained in an April 20, 2016, federal indictment. Shirley and others operated Inscentives Auto and Inscentives Resale, which sold synthetic cannabinoids at its Fulton and Auxvasse, Mo., locations.
By pleading guilty, Shirley admitted that she conspired to conduct financial transactions from Dec. 18, 2012, to July 16, 2015, which involved the proceeds of unlawful activity. These transactions were intended to promote the illegal distribution of synthetic cannabinoids and to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds. Shirley and her co-conspirators intended to defraud government authorities by packaging synthetic cannabinoids in such a way as to avoid government regulation over these drugs and to continue selling these drugs.
Shirley also admitted that she and other conspirators paid at least $1,986,442 for synthetic cannabinoids.
Shirley is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case.
Co-defendant Casey Dewayne Miller, 32, of Columbia, pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2016, to distributing synthetic cannabinoids. Miller admitted that he sold synthetic cannabinoids to an undercover law enforcement officer on July 16, 2015, while working at Inscentives Resale in Fulton. Miller told officers that he had been employed at the store for two years. Officers executed a search warrant at Inscentives Resale the same day and seized 148 packages of synthetic cannabinoids from behind the sales counter and a loaded Ruger .40-caliber handgun.
Co-defendant Billie L. Bruce, 36, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty on Sept. 21, 2016, to distributing synthetic cannabinoids. Bruce admitted that he sold synthetic cannabinoids to an undercover law enforcement officer on July 16, 2015, while working at S&J Tobacco in Holts Summit. Bruce told officers that he had been employed at the store for three or four months. Officers executed a search warrant at S&J Tobacco the same day and seized 2,241.5 grams of synthetic cannabinoids and a Hi-Point .40-caliber handgun, which was located next to the cash register.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the government and Shirley agree that a sentence of 63 to 78 months is appropriate. 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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the DEA Task Force – Jefferson City, DEA Sacramento, Calif., DEA Reno, Nev., IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the MUSTANG Drug Task Force, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department and the Holts Summit, Mo., Police Department.
Former KC Man Sentenced for Conspiring with Postal Carrier to Distribute PCP Through the MailRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Kansas City-area man who conspired with a former Kansas City, Mo., postal carrier to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of PCP through the mail was sentenced in federal court today.
Michael Garrett, 57, of Victorville, Calif., formerly of the Kansas City area, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Garrett pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, 2016, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to using a telephone to distribute PCP. Co-defendant Carol Barfield, 65, pleaded guilty her role in the conspiracy on Nov. 14, 2016, and awaits sentencing.
Garrett and Barfield participated in a conspiracy to distribute PCP from Nov. 2, 2015, to March 4, 2016. Garrett mailed bottles of PCP from California to separate addresses on Barfield’s Kansas City, Mo., postal route. Barfield, at Garrett’s instruction, would then deliver the packages to their intended recipients rather than to the false addresses provided on the labeling.
At the time of the offense, Garrett was on federal supervised release after being incarcerated for conspiracy to possess crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and attempted possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute in a 1991 conviction in the Western District of Missouri.
Garrett mailed a total of 15 parcels to separate addresses on Barfield’s carrier route from Nov. 2 to Dec. 16, 2015. Each of the parcels weighed in excess of 10 pounds. Barfield scanned all of the suspicious mailings as “delivered” on her route.
On March 1, 2016, surveillance video identified Garrett mailing four parcels at the Victorville post office. The four parcels, which listed a false name and address for the sender, were mailed to separate addresses on Barfield’s postal route, but were addressed to individuals who did not reside at those addresses. On March 4, 2016, federal agents set up surveillance on Barfield’s postal route. Barfield loaded the parcels into her postal vehicle. She scanned the first parcel as delivered, but she did not actually deliver the parcel.
Barfield became suspicious that she might be under surveillance, so she scanned another parcel as undeliverable. Barfield delivered one of the parcels as addressed and left it at the front steps of the residence. However, shortly after delivery, the actual homeowner arrived. Noticing he was not the listed recipient on the package, the homeowner picked up the package and, upon finding Barfield still in the neighborhood, returned it to her. For the last parcel, Barfield scanned the package as “no secure location” and left a delivery notice receipt at the listed address. Barfield subsequently rescanned the first parcel as “undeliverable as addressed,” returning all four packages to the post office.
Agents opened the suspicious parcels, which each contained two 64-ounce plastic Welch’s Grape Juice bottles of PCP. The total weight of the liquid from the eight bottles was approximately 13.45 kilograms.
Barfield told investigators that Garrett had mailed packages to her route five or six different times, and that it was usually three packages each time. Barfield stated that on some occasions Garrett would fly into Kansas City after mailing the packages and she would hand them directly to him. Other times, she would give them to an acquaintance of Garrett. If she did not give the packages to Garrett or his acquaintance, she would leave them at the address on the package, knowing Garrett or one of his people would come by and pick it up.
Barfield told investigators that, in exchange, Garrett bought her clothes, fixed her car, and provided her with spending money. She stated Garrett basically took care of her and gave her money to help out. Barfield said that the most money Garrett gave her at one time was $500, but she did not know how much total cash she had received from him.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Davids. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Meth Conspiracy in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that an Avondale, Ariz., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Springfield area.
Michael P. Ayala, 38, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 23 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 5, 2016, Ayala pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.
Ayala is among seven co-defendants who have pleaded guilty and been sentenced, including Ronda L. Easton, 53, Steven A. Easton, 49, James M. Parker, 46, Robert M. Cardenas, Jr., 28, and Cody D. Keller, 34, all of Springfield, and Michael D. Thompson, 58, of Goodyear, Ariz.
David M. Climer, 37, of Springfield, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Ayala admitted that he supplied methamphetamine to Steven Easton for distribution in the Springfield area until his wife, Ronda Easton, was released from state prison and took over the methamphetamine distribution operation in Springfield. The methamphetamine arrived by mail and was transported by vehicles from Arizona. Ronda Easton sold pound quantities to Parker, Keller, and Climer. Thompson and Cardenas delivered the methamphetamine by vehicle from Arizona to Missouri.
Ronda Easton admitted that she had been distributing large amounts of methamphetamine that she purchased from Ayala. She paid Ayala $9,000 per pound of methamphetamine and sold it for $12,000 per pound. She stated that she received methamphetamine from Ayala every seven to 10 days and referred to one recent shipment of 10 pounds of methamphetamine.
On April 15, 2015, law enforcement officers in New Mexico stopped a Jeep Commander driven by Cardenas, with Thompson as a passenger, and seized approximately 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a compartment near the back of the vehicle. They also seized a bundle that contained 2,228 grams of methamphetamine inside a luggage bag. Cardenas told investigators that Ayala had paid him $1,700 to drive the vehicle from Arizona to Springfield.
The next day, a controlled delivery of methamphetamine was made to Ayala in Springfield. Ayala was arrested in a traffic stop and officers found a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the vehicle, as well as ammunition, syringes, and $19,231. Ayala must forfeit the Jeep Commander, the firearm and ammunition, and the cash to the government.
On Jan. 5, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence shared by Ayala and Ronda Easton. They seized four large Tupperware containers containing a total of approximately 1.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, a black brief case containing baggies of methamphetamine and $1,520, a Taurus .410-caliber shotgun, a Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Quality Firearms .38-caliber revolver, a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol, and $14,779 in a purse.
Ayala and Ronda Easton admitted that they used the proceeds from distributing methamphetamine to buy assets, which also concealed the source of their proceeds, including a residential property and a 2012 Ford Mustang that must be forfeited to the government.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Yavapai County, Ariz., Sheriff’s Department, the Bernalillo County, N.M., Sheriff’s Department, and the Franklin County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Springfield Woman Sentenced to 21 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Springfield area.
Ronda L. Easton, 53, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 21 years in federal prison without parole.
On June 29, 2016, Ronda Easton pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.
Ronda Easton is among eight co-defendants who have pleaded guilty, including Michael P. Ayala, 38, Steven A. Easton, 49, James M. Parker, 46, Robert M. Cardenas, Jr., 28, Cody D. Keller, 34, and David M. Climer, 37, all of Springfield, and Michael D. Thompson, 58, of Goodyear, Ariz.
Ronda Easton admitted that she had been distributing large amounts of methamphetamine that she purchased from Ayala. She paid Ayala $9,000 per pound of methamphetamine and sold it for $12,000 per pound. She stated that she received methamphetamine from Ayala every seven to 10 days and referred to one recent shipment of 10 pounds of methamphetamine.
Ayala admitted that he supplied methamphetamine to Steven Easton for distribution in the Springfield area until his wife, Ronda Easton, was released from state prison and took over the methamphetamine distribution operation in Springfield. The methamphetamine arrived by mail and was transported by vehicles from Arizona. Ronda Easton sold pound quantities to Parker, Keller, and Climer. Thompson and Cardenas delivered the methamphetamine by vehicle from Arizona to Missouri.
On April 15, 2015, law enforcement officers in New Mexico stopped a Jeep Commander driven by Cardenas, with Thompson as a passenger, and seized approximately 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a compartment near the back of the vehicle. They also seized a bundle that contained 2,228 grams of methamphetamine inside a luggage bag. Cardenas told investigators that Ayala had paid him $1,700 to drive the vehicle from Arizona to Springfield.
The next day, a controlled delivery of methamphetamine was made to Ayala in Springfield. Ayala was arrested in a traffic stop and officers found a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the vehicle, as well as ammunition, syringes, and $19,231. Ayala must forfeit the Jeep Commander, the firearm and ammunition, and the cash to the government.
On Jan. 5, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence shared by Ayala and Ronda Easton. They seized four large Tupperware containers containing a total of approximately 1.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, a black brief case containing baggies of methamphetamine and $1,520, a Taurus .410-caliber shotgun, a Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Quality Firearms .38-caliber revolver, a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol, and $14,779 in a purse.
Ayala and Ronda Easton admitted that they used the proceeds from distributing methamphetamine to buy assets, which also concealed the source of their proceeds, including a residential property and a 2012 Ford Mustang that must be forfeited to the government.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Yavapai County, Ariz., Sheriff’s Department, the Bernalillo County, N.M., Sheriff’s Department, and the Franklin County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Two Texas County Men Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two Texas County, Mo., men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Michael D. Strong, 41 of Cabool, Mo., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Carl H. Amburn, Jr., 41, of Raymondville, Mo., was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Strong and Amburn each pleaded guilty to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Texas counties from July 22, 2014, to April 1, 2015. Co-defendant Angela C. Howell, 39, of Cabool, has also pleaded guilty to participating in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 7, 2016.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Amburn’s residence on April 1, 2015. They seized several small plastic bags containing methamphetamine, some or all of which Amburn admitted he intended to distribute to other persons. The plastic bags contained a total of 7.61 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Strong and Howell admitted that they distributed approximately 34.03 grams of methamphetamine (which contained 8.94 grams of pure methamphetamine) to another person in Greene County on July 22, 2014.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Garrison. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Texas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Branson Man Sentenced for Trading Meth for Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Branson, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for trading methamphetamine in exchange for stolen firearms.
Gerald E. Waters, 55, of Branson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 21, 2016, Waters pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
On May 14, 2015, a federal agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives contacted the Branson, Mo., Police Department regarding his investigation of a burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer in Carroll County, Arkansas. During an interview with suspects in the burglary, the agent learned that someone had traded firearms to Waters in exchange for drugs.
A Branson detective contacted Waters at the Shady Oak Motel. Law enforcement officers found two Cobra Enterprise .38-caliber derringers, a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a loaded Armscor of the Philippines 9mm semi-automatic pistol, all of which had been reported stolen from the firearms dealer in Arkansas, inside a safe in the motel room.
Officers searched the room and found 130.9 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a water bottle with $592 inside, all inside another safe in the motel room.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Branson, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lee's Summit Woman Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Million Embezzlement Schemes, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lee’s Summit, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a series of embezzlement schemes totaling more than $1.5 million.
Patricia Webb, 44, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Webb has been in federal custody since her bond was revoked by the court for unrelated fraudulent conduct.
By pleading guilty today, Webb admitted that she embezzled at least $1,526,594 in total from Garmin International, Black and Veatch and TriStar Benefit Administrators.
Garmin Embezzlement Scheme
Webb admitted that she embezzled $1,255,175 million from Garmin while employed as a senior payroll specialist.
Webb caused Garmin to send 16 unauthorized Automated Clearing House payments (fund transfers, such as direct deposits and business-to-business payments) to her own business bank account (under the corporate name Beauty Within Me) from Feb. 24, 2012, to May 30, 2014. The payments were sent on behalf of then-current employees who were utilizing Garmin’s relocation program. Webb caused Garmin funds to be recorded to the in-transit employee’s W-2, under the code “P,” which was inflated to mask Webb’s embezzlement. After the clearing of the ACH payments, Webb would alter Garmin’s general ledger to reflect the fraudulent payments as “Relocation Expenses.”
Black and Veatch Embezzlement Scheme
Webb admitted that she embezzled $302,183 from Black and Veatch while employed as a global payroll manager. Webb was employed by Black and Veatch from January 2015 until March 4, 2016 and earned $90,000 per year. Webb facilitated unauthorized wire transfers and ACH transactions from the company’s payroll account to her Beauty Within Me business bank account.
An analysis of Webb’s bank account shows a large amount of spending at casinos and cash withdrawals at casinos.
TriStar Embezzlement Scheme
Webb admitted that she stole the identity of another employee while she was working at Garmin in order to embezzle $7,385 from TriStar Benefit Administrators, the company which managed Garmin’s healthcare savings accounts.
Webb used the personal identifiable information of another Garmin employee to create a flexible spending account without his knowledge or consent. Webb submitted a request for reimbursement to TriStar in the name of this employee on July 18, 2011. The request was for hospital treatment in the amount of $7,385 and the payment from TriStar was sent to Webb’s bank account.
Under federal statutes, Webb is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each count of wire fraud, plus 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.
Former University Employee Sentenced for $781,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former University of Missouri employee was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling more than $781,000 from the school over a 13-year period.
Carla Rathmann, 55, of Mount Vernon, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Rathmann to pay $781,670 in restitution.
On June 6, 2016, Rathmann pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of credit card fraud.
Rathmann embezzled a total of $781,670, primarily by submitting fake and fraudulent invoices and bills to the University of Missouri. Rathmann also admitted that she illegally used a university credit card for approximately $146,144 in personal expenses. Rathmann used the embezzled funds to gamble at area casinos, purchase expensive cars, buy high-end appliances for her home, pay for the remodeling of her home, take expensive vacations around the world with her husband, purchase other personal luxury items like a hot tub and a large above ground pool, and pay for many of the day-to-day bills associated with the maintenance of their home and care for her pets.
Rathmann was hired by the University of Missouri as an administrative officer at the Southwest Research Center, located in Mount Vernon, in January 2000. Her responsibilities included receiving bills, paying bills, various accounting duties, payroll, scheduling meetings and organizing staff at the Southwest Research Center. Rathmann was fired from her position in September 2015 after officials discovered that she had used her university credit card, also known as a “p-card,” to pay for personal expenses.
In 2005, Rathmann created and registered three shell companies with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. Rathmann admitted that these companies – R&R, R&R Argi and Garrett Farm and Oil – did not produce a single product or provide a service of any type. Either Rathmann or her husband were the owners and registered agents for these companies.
From Jan. 24, 2005, to June 18, 2014, Rathmann issued bills or invoices in the names of these shell companies to the University of Missouri for products or services ostensibly provided to the Southwest Research Center. In reality, none of these companies provided a single item or a service to the Southwest Research Center. The invoices or bills submitted by Rathmann to the University of Missouri for payment were entirely false and fraudulent.
On numerous occasions, Rathmann, in her capacity as an administrative employee for the University of Missouri at the Southwest Research Center, approved the fraudulent invoices and bills. After she approved the payments, the University of Missouri wrote checks to Rathmann’s fictitious companies, which were deposited into her bank account.
The University of Missouri paid Rathmann $570,521 for the products and services that in fact were never delivered or provided.
Shortly after she was hired, Rathmann was given a credit card to facilitate the purchasing of goods and services needed for the Southwest Research Center. Rathmann fraudulently used the credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases (i.e., her dog’s surgery, remodeling her home, dental expenses, propane for her home, gas for her vehicle and herbicide for her home).
The first unauthorized use of the credit card occurred on Feb. 19, 2002, when Rathmann’s credit card was used to pay Bolivar Insulation in the amount of $1,249. The last unauthorized use of the credit card was on Aug. 20, 2015, when Rathmann’s credit card was used to pay an invoice from Ozark Mountain Pest Control in the amount of $30. In between these purchases were numerous other personal purchases she made using the credit card that totaled approximately $146,144.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The University of Missouri was instrumental in detecting the fraud, initiating the investigation and assisting law enforcement.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to producing and distributing child pornography.
Christopher Peck, 40, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charges contained in a Jan. 19, 2016, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Peck admitted that he used two minors, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and John Doe #1, to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Peck also pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography during that time.
Co-defendant Tracy Ann Smith, 42, of Springfield, pleaded guilty on May 10, 2016, to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Smith admitted that she used Jane Doe #1 to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Smith also admitted that she received and distributed child pornography during that time.
Under federal statutes, Peck and Smith are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 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. Sentencing hearings for Peck and Smith have not yet been scheduled.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Tax Defier Sentenced for $1 Million Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Peculiar, Mo., man associated with “sovereign citizens” groups was sentenced in federal court today for tax evasion totaling nearly $1 million over the past decade.
Harold R. Stanley, 62, of Peculiar, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to five years in federal prison without parole. Today’s sentencing includes a sentencing enhancement for obstruction of justice. Stanley was taken into custody at the conclusion of today’s hearing.
On June 2, 2016, Stanley was found guilty at trial of one count of tax evasion and one count of endeavoring to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws. Evidence submitted during the trial established that Stanley had a substantial income but deliberately and willfully refused to pay any federal income tax.
Stanley, an electrical engineer, was hired by companies as a consultant and received $971,604 from self-employment from 2005 to 2009 as an independent contractor. According to court documents, Stanley is a tax defier who failed to file any tax returns for 2005 and 2006. Stanley has participated in “sovereign citizens” groups that believe the federal income tax system is voluntary and that they do not have to pay their fair share in taxes.
For tax years 2007 through 2009, Stanley filed substantially correct returns but left the tax line entry blank and failed to submit any payment. According to court documents, Stanley has not filed a tax return for tax years 2010 through 2015.
The total criminal tax loss, including relevant conduct, for 2005 through 2015 totals $980,025. Stanley was convicted at trial of evading taxes from 2005 through 2009. During that time, Stanley had taxable income of $686,829; the criminal tax loss for 2005 through 2009 is $259,900. In sentencing Stanley today, the court also considered his tax evasion from 2010 through 2015 as relevant conduct.
Court documents also cite several actions taken by Stanley that constituted a willful attempt to obstruct the administration of justice in this case.
Stanley submitted fake money orders for payment to the Internal Revenue Service, returned documents to the Internal Revenue Service claiming that the tax assessments were satisfied because they were “Accepted for Value,” filled out payment vouchers with his name in all capital letters but didn’t submit payment and submitted a false criminal referral to IRS – Criminal Investigation.
After his arrest, Stanley filed a civil suit against the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, an employee of the IRS, and an Assistant United States Attorney. On July 22, 2016, the District Court dismissed the case with prejudice. The court wrote that “by filing his complaint in this court, Mr. Stanley attempted to throw a wrench into his criminal proceedings in the Western District of Missouri and re-present the same arguments that he had previously and unsuccessfully litigated in other federal courts including the United States Tax Court, the Western District of Missouri, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.”
On June 9, 2016, after the verdict in this case, a claim for damages was filed on behalf of Stanley, alleging that “Chief Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hayes, Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark & District Attorney Paul Becker trying to collect an IRS debt in violation of 18 USC section 8 and when the 26 CFR states its voluntary and a civil action not criminal.” The claim for damages alleges personal injury in the amount of $55 million.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
KC Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man who was wounded in a shoot-out with police officers was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Cahlan A. Clay, 28, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole, which is the maximum statutory penalty for this offense.
On May 10, 2016, Clay was found guilty at trial of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to trial testimony, two uniformed Kansas City police officers who were heading home from their off-duty shift nearby, heard multiple gunshots from the area of the Club Luna nightclub, 1520 Grand Ave., at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2012. Officers saw a crowd of people running away from the parking lot south of 1520 Grand. The officers pushed through the crowd, and when they got to the parking lot, Clay was standing there with a gun in his hand. He saw the officers, raised his gun, pointed it at them, and fired a round in their direction. One of the officers saw a muzzle flash but was unable to return fire because of the people running in his direction.
Clay began running south on Grand Avenue with the officer in pursuit. Clay turned and pointed the gun in the officer’s direction a second time and the officer returned fire, hitting Clay in the leg. Clay fell when he reached the corner of 16th and Grand.
As the officer turned the corner at 16th and Grand, he found Clay, who had been shot twice, sitting on the ground and leaning against a building. Clay had a Jimenez Arms 9mm handgun in his hand, which he pointed at the officer. Clay complied after being told to drop the gun.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Clay has a prior felony conviction for aggravated battery.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
David D. Lerssen, Jr., 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to eight years in federal prison without parole.
On June 28, 2016, Lerssen pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Lerssen was arrested following an investigation into the use of a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to distribute child pornography. Lerssen’s computer was identified as distributing child pornography and law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence.
According to court documents, Lerssen had more than 876 files containing child pornography, with victims ranging in age from toddlers to 17 years old, including prepubescent children engaged in bondage or sadistic conduct. Lerssen had a large amount of child pornography on multiple devices. He used multiple mediums and Web sites to not only view child pornography, but to receive and distribute it. Lerssen admitted to viewing child pornography for the past five years.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Nine Southwest Missouri Residents Indicted for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that nine southwest Missouri residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in relation to a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jasper County, Mo.
Donald B. Loomis, 34, Katherine A. Stein, 26, Torrey L. Nigro, 25, Brice J. Bresee, 36, and Kelly C. Walker, 25, all of Joplin, Mo.; Alisha D. Courtney, 46, and Terrance E. Romero, 41, both of Webb City, Mo.; Adrian K. Gire, 30, of Lamar, Mo.; and Lisa M. Allison, 38, of Neosho, Mo., were charged in a 16-count indictment returned under seal on Nov. 2, 2016. That indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.
The federal indictment alleges that Loomis, Stein, Walker, Courtney and Romero participated in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Jasper County from March 1, 2015, to Sept. 24, 2016.
The indictment also alleges that Stein, Nigro, Bresee and Gire participated in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Jasper County from May 10 to May 12, 2016.
In addition to the conspiracies, the indictment charges Stein, Nigro, Bresee and Gire together in one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and in one count of using cell phones to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Romero 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. Romero allegedly was in possession of an F.I.E. Corp. Titan .25-caliber handgun on June 1, 2016.
Courtney is also charged with four counts of distributing methamphetamine.
Walker is also charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Stein and Allison (who is not charged in either of the drug-trafficking conspiracies) are charged together in one count of distributing methamphetamine and in one count of using a cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Dickinson cautioned that 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 Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Webb City, Mo., Police Department, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Newton County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Porn, Faces at Least 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using a two-year-old victim to produce child pornography.
Conner Michael Webb, 28, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of producing child pornography.
According to today’s plea agreement, the subject of an ongoing federal investigation and prosecution for child pornography in the District of Kansas was arrested in November 2015. Federal agents searched his computer and cell phone and found numerous chat conversations with Webb. During one of those conversations, the Kansas subject (who is not identified in court documents) sent Webb several images and videos of child pornography. Webb sent a pornographic video of the victim, taken with his cell phone, to the Kansas subject.
On Oct. 15, 2015, Webb asked the Kansas Subject to send him something to “get me in the mood” before he picked up the 2-year-old victim, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe.” The Kansas subject sent Webb several images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone. On the afternoon of the same day, Webb sent a pornographic video he had just taken of Jane Doe to the Kansas subject’s cell phone.
A federal search warrant was executed at Webb’s residence on Dec. 2, 2015. Officers seized Webb’s computers, phones and computer media. Webb, who was at home during the search, was arrested.
Webb admitted that he been communicating with the Kansas subject for approximately six years.
Under federal statutes, Webb 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 Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former KC Postal Carrier Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute PCP Through the MailRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Kansas City, Mo., postal carrier pleaded guilty in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of PCP through the mail.
Carol Barfield, 65, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to the her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Co-defendant Michael Garrett, 57, of Victorville, Calif., pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, 2016, to his role in the conspiracy and to using a telephone to distribute PCP.
Barfield and Garrett participated in a conspiracy to distribute PCP from Nov. 2, 2015, to March 4, 2016. Garrett mailed bottles of PCP from California to separate addresses on Barfield’s Kansas City, Mo., postal route. Barfield, at Garrett’s instruction, would then deliver the packages to their intended recipients rather than to the false addresses provided on the labeling.
According to today’s plea agreement, Garrett mailed a total of 15 parcels to separate addresses on Barfield’s carrier route from Nov. 2 to Dec. 16, 2015. Each of the parcels weighed in excess of 10 pounds. Barfield scanned all of the suspicious mailings as “delivered” on her route.
During the approximate time period these suspicious packages were being delivered, there were numerous phone calls between Barfield and Garrett, including several phone calls on the mailing and the delivery dates of all the suspicious packages.
On March 1, 2016, surveillance video identified Garrett mailing four parcels at the Victorville post office. The four parcels, which listed a false name and address for the sender, were mailed to separate addresses on Barfield’s postal route, but were addressed to individuals who did not reside at those addresses. On March 4, 2016, federal agents set up surveillance on Barfield’s postal route. Barfield loaded the parcels into her postal vehicle. She scanned the first parcel as delivered, but she did not actually deliver the parcel.
Barfield became suspicious that she might be under surveillance, according to the plea agreement, so she scanned another parcel as undeliverable. Barfield delivered one of the parcels as addressed and left it at the front steps of the residence. However, shortly after delivery, the actual homeowner arrived. Noticing he was not the listed recipient on the package, the homeowner picked up the package and, upon finding Barfield still in the neighborhood, returned it to her. For the last parcel, Barfield scanned the package as “no secure location” and left a delivery notice receipt at the listed address. Barfield subsequently rescanned the first parcel as “undeliverable as addressed,” returning all four packages to the post office.
Agents opened the suspicious parcels, which each contained two 64-ounce plastic Welch’s Grape Juice bottles of PCP. The total weight of the liquid from the eight bottles was approximately 13.45 kilograms.
Barfield told investigators that Garrett had mailed packages to her route five or six different times, and that it was usually three packages each time. Barfield stated that on some occasions Garrett would fly into Kansas City after mailing the packages and she would hand them directly to him. Other times, she would give them to an acquaintance of Garrett. If she did not give the packages to Garrett or his acquaintance, she would leave them at the address on the package, knowing Garrett or one of his people would come by and pick it up.
Barfield told investigators that, in exchange, Garrett bought her clothes, fixed her car, and provided her with spending money. She stated Garrett basically took care of her and gave her money to help out. Barfield said that the most money Garrett gave her at one time was $500, but she did not know how much total cash she had received from him.
Under federal statutes, Barfield 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 Justin G. Davids. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Springfield Man, Woman Sentenced for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man and woman were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
Donald D. Johnson, 27, and Dionne T. Ackerley, 39, both of Springfield, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark. Johnson was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison without parole. Ackerley was sentenced to 19 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Johnson and Ackerley each pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy, which lasted from May 29, 2013, to Feb. 12, 2015.
Johnson admitted that he bought heroin in the Chicago, Ill., area and had it transported in vehicles to the Springfield area for distribution. Johnson also admitted that he bought heroin in the St. Louis, Mo., area. Johnson sold heroin to other co-conspirators.
Johnson admitted that he sold heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer and a confidential informant on three occasions. On March 13, 2014, he sold .7 grams of heroin for $275 in a transaction in Springfield. On March 18, 2014, he sold 2.2 grams of heroin for $500 in a transaction in Ozark, Mo. On Feb. 12, 2015, he sold .93 grams of heroin for $270 in a transaction in Springfield.
Ackerley was present when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Springfield residence. She had 21 individual baggies of heroin weighing 1.47 grams in her purse, and two firearms – a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Smith and Wesson revolver – inside a safe in the bedroom. Ackerley told law enforcement officers that she traded heroin for the firearms.
Law enforcement officers searched a unit rented by Johnson and Ackerley at Bradford Mini Storage in Springfield on May 29, 2014. Inside the storage unit they found a Bushmaster .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Johnson and Ackerley are among five co-defendants who have been sentenced. Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Norwood Man Pleads Guilty to $120,000 Farm FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Norwood, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in a scheme to sell livestock and farm equipment that was held as collateral by the Farm Service Agency.
Robert Keehner, 49, of Norwood, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, to a federal information that charges him with fraud using property mortgaged or pledged to farm credit agencies.
Keehner admitted that he engaged in a scheme from Oct. 20, 2011, to March 27, 2014, to sell mortgaged livestock, as well as dairy and farm equipment, that had been pledged to the Farm Service Agency (FSA, a farm credit agency) without notifying FSA of the sales. While selling the collateralized livestock and equipment, Keenher did not report a majority of the sales of collateralized property to the FSA. Keehner did not instruct purchasers to address proceeds checks to the FSA as well as to him, and he did not remit any of the proceeds of the sales to FSA, as was required by the terms of his loans.
Between Oct. 7, 2005, and July 18, 2007, Keehner and his wife applied for and received two operating loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, acting through the FSA, in the amounts of $65,000 and $120,000. The limited purpose of the loans was to buy livestock and dairy and farming equipment for the purpose of running a dairy farm.
In violation of the express terms of his loans, and with fraudulent intent, Keehner conducted livestock and equipment sales in the name of his sister, and sold farm equipment to private parties, to avoid detection while selling collateral signed over to the FSA from loans in his name. The sale of the livestock held as collateral by the FSA was conducted through Norwood Producers Auction Yards, Inc. Payments in the form of checks for the sale of the livestock and equipment were made by Norwood Producers Auction Yards, Inc., were then deposited into the joint bank accounts held by Keehner and his wife. Keehner did not instruct the purchasers to list FSA on the checks, as was required, nor were the proceeds submitted to the FSA. Instead, Keehner used the proceeds for his own personal enjoyment.
Keehner has since ceased making repayments on his FSA loans. The outstanding principal balance still owed to the USDA through the FSA is $120,543, without interest or penalties.
Under federal statutes, Keehner is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.