Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Toledo man Sentenced to over 26 years for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Derrick Murphy, 40 of Toledo, Ohio was sentenced to 320 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick after earlier pleading guilty to enticement of a minor and drug charges. Judge Helmick also ordered Murphy to serve 10 years of supervised release upon release from imprisonment.
Murphy was sentenced to 180 months for his role in a drug conspiracy and for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute narcotics. According to court documents, in late July 2019, FBI agents in Toledo, Ohio received information from FBI agents in San Diego, California and Charlotte, North Carolina that a courier for a Sinaloa Mexico based drug trafficking organization had been identified bringing kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to Toledo. Further investigation by the Toledo agents identified Murphy as the local distributor leader. After a lengthy investigation, agents in late April 2021 received information that Murphy was expecting another large shipment of suspected fentanyl to be delivered. After surveillance, a subsequent traffic stop led to the seizure of approximately 5 kilograms of fentanyl and $17,515 in U.S. currency from members of Murphy’s organization. Subsequent federal search warrants resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Murphy was also sentenced to 140 months for coercing and enticing a minor to engage in the production of sexually explicit materials from December 2020 to May 2021. Both sentences were ordered to be served consecutive to each other.
This case was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and the Toledo Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alissa Sterling.
Toledo Man Sentenced for Multiple Bank Robberies in Michigan and OhioRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced that Scott Kelly Hansen, 63, of Toledo, OH, was sentenced to 348 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier pleading guilty to two bank robberies in Ann Arbor, Michigan and one in Norwalk, Ohio. Hansen was also ordered to pay $44,908.73 in restitution and serve a 5-year term of supervised release upon release from imprisonment.
According to court documents, on July 16, 2022, Scott Kelly Hansen entered the Chase Bank on East Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan wearing a mask and baseball cap. Hansen approached the teller, while no other customers were in the bank, and said “This is a bank robbery, give me all your cash… including the reserves.” Hansen then patted the area beneath his shirt at his waist, which the teller understood to mean he was implying a weapon. The teller produced approximately $20,000 in cash and gave it to Hansen who fled the bank.
Then on July 19, 2022, Hansen entered the Fifth Third Bank on Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor, Michigan wearing similar clothing and a mask. Hansen drew a pistol, pointed it at both tellers, and said, “Give me all you have.” The teller produced approximately $15,000 in cash, which Hansen took and left. Days later, Hansen returned to the same Fifth Third Bank, but fled once he was recognized by a teller.
On August 25, 2022, Hansen entered Civista Bank in Norwalk, Ohio armed with a pistol, wearing similar clothing and a mask. Hansen ordered everyone to get down on the ground and aimed the pistol at customers and tellers. Hansen then went behind the counter and demanded cash from the drawers and dispensing machines. Hansen said he was just there for the money and didn’t want anyone to get hurt. After growing frustrated with how slowly the teller was retrieving bills from the dispensing machine, Hansen grabbed two plastic money containers from the machine and fled the bank with approximately $82,000. As he left, Hansen instructed everyone to “Stay on the floor. Don’t get up. Don’t watch out the windows.” Customers called 911 and Hansen was apprehended. In Hansen’s vehicle officers found cash and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwalk Police Department, and the Ann Arbor Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ava Rotell Dustin and Matthew Simko.
U. S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko Announces over $1.2 Million in Justice Department Grants to Address Behavioral and Mental Health Programs and to Support the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force ProgramRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND ― U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko today announced awards of over $1.2 million in Department of Justice grants to help various programs in the Northern District of Ohio. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs and are being awarded to communities nationwide.
The following organizations received funding:
- The City of Cleveland, Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program, Connect and Protect awarded $549,998.00;
- Findlay, Hancock County, Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, The Steady Path Forward awarded $550,000.00; and
- Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Programs awarded $678,139.00.
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
About the Office of Justice Programs The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Toledo Couple Who Operated Clinic Sentenced for Mail, Wire, and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Dr. Oliver Jenkins, age 61 and Sherry-Ann Jenkins, age 59, of Jessup, Georgia, were sentenced to prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier being convicted by a jury of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and health care fraud. Dr. Oliver Jenkins was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $15,000 fine.
Sherry-Ann Jenkins was sentenced to 71 months imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine. Restitution will be ordered at a later date.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Oliver Jenkins, who was an Ear, Nose, and Throat M.D. at the Toledo Clinic, and his wife Sherry-Ann Jenkins, who had a Ph.D. but was not licensed to practice medicine in Ohio, started a new business called the “The Toledo Clinic Cognitive Center”. The Jenkinses represented to the Toledo Clinic that patients suspected of cognitive disorders, particularly dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, could come to the Cognitive Center for neurocognitive testing, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals, and that Sherry-Ann Jenkins would administer the neurocognitive testing under the supervision of Dr.Oliver Jenkins. The Jenkinses represented that Dr. Oliver Jenkins would make a diagnosis, and provide medical treatment, or a referral. Instead, the Jenkinses engaged in a scheme to
defraud. Dr. Oliver Jenkins never saw or treated patients at the Cognitive Center. Sherry-Ann Jenkins ordered PET scans of patients’ brains, interpreted the scans, diagnosed patients, one as young as 21 years old, with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other impairments. She also recommended patients take coconut oil to improve memory, and instructed certain patients to see her every 3-6 weeks for the rest of their lives. The Jenkinses billed Cognitive Center patients and health care benefits programs using Dr. Oliver Jenkins’ billing number.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo, Ohio, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Cleveland, Ohio, the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Ohio State Medical Board. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and Robert Melching.
Five Cleveland-Area Men Sentenced to Imprisonment and Ordered to Pay over $800,000 as part of a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today the conclusion of a case involving five Cleveland-area men that were charged in a 47-count indictment for illegally obtaining more than $800,000 in pandemic unemployment insurance benefits using other people’s personal identifying information. The defendants were sentenced to a combined total of 284 months of imprisonment.
According to court documents, from May to October 2020, the defendants, Errol Bennett, Jr., 26, of University Heights; Kojo Lockhart, 29, of Cleveland Heights; Mauri Nichols, 25, of South Euclid; Khyri Grace, 30, of Cleveland Heights; and Malik Grace, 26, of Cleveland Heights; submitted and caused the submission of fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), and other State Workforce Agencies around the country.
As part of the scheme, the members of the conspiracy knowingly made false statements and omissions on pandemic unemployment insurance benefits applications regarding employment history, residency, and more to appear eligible to receive benefits. As a result, California EDD and other State Workforce Agencies approved more than $800,000 in unemployment insurance benefits in the names of unwitting individuals. The benefits were pre-loaded on bank-issued debit cards and sent through the U.S. mail. After receiving the debit cards, the defendants used the cards issued in the names of other people to make cash withdrawals at various ATMs in the Northern District of Ohio.
The Court determined each defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violation. The defendants received the following terms of imprisonment: Errol Bennett, 54 months; Kojo Lockhart, 48 months; Mauri Nichols, 78 months; Khyri Grace, 60 months; and Malik Grace, 44 months. The defendants were also ordered to pay $872,143 in restitution for fraudulently obtained benefits.
The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Cleveland Heights Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Andrachik and Alejandro Abreu.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, and Aiding in the Filing of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Stanley Worthy Jr., 41, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko after earlier pleading guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding in the filing of false tax returns. Worthy was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay $2,935,933.35 in restitution jointly and severally with co-defendants. A special assessment of $4,200 was also ordered by the court.
Worthy pleaded guilty on June 1, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and 36 counts of aiding and abetting in the filing of false tax returns to the IRS. The court sentenced Worthy to 60 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud and sentenced Worthy to 36 months for aiding in the filing of false tax returns, all sentences to run concurrently.
According to court documents from 2019 to 2020 Worthy and his co-conspirators used the Soamazin Automotive car dealership, in Warrensville Heights, Ohio to purchase stolen vehicles at a discount, and sell those vehicles to unsuspecting buyers for profit. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the defendants devised a scheme to have individuals apply for loans to fund the purchase of non-existent vehicles. The conspirators split the loan proceeds between themselves and the applicant. Worthy recruited applicants from clients of his company, Cavalier Care, which offered tax preparation services and financial education services. From 2017 to 2020, Worthy fraudulently prepared 35 tax returns for others to increase their tax refunds causing a loss of approximately $211,737 to the United States.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Abreu and Payum Doroodian.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Celebrates Funding Awarded for Community Responses to Gender-Based ViolenceRead the Press Release
In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), the Justice Department yesterday announced nearly $193 million in formula and discretionary grant awards to support crucial services and justice responses for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. For nearly three decades, VAWA has provided tools and resources to protect and serve survivors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is proud to announce that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”) has awarded $607,500.00 to local organizations to support community responses to gender-based violence. Specifically, the Northern District of Ohio has received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
OVW awarded $607,500.00 to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center under Grants for Training and Services to End Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program (Disability Grant Program). This grant will support services for individuals who have disabilities or are deaf. Funding will provide specialized training, outreach, and cross-training for various agencies, and will support developing model programs to strengthen organizational capacities in assisting survivors.
“I am pleased to announce that the Northern District of Ohio has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. This grant will allow the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to collaborate with Cleveland Hearing and Speech in a meaningful way to strengthen partnerships with Deaf Pathways and increase services to deaf victims and survivors of sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko.
“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers.” OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw
Seven Area Men Arrested After Being Charged in a 16 Count Indictment Alleging Mail Theft, Mail Fraud, and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned a sixteen-count indictment charging seven men with Mail Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and Wire Fraud.
A joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Highland Heights Police Department, North Royalton Police Department, Brooklyn Heights Police Department, Shaker Heights Police Department, and USPS Office of Inspector General led to the arrests on September 11, 2023, of Nathaniel Sturdivant, 23, Euclid; Marcus Winn, 20, Cleveland; Dashawn Dumas, 24, Cleveland; Mohamed Mohamed, 21, Willoughby Hills; and Jayland Ware, 21, of Shaker Heights. On September 13, 2023, Larry Reynolds, 21, Maple Heights; and Lorenzo Nettles, 20, of Euclid, turned themselves in to the U.S. Marshals.
The seven individuals were indicted for their roles in a check-fraud scheme in which checks were stolen from the U.S. mail and altered or forged, then deposited into various accounts for withdrawal.
These arrests follow guilty pleas by eleven other defendants involved in similar criminal activities throughout the Northern District of Ohio. The United States Postal Inspection Service is aggressively investigating cases involving theft from postal carriers and the U.S. Mail.
“Offenses like these compromise the integrity of our mail system and harm not only the individuals whose mail is stolen, but the public at large,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the United States Postal Inspection Service and other state and local partners to aggressively prosecute criminals who steal from the U.S. Mail and abuse our community’s banks.”
“These recent arrests should serve notice to would be criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees and customers”, said Inspector In Charge Lesley Allison. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail.”
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo.
The Postal Inspection Service is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating crimes against postal carriers and crimes involving the U.S. Mail. Anyone having information about blue collection box thefts should contact USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. All information will be kept confidential.
Three Former Toledo City Council Members Sentenced for Accepting Bribery PaymentsRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced that three former Toledo City Council members were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick for their roles in accepting bribery payments during their time in office in return for support and votes on legislative matters.
Tyrone Riley, age 67, of Toledo, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment yesterday after pleading guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right.
Yvonne Harper, age 73, of Toledo, was sentenced to 12 months and a day imprisonment yesterday after pleading guilty to one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy under color of official right.
Larry Sykes, age 74, of Toledo, was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment today after pleading guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right.
“When public officials choose to betray those they were elected to serve by blatantly violating their oaths and the public trust, the entire community suffers immeasurably,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “These sentencings reflect the commitment of the U.S. Attorney's Office to aggressively prosecute individuals engaged in public corruption.”
“Finding and investigating public corruption is one of the FBIs highest priorities,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Elected officials are entrusted to make virtuous decisions to the betterment of all. Sadly, these three individuals chose a path of criminal conduct and greed over the wellbeing of those they serve. We will continue to work on behalf of the American Public to ensure the conduct by elected officials is right and just.”
According to court documents, on multiple occasions from May 2018 through February 2020, Riley, Harper, and Sykes accepted bribery payments in return for their official support and votes on legislative matters as members of the Toledo City Council.
Court documents also state that Riley, Harper, and Sykes each accepted cash payments in return for their support and votes on zoning changes and “special use permits” (SUPs) for local businesses. Riley accepted more than $10,000 in payments and meals in return for his support on five separate city council matters. Harper accepted more than $5,000 in return for her support on two matters, and Sykes accepted $1,500 for his support on three matters.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Toledo Resident Agency. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Michael J. Freeman.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Ohio LandlordRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Joseph Pedaline, an owner and manager of residential rental properties, in Youngstown, Ohio, for engaging in sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that Joseph Pedaline sexually harassed female tenants at properties that he owned or managed in Youngstown since at least 2009. According to the complaint, Pedaline subjected tenants to repeated and unwelcome sexual comments, touched them without their consent, entered their homes without permission and offered to overlook late rent payments, waive rent or perform repairs in exchange for sexual contact. The lawsuit also alleges that Pedaline initiated evictions or threatened to evict tenants who refused his sexual advances.
“No tenant should have to endure sexual propositions, sexual comments or unwelcome physical contact from their landlord,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment in housing is wrong, immoral and illegal. The Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable when they violate federal civil rights laws.”
“Too often tenants with limited housing options are preyed upon by landlords, maintenance staff and others who have control over where they live,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “This lawsuit sends a message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate the exploitation of our vulnerable community members.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joseph Pedaline or YLP LLC, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-833-591-0291, press 1 for English, press 2 for sexual harassment and then press 01 for United States v. Joseph Pedaline to leave a message. Individuals may also send an email to [email protected] or submit a report online. Reports also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 36 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment.
Pedaline Complaint
59 Charged with Illegal Trafficking, Possession, and Use of Firearms, Drug Trafficking, and Conspiracy as a Result of Summer Violent Crime Reduction Effort in ClevelandRead the Press Release
Federal, county, and local law enforcement officials today announced that 59 individuals were charged and arrested in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a three month, violent-crime-reduction initiative in Cleveland this summer. The vast majority were charged in U.S. District Court, while the remaining individuals were charged in state court. These individuals were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests made during the last two weeks.
“The Justice Department’s work to disrupt and dismantle the criminal gun trafficking pipelines that flood our communities with illegal guns has never been more urgent than it is now,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why our prosecutors and agents are working more closely than ever before with our local law enforcement partners to get illegal guns off of our streets and hold accountable those who put illegal guns in the hands of violent criminals.”
Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of Cleveland by studying data about areas with gun-crime violence, then identifying illegal firearms sellers to disrupt their trafficking. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 240 firearms, 203 of which law enforcement purchased from illegal sellers and permanently removed from Cleveland’s streets. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) data shows that a significant number of those firearms are connected to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that took place in Cleveland and surrounding Northeast Ohio suburbs in 2022 and 2023. Of the purchased firearms, 17 are “ghost guns” – meaning, unserialized and untraceable firearms, typically assembled at home – and 28 are machinegun conversion devices or “switches” – a device that enables a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode.
In one case, law enforcement purchased more than 50 firearms from a group of seven people working together to sell firearms on Cleveland’s streets, even though none of the involved individuals hold a federal firearms license. Those firearms included stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, “switches,” already-loaded firearms, assault rifles, and firearms that had been previously used to commit violent crimes. Sometimes, these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement officers at the same time. In two additional cases, law enforcement purchased, respectively, 33 firearms (including “switches”) and 23 firearms (including “switches”) from two other individuals who do not hold a federal firearms license. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas while nearby uninvolved, law-abiding citizens were engaged in their day-to-day errands or engaged in recreational activities.
Also, during this investigation, the ATF identified five individuals who were actively engaged in a conspiracy to conduct a home invasion and rob, at gunpoint, what they believed to be a “stash house” containing several kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement intervened before these individuals could carry out their plan. Additionally, during this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized almost 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 215 grams of cocaine base, almost three kilograms of methamphetamine, 686 fentanyl pills, almost 1.5 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl mix, and 1,144 MDMA pills (otherwise known as Molly or Ecstasy).
Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. In all cases, however, the charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort this past summer, led by the ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to clamp down on the illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, as well as the associated distribution of drugs, in Cleveland.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in U.S. District Court, according to court documents:
-
Malachi Berry, 21; Darvell Jackson, 20; and Steven Armstrong, 19, all of Cleveland, were charged together with conspiracy to possess a machinegun. Jackson and Armstrong were further charged with illegal possession of a machinegun. In the same indictment, these individuals, along with Nimar Linder, 21, of Cleveland, were also charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license. Armstrong and Linder were charged as felons in possession of a firearm.
-
Carlos Dupree, 43, of Cleveland; Dominique Goldsby, 32, of Cleveland; Jesse Mcdade, 41, of Cleveland; Norman Young, 37, of Cleveland; Martin Goodson, 41, of Cleveland; Lajuan Erwin, 25, of Mayfield Heights; Chevez Moorer, 23, of Cleveland; Aaron Wimbley, 22, of Garfield Heights; Alexander Duncan, 19, of Cleveland; Damien Body, 39, of Cleveland; Derrick Donald, 41, of Cleveland; Nahum Holmes, 31, of Brook Park; Akil Edmonds, 39, of Cleveland; Willie C. Jackson, 36, of Cleveland; and Deandre Smith, 36, of Cleveland, were indicted on distribution of drugs charges.
-
Josean Ortiz-Stuart, 34, and Jesus Vega, 29, both of Cleveland, were indicted together and both charged with distribution of drugs. Also named in that indictment was Gerald Matos, 38, of Cleveland, who was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
-
Elias Pagan, 32, Ivan Santana, 26, and Angel Santiago, 46, all of Cleveland, were indicted together. Pagan faces numerous charges for distribution of drugs, as well being a felon in possession of firearms, and both Pagan and Santana were also charged with engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms without a federal firearms license. Santiago is also charged with distribution of drugs.
-
Ambray Underwood, 25, of Euclid, was charged in an indictment for conspiracy to distribute drugs, and drug distribution.
-
Willie Earl Jackson, 26, of Cleveland, and Shane Plats, 31, of Ashtabula, were charged in the same indictment with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license. Wiilie Earl Jackson was also charged in that indictment with trafficking in firearms.
-
Deshonn Brown, 19, and Demarius Jefferson, 18, both of Cleveland, were both charged with illegal possession of machineguns.
-
Jacob Plumb, 40, of Parma, was charged with distribution of drugs and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
-
Isaiah Overton, 23, of Cleveland, and Charles Morris, 33, of East Cleveland, were charged in a single indictment with distribution of drugs. Additionally, Overton was charged with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking Crime.
-
Corte’z Buggs, 29, of Cleveland, was charged in an indictment with distribution of Drugs and receipt of firearm while under felony indictment.
-
Michael Mcpherran, 38, of Parma, was charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs and distribution of drugs.
-
Harold Pearl, 39, of Cleveland, was charged with distribution of drugs and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
-
Alante Heard, 33, of Cleveland; Antonio Sweeney, 24, of Cleveland; Maurice Commons, 22, of North Randall; and Markus Williams, 33, of Cleveland, were charged by complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute drugs and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
-
Marquis Henson, 38; Deon Brown, 19; and Clarence Payne, 38, all of Cleveland, were charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
-
Kenneth Smith, 23, of East Cleveland, was charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license, illegal possession of a machinegun, and being a felon in possession of firearms.
-
Andre Lewis, 35, of Cleveland, was charged with distribution of drugs and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
-
Devaunty Lewis, 31, and Nicholas Johnson, 33, both of Cleveland, were charged jointly in an indictment with conspiracy to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms without a federal firearms license, and conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking. Both were individually charged with engaging business in dealing with firearms without a license and trafficking in firearms. Lewis was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson was also charged with engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms without a federal firearms license.
-
Maurice Sterett, 39, of Cleveland; Antonio Cross, 22, of Cleveland; Marvell Roach, 43, of Willoughby; Kenneth Timberlake, 30, of Cleveland; and Travis Williams, 46, of Cleveland, were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms without a federal firearms license. Sterett, Cross, Timberlake, and Williams were further charged, individually, with engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms without a federal firearms license. Sterett, Cross, Roach, Timberlake, and Williams were also charged with conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking and individual counts of firearms trafficking. Sterett, Timberlake, Travis Williams, and Roach were also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. Sterett was further charged with distribution of drugs. Cross was also charged with illegal transfer of a machinegun.
-
Darion Shelton, 20, of Cleveland, was charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license, and trafficking in firearms in connection with machinegun conversation devices or “switches.” He has also been charged with illegal possession of a machinegun.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to court documents:
-
Marcel Battle, 30, of Canton: drug trafficking;
-
Avant Wilson, 22, of Cleveland: receiving stolen property (motor vehicle);
-
Nathan Roby, 44, of Cleveland: drug trafficking;
-
Raymond Callahan, 34, of Cleveland: drug trafficking;
-
Raphael Deen, 30, of Cleveland: drug trafficking;
-
Terry Lyons, 33, of Cleveland: drug trafficking;
If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any penalty after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Attorney General Garland and U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott, and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as regarding larger firearms enforcement and violence-prevention efforts.
ATF investigated these cases, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio Investigative Unit, Customs and Border Patrol, Air and Marine Division, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Galvin and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Northern District of Ohio and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
-
59 Charged with Illegal Trafficking, Possession, and Use of Firearms, Drug Trafficking, and Conspiracy as a Result of Summer Violent Crime Reduction Effort in ClevelandRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Federal, county, and local law enforcement officials today announced that 59 individuals were charged and arrested in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a three month, violent-crime-reduction initiative in Cleveland this summer. The vast majority were charged in United States District Court, while the remaining individuals were charged in state court. These individuals were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests made during the last two weeks.
United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko made the announcement earlier today. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Director Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Marshal Peter J. Elliott, and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as regarding larger firearms enforcement and violence-prevention efforts.
"The Justice Department's work to disrupt and dismantle the criminal gun trafficking pipelines that flood our communities with illegal guns had never been more urgent than it is now," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "That is why our prosecutors and agents are working more closely than ever before with our local law enforcement partners to get illegal guns off of our streets and hold accountable those who put illegal guns in the hands of violent criminals."
Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy investigation, led by ATF, that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of Cleveland by studying data about areas with gun-crime violence, then identifying illegal firearms sellers to disrupt their trafficking. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 240 firearms, 203 of which law enforcement purchased from illegal sellers and permanently removed from Cleveland’s streets. NIBIN data shows that a significant number of those firearms are connected to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that took place in Cleveland and surrounding Northeast Ohio suburbs in 2022 and 2023. Of the purchased firearms, 17 are “ghost guns”—meaning, unserialized and untraceable firearms, typically assembled at home—and 28 are machinegun conversion devices or “switches”—a device that enables a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode.
In one case, law enforcement purchased more than 50 firearms from a group of 7 people working together to sell firearms on Cleveland’s streets, even though none of the involved individuals holds a federal firearms license. Those firearms included stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, “switches,” already-loaded firearms, assault rifles, and firearms that had been previously used to commit violent crimes. Sometimes, these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement officers at the same time. In two additional cases, law enforcement purchased, respectively, 33 firearms (including “switches”) and 23 firearms (including “switches”) from two other individuals who do not hold a federal firearms license. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas while nearby uninvolved, law-abiding citizens were engaged in their day-to-day errands or engaged in recreational activities.
Also during this investigation, the ATF identified 5 individuals who were actively engaged in a conspiracy to conduct a home invasion and rob, at gunpoint, what they believed to be a “stash house” containing several kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement intervened before these individuals could carry out their plan. Additionally, during this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized almost 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 215 grams of cocaine base, almost 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 686 fentanyl pills, almost 1.5 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl mix, and 1,144 MDMA pills (otherwise known as Molly or Ecstasy).
Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. In all cases, however, the charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort this past summer, led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to clamp down on the illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, as well as the associated distribution of drugs, in Cleveland.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents:
- MALACHI BERRY, 21, Cleveland, DARVELL JACKSON, 20, Cleveland, and STEVEN ARMSTRONG, 19, Cleveland, were charged together in a Conspiracy to Possess a Machinegun. JACKSON and ARMSTRONG were further charged with Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.
In the same indictment, these individuals, along with NIMAR LINDER, 21, Cleveland, were also charged with Conspiracy to Engage in the Business of Dealing Firearms without a Federal Firearms License.
ARMSTRONG and LINDER were charged as Felons in Possession of a Firearm.
- According to court documents, the following individuals have been indicted on Distribution of Drugs charges:
CARLOS DUPREE, 43, Cleveland, DOMINIQUE GOLDSBY, 32, Cleveland, JESSE MCDADE, 41, Cleveland, NORMAN YOUNG, 37, Cleveland, MARTIN
GOODSON, 41, Cleveland, LAJUAN ERWIN, 25, Mayfield Heights, CHEVEZ MOORER, 23, Cleveland, AARON WIMBLEY, 22, Garfield Heights, ALEXANDER
DUNCAN, 19, Cleveland, DAMIEN BODY, 39, Cleveland, DERRICK DONALD, 41, Cleveland, NAHUM HOLMES, 31, Brook Park, AKIL EDMONDS, 39, Cleveland, WILLIE C. JACKSON, 36, Cleveland, and DEANDRE SMITH, 36, Cleveland.
- Indicted together were JOSEAN ORTIZ-STUART, 34, Cleveland, JESUS VEGA, 29, Cleveland, who were both charged with Distribution of Drugs. Also named in that indictment was GERALD MATOS, 38, Cleveland, who was charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
- Indicted together were ELIAS PAGAN 32, Cleveland, IVAN SANTANA, 26, Cleveland, ANGEL SANTIAGO, 46, also of Cleveland. PAGAN also faces numerous charges for Distribution of Drugs, as well being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, and both PAGAN and SANTANA were also charged with Engaging in the Business of Importing, Manufacturing, or Dealing in Firearms Without a Federal Firearms License.
SANTIAGO is also charged with Distribution of Drugs.
- AMBRAY UNDERWOOD, 25, Euclid, was charged in an indictment for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs, and Drug Distribution.
- WILLIE EARL JACKSON, 26, Cleveland, and SHANE PLATS, 31, Ashtabula, were charged in the same indictment with Engaging in the Business of Dealing Firearms without a Federal Firearms License. WIILIE EARL JACKSON was also charged in that indictment with Trafficking in Firearms.
- DESHONN BROWN age, 19, Cleveland; DEMARIUS JEFFERSON, 18, Cleveland, were both charged with Illegal Possession of Machine guns.
- JACOB PLUMB, 40, Parma, was charged with Distribution of Drugs and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
- ISAIAH OVERTON, 23, Cleveland, and CHARLES MORRIS, 33, East Cleveland, were charged in a single indictment with Distribution of Drugs. Additionally, OVERTON was charged with Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
- CORTE’Z BUGGS, 29, Cleveland was charged in an indictment with Distribution of Drugs and Receipt of Firearm while Under Felony Indictment.
- MICHAEL MCPHERRAN, 38, Parma, Ohio, was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs, and Distribution of Drugs.
- HAROLD PEARL, 39, Cleveland, was charged with Distribution of Drugs and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
- Charged by complaint with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Drugs and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime were ALANTE HEARD, 33, Cleveland, ANTONIO SWEENEY, 24, Cleveland, MAURICE COMMONS, 22, North Randall, and MARKUS WILLIAMS, 33, Cleveland.
- Charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm were MARQUIS HENSON, 38, Cleveland, DEON BROWN, 19, Cleveland, and CLARENCE PAYNE, 38, Cleveland.
- KENNETH SMITH, 23, East Cleveland, was charged with Engaging in the Business of Dealing Firearms without a Federal Firearms License, Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, and being a Felon in Possession of Firearms.
- ANDRE LEWIS, 35, Cleveland, was charged with Distribution of Drugs and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
- DEVAUNTY LEWIS, 31, Cleveland, NICHOLAS JOHNSON, 33, Cleveland, were charged jointly in an indictment with Conspiracy to Engage in the Business of Importing, Manufacturing, or Dealing in Firearms without a Federal Firearms License, and Conspiracy to Engage in Firearms Trafficking. Both were individually charged with Engaging Business in Dealing with Firearms Without a License and Trafficking in Firearms.
LEWIS was also charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
JOHNSON was also charged with Engaging in the Business of Importing, Manufacturing, or Dealing in Firearms without a Federal Firearms License.
- The following were charged in an indictment with Conspiracy to Engage in the Business of Importing, Manufacturing, or Dealing in Firearms Without a Federal Firearms License: MAURICE STERETT, 39, Cleveland, ANTONIO CROSS, 22, Cleveland, MARVELL ROACH, 43, Willoughby, KENNETH TIMBERLAKE, 30, Cleveland, and TRAVIS WILLIAMS, 46, Cleveland.
STERETT, CROSS, TIMBERLAKE, and WILLIAMS were further charged, individually, with Engaging in the Business of Importing, Manufacturing, or Dealing in Firearms Without a Federal Firearms License.
STERETT, CROSS, ROACH, TIMBERLAKE, and WILLIAMS were also charged with Conspiracy to Engage in Firearms Trafficking and individual counts of Firearms Trafficking.
STERETT, TIMBERLAKE, TRAVIS WILLIAMS, and ROACH were also charged with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms.
STERETT was further charged with Distribution of Drugs.
Finally, CROSS was also charged with Illegal Transfer of a Machinegun.
- DARION SHELTON, 20, Cleveland, was charged with Engaging in the Business of Dealing Firearms without a Federal Firearms License, and Trafficking in Firearms in connection with machinegun conversation devices or “switches.” He has also been charged with Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to court documents:
- MARCEL BATTLE, 30, Canton, Drug Trafficking.
- AVANT WILSON, 22, Cleveland, Receiving Stolen Property (Motor Vehicle).
- NATHAN ROBY, 44, Cleveland, Drug Trafficking.
- RAYMOND CALLAHAN, 34, Cleveland, Drug Trafficking.
- RAPHAEL DEEN, 30, Cleveland, Drug Trafficking.
- TERRY LYONS, 33, Cleveland, Drug Trafficking.
An indictment or complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictments was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police (“CDP”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (“BCI”), the Ohio Adult Parole Authority (“APA”), the Ohio Investigative Unit (“OIU”), Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”), Air and Marine Division, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (“OSP”), and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. This Operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. The cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by a team of AUSAs in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by AUSA Kelly Galvin, and by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.- MALACHI BERRY, 21, Cleveland, DARVELL JACKSON, 20, Cleveland, and STEVEN ARMSTRONG, 19, Cleveland, were charged together in a Conspiracy to Possess a Machinegun. JACKSON and ARMSTRONG were further charged with Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.
Florida Couple Sentenced for Sending Threatening Communications to Law Enforcement and Others in Northern OhioRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Akil Larry Joseph, 32, and Alexa Marie Logan, 31, both of Homestead, Florida, were each sentenced on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Donald C. Nugent to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of cyberstalking and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort.
According to court documents, from November 2021 to July 2022, Joseph and Logan sent numerous threatening communications, via email and telephone, to multiple victims in the Northern District of Ohio, including an FBI agent, with the intent to obtain money from the victims. Over the course of an approximately two-year period, multiple communications sent by the couple, primarily via email, came to contain increasingly harassing and aggressive language, rhetoric, and tone.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Joyce and Peter E. Daly.
Three Men Sentenced in Akron Case Involving Forged Prescriptions and Illicit Pill TraffickingRead the Press Release
AKRON - Three men were sentenced this week in Akron federal court by Chief Judge Sara Lioi for their roles in a case involving forged prescriptions and a conspiracy to press and sell illicit pills.
Michael White, age 43, of Akron, was sentenced to 66 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Durell Richerson, age 35, of Akron, was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and nine counts of Aggravated Identity Theft.
Dallas Delatte, age 34, of Canton, was sentenced to 25 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and three counts of Aggravated Identity Theft.
A fourth defendant, Amanda Ball, previously pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and is scheduled for sentencing on September 12, 2023.
The following information is based on the indictment and the defendants’ guilty pleas.
This indictment charged two separate but related conspiracies. The first conspiracy, which Durell Richerson and Dallas Delatte pled guilty to participating in, involved passing forged prescriptions for promethazine-codeine cough syrup at Akron-area pharmacies. According to the indictment, promethazine-codeine cough syrup can be used as an illicit recreational drug, and is known by street names such as “purple drink,” “drank,” and “lean.” Members of this conspiracy used a Google account to store forged prescription templates bearing the names, DEA numbers, and NPI numbers of Akron-area physicians, without the physicians’ permission or knowledge. Conspirators made small edits to the forged prescription templates saved on the Google account, printed the forged prescriptions out on security paper, and then attempted to pass the forged prescriptions at Akron-area pharmacies. Because those forged prescriptions each contained the name, DEA number, and/or NPI number of a real physician—which was done without the permission or knowledge of the physician—each use of a forged prescription constituted a count of Aggravated Identity Theft, with the victim being the physician whose identity was used without their permission.
The second conspiracy, which Michael White and Amanda Ball pled guilty to participating in, involved using a pill press machine to manufacture and distribute illicit pills, including methamphetamine pills that looked like ecstasy (MDMA). White and other conspirators also possessed a pill press machine used to manufacture illicit pills at a residence in Akron to distribute the pills they manufactured. On December 1, 2020, law enforcement executed search warrants at residences in Canton and Akron. Those searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 89 tablets containing methamphetamine, two digital scales, and a blender with cocaine residue.
The case was investigated by the DEA Cleveland’s Tactical Diversion Squad, with assistance from the Akron Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Canton Police Department, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Christopher David Smith, 31, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today to 135 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick, after the defendant earlier plead guilty to enticement of a minor. Judge Helmick also ordered Smith to pay a $100 special assessment, an additional $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and be placed on supervised release for 10 years upon release from imprisonment, during which time he will be a registered sex offender.
According to court documents, on April 1, 2021, Smith left his place of employment in Michigan and traveled to Ohio to engage in sex acts with whom he thought was a 10-year-old child. Smith had conversations online with an undercover agent posing as the father of the fictitious 10-yearold before arranging to meet the child. During those online conversations, Smith sent child pornography to the undercover agent, asked for nude photos of the purported 10-year-old, and made statements related to his sexual intentions toward the child. Smith was arrested after he arrived at the prearranged meeting location, a hotel in Perrysburg, Ohio.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, Toledo Resident Agency, with the assistance of an FBI task force officer from the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, and assistance with the arrest from the Perrysburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Tangeman and Sara Al-Sorghali.
Ohio Electrical Engineer Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John Everson, of Liberty Center, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for evading taxes by using a sham trust to conceal income he earned from his electrical engineering business. A federal jury convicted Everson in October 2022 of three counts of tax evasion.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from approximately 2009 through 2016, Everson earned more than $2.3 million in income from the business. He attempted to conceal much of this income and evade the IRS by instructing clients to make payments to a trust that he controlled. Everson used the trust money to pay personal expenses and make large cash withdrawals. He also funneled some of the trust funds to other bank accounts held in the names of non-profit organizations that he and several family members controlled, even listing his home and airplane in the name of a non-profit organization. In total, Everson’s conduct caused a loss to the IRS of $658,487.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick for the Northern District of Ohio ordered Everson to serve two years of supervised release and pay restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sarah Ranney of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
Cleveland Woman Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
AKRON - Branea Bryant, age 30, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to 290 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams. In March 2023, a jury convicted Bryant of one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and three counts of Money Laundering. The court also ordered Bryant to serve 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and pay a $500 special assessment.
The following information is based on court documents and evidence presented at trial.
Based upon a long term, multi-agency investigation, the FBI determined that members of the conspiracy were selling fentanyl to customers at multiple locations in Cleveland, and that Branea Bryant was involved in the drug trafficking conspiracy.
On August 31, 2021, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at seven houses connected to the drug organization, and seized over a kilogram of fentanyl, numerous firearms, ammunition, high-speed money counters, drug presses, a vacuum-sealer used to package drugs and money, over $68,000 in cash, jewelry, and multiple high-end vehicles, including two Range Rovers and a Jaguar F-Type.
Investigation by the IRS showed that Branea Bryant’s company, ADF3 Investments, owned several high-end vehicles connected to the drug conspiracy, including two Range Rovers that had been purchased with drug money, and a Jaguar F-Type that was used to facilitate drug deals. At trial, the lead IRS investigator testified that ADF3 did not file any state or federal tax returns, and that it did not appear to engage in any kind of legitimate business activity. The IRS investigator also testified that ADF3’s bank accounts, which had been opened by Branea Bryant, were largely funded with cash deposits and that ADF3’s accounts had been used to make large purchases at designer stores like Gucci and Prada using Branea Bryant’s debit card.
Branea Bryant was one of 24 defendants indicted in the case, which was the result of a coordinated effort by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). All 24 defendants, including Branea Bryant, were convicted.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force (CGNL) and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force (SEALE), the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, the DEA, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Lewis, Joseph Dangelo, and James Morford.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Toledo Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – James Luther Sawyer IV, 33 of Toledo, Ohio was sentenced on Tuesday August 15, to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after earlier pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Knepp also ordered Sawyer to pay a $300 special assessment and be placed on supervised release for 4 years upon release from imprisonment.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2022, Toledo police officers responded to a 911 call of a man pointing a handgun at passing vehicles. Officers spotted Sawyer fitting the description in the area of Huron and Lagrange Streets in Toledo. When Sawyer was ordered to stop by officers, he removed a handgun from his pants and threw it to the ground. After officers arrested Sawyer and recovered the handgun, they searched Sawyer’s backpack and found 28 plastic bags containing approximately 67 grams of methamphetamine. Sawyer was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior Felonious Assault conviction in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.
This case was investigated by the Toledo Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali.
Fort Jennings Man Sentenced for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Kirk Smith, 33, of Fort Jennings, Ohio was sentenced on Wednesday, August 16, to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after earlier pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Knepp also ordered Smith to pay a $100 special assessment and be placed on supervised release for 10 years upon release from imprisonment. Additionally, Smith was ordered to pay $5,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
According to court documents, in September of 2021, Smith engaged in online communication with undercover law enforcement and indicated he was sexually active with a minor child and had nude photos of the child. Shortly thereafter, Smith sent photos of a minor child that were sexually exploitive. A court authorized search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence where his cellphone was seized and found to contain the messages Smith exchanged with the undercover law enforcement online.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali.
Lorain Man Found Guilty of Possessing Methamphetamine and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Brandon O. Chambers, 41, of Lorain, Ohio, was found guilty of one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The trial lasted four days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr.
According to court documents and trial testimony, on October 28, 2021, Avon patrol officers stopped Chambers’ vehicle for speeding and having no plates. Chambers fled initially, but eventually stopped after multiple patrol vehicles followed. After Chambers was arrested, officers found a firearm in his vehicle along with approximately 218.7 grams of methamphetamine. Chambers has multiple prior felony convictions which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2023. Chambers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Avon Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Vanessa Healy.
Jury Convicts Man for Possession of Drugs and Gun at Elyria MotelRead the Press Release
AKRON – Antoine Williams, 49, of Lorain, Ohio, was found guilty on August 16, 2023, of gun and drug offenses after a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge John R. Adams. The Jury convicted him of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, possessing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
According to court documents and testimony, the Elyria Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at the Arlington Inn Suites on March 8, 2022. Inside, they found Williams, along with significant quantities of fentanyl and heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Williams also had a Rohm revolver, and more than $7,000.00 of drug proceeds in cash. Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
The investigation was conducted by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a joint law enforcement initiative that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers in Lorain County. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Paul Hanna.
Former Erie County Deputy Sheriff Sentenced for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Adam Bess, 35, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier pleading guilty to a felony for depriving an inmate at the Erie County Jail of her constitutional rights by using excessive force. Six months of this sentence will be served as home detention. Judge Zouhary also ordered Bess to pay a $100 special assessment and be placed on supervised release for one year upon release from imprisonment.
According to court documents, on November 1, 2021, Bess was working as a sergeant at the Erie County Jail. During the booking process of a new arrestee, Bess placed his hand around the inmate’s throat in anger in a “choke hold” and caused the inmate to have difficulty breathing. Bess’ actions were without justification and in violation of both the Erie County Sheriff’s Office use of force policy as well as federal law. After being released from jail, the inmate had visible bruising on her neck, immediately reported the matter to the command staff at Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and went to the hospital for evaluation of her injuries. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office promptly reported the matter to the FBI and placed Bess on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Bess subsequently resigned.
As a result of Bess’ federal felony conviction, he can no longer work in law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, Sandusky Resident Agency, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Freeman and Tracey Tangeman.
Arizona Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills into OhioRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Solomon Odubajo, 37, of Tempe, Arizona, was sentenced to 248 months of imprisonment on August 3, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster. A jury previously convicted Odubajo at trial of all six counts in his indictment: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
According to evidence introduced at trial, on April 5, 2022, Odubajo mailed a parcel from Phoenix, Arizona to an address in Garfield Heights, Ohio. On April 6, 2022, U.S. Postal Inspectors in Cleveland intercepted the parcel and obtained a search warrant for it. After opening the parcel, the Postal Inspectors found that it contained approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills, stamped to look like blue 30mg oxycodone pills. The pills were hidden inside of a vacuum cleaner in the parcel. The Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CCRFSL) later found latent prints on the interior of the parcel. A latent print examiner at the CCRFSL determined that those matched Odubajo’s prints.
On April 14, 2022, after conducting further investigation, Postal Inspectors made the parcel available for pickup at a Post Office in Cleveland as part of an undercover operation. Solomon Odubajo and a codefendant arrived at the post office and picked up the parcel from an undercover postal inspector. Odubajo then drove the parcel back to a residence in Avon, where he was arrested. When law enforcement searched Odubajo’s vehicle, they found a hidden compartment containing a loaded handgun and approximately $17,500 in cash. A forensic scientist at the CCRFSL later analyzed the handgun and found DNA on it that matched Odubajo’s DNA. Odubajo was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking.
Law enforcement also searched the Avon residence where Odubajo was arrested. Inside of that residence, law enforcement found Odubajo’s luggage, as well as another half-kilogram of blue “M30” fentanyl pills.
A drug chemist from the CCRFSL testified at trial that each counterfeit fentanyl pill had a net weight of approximately 0.10 grams. This indicated that there were approximately 10,000 pills in the parcel, and an additional 5,000 pills in the Avon residence.
Evidence at trial also showed that Odubajo was arrested at the Atlanta, Georgia airport in February 2022 carrying approximately $35,000 in cash. Atlanta Police seized Odubajo’s cell phone during that arrest, and found messages on the phone that discussed trafficking blue fentanyl pills.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the DEA, the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Sciences Laboratory, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the ATF, and the Atlanta, Georgia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Lewis, Alejandro Abreu, and Henry DeBaggis.
Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Distributing Fentanyl and Cocaine that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Willie A. Pratt, 34, of Cleveland, Ohio, was found guilty of one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death, one count of conspiring to possess fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. The trial lasted four days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams.
According to court documents and trial testimony, on October 30, 2021, Pratt sold cocaine and fentanyl to the victim who died as a result of the use of those substances. Further, on November 1, 2021, Defendant engaged in conspiracy or agreement with another person to distribute controlled substances, specifically, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Defendant then aided and abetted the possession of such substances with the intent to distribute them. Finally, on November 1, 2021, upon his arrest, Defendant himself possessed cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2023. Pratt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Rocky River Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Yasmine Makridis.
Akron Man Sentenced to over 13 Years for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Reginald Allen, 37, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to 157 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Bridget M. Brennan, after he pled guilty to a nine-count indictment including charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Allen also pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Brennan ordered Allen to serve 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment.
According to court documents and court records, on March 16, 2022, Portage County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped Allen for traffic violations. Allen possessed 34 grams of Fentanyl and a loaded firearm in the center console of his car. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Allen’s apartment in Akron, Ohio following the traffic stop. Allen possessed 41 grams of Fentanyl, 23 grams of P-Fluorofentanyl (a Fentanyl analog), 32 grams of Methamphetamine, 7 grams of cocaine, drug scales, a drug press, and another loaded firearm in his apartment. Allen had prior felony drug trafficking and firearm convictions in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms, and Explosives, the Portage County Sheriff’s Department, and the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Damoun Delaviz.
Akron Man Sentenced to over 11 Years for Robbing Two BanksRead the Press Release
AKRON – Jacob Onusic, 28, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to over 11 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan, after he pleaded guilty to robbing a bank in Cuyahoga Falls and one in Canal Fulton as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Onusic was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, pay a $300 special assessment, and pay $142,700 in restitution.
According to court documents and court records, on July 14, 2022, ONUSIC entered the Peoples Bank located on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio dressed in all black with a cap covering his hair and a blue medical mask. ONUSIC asked to open an account. When ONUSIC was taken to meet with a teller to open the account, he told the teller to place her hands on the desk and if she moved her hands he would “blow her head off”. ONUSIC then ordered other tellers to lock the front door, open the vault and place the money in a trash bag which ONUSIC provided. All the tellers complied. ONUSIC told one of the tellers to empty her personal bag so ONUSIC could place the stolen $142,700.00 in U.S. Currency inside it. ONUSIC then ordered the tellers to lay on the ground until he was gone.
On August 26, 2022, ONUSIC entered the Apple Creek bank in Canal Fulton, Ohio wearing a wig and multiple masks. ONUSIC requested to open an account. When he did not have the correct paperwork, ONUSIC asked about getting a safe deposit box. As bank employees were taking him to the safe deposit box area, ONUSIC demanded they open the vault, which a teller opened. Once the vault was opened, ONUSIC demanded the money in the vault and then ordered all the bank employees inside the vault. ONUSIC left the bank with $57,234.00 in U.S. Currency and drove away.
When law enforcement attempted to stop ONUSIC’s vehicle, he attempted to flee from law enforcement and eventually crashed his vehicle in Akron, Ohio. ONUSIC then fled on foot. ONUSIC hid in a shed in the back yard of a residence. ONUSIC assaulted an Akron Police Officer and an Akron Police Canine Officer as law enforcement attempted to take him into custody. Inside ONUSIC’s vehicle, law enforcement recovered the $57,234.00 in U.S. Currency, the wig ONUSIC was wearing during the robbery, a loaded firearm and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Akron and Canton Resident Agency’s, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department and the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
Owner of Cleveland Construction Company Sentenced for Employment Tax FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Timothy Ray Jenkins, 67, of Woodmere, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker. Jenkins pleaded guilty to counts one through 11 of an indictment that charged him with failure to account for and pay over taxes. Jenkins was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release, and to pay both a $1,100 special assessment and $1,174,677.06 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents, Jenkins was the manager and owner of Dan-Ray Construction LLC (DRC), an LLC doing business in and around Cleveland, Ohio that was engaged in the business of construction services, often working as a subcontractor. Jenkins exercised control over DRC’s financial affairs by controlling DRC’s finances, including signing checks and controlling DRC’s bank accounts and overseeing payroll payments. Jenkins was responsible for collecting employment taxes, accounting for employment taxes by filing employment tax returns with the IRS and paying over to the IRS the employment taxes for DRC’s employees. Jenkins had another company prepare payroll and employment tax returns for DRC. Jenkins instructed the company to turn over the employment tax returns and other reports and tax filings that the company had prepared to Jenkins. Jenkins represented that he would file the employment tax returns and other tax filings, but he failed to do so. Jenkins withheld employment taxes from his employees’ paychecks but failed to pay over the employment taxes to the IRS.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.
Former Employee of Eye for Change Youth and Family Services Found Guilty of Fraudulent Medicaid Billing PracticesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Eric King, 35, a former employee of Eye For Change Youth and Family Services, Inc., a non-profit corporation in Cleveland, was found guilty of 13 counts of health care fraud, one count of false statement relating to health care matters, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. The jury acquitted King of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, eight counts of health care fraud, one count of false statement relating to health care matters, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The trial lasted eight days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan.
According to court documents and trial testimony, from June 2018 through May 2021, King defrauded Medicaid by causing Medicaid to be billed for services not actually performed or for services that were not actually performed for the amount of time the billing codes reflected; for falsifying progress notes into Medicaid beneficiary electronic records; for creating false progress notes; and for using the identities of clients without authorization to bill Medicaid. As a result of King’s conduct, Medicaid paid over $483,000 for fraudulent billings. King is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2023.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and Brian M. McDonough, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler.
Lorain Man Sentenced to 15 years for Selling and Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
AKRON – Gregory Ralston, 33, of Lorain, Ohio, was sentenced on Friday, July 28, 2023, to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams, after a jury convicted him of distributing fentanyl and possessing additional fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. Ralston was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and pay a $200 special assessment.
According to court documents and court records, Ralston sold fentanyl on May 13, 2020. The next day, detectives from the Lorain and Elyria Police Departments, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, arrested Ralston outside a restaurant in Lorain, Ohio. Ralston possessed additional fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
The investigation was conducted by Lorain Police Department and the FBI as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a joint law enforcement initiative that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers in Lorain County. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Payum Doroodian.
United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Ohio to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern Ohio will join with the City of Cleveland, community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out at Steelyard Commons on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, U.S. Attorney Personnel will attend this community event at Steelyard Commons, 3447 Steelyard Drive, Cleveland, Ohio.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023 the United States Attorney’s Office Personnel will also participate along with the City of Toledo, community partners, area law enforcement and neighbors in recognition of Night Out Against Crime at the Frederick Douglass Center, 1001 Indiana Ave., Toledo, Ohio.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Youngstown Man Sentenced to 10 years for Robbing Two BanksRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN – James P. Verdream, 57, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson, after he pleaded guilty to robbing two Youngstown area banks. Verdream was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, pay a $200 special assessment, and pay $1,734 in restitution. Verdream was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,991 for an uncharged robbery that occurred in Pennsylvania.
According to court documents and court records, on May 2, 2022, Verdream entered a PNC Bank, on Mahoning Avenue, in Youngstown, Ohio. He handed the teller a note, which said “this is a robbery, do not pull the alarm/buzzer” and indicated that he had a gun. The teller gave him $734.00, and Verdream left. On May 9, 2022, Verdream entered Chase Bank, on W. Liberty Street, in Girard Ohio. He handed the teller a note that said “I have a gun and a bomb, $10,000.” The teller indicated that he could only disperse $1,000 and Verdream accepted that amount of money and left. Verdream was later identified by law enforcement via surveillance footage from the banks. Verdream had two prior federal convictions for bank robbery in New Mexico.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Youngstown, the United States Marshal Service, Austintown Police Department, the Boardman Police Department, and the Girard Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Katz and Yasmine Makridis.
Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
AKRON – Reggie Jordan was found guilty of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition today by a jury after a 3 day trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams. The jury also agreed to forfeit Mr. Jordan’s interest in six firearms that were seized from his residence.
According to court documents and testimony, Sergeant Marlon Wills, a Cleveland Police Detective assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force was monitoring social media pages of several suspected local gangs when he observed the Defendant post a video from a local shooting range where he was showing off five firearms. Video surveillance from the range showed Jordan firing the weapons. A search warrant of his residence was conducted and six total firearms were discovered which included an AK-47, a Draco, a stolen firearm, and several large capacity magazines. Jordan has prior convictions for Aggravated Robbery, Drug Trafficking, and Drug Possession from Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Dangelo and Pete Daly.
Oglesby Construction, Inc. Agrees to Pay $942,146.40 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Highway Paint StripingRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that Oglesby Construction, Inc., headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, has agreed to pay the United States $942,146.40 to resolve allegations that it falsified material usage records while performing on federally subsidized contracts to apply paint striping to Ohio roadways between 2012 and 2018.
The allegations arise under the False Claims Act from a whistleblower complaint unsealed on July 19, 2023, and in which the United States intervened on July 14, 2023. The claims asserted against Oglesby are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
“The Justice Department is committed to eradicating fraud in all its forms to protect taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Lutzko. “We cannot tolerate conduct that bilks the government of funds to support vital government programs.”
The Complaint alleges that Oglesby saved money on highway-striping contracts by failing to use sufficient marking material, including paint, to meet state or contractual minimum standards. Oglesby allegedly use different methods to hide its conduct.
One alleged method involved the manipulation of daily reports, which are required by the State of Ohio to monitor compliance with material usage standards. Contractors like Oglesby must assemble their reports using a tracking software application that obtains usage data from electronic devices on highway marking trucks. Oglesby allegedly embedded a hidden formula in a spreadsheet used by the tracking software, thereby altering data to conceal underapplication of material.
In another alleged scheme, Oglesby engineered a return pipe and pump system that redirected paint disbursed from a truck’s paint gun back to its load of unused paint. According to the Complaint, this would trick the truck’s monitoring device into recording application of paint when, in fact, the return pipe and pump system would intercept and recirculate it.
“This settlement with Oglesby ends a successful, years-long criminal and civil investigation into the company’s practices and sends a powerful message to those who wish to do the same,” said U.S. Attorney Lutzko. “We need to have trust that companies or individuals that receive compensation under federally subsidized contracts do the work required.”
On October 7, 2022, Gerald E. Reichert and his brother, Adam Reichert, two former part-owners of Oglesby, pleaded guilty for their involvement in falsifying paint-striping reports. The court sentenced each to a term of imprisonment and ordered them to pay a combined $579,014.00 in restitution, along with fines. The amount obtained in the civil settlement is in addition to criminal restitution and fines.
Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – William Sims, 45, of Cleveland, Ohio, was found guilty on Monday of all seven drug trafficking and firearms charges against him after a five-day trial by jury before U.S. District Court Judge Dan Aaron Polster. The charges included possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and testimony, on November 26, 2021, after completing controlled purchases of crack cocaine from William Sims during the prior week, Cleveland Police detectives executed a search warrant on Sims’ home. During the search, detectives found Sims in possession of approximately 154.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 124.51 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 78.59 grams of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl, as well as numerous mixtures containing other narcotics like cocaine and heroin. The majority of the drugs were found in Sims’ bedroom, in close proximity with two loaded firearms and ammunition found under Sims’ bed.
Sims is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2023. Sims faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Police Department, and First District Detective Ryan McNamara and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Alejandro Abreu.
Seven More Individuals Charged in Connection with Illegal Gambling Businesses in OhioRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio, returned five indictments, unsealed today, charging a total of ten individuals, three of whom were previously charged, with illegal gambling, tax and/or other related offenses.
According to the indictments, nine defendants owned or operated illegal gambling businesses (“IGBs”) in Canton, Ohio, including Skilled Shamrock, Redemption, Plaza 777, Gametastic, Gametastik, Belden Connection 777, Café 62, Got Skillz, and Skillz 777.
Stephanie Condric
One indictment charges that Stephanie Condric of Canton, Ohio, allegedly co-owned and operated Gametastic. Condric and others allegedly concealed their ownership of Gametastic by putting the business in the name of a nominee and reported some of its payroll under the name of a nominee business. According to the indictment, Condric and her co-conspirators failed to report all of Gametastic’s payroll on employment tax returns filed with the IRS. Condric also allegedly failed to report her share of Gametastic’s profits on her individual income tax returns for 2016 and 2017.
Christos Karasarides, Christopher Karasarides, Ronald DiPietro, Thomas Helmick
In May 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Ronald DiPietro (a Certified Public Accountant), Thomas Helmick, and Jason and Rebecca Kachner with tax and gambling offenses. In 2022, a second superseding indictment charged DiPietro with tax evasion and added Christos Karasarides who worked with DiPietro to provide false information to the IRS. Jason and Rebecca Kachner, who are married, pleaded guilty in July 2022.
A third superseding indictment now adds Christopher Karasarides. Christopher Karasarides and his father, Christos Karasarides, both of Canton, Ohio are charged with, among other violations, conspiring to defraud the United States. The indictment alleges that Christos Karasarides fraudulently attempted to compromise and settle his more than $3.1 million tax debt with the IRS by (1) submitting false information to the IRS about his interest in and income from IGBs, (2) filing false income tax returns, and (3) hiding his income and assets, including his ownership and income from Skilled Shamrock, Redemption, and Plaza 777. Christos Karasarides allegedly spent millions in cash between 2013 and 2019 for cars, golf and other expenses at a country club, credit card charges, and purported loans for businesses with which he was associated The indictment alleges that Christopher helped conceal his father’s assets from the IRS by serving as a nominee owner of some of his father’s businesses In addition, Christopher allegedly filed false individual tax returns for 2017 through 2020 reporting that he was the shareholder in a particular business when, in fact, Christos Karasarides was the true shareholder.
Melissa Bragg
Melissa Bragg of Canton, Ohio, is charged in a separate indictment with conducting Belden Connection 777, an illegal gambling business, from approximately 2013 to July 11, 2018.
Michael Moneypenny
Michael Moneypenny of Norton, Ohio, is charged in a separate indictment with four counts of conducting illegal gambling businesses, arising from his involvement in Skilled Shamrock, Redemption, Gametastic, and Gametastik. Moneypenny allegedly operated a business repairing and selling slot machines, and also leased slot machines to gambling businesses in Ohio and Florida.
Isaiah Worlow, Steven Fluharty, and Tiffany Kerekes
Isaiah Worlow, Steven Fluharty, and Tiffany Kerekes are charged in a fifth indictment with conducting illegal gambling businesses related to Got Skillz, Skillz 777, and Café 62.
Stephanie Condric made her initial court appearance today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Amanda M. Knapp of the Northern District of Ohio. If convicted, Condric faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to impede and impair the functions of the IRS, five years for conspiring to own and operate an illegal gambling business, five years for conducting an illegal gambling business, and three years for subscribing a false return.
Christopher Karasarides made his initial court appearance today before U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent of the Northern District of Ohio. If convicted, Christopher Karasarides faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and three years in prison for each false tax return count.
Melissa Bragg made her initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams of the Northern District of Ohio. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for owning and operating an illegal gambling business.
Michael Moneypenny made his initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Amanda M. Knapp of the Northern District of Ohio. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of owning and operating an illegal gambling business.
Christos Karasarides, Tiffany Kerekes, Isaiah Worlow, and Steven Fluharty will make their initial appearances at a later date.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the
announcement.IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Stark County, Ohio, Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission – Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sam Bean and Richard M. Rolwing of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell of the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Warren Man Indicted by a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - A Warren, Ohio man with an extensive criminal history that includes Possession of Cocaine and Trafficking in Cocaine has been indicted by a federal grand jury. On July 11, 2023 the grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Stanley E. Redd, Jr., 44, with Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Using and Maintaining a Drug Premises; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Sponsoring or Exhibiting Animals in Animal Fighting Venture; and Buying, Selling, Delivering, Possessing, Training, or Transporting Animals for Participation in Animal Fighting Venture.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 18, 2021, Redd possessed an Amadeo Rossi .38 caliber revolver, and a RG Industries, Model RG40, .38 caliber revolver, and ammunition. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunitions due to his convictions in 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2014 for Possession of Cocaine and in 2008 for Trafficking in Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine.
The indictment also alleges on or about May 18, 2021, Redd possessed with the intent to distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine; and possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The indictment further alleges that from on or about May 5, 2021, through on or about May 18, 2021, Redd knowingly used and maintained a premises located in Warren, Ohio for the purpose of distributing controlled substances.
Finally, the indictment charges Redd with sponsoring and exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture and buying, selling, possessing, training, or transporting animals for
participation in an animal fighting venture beginning in or around December 2020 and ending on or about May 18, 2021.If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted the FBI, USDA, and Warren City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. McLaughlin and Senior Litigation Counsel Michelle M. Baeppler. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio Financial Planner Pleads Guilty to Promoting Illegal Charitable Contribution Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
A financial planner from the Cleveland-area pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rao Garuda, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Concepts Agency, Inc. (“ACA”), engaged in a scheme -- known as the Advanced Legacy Plan or the Ultimate Tax Plan -- to assist high-income individuals in unlawfully reducing their taxes using a plan organized, marketed and sold by a coconspirator, Individual A. ACA’s former Chief Operating Officer previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States on Sept. 26, 2022.
To accomplish the scheme, Garuda, Individual A, and other coconspirators instructed clients to (a) transfer assets to an LLC in exchange for 100% ownership interest in the LLC, (b) assign the 100% ownership interest to a charity controlled by co-conspirators, and (c) claim a charitable contribution tax deduction for the purported donation. Garuda and others marketed the scheme as a way for clients to receive the tax deduction without relinquishing control over the LLC or its assets. After executing the scheme, clients could access the assets inside the LLCs through tax-free loans. Garuda marketed the scheme despite being warned by several attorneys over the years that the scheme was illegal, such as one attorney describing the scheme as “clearly fraudulent.”
Garuda, Individual A, and others also assisted clients in claiming charitable contribution tax deductions after the close of the tax year by backdating documents to make it look as if clients executed the scheme in a prior year. To do so, Garuda and others directed clients to use preexisting LLCs (sometimes referred to as “Shelf LLCs”) that Individual A had created and formed at the end of the prior year and backdate documents to make it appear as if the clients owned and assigned ownership interests in the Shelf LLCs in the prior year.
For his role in the scheme, Garuda caused or intended to cause a tax loss of more than $2.7 million, which he agreed to pay back as restitution to the United States.
After the Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against Individual A in 2018 to stop Individual A from organizing, marketing, and selling the scheme, Garuda, Individual A, and other coconspirators sought to obstruct the case by providing clients with false, backdated documents to turn over to the government in response to civil subpoenas.
Garuda is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and three years in prison for the false return count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Michael Boteler and Trial Attorneys Casey S. Smith and Andrew Ascencio of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Morrison of the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Bowling Green State University Student Charged with FACE Act ViolationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson, and Bowling Green Police Chief Tony Hetrick announced today that a federal misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, was filed by information against Whitney M. Durant, a.k.a. Soren Monroe, age 20.
The FACE Act (18 U.S.C. § 248(a)(3)), prohibits a person from intentionally damaging or destroying the property of a facility because that facility provides reproductive health services. According to the information, on April 15, 2023, Durant intentionally damaged the property of HerChoice, a pregnancy care center located in Bowling Green, Ohio, by defacing the clinic’s building with spray paint because the clinic provides reproductive health services. Durant is a Bowling Green State University Student.
An information is only an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum of one year incarceration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelita Cruz Bridges and Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson, who is also a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, following a joint investigation by the Bowling Green Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Willoughby Hills Couple Indicted for Insurance-Fraud ArsonRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned a three-count indictment charging a Willoughby Hills couple with conspiring to set fire to rental properties in order to collect insurance money.
Lonnie White, 46, and Lisa Ogletree, 46, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, face one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to use fire in commission of a felony.
The indictment charges that from April 2013 through March 2019, White and Ogletree devised a scheme to defraud several insurance companies by setting houses on fire and falsely collecting insurance proceeds. White and Ogletree agreed to purchase ownership rights in houses, recruit additional people to act as nominal owners and renters, and obtain insurance on the houses. White and Ogletree then arranged for the houses to be set on fire while staging the fires to appear accidental. White and Ogletree recruited nominal owners to submit fraudulent loss claims to the house insurers for the fire damage and after payment would distribute the funds to White and Ogletree. White and Ogletree agreed with others to transfer proceeds obtained from the insurance payouts to different accounts. White and Ogletree agreed to use fire to defraud insurance
companies.An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cleveland Fire Investigation Unit; the Cuyahoga County Fusion Center; the Ohio State Fire Marshal; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General for their cooperation with this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Adam J. Joines.
ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. Anyone having information about an incidence of arson should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283- 8477). Individuals may also email [email protected], or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
AKRON – Darrin Harsley, 33, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 262 months of imprisonment on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after he pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, in August 2022, Ashtabula Police learned that a drug dealer from Cleveland nicknamed “D” was selling methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Ashtabula area. Based on a review of CashApp and phone information, Ashtabula Police were able to identify “D” as Darrin Harsley, who had prior felony convictions for felonious assault and drug trafficking. Then between August 30 and September 15, 2022 Ashtabula Police used a confidential source to make three purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Harsley. During each of those three drug sales, Harsley traveled from Cleveland to Ashtabula, where he met the source at a park and sold them methamphetamine and fentanyl. Ashtabula Police arrested Harsley following the third drug sale and found the cash from the sale in the center console of his vehicle. According to court records, Harsley had been released from prison in 2021 after serving approximately a decade for two felonious assault convictions, each of which involved a firearm.
At Harsley’s sentencing hearing, the court determined that he qualified as a career offender based on his two prior felonious assault convictions, and was therefore subject to an increased sentencing guidelines range.
The investigation was conducted by the Ashtabula Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James P. Lewis.
Ravenna CPA Sentenced for Embezzling More Than $1 Million from Employer and Submitting False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Michael Harman, 46, of Ravenna, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to 43 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. after Harman pleaded guilty to a six-count information that charged him with wire fraud, making and subscribing false tax returns, and money laundering. Harman was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,081,875.10 to the victim, Geis Company, and $227,638 to the IRS.
According to court documents, Harman was a Certified Public Accountant and was employed as a controller with his employer. As a controller, some of Harman’s responsibilities included processing payroll adjustments. From 2016 to August 2020, Harman devised a scheme to embezzle more than $1 million from his employer and used the funds for personal use, including child support payments in the State of New York and moving expenses. Harman executed the scheme by using a series of unauthorized wire transfers, fictitious checks, and fraudulent charges on his employer’s credit cards.
In addition, Harman failed to report income earned from the scheme on his tax returns for the tax years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland FBI, Akron Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Aaron P. Howell.
31 Individuals Involved in a Drug Trafficking Organization in Marion County and Lorain County IndictedRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND, OH – Federal, county, and local law enforcement officials today announced that 31 individuals were charged in two separate indictments for their roles in drug trafficking conspiracies that involved the distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the Northern District of Ohio, including in Marion, Wyandot, and Lorain Counties. Twenty-one were arrested during an early morning operation and transported to federal court in Cleveland.
This announcement is made by United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen, and the MARMET Drug Task Force in Marion, Ohio. “Yesterday’s arrests and announced indictments will give the community of Marion, Ohio, some
relief from the opioid epidemic that has been a persistent scourge in our District,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “These arrests reflect law enforcement targeting organizations that sell deadly drugs in our communities to hold those organizations accountable for the lives they regularly destroy. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue its targeted and collaborative efforts with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that bring poison and violence into our neighborhoods.”“FBI Cleveland and the Mansfield Resident Agency, together with its seven resident agencies across northern Ohio, is focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting drug trafficking organizations and eliminating their operations,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “The coordination of these arrests was highly complex and underscores the collaborative effort of the FBI, together with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement. We thank and appreciate their work as they continue to find criminal actors who seek to ruin lives and poison our communities through their expansive drug network.”
The fourteen and eighteen individuals listed below, respectively, were charged in two separate multi-count indictments with the following charges: conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense:
Christopher Payne, 24, Marion, OH; Michael Worthington, G., 28, Marion, OH; Dave Davis, 43, Marion, OH; Matthew Taylor, 28, Marion, OH; Tyler Landrum, 26, Marion, OH; Dalton Gruber, 42, Marion, OH; Donovan Caskey, 28, Marion, OH; Crystal Rivers, 42, Green Camp, OH; Gerald Houseworth, 31, Marion, OH; Sheena Stolz, 34, Upper Sandusky, OH; Anthony Clark, 53, Marion, OH; Christina Weaver, 25, Marion, OH; Steven Mollet, 27, Marion, OH; Starla Artressia, 26, Marion, OH;
and separately,
Justin Stanley, 35, Marion, OH; Freddie Sanchez, 36, Lorain, OH; Christopher Payne, 24, Marion, OH; Dustin Russell, 32, Marion, OH; Walter Thomas, 41, Marion, OH; Austin Hogan, 29, Marion, OH; Kyle Rentschler, 26, Prospect, OH; Donna Wrick, 31, Marion, OH; Lawrence Dempster, 49, Marion, OH; Ryan Pheasant, 30, Marion, OH; Michael Cottrill, Jr., 22, Marion, OH; Casey Taylor, 47, Marion, OH; Derek Hesson, 29, Marion, OH; Jacob Martin, 28, Marion, OH; James Holsinger, Jr., 29, Marion, OH; Jason Smith, 47, Marion, OH; Jeffery Hall, 31, Marion, OH; and Dustin Freeman, 36, Marion, OH.
According to the indictments, between as early as on or about September 1, 2020, and continuing through on or about June 14, 2023, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
The co-conspirators obtained fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine-base (“crack”), oxycodone, and methamphetamine from suppliers in Columbus, Ohio; Lorain, Ohio; and Marion, Ohio. The coconspirators concentrated their redistribution of these drugs in and around Marion, Ohio. During the investigation, law enforcement seized 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, 15 firearms, and $25,546 in U.S. Currency.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
For the past two and a half years, Marion-Metrich (MARMET) Drug Task Force and FBI Mansfield investigated the drug trafficking activities of the Justin Stanley DTO and the Christopher Payne DTO. Investigators and law enforcement officers of the Marion Police
Department, Marion County Sheriff Office, Morrow County Sheriff Office, Lorain Police Narcotics Unit, Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Marshal Service assisted in the investigation.This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile C. Katsaros.
Youngstown Area Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Participating in Scheme to Steal More Than $1.3 Million from the IRSRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN – Robert J. Rohrbaugh, 49, of Canfield, Ohio, was sentenced today to 52 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Bonita Pearson for engaging in a conspiracy to help two men illegally obtain more than $1.3 million from the IRS. Rohrbaugh was also ordered to serve 3 years of community control, pay a $400 special assessment, and pay restitution in the amount of $1,352,779 to the IRS.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that if you steal from the public by cheating the IRS, you will be investigated and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, “the United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to ensuring the integrity of our revenue stream funded by good, honest, tax paying citizens.”
“The defendants in this case went to great lengths to steal in excess of $1.3 million from the government,” said Carilyn Peters, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, IRS, Criminal Investigation. “The sentencings in this case reaffirm that if you participate in these types of tax refund fraud schemes, you will likely go to jail.”
Rohrbaugh was convicted of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, aiding and abetting theft of government property, aiding and abetting false claims against the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rohrbaugh, a Youngstown-area attorney, assisted co-conspirators Brandon Mace and Terris Chanley Baker with obtaining a tax refund check for a fictitious business in the amount of $1,352,779.
Court documents state that in early 2015, Mace and Baker obtained a bogus tax refund check for a fictitious business by using fabricated tax forms and listing false taxes and expenditures that showed significant tax overpayments. After obtaining the refund check, Mace and Baker then contacted and worked with Rohrbaugh to deposit the check in accounts owned by the defendants.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Rohrbaugh assisted Mace and Baker with the scheme even though he was aware that the two had obtained the refund from an illegitimate business based on false tax returns.
According to court documents, after cashing the refund check, Mace and Baker attempted to launder the money by purchasing several high-end and luxury vehicles. In addition, evidence showed that Mace and Baker used $150,000 of the refund check to pay Rohrbaugh for his services.
Co-defendant Brandon Mace pleaded guilty in September 2020 to his role in the scheme and was sentenced to 60 months in prison in February 2023. Co-defendant Terris Chanley Baker was convicted by a jury for his role in April 2022 and was sentenced to 98 months in prison in April 2023.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan R. Miller and Erica D. Barnhill.
Jury Convicts Former Toledo City Councilman of ExtortionRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Former Toledo City Councilman Garrick “Gary” Johnson, 61, was found guilty of Hobbs Act Extortion Under Color of Official Right by a jury after a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick. The jury acquitted Mr. Johnson of a similar count related to a different special use permit in the same Superseding Indictment.
According to court documents and testimony, a friend of a FBI source applied for a special use permit to open an internet café on Secor Road in Toledo, Ohio. The source then paid former Councilman Johnson $2,000 in return for his support of the special use permit. The special use permit ultimately failed to garner the required votes in City Council. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to make the prosecution of public corruption a priority,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “Public officials who betray the trust of those they serve will be aggressively pursued and held accountable.”
“Investigating matters of Public Corruption is one of the highest priorities of the FBI,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Upholding public trust, especially as an elected official, is paramount. The FBI will continue to protect the American Public by ensuring the people who are elected to serve are virtuous in their conduct.”
No sentencing date has been set.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jody King and Gene Crawford.
Former Executive Director Sentenced to Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Alfonzo Bailey, 40, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Bailey was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and restitution of $3,465,643.33.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Bailey founded Eye for Change Youth and Family Services in 2016 and provided a wide range of services to clients such as mental health counseling, case management, job training, and supportive housing. Beginning in 2017, Bailey and his defendants conspired together to execute a scheme to defraud The Ohio Department of Medicaid by obtaining payments on false claims. To execute the scheme, Bailey encouraged his staff to create false progress notes for counseling services not actually rendered to patients in order to bill the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Search warrants were executed at Eye for Change Youth and Family Services in 2020 which led to the indictments of 21 defendants including Bailey.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cleveland, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Collyer and Edward Brydle as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Metzler.
Former Registered Broker Sentenced to Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Thomas H. Hissong, 58, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced Friday to 12 months and a day in prison by U.S. District Solomon Oliver, Jr. after Hissong pleaded guilty to a five count indictment that charged him with wire fraud. Hissong was also ordered to pay $552,850 in restitution to the victim investors and a fine of $2,000.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Hissong was a former registered broker. From in or around May 2016 to in or around May 2018, Hissong pitched an investment opportunity to investors to buy shares in Plasma Ignitor, a new spark plug technology, but failed to disclose that he would receive a commission on the sales of the shares. Hissong wrongfully withheld $552,850 of the investors’ monies.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.
Rebecca C. Lutzko Sworn in as interim United States Attorney for the Northern District of OhioRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Rebecca C. Lutzko was sworn in today as the interim United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio by United States District Judge Patricia Anne Gaughan at the federal courthouse in Cleveland.
“As a career federal prosecutor, I am honored to be selected to lead our dedicated team as we continue working toward making the Northern District a safer and better place to live, and carrying out the mission of the Department of Justice,” said interim United States Attorney Lutzko. “I want to thank President Biden for my nomination, Senators Brown and Vance for their support, and the District Judges of our court for their vote of confidence in me as the confirmation process proceeds through the Senate.”
Lutzko was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on June 7, 2023, and was installed by the United States District Judges in the Northern District of Ohio pending her Senate confirmation. As the interim United States Attorney, Lutzko will supervise the prosecution of federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to public corruption, civil rights violations, white collar crime, child exploitation, terrorism, firearms offenses, narcotics offenses, and more. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States. The office covers Ohio’s northern 40 counties, which includes Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown, and has a staff of approximately 166 employees.
Lutzko has served the district as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2005. In this capacity, she has held several leadership and line assistant positions in the office, serving as Chief of the Appeals Unit since 2017 and previously serving as Deputy Chief of the Major Fraud and Corruption Unit from 2010 to 2011.
Before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Lutzko was an associate at BakerHostetler in Cleveland from 1998 to 2005. She also served as a law clerk for Judge Alice M. Batchelder of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1997 to 1998.
Lutzko received her J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1997 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston University in 1993.
Cleveland Man Sentenced on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Deven Smith, 44, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, to 211 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2021, Cleveland Police Safe Streets Task Force initiated a traffic stop of a 2008 Audi Q7 that was parked and running in the area of East 79th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland. When officers approached the driver, Deven Smith, they observed a bag of suspected controlled substance on the front passenger seat, several clear plastic bags on Smith’s lap, and a digital scale in the center console. Smith admitted to officers that he also had a firearm in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger, model P345 .45 caliber pistol between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers also located just over 10 grams of cocaine base, almost 30 grams of cocaine, methamphetamine and two cell phones. Smith is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions.
The investigation was conducted by the Cleveland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
Canton Defendant Sentenced on Racketeering and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
AKRON – Justin Bush, 35, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi after he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, and to distributing narcotics. Bush was also ordered to pay a $300 Special Assessment and serve 3 years of supervised release after release from imprisonment.
According to court documents, Bush was a member of the Shorb Blocc gang that was responsible for violent street crimes including shootings and robberies as well as drug distribution in Canton, Ohio for much of the last decade. Bush was a long-term member of the Shorb Blocc gang and took part in criminal activities supporting the gang such as shooting at rival gang members and selling narcotics, specifically fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the Canton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
Medical Examiner: 5 Suspected Overdose Deaths in One DayRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 5 suspected overdose deaths within a 12-hour-period on June 1, 2023.
Death Date Month Death Date Day Death Day Year Sex (AFAB/AMAB) Age Hispanic Race Residence City 06 01 2023 Male 38 No White Broadview Heights 06 01 2023 Female 32 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 63 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 52 No White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Female 70 No White Parma
“Drug overdose continues to be a problem in our community with periodic clusters of deaths like yesterday,” Dr. Gilson warned. “Individuals should avoid using illicit drugs or use a harm reduction plan in the event they are unable to stop using. Treatment can help with long-term sobriety.”
Consider developing a personal harm reduction plan if you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction. Harm reduction plans can include the following:
• Have Naloxone and fentanyl test strips ready. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips will work with most fentanyl analogues.
• Don’t use drugs alone. There is a much higher risk of fatally overdosing if another person is not monitoring.
• Sit upright. Sitting upright can reduce the risk of slumping forward in an overdose – potentially causing airway obstruction.
• Call 911 (Good Samaritan). The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911 to seek help.
• Seek Treatment. As with most chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. While treatment may vary upon an individual’s needs, recovery is possible.
For a list of community resources, please visit:
https://www.testyourdrugscc.com