Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Toledo Area Physician Charged with Fraudulently Billing More Than $8.4 Million to MedicareRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Ankita Singh, 39, formerly of Maumee, Ohio, with fraudulently billing Medicare $8.4 million.
According to the indictment, the defendant was a state-licensed physician practicing in Maumee and Toledo. From June 2018 through May 2021, it is alleged that the defendant participated in a scheme to bill Medicare approximately $8.4 million in durable medical equipment, prosthetics/orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) that were medically unnecessary.
As part of the scheme, it is alleged that telemarketers and call centers would contact or cold-call Medicare beneficiaries in an attempt to convince the beneficiaries to agree to receive DMEPOS, specifically braces, in the mail. The call center operators and telemarketers often told beneficiaries that the braces would be provided at no cost and that a doctor would be contacting them.
The indictment states that the call centers and telemarketers would then use general information about the beneficiary, including their name, Medicare number and purported diagnosis, to prepare DMEPOS order forms that certified that the equipment and supplies were medically necessary.
According to the indictment, the defendant received these order forms and signed them, even though the defendant had never spoken to, examined, assessed or otherwise established a doctor-patient relationship with the beneficiary. As a result, DMEPOS suppliers shipped the items listed on the order forms to the beneficiaries and submitted a corresponding claim to Medicare.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court 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.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and Cleveland FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody L. King.
Two Men Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Florida men were sentenced Friday for leading a nationwide scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for millions of dollars in loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio sentenced Phillip J. Augustin, 53, of Coral Springs, to 78 months in prison, and James Stote, 56, of Hollywood, to 120 months in prison. Stote and Augustin each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on Dec. 14, 2021.
According to court documents, Augustin and Stote obtained a fraudulent PPP loan for Augustin’s company, Clear Vision Music Group LLC, using falsified documents. After submitting that application, Stote and Augustin immediately began trying to illicitly obtain larger PPP loans for themselves and their associates. Stote and Augustin recruited additional PPP loan applicants and prepared and submitted fraudulent loan applications for them in exchange for a share of the loan proceeds. Augustin used his network of business contacts as a manager for professional football players to recruit loan applicants. The applications they submitted for these loans relied on fake payroll numbers, falsified IRS forms, and phony bank statements. Stote submitted or facilitated at least 79 fraudulent loan applications worth at least $35 million. Among those loans, Augustin was responsible for at least 34 fraudulent loan applications worth at least $15 million.
In addition to his prison sentence, Stote was ordered to serve three years of supervised released and pay more than $10.1 million in restitution and more than $1.1 million in forfeiture. Augustin was ordered to serve three years of supervised released and pay more than $5.9 million in restitution and more than $272,000 in forfeiture.
In total, 25 people have been charged for their participation in this scheme in the Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Florida, and Middle District of North Carolina.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio; Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Interim Special Agent in Charge Philip E Frigm Jr. of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson of the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Central Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FBI, and SBA-OIG are investigating the cases.
Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted this case.
Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Two Florida Men Sentenced to Ten and Six and a Half Years in Prison for Roles in Massive COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Florida men were sentenced today for leading a nationwide scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for millions of dollars in loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio sentenced James Stote, 56, of Hollywood, to ten years in prison, and Phillip J. Augustin, 53, of Coral Springs, to six and a half years in prison. Stote and Augustin each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on Dec. 14, 2021.
According to court documents, Augustin and Stote obtained a fraudulent PPP loan for Augustin’s company, Clear Vision Music Group LLC, using falsified documents. After submitting that application, Stote and Augustin immediately began trying to illicitly obtain larger PPP loans for themselves and their associates. Stote and Augustin recruited additional PPP loan applicants and prepared and submitted fraudulent loan applications for them in exchange for a share of the loan proceeds. Augustin used his network of business contacts as a manager for professional football players to recruit loan applicants. The applications they submitted for these loans relied on fake payroll numbers, falsified IRS forms, and phony bank statements. Stote submitted or facilitated at least 79 fraudulent loan applications worth at least $35 million. Among those loans, Augustin was also held responsible for at least 34 fraudulent loan applications worth at least $15 million.
The scheme included at least two loans to entities in Northeast Ohio that fraudulently obtained approximately $875,000.
In addition to their prison sentences, Stote was ordered to serve three years of supervised released and pay $10,149,752.69 in restitution and forfeit $1,137,715.13 in U.S. currency, four Rolex watches and other jewelry items valued at more than $31,000.
Augustin was ordered to serve three years of supervised released and pay $5,910,277.72 in restitution and forfeit $280,269.35 in U.S. currency.
In total, 25 people have been charged for their participation in this scheme in the Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Florida, and Middle District of North Carolina.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio; Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Interim Special Agent in Charge Philip E Frigm, Jr. of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson of the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Central Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FBI, and SBA-OIG are investigating the cases.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
Felon in Mansfield Found Guilty of Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, against Defendant Terry A. Melton Jr., 31, of Mansfield, Ohio, following a two-day trial before Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr in Cleveland.
Melton was convicted of possession of a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, on August 14, 2020, law enforcement investigators approached a vehicle and occupant suspected of having been involved in drug trafficking activity in the Mansfield area. Authorities detained the occupant as they believed the individual to have an active arrest warrant. Inside the vehicle, investigators observed a 9mm semiautomatic pistol on the driver-side floorboard. The firearm was loaded and bore an obliterated serial number.
Melton is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of distribution of cocaine and cocaine base, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, all in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Melton is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2022, and faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County METRICH Drug Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.
Correctional Officer Charged with Providing Contraband to InmatesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Milton Williams, 27, of Austintown, Ohio, with participating in a conspiracy that sold contraband to inmates at a Federal Correctional Institute in Elkton, Ohio (FCI-Elkton).
According to the indictment, from March 2020 to January 2021, the defendant worked as a Correctional Officer at FCI-Elkton. The indictment states that during this time, Williams and others participated in a conspiracy that smuggled tobacco and cell phones into the prison and sold them to inmates. The indictment alleges that inmates made payments through a mobile phone application.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court 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.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryson N. Gillard.
Mexican National Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization that Manufactured and Attempted to Distribute 63 Kilos of Meth in Northern OhioRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Aquileo Perez-Pineda, 52, a Mexican national previously residing in Georgia, was sentenced on Friday, April 29, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi to 188 months or more than 15 years in prison after Perez-Pineda pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to manufacture, possess and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in Northern Ohio.
According to court documents, from January 2018 through March 2018, Perez-Pineda was part of a drug trafficking organization that conspired to manufacture, possess and distribute approximately 63 kilograms – more than 138 pounds – of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Ohio.
During this time, law enforcement officials had begun an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that established a system to transport liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to the Northern District of Ohio to be manufactured and cooked into crystal methamphetamine and distributed, with the cash proceeds to be sent back to Mexico. Court documents show that co-conspirators hid the liquid methamphetamine in the gas tanks of tractor-trailers.
According to court records, Perez-Pineda, a trusted methamphetamine cook for the Mexican traffickers, came to Ohio from Georgia to coordinate the manufacturing of crystal methamphetamine, converting the liquid methamphetamine to crystal methamphetamine. The manufacturing took place at warehouses in Aurora and Hudson, Ohio, where he was assisted by Hector Manuel Ramos-Nevarez and Gilbert Treviso-Garcia, two other Mexican nationals who had previously come to Ohio.
In the early morning hours of March 24, 2018, law enforcement officials with the DEA executed a search warrant at the warehouse in Hudson as part of their investigation into the drug trafficking organization, seizing a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine.
Immediately after the search, the co-conspirators, unaware that law enforcement had taken the drugs, came to suspect Shauheen Sohrabi of stealing the drugs.
Co-conspirators Deon Johnson and Tyrone Rogers discussed with suppliers in Mexico what to do about the theft, including possible retribution on Sohrabi. Johnson had coordinated the connection between suppliers in Mexico and co-conspirators in Northeast Ohio, all while serving a sentence for a prior crime in state prison.
After the Mexican suppliers told Johnson that they could be killed in Mexico for losing such a large quantity of drugs, Johnson told Rogers, “The call is made; he’s through,” referring to Sohrabi. Rogers then told another individual, “it’s over for” Sohrabi, explaining that “they already put the green light on him, it’s a wrap. I can’t save him now.”
Investigators then intervened, arresting members of the drug trafficking organization who were searching for Sohrabi. Authorities then searched the Hudson warehouse, where they seized additional methamphetamine in its liquid form.
During the two searches, officials seized approximately 63 kilograms of methamphetamine.
At the time investigators intervened in March 2018, Perez-Pineda had not been identified and had left the area. However, less than two months later, according to public reports, Perez-Pineda was arrested in the middle of another large-scale methamphetamine-manufacturing process in Harnett County, North Carolina. In that incident, Harnett County investigators seized 120 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, or more than 450 kilograms, reported to have a street value of approximately $90 million.
Perez-Pineda is also serving a separate 70-month sentence as a result of that incident. Perez-Pineda’s 188-month sentence has been ordered to run consecutive to that sentence.
Additionally charged in this matter as co-conspirators are Johnson, Rogers, Sohrabi, Ramos-Nevarez, Treviso-Garcia, Michelle Dailey, and Joseph Terlizzi, who have all pled guilty and been sentenced for their roles in the drug trafficking organization. Johnson was sentenced to 170 months in prison in March of this year.
Mexico-based supplier Jesus Cota-Medina has also been charged, and his matter remains pending. Cota-Medina is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot D. Morrison and Kevin P. Pierce.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 22 and a Half Years in Prison for Production, Possession, Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that John David Lewis, 28, of Allen Park, Michigan, was sentenced on Friday, April 29, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick to twenty-two and a half years in prison after Lewis pleaded guilty to production, possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, in June of 2020, undercover federal agents engaged in an online conversation with a user, later identified as Lewis, involved in a social media group that shared videos and images of child pornography. Court records state that the undercover agent engaged in a conversation with Lewis and, during this time, determined that Lewis had produced and distributed child pornography involving a six-month-old infant.
Authorities were later able to locate and arrest Lewis at a Toledo-area residence after obtaining a search warrant. According to court documents, Lewis admitted to investigators that he had viewed, produced, and distributed child pornography.
Lewis was also prosecuted and convicted of rape in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas and is currently serving a 15 years to life state sentence.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Field Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Deyana F. Unis.
Strongsville Man Charged with Defrauding SNAP Program and Theft of Public MoneyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Sleiman Awada, 54, of Strongsville, Ohio, with stealing public funds and with participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program.
According to the indictment, the defendant worked with others at a convenience store on Warrensville Center Road in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. This convenience store was registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) to participate in the SNAP program and receive benefit payments. The indictment alleges that from May 2019 through September 2020, the defendant and others directed certain individuals to use their SNAP benefits to purchase items at other stores only to be resold in the Warrensville Heights convenience store at a profit.
In one example, it is alleged that the defendant met with an individual at the convenience store and provided that person with $150.000 in exchange for $389.37 worth of products that the defendant knew had been acquired outside of the convenience store and purchased with SNAP benefits.
The indictment also alleges that during this time, the defendant was fraudulently receiving benefits through Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP. Though the defendant worked at the convenience store, he failed to disclose that work when applying for benefits. The defendant also created fictitious paystubs indicating that the defendant’s wife worked for and received payment from the convenience store. It is alleged that the defendant knew this to be untrue and failed to disclose his own work at the store in order to receive government benefits to which he was not entitled, including SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security disability benefits.
In total, the defendant is accused of receiving more than $215,000 in Medicaid benefits, $100,000 in SNAP benefits, and more than $200,000 in disability insurance benefits.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court 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.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Segev Phillips.
Three Sentenced in Scheme to Obtain and Distribute More Than Three Gallons of PCP and Meth from U.S. MailRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that three individuals were sentenced for their roles in a scheme that sought to distribute approximately three gallons of phencyclidine (PCP) and methamphetamine obtained through the U.S. mail.
Erwin D. Owens, age 39, of Compton, California, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison, and Nathan Stewart, age 40, of North Olmsted, Ohio, was sentenced to six years in prison on April 25, 2022. Dawuan L. Williams, age 47, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison on January 3, 2022.
According to court documents, in May 2020, investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service identified three mail parcels suspected of containing drugs. After obtaining search warrants for the parcels, postal inspectors found that each parcel contained approximately one gallon of PCP concealed in acetone containers. Investigators identified Williams as the intended recipient of the three parcels in Ohio, and Owens as the person who mailed them from California.
Between February and March 2021, postal inspectors seized two more parcels that had been sent from California to addresses in Ohio. Each of those two parcels was found to contain approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine. Postal inspectors eventually identified Stewart as the intended recipient of those two drug parcels in Ohio and Owens as the person who sent them from California.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Lewis and Vasile C. Katsaros.
North Canton Radiology Business Owner Convicted at Trial of $2 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts today against Defendant Thomas G. O’Lear, 57, of North Canton, following a five-day trial before Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland. O’Lear was convicted of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid out of approximately $2 million by billing for x-ray related services that his company, Portable Radiology Services, did not provide, for making false statements to cover up the fraud and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, O’Lear was President of Portable Radiology Services (PRS), a company that provided portable x-ray-related services to individuals residing in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities.
Beginning in January 2013 through December 2017, O’Lear submitted false claims for reimbursement to Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for services that he and his business did not provide, including for approximately 151 x-ray services purportedly provided to patients on dates after the patients had died.
Evidence also proved that O’Lear billed Medicare and Medicaid for purportedly having provided x-ray-related services to beneficiaries at nursing facilities on dates when the beneficiaries were hospitalized and not at the facilities; billed falsely claiming that x-ray services were performed on various dates, requiring separate reimbursement for transportation on each date; and billed one x-ray image as multiple images thereby requiring a greater reimbursement.
The jury also found that when O’Lear was audited by a Medicaid MCO, he covered up the scheme and committed aggravated identity theft by creating false medical records and forging the signatures of others, including a doctor.
As a result of the scheme, court documents state that O’Lear fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid MCOs approximately $3.7 million in claims, and received approximately $2 million in payments.
O’Lear is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2022. Each of the health care fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. The false statements relating to a health care matter counts carries a 5-year maximum sentence, and the aggravated identity theft counts carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed by the Court on the other charges.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, the FBI and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan O’Shea and Elliot Morrison.
Elyria Man Convicted of Illegal Possession of Ammunition After Discharging Weapon During AltercationRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, against Defendant Jeffery Grandberry, 38, of Elyria, Ohio, following a two-day trial before Judge Sara Lioi in Akron. Grandberry was convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, on June 6, 2021, officers with the Elyria Police Department arrived at an Elyria-area bar after receiving reports of a disturbance concerning an individual who had fired a gun in the establishment’s parking lot. Witnesses told officers that an individual, later identified as Grandberry, became involved in an altercation, brandished a semiautomatic weapon and then fired one shot into the air while in the parking lot.
Officers reviewed video footage of the incident, searched the parking lot and located a single spent 9mm casing.
Grandberry is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of attempted murder and felonious assault, aggravated burglary, burglary and assault on a police officer, all in the Lorain County Common Pleas Court.
This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
Lorain Man Sentenced to Eleven and a Half Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Demarea L. Stafford, 40, of Lorain, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, April 21, 2022, by Judge John R. Adams to 138 months, or eleven and a half years, in prison. Stafford previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, distribution of crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, phenyl fentanyl, alprazolam, methamphetamine, oxymorphone, cocaine and heroin.
“This sentence should send a message to felons in Lorain County and everywhere in the Northern District of Ohio,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “If you possess a firearm or engage in drug trafficking or similar criminal activity, you will soon find yourself facing significant time in federal prison.”
“Criminal acts such as these endanger countless people with potential deadly consequences,” said Cleveland FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI is firmly committed to working with our police partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and individual offenders that plague our communities.
According to court documents, on October 15, 2020, Narcotics Detectives with the Lorain Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Stafford after receiving information concerning his involvement in suspected drug trafficking activity. Later, on December 12, 2020, while the investigation was ongoing, Lorain Police officers responded to an apartment building for reports of a domestic argument with multiple shots fired.
When police arrived, they encountered the suspected gunman, later identified as Stafford, who immediately fled from officers on foot. During the pursuit, police heard a single gunshot and subsequently located and arrested Stafford. After the arrest, police searched the area and located a firearm, a black bag and a digital scale. Inside the bag, officers found considerable quantities of drugs.
Officers further investigated the incident and, through witness accounts and dashcam footage, were able to determine that Stafford had been in possession of the firearm and the black bag containing the narcotics. Stafford is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of drug trafficking, improper discharge of a firearm, and felonious assault in the Lorain and Cuyahoga County Courts of Common Pleas.
This case was investigated by the Lorain Police Department and the FBI. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.)., which 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. Attorney Robert J. Kolansky.
Toledo Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl SubstanceRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Bryan Mays, 33, of Toledo, was sentenced on Thursday, April 14, 2022, by U.S. Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release after Mays pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl.
“Fentanyl continues to plague our communities and steal our beloved ones at an alarming rate,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Anyone who chooses to contribute to this epidemic by dealing deadly narcotics can expect to find themselves in prison.”
“Drug trafficking cases remain one of the highest priorities of the FBI,” said Cleveland FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Whether one individual or a network of criminals, this case reflects the common goal and valuable partnership the FBI holds with law enforcement agencies to mitigate the distribution of illegal drugs and make our communities safer.”
“This conviction and sentencing should serve notice to individuals who choose to sell this poison on Toledo’s streets that we will use every available resource and partnership to bring these folks to justice,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “I value our local, county, and federal partners and look forward to continuing our mission to keep this city safe.”
According to court documents, Toledo Police Officers began an investigation into the death of an individual from a drug overdose on December 30, 2018. As a result of the investigation, police determined that Defendant Bryan Mays distributed a substance containing fentanyl to the individual.
This case was investigated by the Toledo Police Department and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman and Robert N. Melching.
Akron Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Friday, April 15, 2022, against Defendant Joe L. Fletcher III, 33, of Akron, Ohio, following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr., in Cleveland. Fletcher was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Fletcher is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas and in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Ohio.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 24, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle Fletcher was driving on Interstate 77 in Copley, Ohio. Fletcher refused to stop and led Troopers on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of more than 110 miles per hour.
During the pursuit, Fletcher ran from his vehicle into a wooded swamp area. Fletcher used his cell phone to stream his flight live over the internet, during which he threatened to shoot law enforcement. After his arrest, authorities recovered approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine in the wooded area and a loaded, AK-style, semiautomatic rifle from Fletcher’s vehicle.
Fletcher is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2022, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Ohio-Northeast Smuggling Enforcement Team (ONSET) task force; the Ohio State Highway Patrol; the Copley Police Department; and the Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Aaron P. Howell.
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Cleveland Tax Return Preparer Charged with Submitting False Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a fifteen-count indictment charging Eiahnna Pique, 42, of Cleveland, with aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent income tax return.
According to the indictment, the defendant acted as a tax return preparer and operated two tax preparation franchises. The indictment states that the defendant collected information from clients, including income, names, addresses, social security numbers and dates of birth, to use when preparing tax returns.
The indictment states that for the tax years 2015-2018, the defendant used information obtained from clients to file false and fraudulent tax returns in the names of clients and charged a fee for these services. It is also alleged that the defendant added false Schedule C expenses and fictitious business losses to client tax returns and submitted at least one return with a false dependent. Additionally, the defendant is accused of depositing a portion of refunds received from client returns into bank accounts controlled by the defendant without client approval or knowledge.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court 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.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik.
Cleveland Man Previously Sentenced to Life Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, April 14, 2022, against Defendant Andre Badley, 49, of Cleveland, Ohio, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge John R. Adams in Akron. Badley was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl and heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Badley was previously convicted in 1997 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and sentenced to life in prison for distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine. Badley served more than 23 years of that sentence and was released in 2019 under the First Step Act.
According to court documents, on March 5, 2021, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at a residence known to be occupied by Badley after receiving information regarding suspected drug trafficking activity. During the search, a K-9 unit alerted authorities to the presence of controlled substances, and investigators found large quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl and two firearms in the residence. Then, on March 25, 2021, Badley was found to be in possession of another large quantity of crack cocaine in his vehicle.
Badley is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction of drug trafficking in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled. Badley faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Shaker Heights Police Department, with assistance from the DEA and ATF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Vanessa V. Healy.
Youngstown Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Andrew Samuel Davis Strickland, 27, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, by U.S. Judge Patricia A. Gaughan to more than 21 years, or 262 months, in prison and ten years of supervised release after Strickland pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
“This defendant engaged in reprehensible behavior and perpetrated unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “This lengthy sentence reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and punishing individuals who engage in this type of conduct.”
“Coercing and threatening children through social media and further, the sexual exploitation of a child, is callous and repulsive,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The cooperative efforts among federal, state, and local partners made it possible to bring a devious predator to justice. The FBI will continue to work collaboratively to combine our resources and share our expertise to identify those who commit these appalling crimes.”According to court documents, in July of 2019, law enforcement officials began an investigation into Strickland after learning that Strickland coerced two minors into engaging in and filming a sexually explicit encounter.
Court documents state that Strickland met one of the victims through Facebook and coerced the victim into providing sexually explicit images. After receiving the images, Strickland then threatened to send the images to the victim’s family members if the victim did not give in to his demands. Additionally, Strickland coerced the victim into engaging in and recording a sexual encounter, which was perpetrated on a second minor victim. Strickland then sent the recording to other members of the first victim’s family.
According to court records, the victim complied with Strickland’s demands out of fear that Strickland would harm the victim or the victim’s family members.
This case was investigated by the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Crimes Against Children and the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Yasmine T. Makridis.
Cleveland Man Convicted of Possession of Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury convicted Brandon Bethune, 37, of Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, April 7, 2022, of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Bethune was found guilty after a three-day trial before Judge J. Philip Calabrese.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 20, 2021, Cleveland Police officers responded to a residence after a call concerning reports of domestic violence. Officers met the caller and were advised of a man inside the residence with a firearm threatening to shoot the caller. After securing the residence, officers located Defendant Bethune inside, and he was subsequently arrested.
During the arrest, CDP officers recovered a firearm in the defendant's waistband that contained a round of ammunition jammed in its chamber. After he was transported to Cuyahoga County Detention Center, Cuyahoga County Sheriff's officers conducted another pat-down of the defendant and discovered the firearm's magazine, which contained four rounds of ammunition.
Bethune is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for felonious assault and attempted felonious assault in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Bethune is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2022, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF, Cleveland Division of Police, and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam J. Joines and Bryson N. Gillard.
Parma Heights Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl that Led to Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, April 7, 2022, against Defendant Marcus L. Sanders, 24, of Parma Heights, Ohio, following a four-day trial before Judge Benita Y. Pearson in Youngstown. Sanders was found guilty of distributing fentanyl that led to the death of an individual and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, N-Butyl Pentylone, cocaine and marijuana.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 3, 2020, Middleburg Heights Police responded to a call for a suspected overdose at a residence. First responders arrived and transported the individual to a hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined the victim’s cause of death to be acute intoxication by fentanyl and diphenhydramine.
Law enforcement officials began an investigation into the overdose incident and identified Sanders as the person who had distributed the fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose. Sanders was later arrested, and his residence and vehicle were searched. During the search, officials obtained quantities of fentanyl, N-Butyl Pentylone, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Sanders is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2022, and faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Middleburgh Heights Police Department and the DEA, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, and the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Lewis and Patrick P. Burke.
Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury convicted Defendant Stephon Cunningham, 43, of Cleveland, Ohio, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko in Cleveland.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2019, Cleveland Police responded to a call regarding a male carrying two firearms. Police officers arrived at the scene, searched the area, and obtained two handguns, a Hi-Point 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, hidden underneath a tire in the backyard of a residence. Officers then interviewed witnesses who confirmed that they saw Cunningham exit a vehicle while holding both weapons. Witnesses told officers that Cunningham then walked into a backyard only to later returned without possession of the firearms.
Officers learned that both firearms were reported as stolen, and Cunningham was arrested. Cunningham’s DNA was later recovered from one of the weapons. Cunningham is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of drug trafficking and drug possession in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Cunningham is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2022. He faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison.
This investigation was conducted by the ATF and Cleveland Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth M. Crook and Margaret A. Kane.
Canton Man Found Guilty of Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Friday, April 1, 2022, against Defendant Juan R. Grogan, 30, of Canton, Ohio, following a two-day trial before Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland. Grogan was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, while conducting an investigation, law enforcement officers reviewed video footage from an incident that occurred on December 1, 2020, involving a pair of vehicles driving in the Canton area and exchanging gunfire. Investigators believed that Grogan was the operator of one of the vehicles.
On December 7, 2020, law enforcement officials sought to arrest Grogan on outstanding warrants for kidnapping, aggravated robbery and felonious assault issued by the Canton Municipal Court. During the execution of the warrants, officers located the vehicle used in the earlier shooting parked at a Canton-area residence and witnessed Grogan flee the area.
Officials then searched the vehicle and obtained a loaded Glock, model 30 handgun, additional ammunition, a digital scale and a clear plastic bag containing brown powder. The brown substance was later tested and found to contain 75.6 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
Grogan was later arrested on December 10, 2020. Grogan faces a max possible sentence of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI, United States Marshal Service, Canton Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz.
Cleveland Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl that Led to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury convicted Devonte L. Fellows, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday, March 25, 2022, of distributing fentanyl that led to the death of an individual. The jury returned the verdict after a four-day trial before Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, detectives with the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department began an investigation into the April 26, 2019, overdose death of an individual found unresponsive. During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered a substance containing fentanyl from the deceased’s residence. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a full autopsy and determined that the cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity.
Court records state that investigators later determined that Defendant Devonte L. Fellows distributed a fentanyl mixture to the victim, who ingested it, overdosed and died. During an interview with investigators, Fellows admitted to selling drugs, including fentanyl, to the deceased.
Fellows is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2022. He faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.
This investigation was conducted by the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Christopher J. Joyce.
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Jackson Township Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Jonathan L. Stinnett, 36, of Jackson Township, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to kidnapping a five-year-old child and possession of child pornography.
“Thanks to quick work of law enforcement and a vigilant community, an innocent child was reunited with their family and spared from an unknown fate,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Nothing unites all of us in this region more than working to protect and ensure the safety of our children.”
According to court documents, on November 11, 2021, Stinnett kidnapped a five-year-old child and transported the child across state lines to Illinois for the purposes of sexual gratification and exclusive companionship.
On November 12, the McLean County Sheriff’s Department in Bloomington, Illinois, received a call regarding a suspicious parked vehicle. Deputies responded to the area and located a van suspected to have been involved in a reported kidnapping. Deputies approached the vehicle and located Stinnett and the victim inside.
Stinnett was arrested and later confirmed his involvement in the kidnapping to law enforcement officials. Stinnett was also found to have been in possession of a flash drive containing visual depictions of child pornography.
Stinnett is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6, 2022.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Jackson Township Police Department and the McLean County Sheriff’s Department in Bloomington, Illinois. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Aaron P. Howell.
Mahoning County Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing More Than $172k in Retirement Insurance Benefits from the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Marcus C. Williams, 52, of Campbell, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, March 24, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $172,943 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) after Williams pleaded guilty to theft of government property.
“Stealing funds intended for a legitimate Social Security dependent is a guaranteed way to face prosecution and potential time in prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Stealing Social security funds is not a victimless crime and has real consequences.”
“As a representative payee for his grandfather, a beneficiary of Retirement Insurance Benefits, Mr. Williams had a responsibility to report his grandfather’s death to SSA. However, Mr. Williams discarded that responsibility and instead falsely reported to SSA that his grandfather was alive so that Mr. Williams could use those stolen funds from SSA in excesses of more than $172,000 for his personal use,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “This sentence demonstrates that my office will continue to pursue those who commit Social Security fraud. I thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Services for joining us in this investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason White for holding Mr. Williams accountable.”
According to court documents, at the time of his death, the defendant’s grandfather received Retirement Insurance benefits from the SSA that were paid directly to the defendant as the representative payee. As a representative payee, Williams was responsible for ensuring that payments were used for the good of the beneficiary and was required to report to the SSA any changes in circumstances, including the death of the beneficiary.
Court documents state that from May 2008 to October 2019, Williams reported to the SSA that his grandfather was living, when he knew that to be untrue and used money intended for his grandfather for his own personal use.
In total, Williams stole $172,943 in Retirement Insurance benefits from the SSA.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason W. White.
Toledo Business Owner Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay More Than 1.1 Million in Restitution After Pleading Guilty to Evading Income TaxesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Michael Meridieth, 41, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay 1,125,268.84 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to attempt to evade and defeat income tax.
According to court documents, from 2004 to the present, Meridieth owned and operated five different businesses in the Toledo area. At each business, Meridieth handled the accounting and bookkeeping, which included the withholding of employment taxes from employee paychecks.
At each business, except for one, Meridieth failed to timely file employer tax returns or make timely deposits of employer taxes to the IRS. Each business, except for one, shut down owing payroll taxes and withholdings to the IRS. Instead of making these payments, Meridieth transferred the assets of one business to another to continue business operations and avoid paying accumulated tax liabilities.
Instead of making timely payments to the IRS, Meridieth used these withheld funds on personal expenses to support a lavish lifestyle, such as the purchase of a snowmobile and to pay for a visit to a rehabilitation facility. In addition, while payroll taxes were outstanding, Meridieth allowed himself and his business associates to spend business funds on personal expenditures, including furniture, jewelry and a country club membership.
In total, Meridieth failed to pay more than $1.1 million in employment taxes.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa Healy.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison After Robbery and Evidence Tampering ConvictionRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Tandre Buchanan, 24, of Cleveland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to four years in prison after Buchanan was convicted at trial of robbery and tampering with evidence during the May 30, 2020, demonstrations and civil unrest in downtown Cleveland.
“Stealing from and deliberately damaging a business is unacceptable no matter the underlying intention or purpose,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “The right to engage in peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution and must always be protected. Using that as an excuse to commit crimes against the innocent is an adulteration of that right.”
“Violent, deliberate attacks against individuals and businesses is appalling,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Tampering with evidence further adds to the criminal misconduct. The FBI will continue to investigate cases that aim to cripple commerce, whether small businesses or large corporations.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 30, 2020, Buchanan participated in a demonstration in downtown Cleveland to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Later that day, Buchanan, wearing a bright orange jacket, head covering and shoes, came to Colossal Cupcakes located at 528 Euclid Avenue.
Court documents state that Buchanan then threw an object that shattered a large window, entered the business through the broken window, and encountered the store owner and employees, who locked themselves in a bathroom to call for help.
Buchannan then removed a chair from the shop and exited through the same window. Using the chair, Buchanan repeatedly smashed a second window until it finally shattered and fell out. Court documents state that multiple individuals then entered the business through the broken window, destroyed the shop’s interior and stole several items, including store inventory and iPads, all while Buchanan was smashing the second window.
Buchanan was also convicted of evidence tampering after it was revealed that Buchanan disposed of the bright orange clothing he wore the day of the crime in an attempt to conceal his identity and participation in the crime. Buchanan was ultimately identified and arrested based on multiple identifications made from photos released to the public.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Cleveland Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
Akron Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Distribute Fentanyl Pills Labeled as OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Thomas Anthony Walker, Jr., 36, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson to more than five years, or 62 months, in prison after Walker pleaded guilty to attempting to possess and distribute 655 pills containing fentanyl that were labeled as oxycodone.
According to court documents, in April of 2021, a package was interdicted by a Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspector Service. The package was suspected of containing drugs after a K9 unit detected the presence of narcotics. Investigators later obtained a warrant, searched the package and retrieved 655 tablets labeled as oxycodone, which actually contained a total of 71 grams of fentanyl.
Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery and later arrested defendant Thomas Anthony Walker Jr. as he attempted to retrieve the package.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
Akron Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Led to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Quentin D. Watson, 35, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $4,503.01 in restitution for the victim’s funeral costs after Watson was convicted at trial of distributing fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Thousands of lives have been lost, and so many families have endured crushing pain and suffering due to the opioid epidemic here and across the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Drug dealers who exploit the vulnerabilities that addiction creates should be prepared to serve lengthy prison sentences.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on June 24, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to an Akron-area residence for a report of a drug overdose. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual and began an investigation. It was later determined that the decedent suffered an overdose after ingesting a fentanyl and heroin mixture.
While the investigation into the overdose death was ongoing, Watson was arrested on October 6, 2020, during a traffic stop after officers found that he possessed various amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and a 9-millimeter pistol in his vehicle. Law enforcement later completed their investigation into the overdose death and determined that Watson did distribute a fentanyl mixture to the victim who ingested it, overdosed and died.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Akron Police Department, Akron Fire Department, Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Christopher J. Joyce.
Sylvania Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Receipt, Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Holden Gallagher, 29, of Sylvania, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge James G. Carr to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release following prison, after Gallagher pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
“The Justice Department and law enforcement in this region will work tirelessly to deter and prosecute those why prey upon our children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Mr. Gallagher, a repeat offender, has earned this lengthy prison sentence and will no longer be able to abuse others.”
“Criminal misconduct with the intent to exploit children is reprehensible,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The investigative work of the FBI underscores our duty to protect children from heinous individuals. Our partnerships with federal and state investigators in concert with local agencies continue to make an impact in our communities to thwart predatory behavior.”
According to court documents, on July 31, 2015, law enforcement investigators executed a federal search warrant at a Sylvania residence suspected of sharing digital files of child pornography. During the execution of the warrant, investigators obtained several electronic devices, including a laptop and hard drive.
Investigators searched the electronic devices and discovered that they contained numerous files of child pornography. Additionally, investigators determined that some of the images contained a depiction of a minor known to Gallagher. It was also determined that Gallagher had corresponded with the minor victim and gotten the minor to produce images of child pornography.
At the time of the offense conduct, Gallagher was a registered sex offender following a 2011 conviction for gross sexual imposition of a minor for which Gallagher was still on probation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state and federal investigators on the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the lead investigator from Defiance County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Angelita Cruz Bridges.
Leader of Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scheme Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay More Than $350k in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Lawrence Lawson, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced on March 15, 2022, to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $355,849 in restitution after Lawson pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy that fraudulently obtained COVID-19 pandemic unemployment insurance benefits.
“Mr. Lawson and his codefendants stole taxpayer dollars intended to help our neighbors and community members pay their bills and obtain basic necessities while the pandemic disrupted lives and caused many to lose their jobs or livelihood,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “This is not a victimless crime. If you steal from the government, you will be caught and you will be held accountable.”
“The deliberate actions of these individuals to cheat a program designed to assist people who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is inexcusable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Eric B. Smith. “Financial crimes involving pandemic unemployment assistance affects self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig-economy workers, and others who don’t qualify for traditional unemployment benefits. The FBI will continue to stand steadfast with other federal agencies to enhance the investigative work needed when examining complex financial fraud cases.”
“The egregious and self-serving actions of these fraudsters robbed federal aid and assistance from hard-working Americans experiencing unprecedented economic hardships as a result of the global pandemic,” stated Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brandon Gardner with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federally funded housing programs and diligently pursue action against those who seek to illegally benefit from them.”
Charged as co-conspirators in the indictment were Cierra Clifton, 38, Willowick, Ohio; Emanuel Smith, 49, Cleveland, Ohio; Terrance Jones, 27, Cleveland, Ohio; Quantez Lawson, 29, Cleveland, Ohio; Charles Moore, 35, Cleveland, Ohio and Mark Dailey, 54, Cleveland, Ohio.
According to court records, from May through November of 2020, Lawson would recruit co-conspirators and other individuals to file pandemic unemployment insurance benefit claims on their behalf in exchange for a portion of the proceeds received.
Court records state that these individuals then provided Lawson and Clifton with their personal identifying information, and Clifton would file the claims on their behalf from her residence in Willoughby, Ohio. Clifton submitted claims through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) and other State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Rhode Island, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona and California.
If a claim was processed successfully, a pre-loaded bank-issued debit card was mailed to the recipient. Lawson and Clifton then took a portion of the funds received as payment. As ODJFS and the other SWAs required re-certification of an unemployed person’s status, Lawrence and Clifton charged an additional weekly fee to provide this service to their co-conspirators. If an individual failed to pay this fee, Lawrence and Clifton ceased verification of the unemployment status and the benefits would stop.
As a result of the scheme, ODJFS and other SWAs suffered a loss of approximately $355,849.
Previously sentenced in this matter were:
- Cierra Clifton was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $355,849 in restitution.
- Emmanuel Smith was sentenced to 17 months in prison and ordered to pay $23,783 in restitution.
- Terrance Jones was sentenced to 26 months in prison and ordered to pay $355,849 in restitution.
- Charles Moore was sentenced to 8 months in prison and ordered to pay $15,246 in restitution.
- Quantez Lawson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2022.
“Lawrence Lawson conspired to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, diverting vital taxpayer resources away from those in dire need of unemployment benefits. Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the unemployment benefits for those who need it, especially during this critical time,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Chicago Region.
This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan R. Miller and Erica D. Barnhill.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of unemployment insurance fraud, please report the matter to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling (866) 720-5721 or visiting www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Elyria Man Convicted of Trafficking Drugs from Motel RoomRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Monday, March 14, 2022, against Defendant Terry L. Jackson Sr, 50, of Elyria, Ohio, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland.
Jackson was convicted of distributing cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in February of 2019, law enforcement officers with the Elyria Police Department began an investigation into Terry L. Jackson Sr. after receiving information that Jackson was distributing drugs out of an Elyria-area motel room. As a result, investigators conducted a controlled buy from Jackson and obtained a quantity of cocaine base. After the buy, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for the hotel room where Jackson was residing.
During the execution of the warrant, investigators encountered Jackson alone in the room and obtained quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. Jackson was subsequently arrested.
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2022. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith made the announcement.
This investigation was conducted by the Elyria Police Department, with assistance from the FBI and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Payum Doroodian.
Three Charged in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy that Distributed over 1,100 Pounds of Cocaine in the Cleveland AreaRead the Press Release
Federal law enforcement officials today announced the arrest of three men charged in a 30-count indictment for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that is alleged to have brought over 500 kilograms, or approximately 1,100 pounds, of cocaine from Mexico to be redistributed in the Cleveland area.
“Drug trafficking organizations target communities like Cleveland because they mistakenly assume nobody is paying attention,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “To those drug traffickers, both foreign and domestic, who think that our communities and neighborhoods here in Northern Ohio are open for your businesses – know that we are watching, we are paying attention, we will act and we will not stand for it.”
“Thanks to the professionalism and diligence of the agents and officers working this case, we have disrupted an organization that coordinated not only the delivery of significant amounts of cocaine into Cleveland, but the delivery of drug proceeds into the hands of their Mexican source of supply,” said Kent R. Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division. “These arrests are a testament to the coordinated efforts between state, local and federal law enforcement. We will continue to maximize all of our combined resources to bring those who traffic drugs into our communities to justice.”
Arrested today and charged in the indictment are Christopher Ficklin, 49, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Robert Atkinson, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally charged in the indictment as part of the drug trafficking organization is David Gomez-Orrantia, 41, of Mexico. Gomez-Orrantia was arrested on March 11, 2022. Other members of the organization remain at large.
Each member of the drug trafficking organization is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Members of the drug trafficking organization are also charged with various additional counts of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, international money laundering and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense. Defendant Ficklin is also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, around June of 2020, Gomez-Orrantia and others shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico to a warehouse controlled by defendant Ficklin on Carnegie Avenue in the city of Cleveland. The indictment states that Ficklin then redistributed the drugs to Atkinson and others to be further redistributed throughout the area.
It is alleged that the conspirators used trucks and vehicles fitted with traps and hidden compartments to store the cocaine when it was transported to the city. After the drugs were delivered, it is alleged that members of the conspiracy then transported drug trafficking proceeds back to Mexico using the same vehicles and hidden compartments and documented the transactions in a hand-written ledger.
Furthermore, the indictment charges members of the conspiracy with using multiple cell phones and coded terminology in an attempt to conceal their activity.
In total, it is alleged that the drug trafficking organization shipped over 1,100 pounds of cocaine from Mexico to be distributed in the Cleveland area and sent approximately 13 million in drug trafficking proceeds back to Mexico.
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.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sherriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA – El Paso, Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Sandusky Bay Border Patrol Intelligence, CBP – El Paso and the Lorain County Drug Taskforce.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Kolansky.
Strongsville Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling $375k from Employer and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Angelo Kanaris, 42, of Strongsville, Ohio, was sentenced on Monday, March 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to six months in prison, six months of home confinement and ordered to pay $87,068 in restitution to the IRS after Kanaris pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of bank fraud and four counts of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, beginning in 2013, Kanaris worked as an accountant for a Cleveland-area company, where he was responsible for writing checks to the company vendors and preparing sales tax returns. During this time, Kanaris began writing checks ostensibly on behalf of the company to third-party vendors; however, Kanaris used a mobile deposit feature to deposit these checks into his bank account for personal use.
From in or around 2013 through 2017, Kanaris embezzled approximately $375,656.55 from the company while working as an accountant. Additionally, Kanaris failed to report this income change as taxable income on his personal tax returns for the years 2013 through 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro A. Abreu.
Port Clinton Physician Sentenced to Prison for Prescribing Controlled Substances Without Medical Necessity and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that William Bauer, 85, of Port Clinton, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to 5 years in prison and was ordered to pay $464,099.14 in restitution, of which $253,300.55 will be paid to Medicare and $210,798.59 to Medicaid. In addition, Judge Zouhary ordered Bauer to pay $100,000 in community restitution. The community restitution will be distributed 65% to the Ohio Attorney General, Crime Victim Services Section, and 35% to the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. The Court strongly recommended that the community restitution amount go to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties.
Judge Zouhary pronounced the sentence after Bauer was convicted at trial of 76 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 25 counts of health care fraud.
“This defendant unnecessarily distributed dangerous and highly addictive controlled substances and repeatedly ignored warning signs that his actions were causing detrimental harm to his patients and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “No matter your title, those who flood the streets with dangerous drugs and prey upon vulnerable individuals will answer for their actions.”
“Criminal misconduct within the healthcare system is harmful and destructive,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Not only does healthcare fraud impact insurers through monetary loss, but also to physicians, hospitals, and taxpayers who were unwitting participants to the deceitful actions. We will continue to work diligently to uncover fraudulent schemes that risk public health.”
“The sentencing of William Bauer demonstrates our commitment to stopping those who fuel the opioid epidemic,” said Kent R. Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division. “Medical professionals who disregard their oath and instead seek to profit at the expense of their patients and community will be brought to justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2007 and 2019, Bauer, at his practice in Bellevue, Ohio, repeatedly prescribed medically unnecessary controlled substances, including Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Morphine and Tramadol, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
During the trial, prosecutors showed that Bauer prescribed high doses of opioids and other controlled substances to patients without regard to any improvement in pain level, function, or quality of life; prescribed dangerous drug combinations; failed to consider a patient’s state of addiction and ignored warning signs of abuse and diversion such as patients’ stealing medications, frequently requesting early refills, losing medications and other actions.
The case focused on Bauer’s treatment of 14 patients. Throughout the trial, prosecutors showed that these patients suffered a loss of employment, fractured families and experienced deteriorating mental health conditions as a result of their drug dependency. In one instance, court documents state that in 2015 a patient of Dr. Bauer died from an accidental overdose.
In addition to his conviction for distributing controlled substances, Bauer was also convicted of health care fraud. As part of the health care fraud scheme, Bauer billed insurers after prescribing medically unnecessary controlled substances and administered needless epidural and trigger point injections that failed to meet certain procedural requirements. Because these injections failed to meet the procedural requirements, they were rendered ineffective and fraudulently billed to insurers.
“This doctor contributed to the tidal wave of opioid overdoses that flooded our communities,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I am proud of the state and federal partnerships that continue to work to stem the tide of addiction.”
“Providers sow distrust in our nation’s health care system when they participate in health care fraud and activities that endanger their patients,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of beneficiaries through overprescribing and engaging in health care fraud.”
Court documents state that the total loss amount to Medicare and Medicaid due to the fraudulent billing practices was $464,099.14.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ava R. Dustin, Michael A. Sullivan, Robert N. Melching and Payum Doroodian.
Mahoning County Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Joseph Andrew Garchar, 36, of Lowellville, Ohio, with sexual exploitation of a child.
According to the indictment, in April and October of 2021, the defendant is accused of engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor for the purpose of producing child pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith made the announcement.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is 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 case was investigated by the Youngstown Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
Former Westlake Investment Advisor Convicted of Stealing More Than $9.3 Million from Clients in Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts today against Defendant Raymond A. Erker, 50, of Avon, Ohio, following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland. Erker, a former investment advisor, was convicted of stealing more than $9.3 million from clients in a Ponzi scheme.
Also charged in this matter were co-defendants Kevin Krantz, 56, and Tara M. Brunst, 47, both of Olmsted Falls. Both Krantz and Brunst previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2013 through July 2018, Erker, Krantz and Brunst conspired together to devise a scheme that stole $9,366,976.37 from at least 54 investors. As part of the scheme, Erker sold investments to clients that he misrepresented as annuities and senior secured notes with no risk of loss and with a guaranteed rate of return.
Court documents also state that Erker and the co-conspirators, without the approval or consent of investors, diverted funds to other entities that they controlled and their personal bank accounts. Additionally, Erker failed to disclose to clients that he maintained substantial or limited ownership interests in companies receiving investments from the scheme. To keep up with promised rates of return, Erker falsely represented that payments to previous investors were rates of return and interest when the payments were actually new investor funds, the defining characteristic of a Ponzi scheme.
To avoid detection, Erker and his co-defendants set up office fronts in Delaware and Nevada, contracted with call centers and created false websites and account statements that purported to show investor account balances.
Erker was also convicted of making a false statement under oath. On October 9, 2019, while under oath in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Erker stated that he disclosed to investors that he owned the companies the investors gave him money to invest in, when in fact, Erker knew that statement to be false.
Erker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2022.
This investigation was conducted by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Westlake Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough and Kathryn Andrachik.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Uniontown Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Bradley Willem Beun, 42, of Uniontown, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi to more than twelve years, or 151 months, in prison and ten years of supervised release after Beun pleaded guilty to coercion or enticement of a minor.
“This defendant took deliberate steps and made real plans to sexually abuse what he believed to be was an eight-year-old child, “ said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Thanks to the work of law enforcement, this defendant will no longer have the opportunity to prey upon children.”
“Our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent and defenseless children is paramount,” said Eric B. Smith, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating reprehensible behavior from vile individuals and will continue to work diligently to thwart criminal misconduct of this nature.”
According to court documents, in April 2021, Beun began an online conversation with an undercover FBI agent and expressed interest in meeting the undercover agent’s purported 8-year-old child for the purposes of engaging in sexual conduct. On April 16, 2021, Beun arrived at the pre-determined location to meet the minor and was arrested by law enforcement.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
Two Cleveland Men Charged with Distributing Fentanyl Mixture that Led to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Willie A. Pratt, 33, and Darryl L. Roberts, 31, both of Cleveland, Ohio, with distributing fentanyl that led to an overdose death.
According to court records, on October 31, 2021, officers with the Rocky River Police Department responded to a residence for a call of a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival, police identified the deceased and discovered a substance, later identified as a cocaine and fentanyl mixture and a cell phone on the decedent.
Court records state that officers investigated the incident and determined the alleged drug supplier’s number in the victim’s phone. On November 1, 2021, investigators arranged a meeting with the alleged drug supplier ostensibly to purchase more drugs and arrested defendants Pratt and Roberts in connection with the investigation.
During the arrest, it is alleged that law enforcement officers obtained detectable amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl from both defendants. In addition, court documents state that investigators obtained the cell phone defendant Pratt used to communicate with the decedent.
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 a 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.
This case was investigated by the DEA and Rocky River Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian.
Two Cleveland Men Indicted for Using a Firearm in Connection with a Carjacking in ElyriaRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment on March 3, 2022, charging Clinton Lindsey, 24, and Trayqwan Dunlap, 19, both of Cleveland, Ohio, with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
“As the number of carjackings and other violent crimes persist, we will continue to marshal our federal resources and focus on apprehending and prosecuting those individuals that endanger our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.
“Carjacking is a borderless, brazen crime that can affect anyone at any time, often without provocation, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This indictment underscores our longstanding partnership with the Elyria Police Department and the commitment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to protect the American public.”
According to court documents, on January 27, 2022, the defendants approached a victim pumping gas at a gas station in Elyria, brandished a pistol and threatened the victim. Court documents state that the defendants then entered the stolen vehicle and fled.
Elyria Police Officers responded and located the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers observed the vehicle enter the downtown Elyria area and crash into a pillar. Officers then witnessed the defendants exit the vehicle and flee from the scene on foot. Court documents state that police officers later apprehended the defendants and located a Glock .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the stolen vehicle.
An indictment is only an allegation 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 violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Elyria Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
Solon Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Harvey Dishon Jones, 39, of Solon, was sentenced on Thursday, March 3, 2022, by U.S. District Judge John Adams to 262 months – or more than 21 years – in federal prison. Jones pleaded guilty in November of 2021 to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“By choosing to repeatedly break the law and threaten the safety of our community, Mr. Jones has earned himself a lengthy term of incarceration in federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Despite numerous opportunities to steer away from criminal conduct, Mr. Jones chose otherwise and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Drug trafficking is a pervasive crime and often the basis for additional criminal violations,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation has an unwavering commitment to ensure cases are meticulously investigated and brought to justice. The partnerships formed with our federal, state, and local agencies have allowed our strike forces to have continued success in combating drug offenses.”
According to court documents, on November 8, 2019, members of the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force executed a search warrant at an address in Cleveland where investigators suspected Jones was storing drugs and seized approximately 3.17 kilograms of cocaine. On December 16, 2020, pursuant to a DEA investigation, Jones was stopped in his vehicle by police. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 128 grams of cocaine, $25,000 in U.S. currency and a stolen .45 caliber handgun. Investigators later determined that Jones had stolen the firearm from a vehicle in Cleveland.
At the time of his traffic stop, Jones was on parole for a drug trafficking conviction in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Jones was also previously convicted of cocaine trafficking in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, wherein U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Jones to 151 months in federal custody.
Investigators with the FBI and DEA consolidated their investigations into Jones while working together as part of a Cleveland-area strike force.
Jones was sentenced as a career offender as a result of his previous convictions and thus received an enhanced penalty.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, Euclid Police Department and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick P. Burke.
Lorain Man Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Fentanyl Analogues, Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, against Defendant Brandon J. Sharp, 34, of Lorain, Ohio, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland. Sharp was convicted of four counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 29, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Lorain Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding the location of various amounts of narcotics stored under the bumper of a vehicle. Police responded to the site and confirmed the presence of the drugs.
While police were investigating, a woman arrived at the scene and explained to officers that the vehicle was used by her boyfriend, Defendant Brandon Sharp, for work. Sharp later spoke to police via phone and confirmed that the vehicle belonged to his employer.
Law enforcement investigators then obtained and executed a search warrant for the vehicle. During the search, investigators seized various amounts of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, cocaine and over $2,000 dollars in U.S. currency. Investigators also discovered a cell phone linked to Sharp and various documents and pieces of mail bearing Sharp’s name, phone number and address in the vehicle. Sharp was later arrested on December 28, 2020.
Sharp is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2022, and faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lorain Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Vanessa V. Healy.
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Leader of Youngstown Area Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Korey K. Moody, 36, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to 12 years in prison after Moody pleaded guilty to leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and methamphetamine. Moody was one of nine individuals charged in a fifty-nine-count indictment with drug trafficking in the Youngstown area.
According to court documents, from July 2019 to December 2019, Moody supplied heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine, and methamphetamine to other members of the conspiracy for distribution in the areas around Youngstown. Court documents state that Moody received his drug supply from individuals in Michigan and, in turn, provided the drugs to other members of the conspiracy for redistribution.
Court documents go on to state that members of the conspiracy used cell phones and code words such as “man,” “girl,” “boy,” “hardware,” “onion” and others to facilitate their drug trafficking activities.
Prior to this conviction, Moody was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
As part of the plea agreement for this case, Moody has agreed to forfeit a 2014 Jaguar F Type Convertible, a 2016 Dodge Durango, a diamond bracelet, a Rolex watch and a yellow gold chain purchased with drug trafficking proceeds.
Acting United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith and Bryant Jackson and Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF and Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.
Chesterland Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution for COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Robert Bearden, 49, of Chesterland, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to one year in prison and ordered to pay $62,296.70 in restitution after Bearden pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud.
According to court documents, in July of 2020, Bearden devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $60,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
As part of the scheme, Bearden submitted three fraudulent EIDL loan applications through the SBA’s online application portal, which were approved for a total of approximately $60,000 in funds disbursed. On applications Bearden submitted, he used false information about existing and non-existing businesses and the name of third parties in return for a kickback of a portion of the funds received. Bearden also used the personal identifying information of persons interested in obtaining government pandemic assistance to submit loan applications on their behalf, but directing the funds into his own account, including one of the three loans that was approved.
Acting United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS CI, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot D. Morrison and Brian M. McDonough.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
California Man Convicted of Participating in Canton Area Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, against Defendant Alvaro Orosco, 36, of Visalia, California, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland. Orosco was convicted of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute more than ten kilograms, or 22 pounds, of cocaine and heroin in the Canton area.
Orosco was one of 15 defendants charged in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of cocaine and heroin from Mexico and California to the Canton area between August 2016 and April 2019. According to court documents, in April of 2019, Orosco traveled from California to Cleveland, Ohio, to retrieve ten kilograms of cocaine hidden in a compartment of a vehicle shipped from California to Massillon, Ohio. Law enforcement officers with the Illinois State Police Department intercepted the vehicle and turned the drugs over to the FBI, who replaced the drugs with a fake substance and arrested Orosco when he opened the hidden compartment.
Orosco is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, Illinois State Police Department, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency and Massillon Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.
Ravenna Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Andrew Wirth, 33, of Ravenna, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, to 14 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after Wirth pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor in December 2021.
“The defendant’s reckless and repeated attempts to pursue minors for sexual conduct show his blatant disregard for our laws and the wellbeing of our community’s children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Thanks to the cooperation between our federal, state and local partners, law enforcement in Northern Ohio remains a united front in the fight against human trafficking.”
“The arrest of Andrew Wirth must serve as a wake-up call to those who engage in the horrific crime of sex trafficking,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris III. “Wirth’s egregious actions show his willingness to exploit the vulnerable, and HSI and our law enforcement partners stand ready and committed to removing such individuals from society,” he added.
“This is a prime example that some people just need to be locked up and kept away from the rest of us—and our children,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “Thanks to our partners at the US DOJ, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and Cuyahoga Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, that’s what is going to happen here.’
According to court documents, in May 2019, Wirth was arrested after he used a social networking mobile application in an attempt to meet up with an undercover law enforcement officer, whom he believed was a minor at the time, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. Wirth was charged at the state level and subsequently posted bond.
In November 2019, while on bond for his state charges, Wirth again used a social networking mobile application to contact a minor victim for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity. Wirth and the minor victim later met, and Wirth provided gifts and meals to the victim in return for sexual acts as payment.
While still on bond, Wirth used an online dating application to arrange a meeting with an adult victim. During their meeting, Wirth sexually assaulted the victim and later expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with children as young as ten years old. Wirth then offered the victim a “finder’s fee” to find a minor to engage in sexual activity. The victim reported these acts to local police, and an undercover officer assumed the victim’s online identity.
The undercover officer later pretended to be a minor and began an online conversation with Wirth. Soon, Wirth began to express his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor. On November 6, 2019, Wirth purchased a hotel room, alcohol and other items for the purposes of meeting the minor and engaging in sexual activity. Wirth was arrested that same day outside the hotel room.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and with assistance from the Mahoning and Columbiana Counties Sheriff’s Offices. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane.
Thirteen in Akron Charged with Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned an eighteen-count superseding indictment charging 13 individuals as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and other controlled substances in the Akron area.
Law enforcement officials arrested nine members of the conspiracy this morning after the superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court. Three members of the conspiracy were arrested in September 2021 and one member was arrested in a separate case.
Named in the indictment are Damien Roger Marcel Stafford, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Chezerae D. Floyd, 44, of Akron, Ohio; Lucian D. Blackwell, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Craig L. Johnstone, 49, of Akron, Ohio; Rausheeda L. Hyshaw, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Antwain D. Stewart, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Ricky Lynn Vaughn, 60, of Akron, Ohio; Clifford E. Stafford, 44, of Akron, Ohio; Dorshaun R. Tucker, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Alexander Prieto, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio; Marian Ripley, 21, of Akron, Ohio; Travis Blankenship, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia and Jessica McClanahan, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia.
Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, valeryl fentanyl and cocaine. In addition, various members of the conspiracy are also charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, maintaining a drug premises and using a communication facility to facilitate a drug offense.
According to the indictment, it is alleged that Defendant Damien Stafford purchased fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from drug suppliers, including Defendant Prieto, in Cleveland and elsewhere. Stafford is accused of using Defendants Hyshaw, Floyd, Blankenship, McClanahan, Clifford Strafford, Tucker, Blackwell and Riley to transport the drugs to be stored at multiple residences in the Akron area. It is alleged that Stafford then used Defendants Vaughn, Johnstone, Floyd, Blackwell and Stewart to distribute the drugs.
As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that the defendants used these residences in Akron as locations to store and distribute their controlled substances. In addition, conspiracy members are accused of using cell phones to communicate and drug “testers” to evaluate the strength and quality of a controlled substance intended for sale.
On September 23, 2021, law enforcement officers with the FBI, ATF, Greater Akron Safe Streets Task Force and Akron Police Department executed search warrants at multiple residences connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy. At one residence, officers encountered Damien Stafford wearing latex gloves and a mask. Officers detained Stafford, entered a bathroom and found multiple bags of various sizes on the floor and inside the toilet. According to court documents, the bags contained powdery white and off-white substances that were later tested and confirmed to contain fentanyl.
In total, law enforcement officials seized approximately 16.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 9.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of valeryl fentanyl, 400 grams of cocaine, one semiautomatic rifle, and four semiautomatic pistols during the execution of the search warrants. Defendants Damien Stafford, Ricky Lynn Vaughn and Rausheeda Hyshaw were also arrested during the execution of the warrants.
If convicted, a defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violations.
In all cases, sentences will not exceed the statutory maximums, and in most cases, will be less than the maximums.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF and the Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
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Tiffin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Intent to Distribute Meth and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Justin Rosas, 31, of Tiffin, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to 15 years in prison after Rosas pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, on August 21, 2019, Sandusky Police Detectives and DEA investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located on Monroe Street in Sandusky, Ohio. During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement officers encountered Justin Rosas and Fernando Gonzales Jr. inside the residence and seized two semiautomatic pistols located within plain sight of both men. Officers then searched Rosas and located, in his pocket, a substance containing methamphetamine. Rosas is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction of aggravated drug trafficking in the Seneca County Common Pleas Court.
Fernando Gonzales was charged in April 2021 as a felon in possession of a firearm. This case remains ongoing.
This case was investigated by the DEA and Sandusky Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Simko.
Justice Department Announces Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the release of the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Addressing human trafficking in Northern Ohio remains a top priority for our office and our law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “As a united front, law enforcement in Northern Ohio continues to aggressively pursue traffickers and deliver critical aid to victims. This new plan, combined with grant funding awarded last fiscal year, will help us continue and improve our fight against human trafficking.”
In 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio secured a number of notable convictions and sentences against human traffickers, including:
- Manish Raj Gupta. A former Toledo-area physician who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and illegally dispensing a controlled substance. Gupta was sentenced to 235 months in prison.
- Larrien Brown-Austin. A Canton man who pleaded guilty to participating in a sex trafficking conspiracy that forced multiple women to perform commercial sex acts for profit. Brown-Austin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2022.
- Reuben Rankin. A Cleveland man who was convicted of assaulting a federal agent with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rankin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2022.
In addition, to support the victims of human trafficking, various organizations in the Northern District of Ohio were awarded approximately $8.7 million in grant funding this fiscal year from the Department of Justice to provide services and aid, including:
- $4.4 million awarded to the City of Cleveland and City of Akron to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
- $1 million awarded to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for services for minor victims of sex trafficking,
- $600,000 awarded to Promedica Toledo Hospital to train sexual assault nurse examiners.
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, click here.
Former Executive Director of International Adoption Agency Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Adoption SchemeRead the Press Release
The former executive director of a Strongsville-based international adoption agency pleaded guilty today in Cleveland to defrauding the U.S. and Polish authorities in connection with the adoption of a Polish child.
According to court documents, Margaret Cole, 74, of Strongsville, Ohio, admitted to conspiring with Debra Parris and others to deceive authorities regarding the adoption of a child from Poland. When Cole learned that clients of the adoption agency determined they could not care for one of the two Polish children they were set to adopt, Cole and her co-conspirators took steps to transfer the Polish child to Parris’s relatives, who were not eligible for intercountry adoption.
Cole, Parris and others agreed to defraud U.S. authorities to conceal their improper transfer of the Polish child. Following the adoption, the child was injured and hospitalized while living with Parris’s relatives. Thereafter, Cole made a false statement to the Polish authority responsible for intercountry adoptions about the transfer of the child that, among other things, concealed the role of Cole and others in arranging the transfer of the child to Parris’s relatives.
Cole pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false statement to a Polish authority. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendant Debra Parris previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the Poland scheme, as well as conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and to commit visa fraud in connection with a scheme to corruptly and fraudulently procure adoptions of children from Uganda through bribes paid to Ugandan officials.
Robin Longoria also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the FCPA and to commit visa fraud and wire fraud in connection with the Ugandan scheme.
Co-defendant Dorah Mirembe, who is charged in connection with the Ugandan scheme, remains at large.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan for the Northern District of Ohio; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program or call (888) 549-3945.
The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office is investigating the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio and trial attorneys Jason Manning and Alexander Kramer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and Mirembe is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Akron Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing from Older VictimRead the Press Release
An Akron woman was sentenced to 54 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to stealing from and aggravated identity theft of an older individual. Gina Palmer, 40, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on January 11, 2022, by U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin. Palmer previously pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in September of 2021.
According to court documents, Palmer, a tenant of the victim for about ten years, forged the victim’s signature on a fictitious power of attorney (POA) form and used it to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions without permission. Palmer then had the victim’s mail forwarded to her address and stole the victim’s debit card. Palmer subsequently deposited the victim’s retirement checks obtained through the mail and made online purchases using the stolen debit card.
Investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated the incident after being contacted by a family member of the victim. Investigators obtained a video of Palmer presenting a fraudulent POA and attempting to cash the victim’s check. Palmer was later arrested, and her residence searched. During the search, investigators discovered the victim’s forwarded mail and the notary stamp for the fraudulent POA.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough.