Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney seeks help from hospitals to report hoarding and price-gouging of medical suppliesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman sent a letter to Northern Ohio hospitals today encouraging employees and medical professionals to report individuals and companies that may be acquiring or selling medical supplies for the purpose of price-gouging or hoarding.
“Our office is prioritizing the deterrence, investigation, and prosecution of wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic—including those engaged in hoarding and/or price-gouging critical medical supplies,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “We are asking for your assistance in identifying individuals and companies that may have acquired vital medical supplies in excess of what they would reasonably use, or for the purpose of charging exorbitant prices. These practices are not only morally repugnant in light of the pandemic we are facing, but also, if left unchecked, can inhibit hospitals, physicians and other health care professionals, governmental agencies, and the public from fully implementing measures designed to save lives and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.”
The letter was sent to various hospitals and healthcare systems in Northern Ohio as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat COVID-19 related fraud. On March 20, Attorney General William Barr directed all 93 U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 fraud.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report COVID-19 related fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email tips to the Northern District office at [email protected].
Read U.S. Attorney Herdman's letter to hospital leadership below.
US Attorney Herdman's letter to hospital systems.pdfUnited States Attorney’s Office and IRS warn of possible economic impact payment scamsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Cincinnati Field Office, Bryant Jackson, warned Ohioans today to be alert for possible scams related to upcoming economic impact payments made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone should expect that scammers will try to take advantage of this crisis and the upcoming economic impact payments,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “They will try to find a way to get recipients to divulge personal information such as a Social Security number or bank account information. Alternatively, fraudsters may try to pressure recipients into making phony payments or otherwise relinquishing funds. We are strongly encouraging everyone to be on high alert, both before and after the payments arrive, for potential scams.”
“Ruthless criminals will take this opportunity to prey upon our fears in order to try and line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that COVID-19 economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks. For many Americans, this will be done through direct deposit into their bank account. For the unbanked, elderly or other groups that have traditionally seen receive tax refunds via paper check, economic impact payments will be received similarly.
United States Attorney Herdman and Special Agent in Charge Jackson offer the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails.
- Be on the look-out for bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a fraud - it will take the Treasury a few weeks to mail those out. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
- Scammers will often attempt to trick you into signing over your stimulus check or pressure you into “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money. They will then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns.
Report fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email tips to the United States Attorney’s Office at [email protected]
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
Department of Justice makes $850 million available to help public safety agencies address COVID-19 pandemicRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“The Justice Department is acting swiftly to help public safety agencies in Northeast Ohio and across the nation ease the financial burden caused by the continuing response to the current health pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We are grateful for the hard work done day in and day out by our public safety partners and their resilience during this crisis.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces more than $163 million available to fight addiction crisisRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio announced today that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grant funding is available to help communities address the addiction crisis across the nation.
“We must continue to keep up the fight against substance abuse and addiction in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “The Department of Justice is making historic amounts of grant funding available to directly benefit those groups and organizations in our community that are on the front lines of this battle.”
The funding is available through Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total available: $1.75 million
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total available: $27 million
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total available: $19 million
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total available: $18.2 million
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total available: $28.1 million
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total available: $7.2 million
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total available: $48 million
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total available: $9 million
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total available: $1 million
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total available: $4.5 million
For more information and to review the deadline for submitting grant applications, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorneys Justin Herdman and David DeVillers, Ohio Attorney General and Pharmacy Board issue joint statement regarding State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy ruleRead the Press Release
On Sunday, March 22, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy held an emergency Sunday session in order to issue a rule prohibiting pharmacists from dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 unless a person has tested positive for the virus or is otherwise approved by the pharmacy board’s executive director.
Today, U.S. Attorneys Justin Herdman and David DeVillers, Ohio Attorney General David Yost and the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, issued a joint statement confirming that they are aware of the allegations leading to the Board of Pharmacy order and declared a joint commitment to investigating any violations of state or federal law committed by any individuals or entities, including healthcare professionals.
“These are extraordinary times for the world, our nation, and the great state of Ohio. While we are seeing the absolute best of our healthcare professionals as they help to address the COVID-19 crisis, we will remain vigilant to address any self-serving behavior by any member of the medical community. Be assured that we will do our due diligence in holding accountable anyone who may be prescribing outside a legitimate medical purpose. Where we find doctors or others who are abusing their professional licenses to help themselves or associates, we will move swiftly to identify and prosecute any wrongdoing that is a violation of federal or state law. We are committed to pursuing all remedies to address misconduct associated with the allegations leading to the Board of Pharmacy action, including seeking criminal penalties where appropriate.”
On March 22, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine authorized the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to file emergency rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Administrative Code.
Read the rule here:
Requirements for Dispensing or Selling Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Update 7.30.2020
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman urges public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 fraud schemes.
“The Department of Justice is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take advantage of our friends, family, and neighbors during this challenging time – but we need the public’s help,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “The mission of law enforcement never stops, and if you’re a criminal seeking to capitalize on public misconceptions or fear, then you should know that we will find you and prosecute you.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share COVID-19 related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the COVID-19, direct the prosecution of COVID-19 related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of Ohio COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Abreu.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Toledo area physician indicted for sex trafficking and illegally distributing a controlled substanceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Toledo has returned a two-count indictment charging Manish Raj Gupta, aka Manny Gupta, age 49, of Sylvania, Ohio and a Toledo area plastic surgeon, with one count of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion and one count of illegally distributing a controlled substance to the sex trafficking victim.
The indictment alleges that, from August through September of 2016, Manish Raj Gupta used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel a woman, identified as Victim #1, to engage in commercial sex by drugging her without her consent or knowledge, outside the course of any legitimate medical treatment, and then committed sexual acts on her while she was unconscious, which he recorded.
Based on other court records and public filings:
The defendant would travel to medical conferences in large urban areas including Chicago in March and April of 2013, Cleveland of April 2013, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale of June 2015 and July 2019, Los Angeles of September 2016, and various other dates in San Francisco and Detroit. The defendant would often stay at centrally located hotels and hire escorts in the area. He would then administer drugs to his victims and perform sexual acts of violence.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
Due to the possible nature and scope of potential victims, federal and local law enforcement officials across the country are asking that anyone who may have been victimized or have information about Maish Raj Gupta to contact the FBI at [email protected] or call (216) 622-6842.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo, Ohio. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Carol Skutnik.
Brazilian national extradited from Bogota, Colombia for conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
A Brazilian national made his initial appearance in federal court today on charges related to his alleged conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
Trevor Rodrigues, age 39, arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this week after being extradited from Colombia. The indictment unsealed today charges Rodrigues with conspiracy to unlawfully import more than 5 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.
Rodrigues was indicted on February 28, 2018, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. With the assistance of Colombian authorities, Rodrigues was arrested in Bogota, Colombia by the Colombian National Police on February 16, 2019. The Government of Colombia approved the extradition on January 22, 2020. He was then extradited to the United States by the United States Marshals Service on March 18, 2020.
“The extradition of this defendant to the United States demonstrates the resolve of our office and the Justice Department, even during this time of national emergency, to protect our communities and enhance public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “This defendant is alleged to have engaged in a conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaine into our country. As we know all too tragically here in Ohio, cocaine is not a glitzy party drug – it’s a stone-cold killer and responsible for almost half of our overdoses in Cuyahoga County last year. The DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are still open for business. Drug traffickers, violent criminals, and gang members should be on notice. Whether you’re in Cleveland or Cartagena, if you’re a threat to the Northern District of Ohio, we will find you and deliver you to a courtroom here.”
“We will continue to track down transnational criminals no matter where in the world they reside or do business,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “This indictment is a great example of law enforcement and prosecutors from different countries working together to safeguard communities and having an impact on crime on a global scale.”
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Cleveland Office of the Detroit Division, with assistance from DEA offices in the following jurisdictions: Miami, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas, New Haven, Connecticut; Cartagena, Columbia; and West Palm Beach, Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Patrick Burke are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department extends it gratitude to the Government of Colombia for making the extradition possible. The United States Marshal’s Service and the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces more than $65 million available to help fight human trafficking and assist victimsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio announced today that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing many difficult challenges right now, but we must continue to keep up the fight against human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities. These funds will provide our partners and the greater community with solutions and resources to combat trafficking.”
The funding is available through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total available $1.8 million
Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total available $22 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total available $1.7 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total available $2.5 million
Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $16.5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $2 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total available $5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $6 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total available $8 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Akron man charged with possession of 16 kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio returned a one-count indictment today charging Warren D. Morrow, age 49, of Akron, Ohio with attempted possession with intent to distribute 16 kilograms, approximately 35 pounds, of cocaine.
The indictment alleges that on February 26, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess and attempt to distribute 16 kilograms, or 35 pounds, of a substance containing cocaine.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Ohio-Northeast Smuggling Enforcement Team (ONSET) task force. The ONSET Task Force is a task force through Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Organized Crime Commission. The task force is comprised of investigators from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, HSI, Copley Township Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
Akron man charged as part of Project Guardian initiative to reduce gun violenceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio returned a one-count indictment today charging Michael W. Humphries, age 28, of Akron, Ohio with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment alleges that the defendant, after having been previously convicted of aggravated robbery in 2008 and two counts of aggravated assault in 2015, knowingly possessed four rounds of Winchester 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, which was found during a lawful search of the defendant’s residence.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This prosecution is part of Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that surges federal and local law enforcement resources to communities’ most violent neighborhoods in order to root out offenders and build positive relationships with victims, witnesses and community members.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms and Ammunition following Standoff with US Marshals Fugitive Task ForceRead the Press Release
John Shear, age 38 of Cleveland, pled guilty to two separate federal indictments charging him with possessing ammunition and/or firearms as a felon. Shear faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on each indictment, and is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Donald C. Nugent on June 29, 2020, at 9:30am.
According to Shear's guilty plea and other court documents:
On January 30, 2018, Shear was arrested by Ohio Adult Parole Authority (APA) officers for violating his parole conditions. While conducting the arrest, APA officers found one round of 9mm ammunition in Shear's pocket. Shear was prohibited from possessing ammunition or firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, escape, burglary, felonious assault, and drug trafficking.
Several months later, Shear became a fugitive on multiple arrest warrants, including a warrant for aggravated vehicular assault in Cuyahoga County. The United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force adopted the case and began looking for Shear. On August 15, 2018, the Marshals Task Force received information that Shear was staying at a hotel room in Willoughby, Ohio. The Marshals Task Force surrounded the hotel room and knocked on the door. At first, there was no response. But when the Marshals Task Force knocked a second time, Shear yelled, "don’t come in here because if you do I will shoot you and I have a hostage." A negotiator made contact with Shear, and after a brief standoff, he agreed to surrender. Shear and a female were the only two people inside the hotel room.
APA officers were called to the scene to help search the hotel room. During a search of the hotel room, APA officers and the Marshals Task Force found three handguns, ammunition, a holster, a digital scale, marijuana, and crack pipes.
The cases were investigated by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Lewis and Yasmine Makridis.
35 individuals charged as federal and local law enforcement continue dismantling alleged drug trafficking organizations in OhioRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced that a federal grand jury in Cleveland returned four separate multi-count drug indictments charging 35 individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Mansfield, Ohio area. The first indictment alleges that from in or around June 2017 and continuing to in or around January 2020, JAMES YELTON (age 33, from Mansfield, Ohio); CHARLES ANDERSON (age 64, from Mansfield, Ohio); NICHOLAS BALLARD (age 29, from Mansfield, Ohio); ELIJAH BOND (age 25, from Mansfield, Ohio); CARLY DAUGHERTY (age 25, from Lexington, Ohio); WILBERT GILLIARD (age 40), JAMARION GRILLIER, (age 22); TERRIUNTAE HAMMOCK; (age 26, from Mansfield, Ohio); LUCINDA HARDIN (age 36, from Mansfield, Ohio); TERELL HARRIS (age 27, from Mansfield, Ohio); DARNELL HILL (age 40, from Chicago, Illinois); DARNEL JACKSON (age 35, from Mansfield, Ohio); BLAKE JENKINS (age 29, from Mansfield, Ohio); TRAVON JOHNSON (age 28, from Mansfield, Ohio); RODERICK JONES (age 44); GERALD NIXON (age 31, from Mansfield, Ohio); ERNEST PARKS (age 26, from Mansfield, Ohio); MALIQUE SCHAD (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); TORRENCE STANFORD (age 22, from Mansfield, Ohio); DARIAN STEWART (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); DION WALKER (age 52, from Mansfield, Ohio); DEREK WILLIAMS (age 21, from Mansfield, Ohio); KRISTOPHER ZAHNISHER (age 27, from Mount Vernon, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and marijuana in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The second indictment alleges that from in or around December 2015 and continuing to in or around February 2019, JOHN STEVENSON (age 47, from Detroit , Michigan); MARLON BROOKS (age 48, from Mansfield, Ohio); SEAN MOORE (age 49, from Mansfield, Ohio); JAMES HAMILTON (age 52, from Bellville, Ohio);DANIEL SHINGLETON (age 54, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The third indictment alleges that from in or around October 2018 and continuing to in or around October 2019, ANTOINE WADE (age 42, from Mansfield, Ohio); TYLER WIREMAN (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); JOSHUA KABER (age 40, from Mansfield, Ohio); SHEENA KABER (age 37, from Mansfield, Ohio): KASSIE COUCH (age 32, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base (“crack”) in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The fourth indictment alleges that from in or around February 2019 and continuing to in or around December 2019, ANTOINE WADE (age 42, from Mansfield, Ohio); TYLER WIREMAN (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); JOSHUA KABER (age 40, from Mansfiled, Ohio); SHEENA KABER (age 37, from Mansfield, Ohio), and KASSIE COUCH (age 32, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone and U-47700 in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
These indictments are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Each 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 defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to these cases, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the four indictments was conducted and aided by the FBI, United States Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, Metropolitan Richland County Enforcement Unit (METRICH), Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mount Vernon Police Department, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force (MVLETF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Richland County Prosecutors Office . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vasile C. Katsaros and Jason Matthew Katz.
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Boardman Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Laura J. Entrikin, age 60 of Boardman, Ohio, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and one year of supervised release for using her deceased mother’s identity to steal social security benefits.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Andrew Boockmeier, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Office.
As part of her November 26, 2019 guilty plea, Entrikin admitted to forging her deceased mother’s name on 147 checks in order to withdraw social security retirement benefits deposited into the account after her mother died.
Entrikin was also ordered to pay $322,322 in restitution to the SSA.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason White.
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Youngstown physician indicted for operating a “pill mill” that distributed controlled substances, including opioids, and causing the deaths of two patientsRead the Press Release
Martin Escobar, age 57, of Youngstown, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a 145-count indictment charging the unlawful distribution and dispensation of controlled substances, causing the deaths of two patients, maintaining a drug-involved premises, health care fraud, and unlawfully distributing and dispensing a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21.
The indictment alleges that between March 2015 and May 2019, Escobar prescribed opioids and other controlled substances out of his Lake Milton medical office, including opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, often in combination with benzodiazepines and stimulants, all outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The indictment further alleges that to support his illegal prescribing, Escobar engaged in the following conduct, among other things: used false diagnoses; falsified patient pain intensity scales in medical charts; increased dosages of controlled substances and prescribed them for prolonged periods without evidence of efficacy; failed to adequately investigate patients’ pain complaints; failed to consider treatment options other than controlled substances; and falsely claimed in patient charts to have performed extensive physical examinations of patients. The indictment also alleges that Escobar ignored the results of patients’ urine drug screen tests, many of which were performed in Escobar’s medical office and that Escobar billed the government for. The indictment further alleges that these screens demonstrated the absence of prescribed controlled substances and the presence of non-prescribed controlled substances, suggesting the patients were abusing prescribed and non-prescribed controlled substances, and selling prescribed controlled substances that Escobar prescribed to them on the illegal secondary street market.
In addition, the indictment alleges that Escobar committed health care fraud by billing and causing the government to be billed for medically unnecessary controlled substances and urine drug screen tests.
The indictment further alleges that Escobar caused the deaths of two of his patients in 2015 and 2016 by unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances to them that led to their deaths.
“We are relying on our community’s healthcare professionals to help devise strategies to address the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “The vast majority of doctors take their oath to do no harm seriously and have embraced practices that lead to responsible prescribing and reduce diversion, abuse, and addiction. Where there may be departures from those professional obligations, as alleged with respect to this defendant, we stand ready to use every law enforcement tool, including criminal charges, to address that harm.”
“Today's indictment is another example of DEA's determination to combat the troubling prescription drug abuse problem in this country,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “Dr. Escobar allegedly abused his position of trust and jeopardized the lives of many individuals by illegally prescribing controlled substances. No matter if it’s in a doctor’s office, board room or street corner, DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible for the illegal distribution of prescription medicines.”
“All physicians are expected to uphold specific ethical standards to do no harm, but Dr. Escobar, who took the Hippocratic oath to become a physician, is accused of falsifying medical records, prescribing unnecessary controlled substances subsequently causing two deaths, among other charges,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Patients should be able to trust and rely on their chosen physician, not become addicts or die as a result of their physician's care. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to root out and hold accountable physicians that are violating the law and endangering their patients.”
“Prescribing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and with no legitimate medical purpose puts a patient’s health and safety at risk,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Prescribing patterns such as those alleged in this indictment are serious in nature and only exacerbate the opioid crisis. The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate allegations of this nature.”
“Every time a pill mill grinds to a halt, Ohio moves closer to ending this crisis,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “Ohio needs Medicaid fraud teams like these to hold these operations accountable.”
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan D. O’Shea, Michael L. Collyer, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
If you believe that you may have relevant information about Martin Escobar, you are asked to contact law enforcement at (216) 583-5314.
Twenty additional defendants charged with trafficking heroin, fentanyl and cocaineRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland, Ohio, returned a superseding indictment charging twenty defendants for their roles in an international drug distribution conspiracy, which includes the illegal sales of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.
Julian Aguirre-Aguirre, also known as “El Chocolate,” led a Drug Trafficking Organization from Mexico that supplied hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, to members of the Drug Trafficking Organization in the United States. A coordinated investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration offices in Tucson, Arizona, New Orleans, Louisiana, Atlanta, Georgia, Cleveland, Ohio and Akron, Ohio was able to expose the path and process by which these dangerous drugs entered the United States, traveled across the country, and made their way to Ohio communities.
In January of 2020, Arizona residents Delmer Perpuly, Ulises Perpuly and Cesar Perpuly were charged for their roles in delivering fifteen kilograms of cocaine to Eastlake, Ohio at the direction of “El Chocolate.” The superseding indictment charges “El Chocolate” as the head of the Drug Trafficking Organization in Mexico, Delmer Perpuly, Ulises Perpuly and Cesar Perpuly for their roles as drug distributors operating out of Arizona, Herman L. Fletcher and Nelson L. Becton for their roles as drug distributors operating in Ohio, as well as fourteen others in Ohio for their roles in this drug distribution conspiracy.
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 defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives, Department of Homeland Security, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Drug Unit, Akron Police Department Narcotics, Lake County Narcotics Agency, and the Cleveland Heights Police Department, with operational assistance from the U.S. Marshal’s Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney and Christopher J. Joyce.
South Carolina man sentenced to 30 years in prison for the kidnapping and sexual assault of an Alabama womanRead the Press Release
Anthony Ingram, 32, was sentenced today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting an Alabama woman. United States District Judge Sara Lioi sentenced Ingram to 30 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. A jury previously convicted Ingram after a week-long trial in October.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial:
Ingram worked for a cross-country trucking company. On August 10, 2018, Ingram, while in Michigan, offered to transport an Alabama woman to Indiana so she could retrieve her vehicle. Unbeknownst to the woman, Ingram had no intention of taking her to Indiana. Instead, Ingram drove the woman into Ohio and repeatedly ignored her pleas to be released from the truck. Hours later, Ingram pulled the truck over on the Ohio Highway near Hudson, Ohio, where he forced the woman into the rear of the cab, struck her in the face, threatened her with a weapon and sexually assaulted her. After the attack, Ingram continued driving into Pennsylvania. Ingram stopped at a rest stop along the Pennsylvania highway, at which time the woman was able to escape and call for help. Ingram fled and was arrested hours later in Pennsylvania.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the case, with assistance from the Beaver Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Daly and Aaron Howell.
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Akron man admits selling fatal dose of fentanylRead the Press Release
Letroy Vaughn, 28, of Akron pleaded guilty today to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl with a sentencing enhancement for causing the death of another.
On September 28, 2015, Vaughn sold fentanyl to a 25-year-old Akron man who died after ingesting the drug. The Summit County Medical Examiner determined that the man died as a result of a fentanyl overdose. Detectives from the Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit learned that the man had purchased the fatal drugs from Vaughn hours before his death.
Vaughn is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2020 at 10 a.m. Under the terms of his guilty plea, Vaughn is likely to be sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Daly and Aaron Howell.
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Northeast Ohio priest charged with child pornography, child exploitation and juvenile sex traffickingRead the Press Release
Robert D. McWilliams, 29, was charged by criminal complaint today with receiving or distributing child pornography, sexual exploitation of children and sex trafficking of a minor.
According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, McWilliams pretended to be a female on social media applications which he used to make contact with minor male victims. Allegedly, certain of McWilliams’s victims were young boys McWilliams knew because he served as a priest in parishes with which these children and there families were affiliated. Posing as the female, McWilliams allegedly enticed the minor male victims to send sexually explicit photographs and videos, sometimes threatening to expose embarrassing information McWilliams already knew about the victims if they did not send such images. At times, McWilliams is alleged to have threatened to send those photographs to family and friends if the minor male victims did not send additional photographs and videos. McWilliams is also alleged to have followed through on this threat by sending the mothers sexually explicit photographs he received from minor male victims.
The affidavit also alleges that McWilliams was in possession of, received or distributed child pornography, to include a video file of a nude infant boy bound and raped by an adult male, approximately 1,700 images and videos of child pornography, and approximately 150 files of child pornography in a Dropbox cloud storage account.
Additionally, McWilliams is alleged to have used the social networking website Grindr.com to make contact with a minor male victim for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. McWilliams allegedly met the victim on multiple occasions and, in exchange for sex, paid the 15 year old boy approximately $100 per act.
Anyone with knowledge of McWilliams’s contact with children should contact Homeland Security Investigations at (216) 749-9602.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office and Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Bridget M. Brennan.
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Ohio man sentenced to 14 years for plotting attack on Cleveland’s July 4th parade in an effort to support al QaedaRead the Press Release
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 50 of Maple Heights, Ohio, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as 5 years of imprisonment each for threats against the President of the United States and threats against family members of the President of the United States. All three terms of imprisonment will be served concurrently.
“This defendant plotted an attack on families and children in downtown Cleveland on July 4th, a day of utmost importance to all Americans, and he further attempted to undermine our democracy by making threats against the President and his family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “For this conduct, the defendant is deserving of every day of this 14 year sentence. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our nation from people who adhere to violent ideologies and move to act upon them, whether they are in furtherance of their own personal aims or, like here, on behalf of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. We are grateful to the FBI, the Cleveland Joint Terrorism Task Force, and all of our law enforcement partners for their vigilance and hard work in this case and many others.”
“Pitts, a U.S. citizen living in Ohio, pledged his allegiance to al-Qaeda, a foreign terrorist organization, and will now serve a lengthy sentence behind bars,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to use every available resource to disrupt those who seek to bring harm to our fellow citizens.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case and other court records, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts and the UCE met in Walton Hills, Ohio, in 2018, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, to retrieve items used to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where Pitts discussed the impending July 4th bombing: “And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off.” Pitts also expressed a desire to pack a car filled with explosives near the parade, as opposed to his original idea of remote control cars filled with explosives. Pitts reasoned that less time and skill were required to pack a car with explosives versus packing individual remote control cars. Pitts further disclosed additional reconnaissance planning prior to the parade:
DP: That’s why I said I’m going down there the 2nd and the 3rd by myself.
UCE: Alright. Because we gotta have this lined up.
DP: That’s why I’m not going down by the naval base this time. I’m walking the parade route, where they going.
UCE: Alright.
DP: I might find another pick, but that point is guaranteed. That’s the one we want.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
During this conversation, Pitts once again discussed the use of remote control cars, namely as a distraction. Pitts told the UCE that he believed cut up metal should replace BBs in the remote control cars, saying: “If BBs hit you, you can still live, but if shrapnel hits you – it will tear you up.” Pitts further stated remote control cars should be rolled underneath a police car or federal agent car and detonated so that it distracted law enforcement and parade goers while the larger bomb was detonated.
Pitts’ additional plan for remote control cars packed with metal and explosives was that they be given to children of military personnel to play with during the parade so that the children would unwittingly detonate the bombs.
Pitts was arrested at the conclusion of the July 1 meeting.
The FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerry Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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Cleveland man charged with insurance and housing fraud schemesRead the Press Release
Harvey Short, 32, of Cleveland, was arraigned today on two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as well as 26 counts of wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that, from March 10, 2017, through October 10, 2018, Short was part of a conspiracy that entered into a lease and obtained renters insurance for a residential property in Cleveland that later burned in a fire under suspicious circumstances. Short submitted fictitious receipts to obtain monies for purported living expenses and personal property.
The indictment further alleges that, from April 14, 2017, through September 7, 2018, Short was part of a conspiracy that submitted fraudulent paperwork understating his income to obtain subsidized housing benefits as part of a housing assistance program. He claimed he had no present income when, in fact, he knew that he was receiving income.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Fire Arson Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and John Hanley.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at https://www.justice.gov/history.
Law Enforcement Cooperation in Northern Ohio Allows for Continued Prosecution of Illegal Aliens Engaged in Additional Criminal Conduct or Violent ActsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman announces the continued commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio to prosecuting illegal reentry cases. Those cases involving additional criminal conduct, violent attacks, or conduct that threatens public safety, will also remain a priority for federal prosecution.
Earlier today, Attorney General William P. Barr said, “Let us state the reality up front and as clearly as possible: When we are talking about sanctuary cities, we are talking about policies that are designed to allow criminal aliens to escape. These policies are not about people who come to our country illegally but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Their express purpose is to shelter aliens whom local law enforcement has already arrested for other crimes. This is neither lawful nor sensible.”
“Our ability to protect our community from violent criminals always depends upon close cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Nowhere is this principle illustrated more profoundly than instances when individuals are in this country illegally, often after having been removed multiple times before, and commit additional criminal acts here in the United States. A series of cases prosecuted by this Office help highlight this threat. We are grateful to all of our local law enforcement officials who stand arm in arm with us in keeping our neighbors safe every day.”
Examples of illegal reentry cases that warranted federal prosecution and demonstrated an elevated threat to the public include the following:
U.S. v. Adalberto Reynoso-Lopez
Defendant, a native and citizen of Mexico, was ordered removed by a Cleveland Immigration Court on October 26, 2007. Following that order, Defendant was removed to Mexico, but he immediately reentered the United States and was apprehended and removed to Mexico five more times in the following years (once in 2008, twice in 2013, and twice in 2014). Before, during, and after those removals, the defendant, often using an alias, was convicted seven times of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, and one conviction each for Obstruction of Official Business, Ethnic Intimidation, Disorderly Conduct, Theft, and Driving with a Suspended License.
Following his most recent conviction on January 8, 2020 for Obstruction of Official Business in Marion County, Ohio, the defendant was taken into ICE custody. On February 5, 2020, he was indicted in the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division for violating Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 (Illegal Reentry) where he awaits trial. The government will be required to prove these allegations beyond a reasonable doubt should this matter proceed to trial. The defendant was also convicted of Illegal Entry (Title 8, United States Code, Section 1325) in July of 2014, in the Southern District of Texas, where he received a 30-day term of imprisonment after which he was deported.
U.S. v. Marco Antonio Barrera-Escobedo
Defendant, who is a citizen of Mexico, originally illegally entered the United States and moved to Ohio around 2000. After being discovered illegally present in 2007 and 2008, he was removed three separate times. (May 30, 2007, June 21, 2007 and June 29, 2008). After his May 30, 2007 removal, he was found in New Mexico on June 2, 2007, and subsequently charged and convicted of illegal reentry and deported. After each removal, the defendant almost immediately returned to the U.S. without regard to the reentry requirements, and with total disrespect for the laws of the United States.
Then, on December 12, 2017, the defendant was arrested for sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a five year old child - a crime that would obviously not have been committed if the defendant had not violated the laws of this country. Ultimately, the defendant pleaded guilty to Gross Sexual Imposition and Kidnapping and was sentenced to 15 years incarceration on April 24, 2018. Based upon his illegal presence in the United States, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement placed a detainer on the defendant and an indictment was returned for Illegal Reentry of a removed alien after deportation. On July 31, 2018, the defendant pleaded guilty and on November 14, 2018, defendant was sentenced to the statutory maximum 24 months to run consecutive to his state GSI/Kidnapping sentence. He will again be deported after completion of both sentences.
U.S. v Jean Claude Phillip McKenzie
Defendant, who is a citizen of Jamaica, was admitted to the United States and granted conditional Lawful Permanent Residence status in 2008. After serving a sentence for a 2010 Drug Trafficking conviction in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, McKenzie was deported to Jamaica in July 2012.
McKenzie, however, illegally returned to the U.S. and was again found in Cleveland after an officer heard gun shots that the officer thought were directed at him. The officer was taking a statement from an aggravated robbery victim at the time. The officer further reported that the suspect fled in a black vehicle. Other officers stopped McKenzie’s car, which was the only vehicle in the area that matched the description. McKenzie stopped abruptly and fled on foot. Once caught, he gave a false name. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol was found in the defendant’s vehicle which had been reported stolen the year before.
Fingerprints taken from the defendant revealed his true identity and he ultimately pleaded guilty to Illegal Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation and was sentenced to 72 months in prison. He will be deported upon completion of his sentence.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at https://www.justice.gov/history.
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Northwood, Ohio man charged with smuggling goods and misbranded drugsRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed against Eric Taylor, age 44, of Northwood, Ohio, charging him with smuggling goods, misbranded drugs and unapproved drugs.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 investigating agency in this case is the United States Food and Drug Administration. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Youngstown man sentenced to 12 years for intending to distribute pressed fentanyl pills disguised as Oxycodone and violating the terms of federal supervisionRead the Press Release
Benjamin Ross, 28, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced for his role in a scheme to distribute fentanyl pills, which were pressed, colored and stamped to look like 30 milligram oxycodone hydrochloride pills. Judge John R. Adams sentenced Ross to 144 months of incarceration, to be followed by ten years of supervised release.
According to the indictment and other court records, on May 15, 2019, Ross knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 117.70 grams of fentanyl.
Between March 19, 2019 and May 15, 2019, Ross was in contact with an individual via the WhatsApp mobile messaging platform. These communications revealed that Ross sought to purchase fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone. During one such communication, Ross complained that the blue color of the pills he had just received did not match the standard oxycodone color and could possibly alert his customers to the fact that the pills were not legitimate oxycodone pills. Ross provided an address to the individual so that the individual could mail the shipment via the U.S. Postal Service. Just prior to May 15, 2019, the individual provided Ross with the tracking number so that Ross would know when to pick up the shipment. The shipment was delivered to the address Ross provided on May 15, 2019. Immediately after Ross picked up the shipment, the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop. During that traffic stop, a police canine alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the car. Troopers found a bag of round, light-blue pills, which were marked “M” and “30” as if they were 30 milligram oxycodone pills. A laboratory test confirmed the 117.7 grams of pills actually contained fentanyl. At the time of his arrest, Ross was under supervision after serving 57 months for a prior federal firearms conviction. Ross was released from custody and began supervision on March 22, 2019.
Judge Adams found this drug trafficking conviction was a violation of the terms of Ross’ supervised release. Ross was sentenced to 120 months for trafficking fentanyl followed by a consecutive sentence of 24 months for violating his supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Burke and Danielle Angeli Asher following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, The Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Last of four sentences handed down in Trumbull County explosives and firearms caseRead the Press Release
Four Trumbull County men convicted in an ATF investigation have been sentenced in federal court.
Donald Paul Phillips, age 28 of Mineral Ridge, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for two counts relating to the illegal manufacture and distribution of explosives, and one count of possessing firearms after a domestic violence conviction.
Andrew Syacsure, age 31 of Niles, was sentenced to 4 months of home detention and 3 years of probation for one count of conspiring to manufacture and distribute explosives.
Zachary Booth, age 30 of Warren, was sentenced to 3 years of supervised probation for one count of distributing explosives without an ATF license.
And Donald Roger Phillips, age 50 of Mineral Ridge, was sentenced to 5 months of home detention, 3 years of probation, and a $1,000 fine for one count of possessing a firearm after a domestic violence conviction. All four defendants pled guilty.
According to court records:
In early 2019, ATF agents learned that Zachary Booth was offering to sell homemade explosive devices. ATF agents began an undercover operation and purchased 11 homemade explosive devices from Booth. The devices appeared similar to large M-80 fireworks, but contained hundreds of times more flash powder than consumer ground fireworks.
After further investigation, the ATF learned that Booth had obtained the explosive devices from Donald Paul Phillips. ATF agents then used an undercover agent to make multiple purchases of the devices from Donald Paul Phillips outside his workplace in Niles.
On May 2, 2019, ATF agents arrested Donald Paul Phillips at his workplace in Niles and found a handgun in his toolbox. Phillips was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to two prior convictions for domestic violence.
Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at Donald Paul Phillips' residence in Mineral Ridge, where he lived with his father (Donald Roger Phillips) and step-mother. During the search warrant, law enforcement found another handgun under Donald Paul Phillips' bed, and over a dozen firearms in a gun storage room immediately adjacent to his bedroom. The firearms discovered in the gun storage room included multiple high-capacity magazines and a device that was later determined to be a silencer. Law enforcement also found more than 500 homemade explosive devices in the breezeway of the home, and a loaded shotgun in Donald Roger Phillips's bedroom closet. Donald Roger Phillips was also prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior domestic violence conviction.
ATF agents then conducted a search of Syacsure's home in Niles, and found evidence of explosives manufacturing in Syacsure's basement, which included workbenches, tubs of ingredients used to make flash powder, and empty cardboard fuses and tubes.
In total, the ATF seized over 900 homemade explosive devices and over a dozen illegally possessed firearms during the investigation.
The case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the Niles Police Department, the Weathersfield Police Department, and members of the Youngstown Bomb Squad. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis.
Ohio man sentenced to nearly twelve years for illegally possessing a firearm and violating previously imposed federal supervisionRead the Press Release
Deshaun A. Jones, 40, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition. Judge John R. Adams sentenced Jones to 120 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. The Judge also imposed a 21-month term of incarceration to be served consecutively because Jones violated the terms of his current supervision when he was convicted of this crime.
After a three-day jury trial in December of 2019, Jones was found guilty of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The criminal charges arose from Deshaun A. Jones possessing a firearm, which he discharged into an occupied residence in an Akron, Ohio neighborhood on the night of October 1, 2018. Neighbors complained to police after hearing gunshots and noticing Jones screaming in the street. A review of Jones’ criminal record revealed he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions.
Jones possessed the firearm and ammunition knowing he had previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Those crimes included a 1999 state conviction for Possession of Cocaine, a 2005 state conviction for Assault, a 2006 state conviction for Trafficking in Cocaine, a 2006 state Conviction for Trafficking in Heroin, and a 2009 federal conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Akron Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Joyce and Ranya Elzein.
Toledo, Ohio man indicted and arrested for sex trafficking juvenilesRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was arrested January 23, 2020 for sex trafficking two juveniles in Toledo, Ohio.
Tyrone Cannon, aka “Bama,” 24, was indicted January 8, 2020 on two counts of Sex Trafficking of Minors between April and May. One count charges sex trafficking of a 17-year old female juvenile, while the other count charges sex trafficking of a 16-year old female juvenile.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years on each count and designation as a sex offender. The sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Toledo Police Department, and the Northwest Ohio Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Ranya Elzein.
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.
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Braking Point Recovery Center Owner Sentenced to 7 1/2 Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Ryan P. Sheridan, 39, the owner and operator of Braking Point Recovery Center, which operated in the Youngstown and Columbus areas, was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison for crimes related to a health care fraud conspiracy where Medicaid was billed $48 million for drug and alcohol recovery services, much of which were not provided, not medically necessary, lacked proper documentation, or had other issues that made them ineligible for reimbursement.
Sheridan was also ordered to pay $24,479,939 in restitution. He pleaded guilty last October to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone, twenty-two counts of use of another’s registration number of another to obtain controlled substances, one count of operating a drug premises, and twenty-eight counts of money laundering.
On January 21, 2020, co-defendants Dr. Thomas Bailey and Dr. Arthur Smith were sentenced to 2 years of probation with 6 months of community service and a $5,000 fine. Co-defendant Lisa Pertee was sentenced to 1 year of probation with 60 days of community service, and order to pay $2,200 in special assessments.
According to court documents:
Ryan Sheridan was the sole owner of Braking Point Recovery Center, which operated drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Austintown and Whitehall, Ohio, that provided detox, intensive outpatient treatment, day treatment and residential living rehabilitation.
Sheridan also owned and operated numerous other businesses, including Breaking Point Health and Fitness LLC and Braking Point Recovery Housing LLC, which owned recovery houses (or “sober houses”) for individuals attempting to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
As part of being a certified provider, Sheridan agreed to follow the rules and regulations of the Ohio Medicaid Program and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Between January 2015 and October 18, 2017, Sheridan and various other defendants submitted or caused to be submitted billings to Medicaid for drug and alcohol services that were: coded to reflect a service more costly than was actually provided; without proper documentation; without proper assessment documents containing valid diagnosis; billings for patients whose records did not contain diagnosis by a physician; related to treatment at unlicensed inpatient beds; billings related to dispensing of Suboxone, even though the treating physician did not have the authority to do so; for case management services when, in fact, the clients were working out at Sheridan’s gym; billings based on quotas provided to the nurses by the defendants to bill four to five hours of treatment daily, even if the services were not medically necessary; billing for in-patient detox and drug treatment services that were, in fact, provided in an out-patient setting, among other violations.
Braking Point submitted approximately 134,744 claims to Medicaid for more than $48.5 million in services it claimed to provide between May 2015 and October 2017. The claims caused Medicaid to pay Braking Point more than $31 million. Medicaid suspended payments to Braking Point on October 18, 2017.
Sheridan and other defendants developed a standard protocol of distributing the same amount of Suboxone to every patient seeking drug treatment immediately upon entering Braking Point’s detox program without being evaluated by a properly licensed physician to determine the medical necessity for the use of Suboxone. Sheridan had the treating physician use another physician’s DEA data waiver license to dispense more than 3,000 doses of Suboxone in 2017 alone without the data waiver physician having seen the patients.
Sheridan also made numerous financial transactions in excess of $6 million, involving money derived from these unlawful activities, including health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. As such, Sheridan was ordered to forfeit property and proceeds obtained as a result of these crimes, including nearly $3 million, property in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and eight automobiles, including replicas of vehicles used in the movies “Back to the Future,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Batman.”
“These defendants stole tens of millions of dollars from taxpayers through fraudulent billing and other crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They used the drug epidemic plaguing Ohio as a way to line their pockets and profited off the suffering of others.”
“That beacon of hope for the addicted turned out to be a bonfire of our tax dollars. Heartless,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.
“Regardless of position, title, status, or degree, no one is above the law,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “DEA will continue to work with U.S. Attorney Herdman’s office to bring those who blatantly violate drug dispensing laws to justice.”
“Ryan Sheridan and his co-conspirators deserve the sentences handed down in federal court for their fraudulent and deceptive criminal behavior,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “These individuals preyed on a healthcare system that is in place to help those in need and not to be used as an ATM to cipher millions of dollars from the taxpayers for their own pleasures.”
“These sentences send a clear message that those who choose to exploit Medicaid for illegal personal gain will pay the price for those criminal acts. Taking advantage of a program set up to assist low-income people and the disabled will not be tolerated,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The OIG will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to combat fraud in the health care system and protect vital tax payer dollars.”
“Ryan Sheridan’s actions put our health care system at risk for his own personal gain which in unfathomable,” IRS Criminal Investigation SAC Bryant Jackson said. “Not only is Ryan Sheridan going to jail, but the government has seized a portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture which is one of the government's most powerful weapons in combating crimes of this magnitude. IRS criminal investigation followed the flow of money in this case in order to uncover the fraud and we are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate health care fraud schemes.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark S. Bennett and Jason M. Katz, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Metzler following an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicare Fraud and Corruption Unit.
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Department of Justice Files Brief in Support of the Constitutionality of Ohio Law Prohibiting Abortion Providers from Performing an Abortion They Know Is Sought Because of Down SyndromeRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the full United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in support of the constitutionality of an Ohio law prohibiting abortion providers from performing an abortion they know is sought because of Down syndrome.
“Ohio’s Antidiscrimination Law affirms that people with Down syndrome have lives worth living and protecting. The Law also protects the medical profession from harm to its integrity and protects women from abortion providers who may seek to pressure them into obtaining an abortion because of Down syndrome,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The federal government has an interest in the equal dignity of those who live with disabilities. Nothing in the Constitution requires Ohio to authorize abortion providers to participate in abortions the providers know are based on Down syndrome.”
“This Ohio law prevents discrimination against individuals with Down syndrome,” said Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Accordingly, the state of Ohio’s interests in this matter are fully aligned with those of the United States and we are not only entitled, but compelled, to weigh in as a friend of the Court.”
In 2017, Ohio’s General Assembly passed, and Ohio Governor John Kasich signed, legislation (the Antidiscrimination Law) directing that an abortion provider cannot “purposely perform or induce or attempt to perform or induce an abortion on a pregnant woman if” the provider “has knowledge that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion” because of Down syndrome. The law expressly shields women who seek such abortions from any and all liability.
Plaintiffs challenged the Antidiscrimination Law in court before the law took effect. The district court enjoined enforcement of the Antidiscrimination Law and on appeal, that decision was upheld in a split decision by a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit. The dissenting judge would have upheld the Antidiscrimination Law as constitutional because there was “no evidence” that the law created a substantial obstacle to obtaining an abortion. The Sixth Circuit then voted to rehear the case before the full or “en banc” court.
The government’s friend-of-the-court brief to the full Sixth Circuit explains that the district court and divided panel were wrong to hold Ohio’s Antidiscrimination Law unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s abortion decisions. The brief outlines that the Antidiscrimination Law serves several important purposes. It protects individuals with disabilities from prejudice and indifference and the medical profession from harm to its integrity and reputation. The law also wards against the slippery slope to medical involvement in race- or sex-based abortions. And it protects women themselves by separating them from potentially coercive abortion providers who may seek to pressure them into obtaining an abortion because of Down syndrome.
Given Congress’s abortion legislation, the United States has an interest in the application of the law in that area, and has often participated in cases involving state abortion laws. The federal government enforces civil rights laws that outlaw various forms of disability discrimination, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It also enforces the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which protects against discrimination as to health insurance and employment on the basis of genetic information, including “of any fetus carried by [a] pregnant woman.”
Department of Justice Files Brief in Support of the Constitutionality of Ohio Law Prohibiting Abortion Providers from Performing an Abortion They Know Is Sought Because of Down SyndromeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the full United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in support of the constitutionality of an Ohio law prohibiting abortion providers from performing an abortion they know is sought because of Down syndrome.
“Ohio’s Antidiscrimination Law affirms that people with Down syndrome have lives worth living and protecting. The Law also protects the medical profession from harm to its integrity and protects women from abortion providers who may seek to pressure them into obtaining an abortion because of Down syndrome,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The federal government has an interest in the equal dignity of those who live with disabilities. Nothing in the Constitution requires Ohio to authorize abortion providers to participate in abortions the providers know are based on Down syndrome.”
“This Ohio law prevents discrimination against individuals with Down syndrome,” said Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Accordingly, the state of Ohio’s interests in this matter are fully aligned with those of the United States and we are not only entitled, but compelled, to weigh in as a friend of the Court.”
In 2017, Ohio’s General Assembly passed, and Ohio Governor John Kasich signed, legislation (the Antidiscrimination Law) directing that an abortion provider cannot “purposely perform or induce or attempt to perform or induce an abortion on a pregnant woman if” the provider “has knowledge that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion” because of Down syndrome. The law expressly shields women who seek such abortions from any and all liability.
Plaintiffs challenged the Antidiscrimination Law in court before the law took effect. The district court enjoined enforcement of the Antidiscrimination Law and on appeal, that decision was upheld in a split decision by a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit. The dissenting judge would have upheld the Antidiscrimination Law as constitutional because there was “no evidence” that the law created a substantial obstacle to obtaining an abortion. The Sixth Circuit then voted to rehear the case before the full or “en banc” court.
The government’s friend-of-the-court brief to the full Sixth Circuit explains that the district court and divided panel were wrong to hold Ohio’s Antidiscrimination Law unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s abortion decisions. The brief outlines that the Antidiscrimination Law serves several important purposes. It protects individuals with disabilities from prejudice and indifference and the medical profession from harm to its integrity and reputation. The law also wards against the slippery slope to medical involvement in race- or sex-based abortions. And it protects women themselves by separating them from potentially coercive abortion providers who may seek to pressure them into obtaining an abortion because of Down syndrome.
Given Congress’s abortion legislation, the United States has an interest in the application of the law in that area, and has often participated in cases involving state abortion laws. The federal government enforces civil rights laws that outlaw various forms of disability discrimination, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It also enforces the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which protects against discrimination as to health insurance and employment on the basis of genetic information, including “of any fetus carried by [a] pregnant woman.”
Cleveland man charged with allegedly shooting at agents further charged with sex trafficking of a juvenile and producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
Reuben Rankin, 34, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of sex trafficking of a juvenile and one count of production of child pornography.
These charges come in addition to Rankin’s pending federal charges for assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The first three charges were brought after Rankin allegedly fired six shots at federal agents during the execution of a search warrant on a house on Dove Avenue in Cleveland.
A federal grand jury has now returned a superseding indictment adding two additional charges for sex trafficking of a juvenile and production of child pornography.
The superseding indictment alleges that between “in or about May 2019 and in or about September 2019, Rankin did knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, maintain, patronize, and solicit by any means a minor under the age of 18 years, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion would be used to cause the minor to engage in a commercial sex act, and that the minor had not attained the age of 18 years and would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.
The superseding indictment further alleges that during that time, Rankin did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct.
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.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein.
A charge 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.
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Cleveland Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Joshua Gilchrist, age 35, was sentenced in federal court to 147 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for armed bank robbery. The Court also ordered that this term of incarceration be served consecutive to a previously imposed sentence of 36 months in prison that Gilchrist received for an armed bank robbery in Oklahoma.
According to evidence presented at sentencing, in the afternoon of December 8, 2017, Joshua Gilchrist, brandished a handgun as he robbed the Key Bank located at 3602 Chester Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. The bank was busy at the time with multiple customers waiting in the bank’s lobby. Gilchrist ordered everyone to the ground and demanded money from the tellers. He fled on foot with $3,496 in U.S. currency. Surveillance video showed the robbery occur with Gilchrist’s face clearly visible. He also left behind a bag, which was later tested for and confirmed the presence of Gilchrist’s DNA.
Approximately two months later, on February 6, 2018, Gilchrist robbed the Bank of Oklahoma in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He brandished what appeared to be a handgun and threatened to kill the tellers. Gilchrist ordered everyone to the ground, demanded cash, and fled with $740. The same day, local law enforcement identified and arrested Joshua Gilchrist in Joplin, Missouri where he confessed to the Tulsa Oklahoma bank robbery. A fake gun was recovered from his vehicle. On September 11, 2018, Gilchrist pled guilty to the Bank of Oklahoma robbery in federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma. On December 12, 2018, that court sentenced Gilchrist to 36 months in prison. After the resolution of his Oklahoma case, he was brought to Cleveland to face his charges for the Key Bank robbery.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
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Richland County Boy Scout official sentenced to 30 years of prison for sexually exploiting children as well as receiving and distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
Thomas Close, 39, of Shelby, was sentenced today in federal court to 30 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release, which included lifetime sex offender registration obligations. He was also ordered to pay $949 in restitution and a $300 special assessment.
Close was known to many in the Boy Scouts of America as “Aqua Joe” because he was a swim instructor as well as a troop leader. And yet, from 2011 through 2018, Close abused these positions to surreptitiously record young boys while they changed for swimming or showers. He then transferred those recorded images from a simple spy watch to his home computers in carefully labeled folders and file structures. Close also victimized children in his care at the YMCA, the Willard Conservation League, the Firelands Scout Reservation, the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, the Mohican Wilderness camp, the STEM camp, and even his own home in Shelby, Ohio.
“It is difficult to imagine a more heinous crime, particularly when the ages and youthful experiences of children were so calculatingly exploited,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “If we have not made it clear before, let this sentence send a message to all who seek to prey on our children: there is no place we cannot find you and we will bring you to justice.”
“This individual used his position and regular access to children to exploit the young people who he was entrusted to take care of and protect,” said Vance Callender, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio. “While no amount of prison time is sufficient for the depraved abuse of trust by Mr. Close on his innocent victims, hopefully, today’s sentencing can begin the healing process for all of those impacted.”
Additional details of these crimes were described in court filings and during today’s sentencing hearing:
In May of 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) Cleveland received information from the Cyber Crimes Center (C3), Child Exploitation Investigations Unit (CEIU) regarding a child exploitation lead in Sandusky, OH. C3 provided several videos that were taken of minor boys changing before or after swimming, with a series of lockers visible in some of the pictures. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) confirmed that these videos were seen in previous child pornography investigations but the children depicted in the images had not yet been identified. However, the NCMEC Victim Identification Lab was able to identify the manufacturer of the lockers as the Bradley Corp. Since only a few YMCAs purchased lockers from Bradley Corp, C3 was able to confirm that the images were likely taken at the YMCA facility located in Sandusky, OH.
With little to go on, agents set out to identify the boys. They focused on landmarks and the Boy Scout logo captured in images, which let them to speak with representatives of the Boy Scouts and local YMCAs. Both the Boy Scouts and local YMCAs assisted agents with their investigation. In speaking with the Boy Scouts, agents were directed to an incident report in which one den leader noted Close’ frequent and unnecessary contact with scouts during swim time.
Later, and based on this tip, agents interviewed Close. Close admitted to the following: accessing child pornography from the TOR network; using a Russian photo sharing site to access child pornography; receiving and distributing images of child pornography online; being sexually interested in boys as young as five and up to 18; and possessing approximately 5 terabytes of child pornography. He also acknowledged leaving a watch with video capability in the designated changing areas in order to record the boys as they undressed.
Agents conducted a forensic analysis of Close’s devices and confirmed that he had more than 110,000 image and video files that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Approximately 60,000 of those files were unique images. Close also created 1,900 images of child pornography. To date, 143 victims have been identified, with the youngest being seven years old.
One of the identified victims, who is referred to in court filings as Minor #21, provided a recorded victim impact statement which was played during the sentencing hearing. He stated in pertinent part:
Never have I been so sad. This whole thing lingers in my mind all the time. I wish I could make it go away. . . . I have a question for you, Aqua Joe: Why? Why would you do this to me? Why would you do this to any kid? How dare you do this to a kid that can’t defend himself. I don’t understand. I’m supposed to be able to trust the people that I’m told I can trust. You took advantage of me and you spied on me. Now I don’t trust anyone. You ruined part of my life! And I hate you. . . . I especially hate you for hurting my mother. You broke her heart – and mine. . . . I hope someday I can forget about you.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the Shelby Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.
Russell Delano Miley-Cruz Sentenced for School Shooting ThreatRead the Press Release
Russell Delano Miley-Cruz, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for transmitting a school shooting threat about Parma High School. He was also ordered to reimburse the Parma Police Department for overtime hours incurred responding to this hoax threat.
“Posting threats to disrupt a school day is unlawful conduct under any circumstances, but especially where, like here, the defendant was in another state and then lied about his conduct to law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and school employees is a top priority for law enforcement in Northern Ohio. This defendant deserves every day of this 18 month sentence of imprisonment.”
“Making threats to commit a school shooting are not taken lightly by law enforcement as evidenced by this sentence handed down today,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Miley-Cruz induced fear in school personnel, students and their parents at Parma High School and wasted valuable law enforcement resources, and then he lied about being involved. Law enforcement would like to remind people to #thinkbeforeyoupost, hoax threats will be prosecuted.”
“After an exhaustive investigation conducted by members of the Parma Police Department as well as the FBI, we are hoping he receives a sentence which will send a message to others that this is not acceptable and this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” said Parma Police Chief Joseph M. Bobak.
According to evidence presented at sentencing, on April 11, 2018, Miley-Cruz, using the screenname “djravetastic,” sent a Snapchat message to a student he believed attended Parma High School, which stated: “Don’t go to Parma High School tomorrow friend, we are about to shoot that shit up alright man? Don’t tell the cops and you will be fine.” Miley-Cruz claimed to have received the threat himself and was merely forwarding it to the student. Five minutes later, Miley-Cruz sent the student another Snapchat message and told her to tell her friends “because it could save lives,” and added that two of his friends got the same message in Ohio and Tennessee, respectfully. Miley-Cruz sent multiple Snapchat messages urging the student to share the threat with her friends. The student shared the message containing the threat with a friend who then shared it via Snapchat. Thereafter, the threat spread among Parma High School students. The following day, April 12, 2018, approximately 1200 students called out of school with only 340 students attending out of 1553 total Parma High School students.
Prior to transmitting the threat, Miley-Cruz created an account on a virtual private network (VPN) site for encrypted communications. On April 10, 2018, a day before he transmitted the threat, Miley-Cruz searched for and installed an application on his phone that allowed him to mask and manipulate his caller ID to reflect a different phone number than his own. Approximately an hour later, Miley-Cruz received a text from a fake phone number. On April 10, 2018, Miley-Cruz searched “How to share other people’s snaps” and clicked on an article titled “Update: how to send other people’s snaps on snapchat.” Miley-Cruz visited the same article three times within three hours. On April 11, 2018, Miley-Cruz installed an application on his phone that deletes internet search history. Approximately three minutes later, Miley-Cruz search for “Snap History Eraser” and “Snapchat Message Eraser.”
During the investigation, Miley-Cruz provided a fake phone number to the Parma Police, denied knowing anyone who lived in Parma, and denied any knowledge of a school shooting threat to students at Parma High School. Within minutes after speaking with a Parma Police Detective, Miley-Cruz called the Detective back, claiming to have received another school shooting threat. This threat, like the original threat, came from a fake phone number. Finally, Miley-Cruz created a fake Facebook profile utilizing an actual Parma High School student’s image and commented on local media stories taking credit for the school shooting threat.
This case was investigated by the Parma Police Department, the Scranton, Pennsylvania Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John C. Hanley and Robert J. Patton.
U.s. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $54 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2019Read the Press Release
(Cleveland, Ohio) - U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman announced today that the Northern District of Ohio collected $39,306,678.20 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2019. Of this amount, $32,884,564.20 was collected in criminal actions and $6,422,114.00 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $14,622,034 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2019. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Accordingly, a combined $53,928,712.20 was collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio in FY 2019.
“These figures represent money returned to the United States through the hard work and outstanding effort of our employees and law enforcement partners” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Whether we are representing the United States in a criminal or a civil action, we will always seek to maximize the financial interests of our country in resolving these cases.”
Separately, the Northern District of Ohio worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,239,149.51 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $35,206.84 was collected in criminal actions and $1,203,942.67 was collected in civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
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Tallmadge Chemist Charged with Falsifying Test ResultsRead the Press Release
Andrew K. Ecklund, 57, a chemist, previously employed at an environmental testing company in Northeast Ohio, was charged in a nine-count indictment for falsifying test results that were sent to customers across the country.
As alleged in the indictment, Ecklund was a laboratory analyst who was responsible for testing environmental samples for the presence of hazardous substances. On numerous occasions between December 15, 2014 and February 25, 2015, Ecklund allegedly took steps to make it appear that deficient samples met quality control standards when, as charged in the indictment, they did not.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Ohio EPA, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, and U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, all of which are members of the Northeast Ohio Environmental Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen E. Henderson and Brad J. Beeson.
Eleven people indicted for their roles in a bookmaking and money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
Eleven people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Stephen Bellipario, aka Tony, 36, of Long Island, New York; Joseph Fowles, aka Matt, 36, of Seaford, New York; Amir Hugh Robinson, 47, of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida; Anthony Pinialis, 64 of Las Vegas, Nevada; Clinton Reider, 41, of Mentor on the Lake; Thomas Reed, 48 of Kirtland Hills, James Ovens, 50 of Willoughby; Michael Tutolo, 53 of Mentor; Maurey Presser, 61 of South Euclid; Alan Bambic, 44 of Painesville; and Ralph Robertson 57 of Chagrin Falls are all charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Bellipario, Fowles, Robinson, Pinialis, Ovens, and Tutolo are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
“Identifying fraudulent schemes, including alleged gambling and money laundering enterprises, remains a priority of the Department of Justice and this U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Our partner agencies share in this commitment, which is certainly reflected in the work performed by the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Secret Service that led to these charges.”
“One of the U.S. Secret Service’s priorities is to safeguard the country’s financial system,” stated Jonathan Schuck, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Cleveland Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service, IRS and United States Attorney’s Office were able to successfully collaborate to identify a large complex money laundering scheme that reaches not only domestically but internationally as well.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their money," stated Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigations’ Cincinnati Field Office. “Working collaboratively with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office, IRS-CI will continue our efforts to ensure all those who participated in these schemes are brought to justice.”
The indictment alleges that the conspiracy was made up of bookmakers, more commonly known as bookies, operators of a bookmaking website, and money launderers. Bellipario and Fowles allegedly operated PremierPerHead.com (“PPH”), a gambling website based in Costa Rica. PPH allowed bookmakers to pay a weekly fee per active client account, known as a “pay per head” fee, and provided bookmakers in the Northern District of Ohio and elsewhere with access to an online gambling platform that their clients could use to place and track bets. Specifically, PPH is alleged to have allowed gambling clients to make bets on sporting events and other wagers via the website or by phone. PPH also allegedly tracked clients’ winnings and losses and maintained a dollar balance of the bookmakers’ client accounts.
The indictment alleges that Reider, Ovens, Tutolo, Reed, Presser, Bambic, and Robertson, along with others, operated as bookmakers in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division and utilized the PPH website. The indictment further alleges that the pay per head fees were paid to the PPH website through a variety of payment methods, including money orders, prepaid gift cards, MoneyGram, Western Union, PayPal, Bitcoin and cash payments.
According to the indictment, Robinson and Pinialis assisted in the laundering of proceeds from PPH. Pinialis allegedly collected money orders sent to an address in Las Vegas, Nevada by bookmakers for payment of PPH fees and deposited the money orders into a bank account in his name. Robinson allegedly processed prepaid gift cards sent by bookmakers as payment for PPH fees, which resulted in deposits into his business bank account. Robinson later converted the deposits into Bitcoin in order to transfer the funds to the operators of the PPH website.
The indictment also alleges numerous payments of thousands of dollars from the bookmakers to the operators of PPH. Additionally, the indictment alleges that thousands of dollars of cash was seized from the homes of some of the bookmakers.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases sentences will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Henderson and Alejandro Abreu and Criminal Division Chief Robert Bulford.
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Berea, Ohio Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
Cody Swinnerton, 25, of Berea, was sentenced to 35 years in prison with 25 years supervised release to follow. He was also ordered to pay $45,900 in special assessments. He previously pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019 to seven counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children, and one count each of Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography after he contacted several children between the ages of 12 and 15 and coerced them into sending him sexually explicit images.
According to an affidavit in the case and information presented at sentencing:
Swinnerton began his exploitation of children in 2013 when he engaged in sexual conduct with a sleeping child and then videotaped the assault with his cellphone. Thereafter, Swinnerton attended athletic events, like the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he would take pictures of the preteen athletes. He would later contact the young athletes on social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat to congratulate them and share photos. Simultaneously, he would contact the boys online using a teenage female persona and solicit, entice and coerce them to send sexually explicit images of themselves.
Swinnerton used this technique to gain access to a young teenage boy and his family in New York. After an extended period of Instagram chats, Swinnerton moved to New York and gained access to the young athlete’s home by, among other things, befriending the family. On more than one occasion, Swinnerton sexually assaulted the sleeping minor and recorded the assault. Swinnerton used memorabilia he acquired during his job with the Cleveland Cavaliers to entice this victim and others to communicate with him.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement when the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip that Swinnerton appeared to be enticing and coercing minors to produce sexually explicit images. Swinnerton controlled multiple accounts and targeted minors between the ages of 12 and 15 on Instagram and Facebook.
Swinnerton contacted the victims’ friends and family to coerce the victims into producing more images. He also threatened the victims in an effort to get them to produce sexually explicit images. Further investigation revealed potential victims in Ohio, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, Australia, Austria and France.
A search warrant was executed at Swinnerton’s Berea residence on January 25, 2019. Relatives said Swinnerton was on vacation in Australia at the time of the search, however, ICAC investigators were able to seize several of Swinnerton’s computer devices. A forensic review of Swinnerton’s laptop revealed hundreds of sexually explicit images of preteen and teenage boys. Further investigation revealed that Swinnerton was staying in Australia with another victim and his family. Swinnerton surreptitiously recorded sexually explicit videos of the Australian boy even after learning that Ohio investigators had executed the search warrant on his house.
“Let this 35-year prison sentence send a message to those would sexually assault and exploit our children,” said United States Attorney Herdman. “We will find you anywhere in the world and we will never quit until you are brought to justice and held accountable for the unspeakable harm you have caused.”
“This case is a disturbing reminder that international borders are no longer a hindrance for online predators,” said Vance Callender, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. “However, this sentence should ensure victims around the world that Homeland Security Investigations and our partners in the international law enforcement community are committed to aggressively targeting those engaged in these heinous acts.”
“This defendant's conduct should serve as a warning to parents that offenders are creating fictitious identities to groom, threaten and exploit children on today's popular Internet sites and social media apps,” said David Frattare, Commander of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “Online child exploitation offenders understand the power that these inappropriate images and videos have when it comes to continuing this victimization.”
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz said alarmingly, the volume of reports concerning the sexual exploitation of children is increasing and the appetite for the vile material can lead to vulnerable children suffering devastating harm. “Today’s outcome sends a strong message to child sex offenders that you are not anonymous online,” Assistant Commissioner Platz said. “It does not matter where you live, or if you are in a different country to your victims, police will track you down and prosecute you. The partnership forged between HSI and the AFP in countering child exploitation on a global level was pivotal to the successful outcome in this matter.”
Australian Border Force Commander, Investigations, Graeme Grosse said this result was a great example of international partner agencies, working together to protect children on a global scale.
“The ABF has assisted our international partners in catching and bringing this individual to justice who was actively seeking out children with the intent to exploit and abuse them for his own gratification.” he said. “Anybody who is involved in this type of activity should know that there is nowhere to hide and the international law enforcement community is actively seeking you out to ensure are stopped and you face the full force of the law.”
This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, HSI-Canberra, the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.
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Justice Department Awards More Than $333 Million to Fight Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
More than $3.2 Million Will Support Efforts to Combat Drugs and Crime
in the Northern District of Ohio
The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs announced awards of more than $333 million to help communities affected by the opioid crisis. More than $3.2 million will help public safety and public health professionals in the Northern District of Ohio combat substance abuse and respond effectively to overdoses. OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan made the announcement during a visit with local, state and federal officials in West Virginia, one of the states hardest hit by the epidemic.
“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said PDAAG Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids—including heroin and fentanyl—a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities—from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research—to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
“These dollars will boost the efforts of our law enforcement, prevention, education and treatment efforts throughout northern Ohio,” said United States Attorney Justin Herdman. “We expect that these grants will save lives and help turn the tide of this multi-generational epidemic. The Department of Justice is committed to our partners here in Ohio and these funds are just one measure of that support.”
The awards support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
The following awards were made to organizations in the Northern District of Ohio:
- Erie County: $600,000 to encourage and support development of a site-based program.
- Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lima County: $400,000 to facilitate justice and mental health collaboration programs.
- City of Cleveland: $750,000 to facilitate justice and mental health collaboration programs.
- Ashtabula County: $139,111 for Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court.
- Medina County Drug Court: $500,000 for Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court.
- Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: $439,924 for Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court.
- Summit County: $455,471 for Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court.
Information about the programs and awards is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
The Operation will surge federal law enforcement resources into seven of America’s most violent cities – including Cleveland, Ohio
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities – including Cleveland – through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, M.I., by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and United States Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
United States Attorney Justin Herdman and the Cleveland-based federal law enforcement heads announced their participation in the initiative in a press conference immediately following the Attorney General’s remarks.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“Operation Relentless Pursuit is aptly named, as it is what we do every day in law enforcement through great partnerships on the federal, state, and local level,” said United States Attorney Herdman, “With these additional Department of Justice resources, we will tirelessly pursue the most violent criminals, fugitives, gang members and drug traffickers in our city. We will also relentlessly pursue a brighter, safer future for all of our friends and neighbors in Cleveland.”
“ATF’s Columbus Field Division is focused on reducing crime gun violence in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “We will work aggressively, using every tool in our toolbox, to identify, investigate and support the prosecution of the most violent firearm offenders. Our combined goal with our partners is a safer Cleveland for us all.”
“Drug traffickers are using a double edged sword to destroy communities. On one side are the poisons they peddle and the other edge is the violence that often accompanies their criminal enterprise," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. "Operation Relentless Pursuit will concentrate law enforcement action to combat violent crime in designated high impact areas. DEA will target the drug trafficking sources and distributors who comprise, finance, and otherwise sustain the operations of violent organizations."
“FBI Cleveland Division is proud to partner with numerous law enforcement agencies to enforce Operation Relentless Pursuit,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “We will continue to identify, investigate and hold accountable those choosing to engage in violent crime, but now we will have additional resources to utilize. Our strong, existing partnerships will benefit us greatly in our efforts to implement this DOJ initiative."
"The U.S. Marshals Service and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are prepared and committed to the Attorney General’s upcoming operation and surge into the community to reduce violence and increase safety,” stated U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott. “We will support this mission by working with our federal, state and local partners to take violent fugitives off the streets of Cleveland.”
The Operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
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Toledo man sentenced for planning terrorist attack in Toledo’s entertainment districtRead the Press Release
Vincent Armstrong, 24, was sentenced today to 72 months of incarceration for his involvement in planning a terrorist attack at a local Toledo bar. His co-defendant and live-in girlfriend, Elizabeth Lecron, was previously sentenced to 180 months of incarceration and lifetime supervised release.
“This defendant admitted to helping plot and plan a mass-casualty attack in Toledo,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “His sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges against him and should serve as a reminder to all who live in our District and beyond - we will never stop working to protect our families, friends and neighbors.”
"Vincent Armstrong's sentence will ensure he remains safely away from the public for some time,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “He and his fellow conspirator, Elizabeth LeCron, planned to attack and murder their fellow citizens for no other reason than their infatuation with violence. The FBI once again applauds the public for bringing LeCron and Armstrong's plans to the attention of law enforcement. Without the reporting of their dangerous plans one of our communities could have suffered a horrendous mass shooting. Law enforcement depends on the public's vigilance to counter insidious plots like these."
Toledo Police Chief George Kral said: “With the sentencing of this potential mass murderer, as was the case in his co-conspirators, residents of Toledo and NW Ohio are safer. Sadly, these individuals reside not only in our major cities, but also much closer to home. I commend the relationships and collaborations we have with of local, state and federal law enforcement partners. Toledoans can sleep soundly knowing that law enforcement will never cease in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of those who want to hurt innocent people.”
As set out in court filings and during court hearings, Lecron and Armstrong met and started dating in early 2018. The two became immersed in a subculture that fixated and lionized mass murderers known as the “True Crime Community.” Their obsession included a trip in August 2018 to visit the sights related to the Columbine High School shooting to pay tribute to the shooters.
Lecron and Armstrong privately discussed committing their own mass murder in the Toledo area and referred to this attack as “D-day.” They discussed using bombs and guns to kill, maim, and injure innocent people. They took several steps in preparation for “D-day.” They purchased guns and went to the shooting range to practice their firearm skills. They also printed instructions to make pipe bombs and bought some the necessary components. They detailed their plan and feelings in personal journals. For instance, Armstrong wrote that he had “a vision to kill” and Lecron wrote, “D-day will be my salvation.”
This conduct took place between April 2018 and December 10, 2018.
This case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Tracey Tangeman.
Akron man sentenced to nearly 30 years after firing on three officers, attempting two carjackingsRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to 355 months in federal prison for shooting at three law enforcement officers as well as attempting to carjack two people and possessing methamphetamine.
Michael P. Johnson, 34, was convicted of one count of assault on law enforcement officers with a deadly weapon, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempted carjacking and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 24, 2017, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 362 grams of methamphetamine. On January 2, 2018, while working with federal law enforcement agents, Akron police officers attempted to arrest Johnson on the methamphetamine trafficking charges. During a traffic stop, Johnson got out of a vehicle and fired a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver at the officers. After shooting at the officers, Johnson fled and used the revolver to attempt to carjack the drivers of two vehicles at an Akron gas station. Officers caught Johnson and found that he possessed approximately 136 grams of methamphetamine.
Johnson was also ordered to forfeit $4,767.
“This defendant put dozens of people at risk – the officers he fired upon, the innocent people he tried to carjack and the Akron residents simply passing by,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Nearly 30 years in prison is an appropriate and just result that should also deter others who so callously disregard the lives of law enforcement offices and innocent community members.”
Akron Police Chief Ken Ball said: “This incident is an example of the grave danger that the men and women of the Akron Police Department face every day in service to their community. We are pleased that the defendant [was] made to answer for his behavior ….”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Aaron Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two Members of the Romanian Cybercriminal Enterprise Bayrob Group Sentenced on 21 Counts Relating to Infecting over 400,000 Victim Computers with Malware and Stealing at Least $4 MillionRead the Press Release
Bogdan Nicolescu, 37, and Radu Miclaus, 37, both from Bucharest, Romania, were sentenced to 20 years and 18 years, respectively, for their roles in a scheme to, among other things, infect more than 400,000 computers with malware and gain access to credit card and other information for later sale on dark market websites.
According to testimony at trial and court documents, Nicolescu, Miclaus, and others operated a criminal enterprise referred to as the “Bayrob Group” from Bucharest, Romania. It began in 2007 with the development of proprietary malware, which they disseminated through malicious emails purporting to be legitimate emails from entities and agencies such as Western Union, Norton AntiVirus, and the IRS. When recipients clicked on an attached file, the malware secretly installed itself onto their computers.
This malware harvested email addresses from the infected computer, such as from contact lists or email accounts, and then sent malicious emails to these harvested email addresses. By using the infected computers to reach out and control additional computers, the defendants infected and controlled more than 400,000 individual computers, primarily in the United States.
In addition to using the infected network to expand its size, Nicolescu, Miclaus, and other members of the Bayrob Group used the collective processing power of the computer network to solve complex algorithms for the financial benefit of the group, a process known as cryptocurrency mining.
Finally, trial testimony and evidence revealed that these defendants engaged in persistent and sophisticated data mining of the infected computers, selling information gleaned from infected computers repeatedly over time on the Dark Web. Investigators discovered evidence on the Dark Web of trafficking in users’ personal financial information, passwords, and access to their computers.
In total, this criminal enterprise resulted in losses of at least $4 million.
Notably, this investigation started with a complaint from a victim in the Northern District of Ohio. But for that victim contacting law enforcement to report suspicious activity and potential theft of information, the defendants’ malware would have likely continued to infect thousands of additional computers and harmed thousands of additional individuals.
“Today’s sentences underscore the critical work being done to investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent those criminals who think that the presumed anonymity of the Internet can hide their pervasive and extensive criminal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Regardless of whether the criminals are in Romania, or within our District, these sentences send the clear and resounding message that crimes committed using the Internet will not go unpunished.”
"These sentences handed down today reflect the dynamic landscape in which international criminals utilize sophisticated cyber methods to take advantage of and defraud, unsuspecting victims anywhere in the world,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Despite the complexity and global character of these investigations, this investigation and prosecution demonstrate the commitment by the FBI and our partners to aggressively pursue these individuals and bring justice to the victims.”
The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the Romanian National Police and the Romanian Directorate for the Investigation of International Organized Crime and Terrorism. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan T. Brown and Brian McDonough, along with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice. The prosecution was assisted by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
If you or a family member believe you have been a victim of online fraud, theft, or criminal activity, please contact local law enforcement and make a report with the Internet and Cyber Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.
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Joseph Gray Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Selling Heroin,Read the Press Release
Joseph P. Gray, Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison for leading a wide-ranging conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, and other drugs, as well as firearms offenses.
Gray had been charged in 22 counts of a 42-count drug conspiracy indictment, and pled guilty to all charges. The charges included a conspiracy to distributed controlled substances, distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Judge John R. Adams sentenced Gray to 480 months of incarceration, followed by 10 years of supervised release. The Court found that that Gray was responsible for approximately 1.5 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl mixtures and almost a kilogram of crack that the DTO distributed.
Gray has 21 co-defendants. Twenty of them have also pled guilty, and most are still awaiting sentencing. One co-defendant, Ricky Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio, remains a fugitive.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “This defendant dealt death for profit and celebrated the overdose of people suffering from addiction.” “Every day of this four decade sentence was well-earned by Joseph Gray and this term of imprisonment sends a powerful message to anyone selling heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine: these Ohio neighborhoods belong to us, not you.”
“The DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to removing dangerous substances, and those who seek to profit from their distribution, from our communities,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “Mr. Gray will now have a considerable amount of time in prison to think about his unlawful behavior and his role in destroying the lives of countless Ohioans.”
Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said: “The Euclid Police Department would like to thank our federal, state, county and local partners. I want to specifically recognize the DEA and our task force partnership with that organization. Law enforcement has an obligation to address the dysfunction, chaos and danger created by those who choose to traffic in drug and gun violence. The Euclid Police Department will continue to proactively address those who participate in illicit and violent activities which have an adverse and negative impact on our community. Euclid is a diverse community of good, hardworking and caring residents. We will continue to work with any individual, group or organization that shares the mission of making Euclid a safe and vibrant community for all.”
"The importance of collaboration and teamwork in law enforcement operations cannot be understated," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. "This particular investigation spanned multiple counties, cities and communities and would not have come together so comprehensively without the partnerships between the agencies ….”
According to court records and the evidence presented at the sentencing hearing:
Gray led a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that sold a variety of controlled substances, primarily heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. The DTO concentrated on customers on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, including nearby suburbs like Euclid, Ohio, and locations in Lake County, Ohio.
A key part of the conspiracy was co-conspirators’ use of a single “Customer Phone” line that was available to all customers. Gray owned the Customer Phone, but handed it off to co-conspirators to use. By passing the Customer Phone from dealer to dealer, the DTO could operate at all hours, and that line was a reliable source for his customers, who never needed call any other number to buy drugs. As Gray told one customer on a recorded call, “my phone [is] twenty-four hours,” meaning that customers could call the phone 24 hours per day.
Gray built up a huge clientele with the Customer Phone, and the DTO used it to served hundreds of customers each day. Gray himself complained about dealing with so many customers in a recorded call with his girlfriend. He described how he spends his day as follows: “I sell f**king drugs and take people to Home Depot and get this and that,” and explained, “I interact with 100 people a day.” Even when Gray was arrested and police seized the Customer Phone, he would ensure that the line remained active. After he was arrested on January 8, 2019, he called his co-conspirators from jail and gave them instructions to purchase a new iPhone device, port over the number, and downloaded the contacts and other content and settings from the cloud.
Investigators also tapped another telephone line of Gray’s, on which they intercepted him discussing plans for obtaining more drug supply. In one call, Gray said heroin product they were selling—which actually contained fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue most of the time—“goes so fast. You gotta buy hundreds,” meaning a hundred grams at a time.
When purchasing new batches of heroin product, Gray had a system of using what he called “testers”—experienced heroin users who would try samples of a new batch before he bought it, and give him a rating on a scale from one to ten. The DTO often used a commercial property on Holmes Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio for “testing” and other trafficking activities.
Gray also specifically pursued heroin product that was strong enough to kill users. November 23, 2018, he called a co-conspirator and reported that he had a good supply—that he had “fire on deck”—as demonstrated by the fact that it had killed one of his customers. He described it as “casket” quality, and they discussed how to obtain more of that product. A few days later, Gray bragged to Ricky Jackson about the strength of his product, saying “I got the fire.” To demonstrate its quality, he explained, “This kid OD and s**t.”
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing also showed that Gray was supplying heroin product to a 23-year-old man from Willowick, Ohio when the man relapsed in a heroin addiction in early June 2018. The man then obtained a fatal dose of fentanyl and other drugs by calling the Customer Phone on June 7, 2018, and his family then found that he had died of a fentanyl overdose on June 8, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Euclid Police Department, and the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network, which includes the police departments of Lyndhurst, Highland Heights, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village and Richmond Heights. This case was investigated as part of the Cleveland Strike Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison and Brian S. Deckert.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations operating domestically and internationally. The principle mission of the OCDETF Program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Five former VA employees plead guilty to stealing federal funds set aside for veteransRead the Press Release
Five former VA employees pleaded guilty theft charges from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Federal Court.
Michele Whaley, age 53, of Alliance, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds totaling approximately $71,247.
Sarah Stipkovich, age 32, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds totaling approximately $34,746.
Daniel Folliett, age 35, of Brunswick, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds totaling approximately $30,819.
Michelle N. Macklin, age 43, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds totaling approximately $17,113.
Edwin Orin, age 38, of Richmond Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds totaling approximately $15,323.
The five individuals were employed by the VA Office of Community Care (“OCC”) and were stationed at the Cleveland VA Medical Center. The VA OCC was responsible for processing and paying claims submitted by non-VA entities for veteran care. VA OCC had granted overtime compensation to employees strictly for computer-based clinical tracking, clinical reviews and claims processing since approximately 2014. After an investigation, it was determined that the five employees falsely claimed to work overtime and fraudulently received overtime compensation from the VA.
A sixth former VA OCC employee, Demetria Sims-Leeper, age 54, was indicted on charges of Wire Fraud, Theft and False Statements related to her theft of VA overtime compensation.
“Theft from the Department of Veterans Affairs is an affront to the military men and women who have earned every penny of their benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “These VA employees were trusted by the public to administer health care to veterans, but they failed all of us in stealing tens of thousands of dollars. This case is a tremendous credit to the VA’s Office of Inspector General, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
“Our nation’s veterans have earned the right to be assisted by VA employees of the highest integrity. This case should serve as a deterrent to those tempted to enrich themselves through fraud,” VA Office of Inspector General’s Special Agent in Charge Gregg Hirstein said.
The VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, Cleveland investigated these cases with the assistance of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough.
The defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including each defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, their 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 indictment pending against Sims-Leeper 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.
Akron man charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking offenseRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Cleveland returned a three-count superseding indictment charging Christopher M. Wilson, age 43, of Akron, Ohio, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.
The superseding indictment alleges that the defendant, after having previously been convicted of burglary, robbery, illegal possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, and aggravated drug possession and heroin possession, knowingly possessed a loaded Ruger .22 caliber pistol. The superseding indictment further alleges that, at the time the defendant was found with the firearm, he also had 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ATF and the Akron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
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 records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
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.
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Navarre, Ohio man charged for possessing with intent to distribute LSD, MDMA and THC vape cartridgesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland, Ohio, returned an indictment today charging James Hargis, Jr., age 19, of Navarre, Ohio, with three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including LSD, MDMA and THC vape cartridges.
On April 3, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at the Navarre, OH residence of James Hargis Jr. where they seized the following: 20 grams of MDMA; more than 100 THC vape cartridges; 346 tabs of LSD; drug paraphernalia; $8,514 in cash; a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle with ammunition; and a loaded .22 caliber revolver.
The investigation was conducted by the FDA – Office of Criminal Investigations in conjunction with the Ohio Attorney General’s Organized Crime Commission Major Crimes Task Force which consists of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
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.
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.
Jury convicts Holland, Ohio man of theft of public money, concealment of bankruptcy assets, and bankruptcy fraudRead the Press Release
This week, a Toledo federal jury convicted Arvel Ray Henderson, II, age 50, on one count of theft of public money, one count of concealment of bankruptcy assets, and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2019.
Henderson, who was enrolled as a Section 8 landlord with the Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA), leased several Section 8-eligible properties in the Toledo area, one of which was on Mackow Drive. Henderson began receiving rent payments for this property from LMHA starting in 2005. In 2011, Henderson transferred ownership of the Mackow Drive property to his stepfather. Because Henderson no longer owned the property, he was no longer entitled to the Section 8 payments, yet he continued taking the payments for nearly three additional years after he ceased being the property’s owner. Henderson defrauded LMHA of approximately $22,589.
In June 2014, Henderson filed as an individual for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Henderson failed to list the following items in his bankruptcy schedules: three bank accounts, a variable annuity account, $499,980 in wire transfers, $20,000 in loaned funds, a 2004 BMW, and a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The bankruptcy court, trustee, and Henderson’s creditors were thus misled about material information used to determine Henderson’s eligibility for bankruptcy protection and the appropriate terms of any bankruptcy discharge.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Jody L. King.
Toledo woman sentenced for planning two terrorist attacksRead the Press Release
Elizabeth Lecron, 24, was sentenced today to 180 months of incarceration and lifetime supervision for her involvement in planning two terrorist attacks, including an attack at a local Toledo bar. During the sentencing hearing, Judge James G. Carr called Lecron’s actions “monstrous.” Her co-defendant and live-in boyfriend, Vincent Armstrong, has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and will be sentenced on December 10, 2019.
“This defendant was deadly serious about plotting for an attack on Toledo and an interstate pipeline,” said United States Attorney Justin Herdman. “She stands convicted of a terrorism offense and will spend the next fifteen years in a federal prison. When she is released, she will spend the rest of her life under intense supervision by a federal court. Today’s sentence reflects the severity of her conduct and is a recognition of the continued efforts by law enforcement to protect the public from all violent threats.”
“Elizabeth Lecron's lengthy incarceration followed by a lifetime of supervised release is more than justified for her despicable plan to commit mass murder in our city,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The investigation, prosecution, and her sentence demonstrates the importance of the continued partnership between the public and law enforcement, as well as a strong US Attorney's Office willing to pursue warranted charges that will keep dangerous people like Elizabeth Lecron under law enforcement's watchful eye. It should also serve as a reminder to others that law enforcement will pursue criminals bent on attacking fellow citizens with every tool at our disposal.”
As set out in court filings and during court hearings, Lecron and Armstrong met and started dating in early 2018. Shortly after meeting, Lecron expressed her interest in mass murderers and introduced Armstrong to an online group called the “True Crime Community.” This group fixated and lionized mass murderers and posted extremely graphic images, videos, and sayings. They two became immersed in this subculture, including take a trip in August 2018 to visit the sights related to the Columbine High School shooting to pay tribute to the shooters and Lecron writing numerous letters to Dylann Roof.
Lecron and Armstrong privately discussed committing their own mass murder in the Toledo area and referred to this attack as “D-day.” They discussed using bombs and guns to kill, maim, and injure innocent people. They took several steps in preparation for “D-day.” They purchased guns and went to the shooting range to practice their firearm skills. They also printed instructions to make pipe bombs and bought some the necessary components. They detailed their plan and feelings in personal journals. For instance, Armstrong wrote that he had “a vision to kill” and Lecron wrote, “D-day will be my salvation.”
Separately, on December 8, 2018, Lecron purchased two pounds of black powder and hundreds of screws intending that they be used in a bombing of a pipeline in Georgia.
This conduct took place between April 2018 and December 10, 2018.
This case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Tracey Tangeman.
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Two Cleveland Men Each Sentenced to More Than 33 Years in Prison for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Two Cleveland men were each sentenced this week to more than 33 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for multiple armed robberies of MetroPCS stores in the Cleveland area.
“When you point guns at the heads of robbery victims and threaten them with imminent violence, not just once, not just twice, but three and four times, then you can expect to go to jail for a long time,” said United States Attorney Justin Herdman. “These two men will each spend more than three decades in federal prison. Let this sentence send the message to those who would seek to prey upon our neighbors – we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will be in prison for many years.”
“There is no place in our community for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” said Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels to bring those individuals to justice.”
According to evidence presented during trial and at sentencing, on November 19, 2019, Shawn Ford (20), and Charles Rogers (24), both of Cleveland, Ohio, used firearms to rob the following MetroPCS stores: 10959 Kinsman Road, on March 21, 2018; 11100 Lorain Avenue, on March 25, 2018; and 5853 Broadway Avenue, on March 27, 2018. They also attempted to rob the MetroPCS store at 14701 Kinsman Road, on March 27, 2018.
On March 21, 2018, both defendants entered the MetroPCS store wielding pistols. One pistol had an extended magazine, holding a large amount of ammunition. The defendants threatened and became physically aggressive with a handicapped victim who had difficulty getting down on the ground during the robbery. One defendant also placed his pistol to the back of the store manager’s head when he did not provide money quickly enough and did not have the phones defendants’ demanded.
On March 25, 2018, both defendants entered the MetroPCS store, one armed with a pistol. The store was busy during this time, with at least five customers and two employees present. During this robbery, one defendant pointed his pistol at the head of an employee and threatened to kill him.
On March 27, 2018, the defendants attempted to rob the MetroPCS store at 14701 Kinsman Road. The sole employee present that day struggled to pull the door closed when he saw the defendants approach in all black clothing and hoodies that covered their faces. After this failed attempt, the defendants moved onto the MetroPCS located at 5853 Broadway Ave. During this robbery, one employee was kicked in the stomach when he did not respond to the defendants’ demands quickly enough. Also during this incident, an off-duty Cleveland Police Officer happened to be in the store. Ford fired nine shots at the officer as the officer attempted to apprehend them. The officer was not injured.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Margaret Kane and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleina Thomas.