Northern District of Ohio

A Beachwood woman was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for stealing the identities of more than a dozen people and filing false tax returns.

Aesha Johnson, 42, was convicted by a jury earlier this year on all 29 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She was also ordered to pay $63,708 in restitution.

Her daughter, Brittany Williams, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy. She was sentenced to three years of supervised release and $63,708 in restitution

Williams and Johnson, when she was living in West Virginia, conspired together to use stolen identities to file false tax returns with the IRS, seeking tax refunds. Johnson acquired many of these identities through a previous criminal fraud scheme, according to the indictment.

Johnson and Williams used an address associated with the family on East 142nd Street in Cleveland as the address of record for many of the false tax returns. They often communicated with each other using a code that referred to the victims using numbers 1 through 31, and created and used fictitious email accounts in the names of the victims to communicate with the IRS, according to the indictment

Williams filed the false tax returns online, obtained prepaid debit cards in the names of the identity-theft victims and requested the IRS deposit the refunds onto those cards. Williams then withdraw cash or made purchases with the cards, according to the indictment.

“This pair stole people’s identities then used it to steal from taxpayers,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The community is safer with Ms. Johnson behind bars.”

“This sentence is a small victory for the many American taxpayers who have been victims of stolen identity refund fraud schemes,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.  “The defendants demonstrated a blatant disregard for the integrity of the United States tax system and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. IRS-CI will continue to do our part in protecting the sanctity and integrity of the tax system and those individuals whose identities were stolen."

 This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Cronin and Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the IRS. 

Two people from Toledo were indicted in federal court on firearms crimes.

Xavier Zjordonel Tate, 35, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tate allegedly possessed an American Pride AR-15 and 30 rounds of ammunition on September 2, despite a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.

Ivory Deshaun Carter, Jr., 20, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carter allegedly possessed a Romarm/Cugir 7.62x33mm on March 23, despite a previous conviction for carrying concealed weapons, according to the indictment.

The cases are unrelated. They are being prosecuted as part of This case is being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution. 

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 Toledo Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Simko is handling the cases.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

An Akron man was sentenced to six years in prison for launching denial of service attacks that shut down web sites for the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department.

James Robinson, 33, previously pleaded guilty to damaging protected computers. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko also ordered Robinson to pay $668,684 in restitution.

According to court documents filed in the case:

Servers hosting web sites belonging to the city of Akron were victims of an active distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on Aug. 1, 2017. Two website domains appeared to be the target of the attacks: akronohio.gov and akroncops.org.

The DDoS attack ultimately overwhelmed the web sites with network traffic and rendered them unavailable to users.

A tweet that same day from @AkronPhoenix420 took credit for targeting the Akron web sites, including a link to a youtube video and a screenshot showing akronohio.gov was not accessible. The tweet included hashtags #Anonymous and #TangoDown.

The video showed a static image of an individual in a Guy Fawkes mask making statements including “it’s time we teach the law a lesson,” “Akron PD abuses the law” and “this week the city of Akron experienced system failures on multiple domains including their emergency TCP ports.”

The subsequent investigation identified attacks coming from an Internet connection registered to James Robinson and that Robinson’s phone was associated with the Twitter account @AkronPhoenix420.

@AkronPhoenix420 also claimed credit for many other DDoS attacks including many in 2018 that bore similar characteristics to the Akron attacks. Targets of those attacks web site domains and servers hosted by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Information Security Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury and others. Multiple DDoS attacks have been claimed by AkronPhoenix420, including many in 2018.

Law enforcement authorities got a search warrant for Robinson’s house on Edison Avenue in Akron in May 2018. Agents located a Guy Fawkes mask and a cell phone with a cracked screen similar to a phone seen in tweets by @AkronPhoenix420. Robinson stated he was responsible for the DDoS attacks against the Department of Defense, city of Akron and others, according to court documents.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Treasury investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Daniel J. Riedl.

The Justice Department recently announced more than $18 million worth of grants to agencies in Northern Ohio that will pay for the citywide expansion of the Cleveland Division of Police’s domestic violence high risk team, improve DNA testing capabilities in several areas, expand drug courts in several cities, allow the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office to build a database to track violent crime trends, provide transitional housing in Ottawa County and Canton for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and numerous other programs.

“These funds will save lives, whether that is expanding a program that identifies the most dangerous abusers, provides emergency shelter to our most vulnerable victims, allows law enforcement to do a better job tracking and sharing crime data, just to name a few,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These grant awards demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to working across the state and country, with jurisdictions large and small, to make our communities safer.”

Below is an incomplete list of grant recipients announced in the past few weeks. Additional grants may be announced in coming days. They are grouped geographically:

NORTHEAST OHIO

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sexual Assault Kit Task Force will receive $3 million from the Justice Department. The money will be used to expand the Task Force’s DNA project, implement genealogy searches of “John Doe” indictments, continue partnership with Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and maintain personnel and training.

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court will receive $1 million from the Office of Justice Programs. The money will fund a high-risk domestic violence court.

Cleveland will receive $500,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money will be used to support the expansion of the Domestic Violence High Risk Team program to all police districts, employ two full-time detectives, a full-time victim advocate to be embedded with the police, develop training for law enforcement on trauma, victim engagement and trauma-informed interviewing.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office will receive $360,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The money will be used to help law enforcement agencies throughout the county to collaborate and build a database that will detect and track violent crime trends to improve information sharing.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office will receive $609,019 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The money will be used to support the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Lake County will receive $270,013 from the National Institute of Justice. The money will pay for a DNA analyst to complete up to 400 cases a year, as well as purchase laboratory automation instrumentation to perform DNA extraction.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office will receive $339,459 from the National Institute of Justice. The money will be used to fund a DNA forensic scientist, procure supplies, and train staff.

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will receive $424,977 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money will be used to work with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center to establish a multidisciplinary team, provide services to individuals with disabilities who are victims of violence and abuse, among other areas.

The Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center will receive $550,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The Center will work with the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court to provide supervised visitation and safe exchange services. The money will pay for a supervised visitation intake specialist housed at the court, two supervised visitation monitors, a supervised visitation coordinator and contract security services over three years.

Cleveland will receive $750,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The money will be used to improve responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorder who come into contact with the justice system.

The following entities will receive money from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund drug courts and/or veteran’s treatment courts: Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, $439,924; Geauga County, $500,000.

The following cities received money from Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant, which can be used for a broad range of crime control and prevention strategies based on local needs. The cities are: Cleveland, $602,791; Lorain County, $32,410, and Lake County, $24,459.

AKRON/CANTON AREA

Summit County will receive $500,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money will be used to support the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence Unit Program; centralize prosecution, probation and victim services; and employ additional domestic violence prosecutors, a domestic violence probation officer and a full-time victim advocate.

The Domestic Violence Project, Inc. will receive $310,147 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money will allow the Canton-based organization to work with several community partners to provide housing and support services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.

Coleman Professional Services in Kent will receive $363,795 from the Office of Victims of Crime. The money is awarded as part of OVC’s Transforming America’s Response to Elder Abuse. The money will be used to increase coordination of services for those meeting the needs of victims and moving cases more successfully through the judicial system.

The following entities will receive money from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund drug courts and/or veteran’s treatment courts: Medina County, $500,000, and Summit County, $455,471.

The following cities received money from Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant, which can be used for a broad range of crime control and prevention strategies based on local needs. The cities are:Akron, $125,149, and Canton, $75,633.

NORTHWEST OHIO

Lucas County will receive $775,775 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Lucas County will use the money to realign referral requirements to the Community Treatment Center to improve services and balance traditional probation responses with extended incarceration.

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. in Toledo will receive $448,222 from the Office of Violent Crime through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis program. ABLE will provide free, trauma-informed civil legal services for children affected by the opioid crisis, including resolving custody disputes, obtaining civil protection orders and accessing public benefits and health care.

The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County will receive $400,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The money will be used to improve responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorder who come into contact with the justice system.

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services and the Erie County Health Department will each receive $600,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Comprehensive Opioid Abuse site-based Program. COAP aims to reduce opioid abuse and the number of overdose fatalities, as well as supporting comprehensive, collaborative initiatives.

Ottawa County Transitional Housing, Inc. will receive $449,823 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money will be used to allow the Port Clinton-based group to work with community partners to provide to provide housing and support services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, as well as their families.

Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. will receive $425,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The money allow Legal Aid to work with community partners to provide accessible, safe and effective services to individuals with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Bowling Green State University will receive $797,079 from the National Institute of Justice. The money will be used to fund research into criminality trends of 12- to 18-year-olds who resided in Lucas County, to establish the importance of individual and social factors on changes in offending/criminal behavior.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio will receive $999,974 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant is part of the Second Chance Act’s Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program and will be used to provide individualized transitional reentry services to participants.

Lima will receive $31,351 from Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant, which can be used for a broad range of crime control and prevention strategies based on local needs.

MANSFIELD

Mansfield will receive $250,000 from the National Institute of Justice. The money will be used to reduce any forensic DNA backlog, provide for continuing education training for DNA analysts, and purchase necessary equipment, software and training.

MAHONING VALLEY

Youngstown will receive $181,695 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund drug courts and/or veteran’s treatment courts.

The following cities received money from Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant, which can be used for a broad range of crime control and prevention strategies based on local needs. The cities are: Youngstown, $43,212, and Warren, $21,927.

MARION

Marion will receive $10,995 from Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant, which can be used for a broad range of crime control and prevention strategies based on local needs.

MULTIPLE JURISDICTIONS

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services will receive $259,188 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The money is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program and will be distributed to police departments in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Elyria, Lorain, Mansfield, Toledo and Youngstown to help fund initiatives designed to help reduce gun violence.

A Mahoning County man was indicted in federal court for using a firearm while making threats against a Jewish community center in Youngstown.

James P. Reardon, 20, of New Middletown, was indicted in U.S. District Court with one count of transmitting an interstate communication threat and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to the court documents:

New Middletown police contacted the FBI on August 16, 2019, after being made aware of a video posted on Instagram page by user “ira_seamus.” The video depicted Reardon holding an assault rifle. It began with Reardon stating “(expletive) a life.” He then held the rifle in multiple firing positions with audio of gunshots and sound effects of sirens and people screaming added into the background, according to the complaint.

The video also had a caption that stated: “ira_seamus Police identified the Youngstown Jewish Family Community shooter as local white nationalist Seamus O'Rearedon". The video is shown to be tagged at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, according to the complaint.

New Middletown police officers showed federal agents on August 16, 2019, other videos in which Reardon was depicted, including: a National Geographic documentary in which Reardon was at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017 and an Instagram video posted by Reardon in which he discharges two rounds of ammunition into a cover of a video while making a remark about “Jewish media.”

Members of law enforcement executed a search warrant at Reardon’s residence later that day. Upon entering the basement, investigators observed several firearms and clothing articles that were observed in Reardon’s Instagram video postings, including: an MP-40 sub-machine gun like the one depicted in the video; an AR-15 assault rifle; numerous Nazi World War II propaganda posters; a rifle bayonet; a Hitler Youth Knife; and vintage U.S. military equipment, according to the complaint.

Reardon pulled up to the residence while officers were executing the search warrant and was arrested without incident.

“This defendant used a firearm to threaten people who simply want to worship as they choose, as guaranteed by our Constitution,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement will not stand by and allow someone to intimidate others with threats of violence.”

"In today's environment, shootings in public places, churches and schools have occurred too often,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Law enforcement must react swiftly to threats of violence.  This defendant’s video demonstrated that he had access to weapons and he posed a threat to a Jewish community center.  Law enforcement cannot wait to see if a shooting is going to occur, law enforcement must act quickly within the confines of the law to disrupt any potential violent act.  The public is reminded -- if you see something, say something.” 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the New Middletown Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Toepfer and Yasmine Makridis are prosecuting the case.

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.

Four people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy involving hundreds of pounds of marijuana as well as marijuana vape cartridges.

Named in the five-count indictment are: Robert Berman, 33, of North Hollywood, California; Todd Brown, Jr., 31, of Canton; Dakota Walters, 27, of Lexington, Ohio, and Salim Womack, 25, of Toledo.

All four are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and  possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Womack is additionally charged with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

According to court documents:

Homeland Security Investigations agents on September 3 observed a man, later determined to be Berman, load boxes from a truck to a unit at Life Storage facility on West 130th Street in Cleveland.

Two men, later determined to be Walters and Womack, then loaded several boxes they received from Berman into the bed of their pickup truck. A subsequent search of the truck revealed the 18 boxes containing suspected marijuana vape cartridges. Womack also possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, according to court documents.

Berman then met with a man driving a minivan, later determined to be Brown. Brown and Berman made an exchange, and Brown drove away in the minivan and Berman drove off in a Budget rental box truck. Following a stop, investigators recovered approximately nine boxes of suspected marijuana plants from the minivan.

A search of the box truck resulted in the seizure of two bags of cash, totaling approximately $211,755. A search of the storage garage resulted in the seizure of approximately 19 boxes of suspected marijuana, according to court documents.

“Groups like this, who are allegedly trafficking vape cartridges containing the active ingredient in marijuana, clearly pose a threat to the health and safety of our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case also involves lots of cash and a firearm – which we see all too often with drug traffickers.”

"We stand ready to provide evidence that this alleged drug trafficking organization conspired to move hundreds of thousands in cash and drugs throughout northern Ohio," said Vance Callender, special agent in charge of HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. "Many are under the false perception that trafficking in narcotics and taking advantage others is a path to a quick profit, without repercussion. These charges demonstrate the serious consequences that await those who engage in these illegal acts.”

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 Homeland Securities Investigations, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Deckert is  prosecuting the case.

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.

Attorney General William P. Barr announced the appointment of the following nine U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): David Anderson, Northern District of California; Scott Brady, Western District of Pennsylvania; Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Halsey Frank, District of Maine; Erica MacDonald, District of Minnesota; Christina Nolan, District of Vermont; Zach Terwilliger, Eastern District of Virginia; Tom Kirsch, Northern District of Indiana; and Nicholas Trutanich, District of Nevada.

“I am pleased to appoint these nine outstanding U.S. Attorneys to this key advisory committee. I am confident that they will serve with distinction,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “The U.S. Attorneys who comprise the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee play a critical role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s important work, including its efforts to reduce violent crime, combat the opioid crisis, protect the most vulnerable, and enforce the rule of law.”

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and five other U.S. Attorneys will continue serving on the committee.

“I am honored to continue to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” Herdman said. “My colleagues around the country are doing important work to reduce violent crime, combat the drug abuse epidemic and enforce our nation’s laws.”

Attorney General Barr also announced that U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox, a current member, will replace U.S. Attorney John Huber as the Vice Chair of the AGAC.

Chaired by U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jessie K. Liu, the AGAC represents the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.

Two doctors from Northeast Ohio and two drug company salesmen were indicted in federal court for their roles in a kickback conspiracy in which the doctors allegedly received money and other things of value in exchange for writing prescriptions of Nuedexta for patients that did not have the condition.

Named in the 83-count indictment are: Deepak Raheja, 63, of Hudson; Gregory Hayslette, 43, of Aurora; Frank Mazzucco, 41, of Dublin, and Bhupinder Sawhny, 70, of Gates Mills. All four are charged with conspiracy to solicit, receive, offer and pay health care kickbacks.

According to the indictment:

Raheja is a medical doctor who specialized in psychiatry and neurology whose primary practice location was 2307 West 14th Street in Cleveland. Sawhny is a medical doctor who specialized in neurosurgery whose primary practice location was 6731 Ridge Road in Parma.

Hayslette worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from June 2015 through September 2016. He was responsible for marketing Nuedexta, and his territory included Northern Ohio. Mazzucco was the regional business manager and supervised Hayslette.

Avanir manufactured Nuedexta, a drug approved by the FDA solely to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA is a condition characterized by involuntary, sudden and frequent episodes of uncontrollable laughing and crying, according to the indictment.

Avanir promoted Nuedexta through a speaker’s bureau, in which Avanir representatives engaged doctors to speak about and promote Nuedexta to other medical professionals. Typical speaking engagements involved dinner at a high-end restaurant in which the doctor made a presentation with a slide deck provided by Avanir. A company sales representative was responsible for inviting attendees and attending the presentation.

Raheja joined Avanir’s speaker’s bureau in February 2011. He gave approximately 211 speaking presentations at various restaurants and doctor’s offices between October 2011 and April 2016. Raheja received approximately $1,500 for each of these purported presentations.

Raheja received approximately $331,550 from Avanir between October 2011 and April 2016. During this time, Raheja wrote approximately 10,088 Nuedexta prescriptions – the highest in the country, according to the indictment.

As part of the conspiracy, Hayslette and Mazzucco incentivized physicians to write Nuedexta prescriptions and thereby increase compensation to themselves. This included:

Hayslette and Mazzucco arranged speaker’s bureau programs, many with little to no educational value, for Raheja, Sawhny and other medical professionals relating to Nuedexta.

Hayslette and Mazzucco facilitated the payment of honoraria and other expenses to Raheja.

Hayslette facilitated the submission of false and fictitious sign-in sheets from speaking engagements to justify the event and maximize payments and other benefits to Raheja and Sawhny.

Hayslette facilitated the promotion of non-FDA-approved uses and dosages of Nuedexta through the speaker’s bureau program and the distribution of literature to physicians.

Hayslette offered free firearms training, office equipment and other things of value to Sawhny. 

Hayslette provided coffee, breakfast, lunch and other food and beverage to Raheja, Sawhny and their office staff, usually with little to no substantive discussion about Nuedexta.

Hayslette accessed protected patient health information without authorization, and facilitated the submission of false diagnoses of PBA on prior authorizations to Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.

It was further part of the conspiracy that Raheja and Sawhny took steps in return for things of value, such as:

Raheja and Sawhny wrote more Nuedexta prescriptions and caused the submission of billings to Medicare and Medicaid for Nuedexta prescriptions for patients that did not have PBA.

Raheja and Sawhny also submitted and caused the submission of materially false and fictitious prior authorizations to Medicaid MCOs that reflected diagnoses of PBA for patients that did not actually have PBA.

Raheja falsely diagnosed patients with PBA, and recorded and caused the recording of false symptoms in patient records to support a diagnosis of PBA. 

Sawhny also allegedly permitted unauthorized access to protected patient health information. 

“We all trust our doctors to make decisions based on what is best for the patient, not based on which sales representative is paying them money on the side and springing for steak dinners,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Doctors and the pharmaceutical sales reps who don’t follow the rules will be held accountable for their actions.”

“These doctors will now answer to a court of law for financially benefitting from lucrative speaking engagements and writing questionable prescriptions for one medication,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The FBI will continue collaborative efforts to root out healthcare fraud and hold those responsible accountable for their fraudulent, unethical behavior."

“Kickbacks are to ethics like a magnet to a compass — you lose your direction,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “Imagine trusting your doctor to do what’s right for your health, and finding out he’s instead doing what’s right for his wallet. This is much more than a financial crime.”

If anyone believes they may have been a victim in this case, they are encouraged to call the FBI at 216-622-6963.

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 FBI, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Megan R. Miller are prosecuting the case.

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.

The former Allen County Sheriff was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for asking for and taking bribes from people arrested in prostitution stings, suspected gamblers and others.

Samuel A. Crish, 56, previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of extortion and soliciting bribes. He was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $606,221 in restitution.

“The former sheriff earned every day of this sentence,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “His conduct is an affront to the men and women in law enforcement and the citizens he pledged to protect and serve. Using his office and badge to demand bribes from gamblers and people arrested in prostitution stings is beyond offensive.”

"Mr. Crish will now serve the well deserved punishment handed down by the judge for his abhorrent criminal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to enforce the law, not break the law."

Court documents detail Crish extorting or soliciting tens of thousands of dollars from several people between 2012 and 2016.

According to court documents:

Crish joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Office in 1991, where he held numerous positions, including commander of the office’s Investigative Division and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force (WCOCTF). He was elected sheriff in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

In June 2012, Crish approached a person identified in the charges as Person 1 and asked Person 1 for $8,000, falsely stating he needed the money to cover medical bills. Person 1 gave Crish the money in cash in an alley behind the sheriff’s office in July 2012.

Two months later, Person 1 applied for the position of nurse at the Allen County Jail, which Crish oversaw. Based on conversations with Crish, Person 1 understood the job was theirs. Crish stated in October 2012 he would try to hire Person 1 as nurse. In the same conversation, he stated he needed $42,000 to pay his debts and asked if Person 1 could help.

Person 1 took out a home equity line of credit and, on Oct. 12, 2012, gave Crish a check for $42,000 in the alley behind the sheriff’s office. Crish agreed to repay the money in monthly increments of $480. On Dec. 15, 2012, Person 1 was hired by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office to work as the nurse at the county jail.

Person 3 operated a used car business and was arrested by members of the sheriff’s office and WCOCTF on Aug. 19, 2015 during a prostitution sting. He was charged with solicitation in Lima Municipal Court.

Crish visited Person 3’s business several times in August and September 2015, at one point asking Person 3 for a $7,000 loan. Person 3 gave Crish a check for $7,000 on Sept. 25, 2015.

Crish met with prosecutors and law enforcement officials about Person 3’s case on Nov. 24, 2015, and demanded the Lima City Attorney’s Office drop the charges. The solicitation case was dismissed on Feb. 18, 2016. Eight days later, Crish texted Person 3 to meet, where they discussed the dismissal of Person 3’s case.

Person 4 operated a used car business in Elida, Ohio. Crish asked Person 4 in September 2015 to work as an informant. He also asked Person 4 to loan him $10,000.

Person 4 gave Crish $10,000 in cash on Nov. 3, 2015. The next day, Person 4 was arrested at a motel in Lima as part of a prostitution sting operation. Following his arrest, Person 4 asked to speak to Crish. All of the other men arrested were charged.

Crish visited Person 4’s business on Nov. 5, 2015, and told him not to worry about the arrest because he was working for Crish.

Crish visited Person 4’s business again on Nov. 17, 2015, and asked for $500. Person 4 insisted Crish would have to pay back the $500, unlike the previous $10,000. Crish called Person 4 in May 2016 and told him he was “fine” referring to the charges for the prostitution arrest.

Person 5 owned a grocery store in Allen County. Crish stopped by Person 5’s business in October 2015 to ask for a loan. Crish inferred during the visit that an agency was coming to investigate Person 5’s business for suspected illegal gambling operations, but that Crish could stop the investigation if Person 5 provided Crish with a loan.

Person 5 gave Crish a $2,000 loan in October 2015, which Crish repaid without interest.

The FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford.

A Columbus man was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for robbing banks in Cleveland, Lakewood and Eastlake in February.

Andre Harris, 49, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery. He was sentenced to 118 months in federal prison.

Harris robbed the Key Bank at 3601 Chester Ave. in Cleveland on February 8, the Fifth Third at 14800 Madison Ave. in Lakewood on February 11 and Chase Bank at 35400 Vine Street in Eastlake on February 15, according to court documents.

The FBI, Cleveland Division of Police, Lakewood Police Department and Eastlake Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and Ranya Elzein prosecuted the case.

Two men from Northwest Ohio were sentenced to prison for crimes related to child pornography.

Dustin Davis, 42, of Lima, was sentenced to nine years in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

Davis received and distributed numerous images of child pornography between September and November 2018, according to the indictment.

In a separate case, Karl Rogers, 35, of Willard, was sentenced to eight years in prison. Rogers was previously convicted at trial of receiving and distributing child pornography.

The Department of Homeland Security investigated the Davis case. The FBI and Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children investigated the Rogers case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman prosecuted both cases.  

A Cleveland man was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegally having ammunition.

A jury in June convicted Joshua Walker, 34, of one count being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Walker possessed 9 mm Luger shell casings on October 25, 2017, before and during an altercation at a Cleveland bar where Walker shot and killed someone, according to trial testimony.

Walker was prohibited from having the ammunition because of a previous conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the trial testimony.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Hanley following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

An Akron man was indicted on firearms and methamphetamine charges.

Tionte L. Blanchard, 23, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm with a domestic violence conviction and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Blanchard possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine on July 12, as well as a Glock pistol. Blanchard was prohibited from having the pistol because of a previous misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence in 2017, according to the indictment.

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 FBI and Akron Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce is prosecuting the case.

 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.

Three men were indicted in federal court for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids via the dark web.

Named in the four-count indictment are: Ronald D. Roginsky, 52, of Brunswick; John M. Ambrose, 40, of Chicago, and Eric S. Angle, 52, of Wexford, Pennsylvania.

All three are charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to import controlled substances, distributing controlled substances by means of the Internet, and conspiracy to launder money.

According to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland:

Roginsky, Ambrose and Angle were members of the “qu4ntum” drug trafficking organization. The organization maintained and controlled the qu4ntum dark net vendor account on AlphaBay, Dream Market, Wall Street and other dark net marketplaces.

The qu4ntum drug organization distributed anabolic steroids and other controlled substances over the dark web, websites and forums operating on the clear web and via person-to-person transactions, according to the indictment.

The organization used the qu4ntum account as an online storefront for the sale of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances. The group imported steroids from China and elsewhere and shipped the drugs to locations throughout the U.S.

They used the U.S. Postal Service, third-party shipping companies and hand-to-hand transactions as a means of distribution. They used various means to hide their identification as the shippers of drug parcels, including opening P.O. boxes under fictitious names, according to the indictment.

Sales of controlled substances were paid for using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, and cash, according to the indictment.

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 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Riedl and Segev Phillips following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Medina County Drug Task Force.

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.

 

 

A Shaker Heights man was indicted in federal court for violations related to improperly operating an incinerator.

Anthony Gray, 63, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

According to the indictment:

Gray was the co-owner of Lomack Drum Company (LDC), also known as L. Gray Barrel & Drum and Gray Container LLC. The company was located in Cleveland and reconditioned metal drums.

Gray served as operations manager and sales manager, while another person, identified in court documents as Owner 2, served as environmental manager and maintenance manager.

Some drums were passed through an incinerator at the facility as part of the reconditioning process. The contents of the drums were burned out as they passed through the incinerator. The incinerator had to be operated above a certain temperature, otherwise incomplete combustion would occur, producing dioxins and furans.

A temporary restraining order was issued in 2009 ordering LDC to cease operations of the incinerator at its facility. Gray and Owner 2 agreed to several new conditions with the operation of the incinerator, including testing the incinerator in the presence of an inspector demonstrating it could operate about 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, according to indictment.

Gray and Owner 2 scheduled compliance demonstrations with inspectors but the incinerator did not maintain the required operating temperature. To date, LDC has not demonstrated the incinerator can be operated according to its permit.

Gray and Owner 2 directed and were aware the incinerator operated at night, concealing violations of the facility’s permit. Gray and Owner 2 also lied to authorities about operating the incinerator, according to the indictment.

Gray and Owner 2, as well as LDC employees, operated the incinerator after dark and at night numerous times in 2013 and 2014. This included placing drums containing paints and solvents onto the conveyor belt going through the incinerator.

This resulted in the burning of several hundred drums to be burned every night the incinerator burned, causing flaming drums visible from several hundred feet away and at times emitted an offensive odor, according to the indictment, according to the indictment.

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson following an investigation by U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Ohio EPA - Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Fire Department, and Cleveland Division of Air Pollution Control.

 

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.

 

 

A Marion man was charged in federal court for child exploitation after he induced a 13-year-old to engage sexual activity.

Tyler Foreman, 21, was charged via criminal information with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of receiving visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.

A Holmes County company that advertised it manufactured tinctures, salves and herbal formulas was fined more than $165,000 for refusing to allow FDA investigators to inspect its facilities.

Precision Herbs LLC was ordered to pay a fine of $166,965 –- which represented the profits of their business after they refused FDA Inspection. Original Design Wellness was fined $2,000. Company officials Sharon Overman and Eric Pierce were both sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.

All parties previously pleaded guilty to one count of refusal of inspection and one count of introduction of adulterated drugs and devices.

According to the criminal information filed in U.S. District Court:

Precision Herbs advertised it manufactured “alcohol-based tinctures, salves and vegetable-based encapsulations of unique herbal formulas” that “address(ed) individual wellness needs and improved daily living.”

Original Design Wellness Center was associated with Precision Herbs and distributed Precision Herbs’ products. Overman, 75, and Pierce, 50, owned both companies.

The FDA obtained a warrant on January 15, 2016 to inspect Precision Herbs’ facilities in Killbuck and Millersburg, Ohio. Original Design Wellness Center was operated out of the Millersburg facility.

FDA investigators, accompanied by U.S. Marshals, attempted to conduct an inspection of both locations on January 21, 2016. Overman and Pierce refused the inspection of the Millersburg facility. Pierce initially allowed the inspection of the Killbuck facility until a third party arrived and disrupted it. Pierce allowed the disruption and the inspection was terminated.

The companies, Overman and Pierce continued to sell products that were manufactured from a location that refused to permit inspection by the FDA. This took place between January 21, 2016 and May 24, 2017.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that those who purposely subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by obstructing inspections will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office. “We value the efforts of the Department of Justice for vigorously pursuing the prosecution of this matter.”

This case was investigated by the FDA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro Abreu.

A former Dublin, Ohio, couple has been charged with crimes related to stealing exosome-related trade secrets concerning the research, identification and treatment of a range of pediatric medical conditions announced Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of National Security, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio, Assistant Director John Brown of the Counterintelligence division and FBI Special Agent in Charge Todd Wickerham of the Cincinnati division.

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital devoted years of work and its own money to researching exosomes in order to promote honorable medical advances,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said.  “The hospital’s Research Institute took reasonable measures to keep its trade secrets secret.  I commend the cooperation of Nationwide Children’s throughout this investigation.”

“The theft of trade secrets is a growing threat that severely impacts our economy and our national security,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Todd Wickerham.  “The FBI is committed to investigating these cases and working with all of our partners to protect intellectual property.”

According to the indictment, Yu Zhou, 49, and Li Chen, 46, currently of San Diego, California, conspired to, attempted to and did steal scientific trade secrets related to exosomes and exosome isolation from Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Research Institute for their own personal financial gain.

The defendants were arrested in July and the case was unsealed today at the defendants’ arraignments in federal court in Columbus at 2pm before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.

Zhou and Chen are spouses who worked in separate medical research labs at the Research Institute for 10 years each (Zhou from 2007 until 2017 and Chen from 2008 until 2018).  Exosomes play a key role in the research, identification and treatment of a range of medical conditions, including necrotizing enterocolitis (a condition found in premature babies), liver fibrosis and liver cancer.

The husband and wife allegedly founded a company in China in 2015 without the hospital’s knowledge.  While Zhou and Chen continued to be employed by Nationwide Children’s, they marketed products and services related to exosome isolation through their Chinese company.

The indictment also alleges that in 2017, Zhou and Chen helped co-found an American biotechnology company.  As of 2019, the company’s website advertises multiple products and services related to exosome isolation, including a kit that was developed from a trade secret created at a Nationwide Children’s research lab.

Zhou and Chen allegedly used the hospital’s Research Institute resources and equipment to conduct the exosome research necessary for their unauthorized, outside work.

In November 2017, Zhou and Chen allegedly received more than $876,000 and stock related to an asset purchase agreement involving the American biotechnology company.  It is also alleged Zhou entered into a stock purchase agreement with that same company under which he would receive $450,000.

Zhou resigned from the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, effective Nov. 10, 2017.  On Jan. 31, 2018, Chen resigned from her position at the research institute.

Before his official last day of employment with the research institute, Zhou allegedly participated in a press release announcing the American company’s plans to market and distribute “proprietary exosome isolation systems” from its headquarters in Central Ohio.

Conspiring to, attempting to and committing theft of trade secrets is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Conspiring to, attempting to and committing wire fraud carries a potential maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter Glenn-Applegate and J. Michael Marous and National Security Division trial attorney Matthew J. McKenzie, who are prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Ten people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy in which the leader allegedly controlled large shipments of fentanyl stamped into pills, heroin, cocaine and other drugs from Mexico to Cleveland while using a cellular phone smuggled into his prison cell.

Named in the 17-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland are: Jose Lozano-Leon, 41, a Mexican citizen who was living in Painesville; Mario Hernandez-Leon, 31, of Mexico; Clemente Gutierrez-Meraz, 27, of Mexico; Lorne Franklin, 45, of Cleveland; Leevern Coleman, 49, of Bedford; Belen Orozco-Sigala, 36, of Painesville; Najee Amir Evans, 28, of Cleveland; Troy Pinnock, 47, of Cleveland; Damon Bybee, 60, of Garfield Heights, and Montez Vanburen, 38, of Cleveland.

All ten are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

“The lead defendant is accused of running an international drug trafficking organization from a jail cell in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “He has come to this country illegally and allegedly made his living selling the same kinds of drugs that are killing our friends and neighbors. He is an importer of pain and will be prosecuted accordingly.”

“Arrests like these are saving lives," said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. "In Ohio and other parts of the country, we are seeing an increase in these blue pills that at first glance appear to be legitimately produced oxycodone, but in fact are laced with fentanyl. By working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, we are getting members of this drug trafficking organization off the streets where they can no longer push these lethal drugs into our communities.”

“Carfentanil is 10,000 times more powerful than morphine -- a speck the size of a grain of sand may be fatal,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “Our communities are exponentially safer thanks to the work of this task force.”

According to the indictment and related court documents:

Lozano-Leon (“Lozano”) is alleged to be the leader of the Lozano drug trafficking organization. Lozano is indicted in October 2018 for illegal reentry. He was found to be in the United States on October 17, 2018, after having been deported in 2017. Lozano pleaded guilty to that charge earlier this year and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. He was incarcerated at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center (NEOCC) in Youngstown.

Beginning at least in November 2018, Lozano allegedly used a smuggled, contraband cellular telephone to communicate with other defendants and manage the Lozano drug trafficking organization from his prison cell at NEOCC.

Lozano spoke frequently with the co-defendants and others to arrange shipments of drugs from Mexico and other locations to Cleveland, for distribution in Northeast Ohio. The group allegedly specialized in pills containing fentanyl and/or fentanyl analogues but which appeared to be prescription oxycodone, according to the indictment.

The group also allegedly trafficked heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, according to the indictment.

Hernandez-Leon (“Hernandez”) allegedly obtained drugs for the organization in Mexico and arranged for them to be smuggled into the United States and sent to co-conspirators in Northeast Ohio. He often traveled between Tijuana and San Diego to receive drug proceeds and deliver payments to suppliers in Mexico, according to the indictment.

Gutierrez-Meran (“Gutierriez”) operated from Mexico and arranged for shipments of drugs and transfers of money, according to the indictment.

Franklin received shipments of drugs in Cleveland arranged by Lozano, which he then sold the drugs in the Cleveland area. He also arranged for cash drug proceeds to be sent to Arizona, California and Mexico, according to the indictment.

Coleman, while incarcerated at a federal prison in Michigan, helped Lozano communicate with and direct actions of the co-conspirators, including Franklin, according to the indictment.

For example, shortly after midnight on April 11, 2019, Lozano and Gutierrez texted about a shipment of pills Gutierrez sent to a location in Cleveland. Minutes later, Lozano texted Franklin: “TOMORROW DA SKITTLES (fentanyl pills) ARRIVE AT (an address in Cleveland) AROUND NOON. WE GOTTA GET PAPER (money) ASAP SO WE CAN PAY EVERYBODY UP,” according to the indictment.

Later that day, Lozano and Franklin discussed via text the arrival of 5,000 fentanyl pills and that they needed to pay $27,500 for the drugs, according to the indictment.

On April 29, 2019, Lozano and Hernandez spoke by phone. Lozano explained he had recruited a driver who entered the U.S from Mexico and would drive drugs from San Diego to Cleveland, according to the indictment.

Lozano, on April 26, 2019, had a discussion by phone with another person about how strong Lozano wanted the fentanyl pills to be on a scale of one to ten. Lozano requested the pills by about an eight or nine, stating he did not want any “issues” (overdoses), according to the indictment.

Franklin, on June 16, 2019, had a conversation with an unidentified woman who asked Franklin why he wanted to be near Union Avenue. Franklin responded: “I sell drugs out there on Union.  I sell drugs.  I make my money on Union.  That’s [what] I do on Union.”  He later continued, “I sell (expletive) drugs! I’ve been selling drugs since 1992!  I’ve been [at] the same (expletive) spot since 1992,” according to the indictment.

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.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Lake County Narcotics Drug Task Force, Cleveland Division of Police, Euclid Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshal Service and Northeast Ohio Correctional Center. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.

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.

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.

 

A Lorain man was indicted for an armed robbery of a gas station this summer.

Evin Ballard, 19, was indicted for on one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Ballard used a handgun when he robbed the BP Gas station at 5219 Detroit Road in Sheffield Village on July 13, 2019, according to the indictment.

This case was Investigated by Sheffield Village Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

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.

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.

An Elyria man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Joshua Novak, 28, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Novak sold crack cocaine and a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions in February of 2019, according to court documents.  On February 19, 2019, when police executed a search warrant at his residence, they located nearly 7 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a firearm, ammunition, and other drug trafficking tools.

During his sentencing hearing, Novak was found by the court to be a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, having previously been convicted of at least two felony offenses of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense.

This case is one of nearly eighty prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), in which any cases involving heroin, fentanyl or any synthetic opioid are prosecuted in federal court. Lorain County is one of 10 communities around the nation selected as a pilot for Operation SOS. The program demonstrates the Justice Department’s continued to commitment to working with local partners to make our community safer by targeting those offenders who have made a career of drug trafficking.

This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and FBI, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros, and Robert J. Kolansky.

A Youngstown physician was indicted in federal court on sex trafficking charges involving minors as young as 12 years old.

Albert Aiad-Toss, 52, was indicted on four counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of production of child pornography.

Aiad-Toss is allegedly to have used force, threats of force, fraud or coercion to cause three minor victims to engage in commercial sex acts at various points in June 2019. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 14 years old, according to the indictment.

Aiad-Toss is also alleged to have induced a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. This took place on June 29, 2019, according to the indictment.

“This defendant is accused of sexually assaulting children as young as 12 years old,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Those who prey upon children and other vulnerable victims will be held accountable for their actions.”

“The abuse of a child is despicable and incomprehensible. Individuals such as Dr. Toss who allegedly choose to engage in sex acts with minors and sharing sexually explicit photos of children will face a court of law,” said FBI Special Agent Eric B. Smith. “Law enforcement will continue our unceasing efforts to protect our most precious resource, our children."

“The charges brought against the defendant, Albert Aiad-Toss, are the product of the cooperation between Ashland law enforcement agencies, my office and the federal authorities,” said Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell. “This case is prime an example of what happens when all the relevant criminal justice agencies act with the singular focus of keeping our children safe from predatory exploitation.”   

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ashland Police Department and the Mansfield Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan with the assistance of Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell.

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.

 

A Toledo man was indicted on drug and firearms charges.

Ronnie Robinson, 32, was indicted on one count of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Robinson possessed on July 9 cocaine and a Ruger 9 mm pistol, despite a previous conviction for trafficking fentanyl, according to the indictment.

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 Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S.s Attorney Matthew D. Simko is prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as 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.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Toledo man was indicted for allegedly selling fentanyl and other drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose on New Year’s Eve.

Bryan Mays, 30, was indicted on one count of distribution of a controlled substance. The charge comes with a potential sentencing enhancement for causing death.

Mays, aka Sipp Nolte, sold a mixture of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and Tramadol on December 30, 2018, according to the indictment.

The next day, a person identified in court documents as C.L. ingested the drugs and died, according to the indictment

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.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Weldon and 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 be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Putnam County man was indicted in federal court after allegedly filing income tax returns over three years that understated his income by more than $1.7 million.

Jeffrey J. Blanford, 47, of Kalida, was indicted on three counts of tax evasion.

According to the indictment:

Blanford stated his taxable income for 2013 was $106,972, when, in fact, he knew it was $491,613.

Blanford stated his taxable income for 2014 was $148,236, when, in fact, he knew it was $700,150.

Blanford stated his taxable income for 2015 was $91,614, when, in fact, it was $899,560.

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 Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and 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 be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Cleveland man likely faces at least 30 years in prison after he was convicted by a federal jury on firearms and drug charges.

Tyrone Cammon was convicted on one count of using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to fentanyl analogues and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Cammon is scheduled to be sentenced December 12. He is classified as a career offender with a sentencing guideline range of 30 years to life in prison.

Cammon possessed a FNH5.7x28mm pistol and 3.52 grams of fentanyl on April 9, 2016. Cammon used the firearm in relation to drug trafficking and was prohibited from having it because of previous convictions for assault, drug trafficking and other crimes, according to court documents.

Cammon possessed a Glock .40-caliber pistol with a 30-round magazine on November 16, 2017, as well as heroin, carfentanil and fentanyl analogues, according to court documents.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police, Lakewood Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Scott Zarzycki.

An Elyria man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking.

Pierre Alston, 39, was sentenced to 169 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

Alston sold various mixtures of drugs between July and October 2018, according to court documents.

This case is one of dozens prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), in in which any cases involving heroin, fentanyl or any synthetic opioid are prosecuted in federal court. Lorain County is one of 10 communities around the nation selected as a pilot for Operation SOS. The program demonstrates the Justice Department’s continued to commitment to working with local partners to make our community safer.

This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and FBI, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros.

A Richland County man formerly affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America pleaded guilty in federal court to sexual exploitation of children after he surreptitiously recorded children changing before and after swimming.

Thomas Close, 39, of Shelby, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced January 15.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Close is expected to be sentenced to between 27 and 33 years in prison.

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

Homeland Security Investigations agents received information from the Cyber Crimes Center regarding videos taken of minor boys changing before or after swimming at the YMCA in Sandusky.

A review of several videos revealed they were recorded at the YMCA facility in Sandusky, which sometimes rented its pool to the Boy Scouts, inside teepees used at the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman, as well as inside the bathroom of a home that appeared to have a swimming pool.

Investigators met with Boy Scouts of America officials in Cleveland, whose area includes seven counties. Due to the fact that all of the photos appear to revolve around changing before or after swimming, Boy Scout officials alerted investigators to an incident report from June 2017 documenting an occurrence at the Firelands Scout Reservation they felt could be related. The report was made by a den leader regarding a Boy Scouts of America staff member named Thomas Close, also known as “Aqua Joe,” according to the affidavit.

Close was associated with Boy Scout Troop 406 and had a pool in his back yard.

HSI investigators went to Close’s home on November 1, 2018. Upon viewing his bathroom, they realized it is the same bathroom depicted in one of the videos. Close admitted to making the videos and said he created videos between 2011 and the summer of 2018, according to the affidavit.

He also admitted to downloading child pornography and said he had approximately five terabytes of child pornography on his computer, according to the affidavit.

“This defendant used his position of trust to exploit several children and cause harm that will likely linger for years for his victims and their families,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This defendant needs to be locked up for decades and today’s plea is another important step in making sure that happens.”

"Mr. Close's admission today will hopefully begin the healing process for all of those who have been impacted by his heinous crimes," said Vance Callender, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio. "I commend the community who supported this sensitive investigation and the pursuit of justice throughout this difficult period.  Among its many types of investigations, HSI looks to bring swift justice to perpetrators of child exploitation through a victim centered approach."

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said: “Hard work by law enforcement has taken another child predator off the street.  We will continue to work with our federal partners to put an end to these crimes.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Shelby Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to 37 years in prison for using a firearm to deal fentanyl, heroin and other drugs.

Tyler Hall, 29, was convicted by a federal jury on all 14 counts he faced, including possession a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm and multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine marijuana.

Hall had 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine and a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol during a search of his home and business on the west side of Cleveland last year, according to court documents.

Hall was a person of interest in relation to three non-fatal opioid overdoses. Two of the victims had information that their supplier’s name was Tyler and that he worked, resided and sold drugs in the area of West 104th Street and Lorain Avenue, according to court documents.

Law enforcement on July 3 searched Hall’s residence at 10400 Lorain Ave. and business, at auto body shop at 3179 West 104th Street. Hall was detained and found to be carrying two cellular phones, $1,152 in cash and a set of keys to both his residence and business, according to court documents.

Inside his residence was a desk where it appeared drugs were prepared and packaged for sale. Also nearby were 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine, a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol and approximately $6,000 in cash, according to court documents.

Hall was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery, robbery, intimidation of a crime victim or witness and multiple drug trafficking and possession convictions, according to court documents.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison and Brendan O'Shea.

A Toledo man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for sex trafficking involving a minor.

Lawrence Jones, 32, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Jones met a minor via social media who had run away from home. Jones transported the girl to a home on Coventry Avenue in Toledo, where he took nude photographs of her and posted them online, offering commercial sex acts in the Toledo area in January, according to court documents.

The minor performed approximately 25 commercial sex acts, with all the money going to Jones. The minor told Jones several times that she was not yet 18 years old, according to court documents.

“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable child for his own financial gain,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute people who treat children like property.”

"This child predator is deserving of this lengthy prison sentence, 35 years behind bars where he will not have access to children,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The FBI will continue working this repulsive violation to ensure individuals sexually violating children are held accountable to fullest extent of the law."

Jones was also ordered to pay $17,656 in restitution and other assessments.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo office and the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling, Tracey Tangeman and Suzana Koch.

A Lorain man was indicted in federal court for accessing his employer’s computer system after learning he would be fired and shutting down the web site, blocking access to email and taking other unauthorized actions.

Austyn Keaton, 28, was charged with one count of damaging protected computers.

According to the indictment:

Keaton was the sole information technology employee for a company located in Avon Lake. Keaton gained access to emails of the company’s finance director and other employees. He learned the company planned to hire an outside vendor to take over IT operations from Keaton.

Keaton was scheduled to meet with the vendor on February 25, 2019, in which the vendor was to ask Keaton to transfer access to the company’s IT systems.

On the same day, Keaton accessed the finance director’s email, in which he learned the company planned to offer Keaton a severance package and terminate his employment.

Keaton then took steps to lock the company’s employees out of their email, take its web site offline, block the company’s employees from accessing the company’s customer relationship management system, and other unauthorized actions.

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Elyria Police Department and Avon Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Riedl and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Kern.

An indictment is only an allegation and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Remarks as prepared announcing federal criminal charges against James Reardon:

Good morning. Thank you for coming today and thank you to all of the local police chiefs who are here.  Special thanks to Chief D’Egidio who drove here from New Middletown.

We are here to announce the unsealing of a federal complaint against James Reardon, age 20, of New Middletown, Ohio.  He is charged with one count of making threats using a facility of interstate commerce.

Federal rules give us a few weeks before seeking an indictment in the Grand Jury and we will continue to use that time to further our investigation of Mr. Reardon’s conduct and to determine if others were involved.  In just a moment, Special Agent Eric Smith of the FBI will detail the facts uncovered in our investigation thus far.

I want to start by thanking the community. This case is the result of a concerned citizen who took the time to point out Mr. Reardon’s social media activity to a New Middletown Police Officer. This case is just one of several over the past few weeks that are the product of our friends and neighbors seeing something, and then saying something.

For example, a few weeks ago, Timothy Ireland was indicted on firearms and threat charges after a private citizen alerted law enforcement. And at the beginning of this month, Vincent Armstrong pleaded guilty to charges related to a planning an attack on a bar in Toledo. That case started with a tip from a concerned citizen to Toledo police.  There are several more examples and they illustrate the fact that these type of cases rely on very two important people – a concerned citizen and a responsive law enforcement officer.  Fortunately, we have both of those in abundance in northern Ohio.

I want to thank the men and women who make up our police departments, and some of their leadership are here today. As I said, tips only matter if police officers take them seriously and investigate them thoroughly. The presence of our local law enforcement highlights the message that police officers are trained to be responsive to information from the public, and the officers assigned to these departments – and many others – will do just that when confronted with credible and specific threats.  I also want to thank the FBI and ATF agents who joined with the police in each of these cases and bring outstanding expertise to these investigations.

Now let me speak generally to those who are advocates for white supremacy, or white nationalism.  I am talking directly to you.  The Constitution protects your right to speak, your right to think, and your right to believe. If you want to waste the blessings of liberty by going down a path of hatred and failed ideologies, that is your choice. 

Democracy allows you to test those ideas in the public forum.  If you want to submit your beliefs to the American people and get their reaction, please be my guest.  Keep this in mind, though.  Thousands and thousands of young Americans already voted with their lives to ensure that this same message of intolerance, death, and destruction would not prevail - you can count their ballots by visiting any American cemetery in North Africa, Italy, France, or Belgium and tallying the white headstones.  You can also recite the many names of civil rights advocates who bled and died in opposing supporters of those same ideologies of hatred.  Their voices may be distant, but they can still be heard.

Go ahead and make your case for Nazism, a white nation, and racial superiority.  The Constitution may give you a voice, but it doesn’t guarantee you a receptive audience. 

Your right to free speech does not automatically mean that people will agree with you.  In fact, you have an absolute God-given and inalienable right to be on the losing end of this argument.

What you don’t have, though, is the right to take out your frustration at failure in the political arena by resorting to violence.  You don’t have any right to threaten the lives and well-being of our neighbors.  They have an absolute God-given and inalienable right to live peacefully, to worship as they please, to be free from fear that they might become a target simply because of the color of their skin, the country of their birth, or the form of their prayer.

Threatening to kill Jewish people, gunning down innocent Latinos on a weekend shopping trip, planning and plotting to perpetrate murders in the name of a nonsense racial theory, sitting to pray with God-fearing people who you execute moments later - those actions don’t make you soldiers, they make you criminals.  Law enforcement doesn’t go to war with cowards who break the law, we arrest them and send them to prison. 

As I said, this case was made by a concerned member of the public and a responsive police officer.  That’s all it takes to stop you.  The men and women of our community are allied with law enforcement.  And every single member of law enforcement took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Many of us have taken that oath several times - as police officers, federal agents, prosecutors, military members, and elected officials. 

Together, we represent the absolute best of what America has to offer.  Our skin is every color you can imagine, our families come from a hundred different countries and a hundred different faiths.  What makes us different doesn’t split us apart, though.  Those differences are insignificant compared to what is the same about us - we are united in our commitment to each other, to our families, and to our communities.  We are the living embodiment of everything you say is impossible.

Together, we are united to ensure that you commit no further acts of violence in the name of your beliefs.  When you wake up tomorrow morning, no matter what time, I want you to remember something.  You can’t set your alarm clock early enough to beat us out of bed.  The men and women of law enforcement don’t wake up.  We never went to sleep.  We are always awake.  And arm in arm with the public, when your hatred leads you to break the law, we will do everything we can to be there to stop you.

A Toledo woman pleaded guilty to terrorism charges related to her role in a conspiracy to launch an attack on a bar in Toledo.

Elizabeth Lecron, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Toledo to one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to terrorists and one count transporting explosives in interstate commerce.

Her co-conspirator, Vincent Armstrong, pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of conspiracy to transport or receive an explosive with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual, and maliciously damage or destroy by fire or explosive.

“This defendant has admitted to plotting a terrorist attack in downtown Toledo,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “She purchased a shotgun, black powder, screws and other items for the purpose of launching mass-casualty attacks. For years we have used this statute to prosecute those who supported our enemies abroad, and are gratified we are able to use it to hold accountable people who planned to attack our neighbors, regardless of ideology.”

"Elizabeth Lecron has accepted responsibility for planning and obtaining weapons and explosive components as preparation to conduct a mass shooting,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The two recent mass shootings that took 29 lives remind us that without the vigilance of the citizen that alerted law enforcement of Lecron and Armstrong's desire to kill, Toledo could have been the site of a massacre.  Law enforcement urges the public to report suspicious, concerning behavior - see something, say something."

Toledo Police Chief George Kral said: “This week should show all Ohioans the threats that are ever present in our communities. With this plea, a dangerous potential mass murderer will be off our streets. Our citizens have to be a part of the solution. I strongly encourage people to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement. It quite honestly could be a matter of life or death.”

According to the plea agreement and other documents filed in the case:

Lecron conspired with Armstrong from April 2018 through December 10, 2018. The two met in February 2018, started dating a few months later and moved in together at residence in Toledo. Shortly after meeting, Lecron expressed her interest in mass murderers in introduced Armstrong to the “True Crime Community” or TCC. Lecron allegedly engaged with members of the community via Tumblr, under the username “ligaturemarkings” and “charlestonchurchmiracle.” Armstrong joined the Tumblr TCC community with the username “societysheretic.”

Lecron routinely posted items about the Columbine High School shooters and the Charleston church shooter. Armstrong and Lecron privately discussed committing their own mass murder in the Toledo area. They referred to the attack as “D-Day” and discussed using guns and explosives. Armstrong owned an AK-47 while Lecron purchased a shotgun with Armstrong. Both guns were to be used in the attack and Lecron and Armstrong went to the shooting range to practice their firearm skills.

Lecron showed Armstrong a web site that had detailed instructions on how to make improvised bombs they intended to use during the attack. The two agreed to build a pipe bomb. Armstong purchased end caps from a local hardware store and they discussed the additional parts they needed to buy to build the pipe bomb.

The pair agreed what to wear during the attacks, looking to emulate the Columbine shooters. Lecron purchased combat boots that she felt would not slip on all the blood during the attack, as well as a t-shirt that read “False Prophet.”

They discussed numerous possible targets for the attack and settled on a bar in downtown Toledo.

Lecon wrote about “D-Day” in her journal. In a journal entry dated June 5, 2018, she wrote that visiting friends that weekend was exhausting, but that “D-Day will be my salvation.”

Lecron and Armstrong flew to Denver in August 2018 to visit sights related to the shooting at Columbine High School. Lecron posted that their next trip would be to Charleston to visit “the church.”

Law enforcement agents executed search warrants on Armstrong and Lecron’s house and vehicles on December 10, 2018. The trunk of Armstrong’s vehicle contained a duffel bag with a tactical vest with two loaded magazines for an AK-47, two loaded magazines for a pistol, a gas mask and printed instructions on how to construct various bombs. In the house, law enforcement found an AK-47, two shotguns (including the one purchased by Lecron), two handguns and ammunition.

Additionally, Lecron on December 8, 2018, purchased two pounds of Hodgdon Triple Seven Muzzleloading Propellant from a retailer in Rossford, Ohio. She then purchased 665 screws from another retailer nearby. She then gave the items to a confidential human source with whom she began communicating in August 2018 about mass shootings via the Tumblr TCC group.

On September 11, 2018, Lecron, the confidential source and two undercover agents discussed conducting a bomb attack. Lecron said: “I want to get out there. I want to like, you know, be part of it, you know. I want to help any way I can. I’ve never had an in to this sort of thing so now that I do I just want to do anything I can.” When asked if she had any concerns about human casualties, Lecron replied: “Take them out. I don’t really feel any type of way for that…I’m here to send a message and get the job done…if they are in the way of the explosion, they’re probably part of the problem so maybe it’s for the best.”

On December 4, 2018, the confidential source called Lecron asking for help in a plan to bomb a pipeline in Georgia. The source asked Lecron to purchase black powder. Lecron replied: “Absolutely…Thank you so much. Hell yeah. This is exactly what I wanted to do.”

She purchased the black powder and screws four days later and delivered them to the confidential source.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman, Michelle Baeppler and Tracey Tangeman.

A Texas woman who managed aspects of an international program at an Ohio-based adoption agency pleaded guilty today for her role in a scheme to corruptly facilitate adoptions of Ugandan children through bribing Ugandan officials and defrauding U.S. adoptive parents and the U.S. Department of State.

Robin Longoria, 58, of Mansfield, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge William H. Baughman, Jr. of the Northern District of Ohio to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), to commit wire fraud and to commit visa fraud.  Sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio.

“The defendant compromised protections for vulnerable Ugandan children and undermined the United States’ visa screening process,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Today’s plea ensures that she is held accountable for the far-reaching consequences of her corrupt conduct.”

“This defendant has admitted to playing a part in a conspiracy in which judges and other court officials in Africa were paid bribes to corrupt the adoption process,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio.  “We are committed to pursuing justice for the adoptive parents and for all parties involved.”

“While adoptive families were financially and emotionally invested in the welfare of their future child, misrepresentations were made by Ms. Longoria and others to disguise bribe payments made to court officials in Uganda,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office.  “We are pleased Ms. Longoria has accepted responsibility for her role in facilitating an international adoption scam.”

As part of her guilty plea, Longoria admitted, among other things, that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, cause bribes disguised as fees to be paid to an Uganda Agent. Longoria knew that these fees would and were used by the to pay bribes to court registrars and Ugandan High Court judges to corruptly influence the court registrars to assign particular cases to “adoption-friendly” judges and to corruptly influence the judges to grant the U.S. clients of the adoption agency the authority to bring the Ugandan children to the United States for the purpose of adoption.  Longoria also admitted that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, conceal these bribes from the adoption agency’s U.S. clients.  Further, Longoria admitted that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, create false documents for submission to the U.S. State Department to mislead it in its adjudication of visa applications for the Ugandan children being considered for adoption.

If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program or call (888) 549-3945.

The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office is investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice and Trial Attorney Jason Manning of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. 

The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters.  Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa. 

A Texas woman who managed aspects of an international program at an Ohio-based adoption agency pleaded guilty today for her role in a scheme to corruptly facilitate adoptions of Ugandan children through bribing Ugandan officials and defrauding U.S. adoptive parents and the U.S. Department of State.

Robin Longoria, 58, of Mansfield, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge William H. Baughman, Jr. of the Northern District of Ohio to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), to commit wire fraud and to commit visa fraud.  Sentencing will be before U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio.

“The defendant compromised protections for vulnerable Ugandan children and undermined the United States’ visa screening process,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Today’s plea ensures that she is held accountable for the far-reaching consequences of her corrupt conduct.”

“This defendant has admitted to playing a part in a conspiracy in which judges and other court officials in Africa were paid bribes to corrupt the adoption process,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio.  “We are committed to pursuing justice for the adoptive parents and for all parties involved.”

“While adoptive families were financially and emotionally invested in the welfare of their future child, misrepresentations were made by Ms. Longoria and others to disguise bribe payments made to court officials in Uganda,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office.  “We are pleased Ms. Longoria has accepted responsibility for her role in facilitating an international adoption scam.”

As part of her guilty plea, Longoria admitted, among other things, that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, cause bribes disguised as fees to be paid to a Ugandan agent.  Longoria knew that these fees would be and were used to bribe court registrars and Ugandan High Court judges to corruptly influence the court registrars to assign particular cases to “adoption-friendly” judges and to corruptly influence the judges to grant the U.S. clients of the adoption agency gaurdianship rights over the Ugandan children.  Longoria also admitted that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, conceal these bribes from the adoption agency’s U.S. clients.  Further, Longoria admitted that she and her co-conspirators agreed to, and did, create false documents for submission to the U.S. State Department to mislead it in its adjudication of visa applications for the Ugandan children being considered for adoption.

If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program or call (888) 549-3945.

The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service are investigating the case.  Trial Attorney Jason Manning of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters.  Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.  

A Mahoning County man was charged in federal court with making threats against a Jewish community center in Youngstown.

James P. Reardon, 20, of New Middletown, was charged in U.S. District Court with one count of transmitting threatening communications via interstate commerce. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the case:

New Middletown police contacted the FBI on August 16, 2019, after being made aware of a video posted on Instagram page by user “ira_seamus.” The video depicted Reardon holding an assault rifle. It began with Reardon stating “(expletive) a life.” He then held the rifle in multiple firing positions with audio of gunshots and sound effects of sirens and people screaming added into the background, according to the complaint.

The video also had a caption that stated: “ira_seamus Police identified the Youngstown Jewish Family Community shooter as local white nationalist Seamus O'Rearedon". The video is shown to be tagged at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, according to the complaint.

New Middletown police officers showed federal agents on August 16, 2019, other videos in which Reardon was depicted, including: a National Geographic documentary in which Reardon was at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017 and an Instagram video posted by Reardon in which he discharges two rounds of ammunition into a cover of a video while making a remark about “Jewish media.”

Members of law enforcement executed a search warrant at Reardon’s residence later that day. Upon entering the basement, investigators observed several firearms and clothing articles that were observed in Reardon’s Instagram video postings, including: an MP-40 sub-machine gun like the one depicted in the video; an AR-15 assault rifle; numerous Nazi World War II propaganda posters; a rifle bayonet; a Hitler Youth Knife; and vintage U.S. military equipment, according to the complaint.

Reardon pulled up to the residence while officers were executing the search warrant and was arrested without incident.

“The Constitution affords citizens many rights, but it does not allow people to threaten others with violence,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement will continue to work together to thwart those who threaten people based on their religion, race or national origin. We don’t go to war with people who break the law, we arrest them and send them to prison.”

“In today's environment, shootings in public places, churches and schools have occurred too often,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Law enforcement must react swiftly to threats of violence.  This defendant’s video demonstrated that he had access to weapons and he posed a threat to a Jewish community center.  Law enforcement cannot wait to see if a shooting is going to occur, law enforcement must act quickly within the confines of the law to disrupt any potential violent act.  The public is reminded -- if you see something, say something.” 

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the New Middletown Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Toepfer and Yasmine Makridis.

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.

Two men from West Virginia were indicted in federal court on methamphetamine charges.

Michael Eugene Hicks, 36 of Charleston, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Hicks was stopped on Interstate 77 southbound by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers for numerous traffic infractions on August 5, 2019. He also had an outstanding warrant, according to court documents.

A search of Hicks’ rental vehicle revealed five vacuum-sealed bags on the passenger floorboard totaling approximately 2,314 gram of methamphetamine, according to court documents.

Lanty Carr, 53, of Gassaway, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Carr, on May 31, 2019, possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Ohio, according to the indictment

The cases are otherwise unrelated.

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 Hicks investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ohio State Highway Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Joyce.

The Carr case was investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.

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.

A Detroit man was indicted in federal court in Cleveland on drug and firearms charges.

Gavin S. Smith, 36, was indicted on one count each of: distribution of oxycodone; distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a felon in possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.

Smith possessed oxycodone and methamphetamine on August 1, 2019, as well as a Beretta .25-caliber pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from having the firearm because of previous convictions for robbery and assault, according to the indictment.

Smith sold oxycodone on June 26, 2019, and cocaine on July 1, 2019, according to the indictment.

This case was investigated as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), which seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation S.O.S. The DEA, FBI, Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force participate in the program.  

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 the Elyria Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kolansky.

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.

Fifteen people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of cocaine and heroin from Mexico and California to the Canton area.

Named in the 39-count indictment are: Miguel Reyes-Perez, 33, a Mexican citizen living in Canton; Miguel Ayala-Cardona, 52, of Canton; Juan Silverio Castro-Castrio, 18, of Massillon; Louis Dunson. Jr., 49, of Canton; Louis Dunson, III, 26, of Canton; Oscar Fabian Garcia-Reyes, 29, of Canton; Michael Yarnell Harris, 40, of Massillon; David Deon Jones-Dehart, 38, of Orrville; Stephanie Joy Dehart, 48, of Orrville; Albino Lopez-Ruvalcaba, 43, of Canton; Willie J. Middleton, 63, of Canton; Earnest Lee Nelson, Jr., 36, of Orrville; Rogelio Tello-Ramirez, 51, of Canton; Ciro Ajualip, 26, of Canton, and Alvaro Orosco, 34, of Canton.

Reyes–Perez received cocaine and heroin from California, Mexico and elsewhere, which he then redistributed to drug customers including Ayala-Cardona, Castro-Castrio, the Dunsons, Garcia-Reyes, Harris, Jones-Dehart, Dehart, Lopez-Ruvalcaba, Middleton, Nelson, Tello-Ramirez and Ajualip . Those defendants then sold the drugs to other customers, according to the indictment.

This took place between August 2016 and at least April 2019, according to the indictment.

Additionally, Reyes-Perez is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. He was found here on April 4, 2019, after having been deported on January 30, 2018, according to the indictment.

“This group brought large amounts of heroin and cocaine into Stark County at time when record numbers of our neighbors were dying from drug overdoses,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and seek long prison sentences for those profiting off the drug epidemic.”

"These fifteen indicted individuals may live in our area hometowns of Canton, Massillon, Orrville and Wooster, but they had far reaching contacts that allowed them to bring dangerous illegal drugs into and across our country,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking networks distributing perilous substances in our neighborhoods."

“The Canton Police Department remains committed to working with its federal law enforcement partners to eradicate this type of criminal activity from our city,” said Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo.

“The Massillon Police Department is pleased to have been able to participate with our law enforcement partners in this endeavor and we are committed to maintaining these relationships for the safety and welfare of our community,” said Massillon Police Chief Keith T. Moser

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency and Massillon Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

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.

A North Olmsted man was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, N-Ethylpentylone (an analogue to MDMA or “molly”) and marijuana.

Emad Silmi, 45, was sentenced to 96 months in prison.

Silmi obtained large amounts of cocaine and then sold it to other drug dealers from his business Global Auto Body & Collision at 4317 W. 130th Street. He also obtained large amounts of N-Ethylpentylone – an analogue of “molly” – which he sold other dealers from his Cleveland auto body shop, according to court documents.

Silmi obtained kilograms of cocaine and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana between January 2016 and March 2017, according to court documents.

Silmi also laundered money as part of an effort to hide his drug profits, according to court documents.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke following an investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland Division of Police, the IRS, and members of the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area personnel.

 

A Youngstown man was indicted for using a firearm to rob a bank last month.

Dabraylin Hawkins, 23, was indicted in one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Hawkins used a Hi Point 9 mm pistol on July 25, 2019, to rob Home Savings Bank, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

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.

A Youngstown man was indicted in federal court on a charge of cyberstalking.

Didier Saint Julien, 45, is accused of stalking, harassing and intimidating someone beginning in April 2018.

Saint Julien made numerous comments on the victim’s Facebook and Instagram page beginning last year. He attempted to make physical contact with the victim numerous times and took picture’s of the victim’s car, according to court documents.

Saint Julien also attempted to contact the victim’s relatives numerous times. The victim successfully sought a civil stalking protection order, commanding Saint Julien not to initiate or have any contact with the victim or the victim’s relatives. The next day, Saint Julien texted the victim, according to court documents.

Saint Julien began creating social media accounts under a false name in May 2019 and attempted to contact the victim, according to court documents.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

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.

 

Two Cleveland men with a history of using firearms to commit crimes were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and other drugs, as well as additional firearms crimes.

Clayton Hall, 39, and Gregory D. Franklin, II, 42, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and additional drug charges. Franklin is additionally charges with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the 11-count superseding indictment filed in U.S. District Court:

Hall and Franklin conspired together between February 2019 and April 30, 2019 to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl analogues, as well as 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Hall possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine at various times in 2018 and 2019.

Franklin possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues and cocaine on April 30, 2019. He also possessed a Taurus 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and 21 rounds of 9 mm that he used as part of his drug trafficking and despite a previous conviction for drug trafficking with a firearms specification, according to the indictment.

Hall was previously convicted of kidnapping with a firearm and aggravated burglary with a firearm, according to the indictment.

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 Cleveland Division of Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.

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.

A Port Clinton physician was indicted in federal court for allegedly prescribing thousands of doses powerful painkillers such as fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and other drugs, without regard to medical necessity, as well as healthcare fraud.

William R. Bauer, 82, was indicted on 200 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 14 counts of healthcare fraud.

According to the indictment:

Bauer, between 2007 through this year, repeatedly prescribed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. This included the following conduct: performing inadequate examinations and gathering inadequate medical histories; failing to establish an objective pain diagnosis; failing to consider non-opioid treatment options; prescribing high doses of opioids to patients without regard to any improvement in pain level, function or quality of life; failing to consider a patient’s state of addiction; ignoring signs and warnings that patient family members were stealing substances prescribed to the patients; ignored warning letters about improper prescribing; patients running out of pills from overuse and frequently requesting early refills, and other actions, according to the indictment.

The indictment details approximately 200 times that Bauer improperly distributed controlled substances to seven patients between 2015 and 2018. The substances allegedly improperly distributed include fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, tramadol, methadone and others.

In addition to overprescribing opioids and other controlled substances to patients, Bauer also regularly administered epidural injections and trigger point injections involving large cumulative doses of methylprednisolone without medical necessity.

These injections failed to meet procedural requirements because he did not use an adequate level of imaging to monitor the placement of needles in the spine. By failing to use appropriate imaging, Bauer could not determine if the injection was properly administered and thus reimbursable by insurance. The imaging he did use did document improper needle placement, rendering the injections ineffective for its stated purpose and, therefore, fraudulently billed to insurers, according to the indictment.

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.

“This physician is accused of recklessly prescribing thousands of doses of fentanyl and other painkillers to people for no legitimate medical purpose,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will pursue doctors who flood our streets with pills and patches just as aggressively as we do the cartels and drug traffickers who seek to profit from the drug epidemic here in Ohio.”

“Physicians take an oath to do no harm, but Dr. Bauer pursued greed over his oath,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue efforts to root out physicians that are contributing to the daily addiction epidemic we face and hold them accountable.”

“It’s a terrible betrayal of the public-trust when professionals like Dr. William Bauer are engaged in corrupt practices, to include the diversion of controlled substances,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to seek-out drug-dealing physicians and other corrupt health-care practitioners and bring them to justice.”

“Every pill mill that we shut down is a win for addiction recovery efforts in our communities,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “My office and our partners at the local, state and federal levels are determined to root out these operations so they can be held accountable for their roles in this crisis.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Ava R. Dustin.        

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.

A Jamaican national living in Cleveland was indicted on fentanyl and firearms charges.

Steven Al-Jay Hinds, 28, was indicted with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of firearms by an alien illegally in the U.S.

Hinds possessed fentanyl and the fentanyl analogue 4-ANPP, as well as a North American Arms .22 Derringer, a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver and ammunition on June 18, 2019. Hinds was prohibited from having a firearm because he was in the country illegally, according to the indictment.

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. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Segev Phillips.

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.

A Garfield Heights woman was indicted for making a straw purchase of a firearm earlier this year.

Sarah Werman, 32, was indicted on one count of making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm.

Werman stated on March 14, 2019 at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Middleburg Heights that she was the actual buyer of a Ruger 9 mm pistol, when, in fact, she was not the actual buyer of the firearm, according to the indictment.

Her brother, Alfred Werman, 29, also of Garfield Heights, was indicted  earlier this year on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Alfred Werman possessed a Sig Sauer .40-caliber pistol and 45 rounds of ammunition on May 20, 2019, despite having previously been convicted of burglary, according to the indictment.

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.

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Kane.       

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.

 

A Boardman man was indicted in federal court for making threats against federal law enforcement officers.

Justin Olsen, 18, was indicted on one count of threatening to assault and abet others to assault federal law enforcement officers engaged in the performance of official duties and one count of making threatening communications interstate.

Olsen, on June 2, 2019, threatened to shoot every federal agent on sight, according to the indictment. 

“Every law enforcement officer takes an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Anyone who threatens those same law enforcement agents is committing a crime, not engaging in some form of protected speech.  When those threats are made, especially where someone possesses the means to act on those threats, we take it seriously and will seek criminal charges.”

"Protecting citizens’ freedom of speech is a main priority for the FBI, but when you call for the killing of federal officers you have crossed the line,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to assess and disrupt threats of physical harm to any citizen.  Law enforcement encourages the public to report suspicious online or in person behavior -- see something, say something."

Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth said: “This case is a good example of how local and federal law enforcement work together to address threats to the safety of our community. The federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this matter highlights the serious nature of his actions.”

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Boardman Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

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.

 

Seventeen people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana from California to the Cleveland area and sell the drugs here.

Named in the 30-count indictment are: Brandon Fletcher, 35, of Warrensville Heights; Edgar Arturo Sanchez, 27, of Paramount, California; Stephon Carter, 34, of Cleveland; Donnie Palmer, 34, of Cleveland Heights; Kevin Philmon, 37, of Cleveland; Wayne Nix, 27, of Warrensville Heights; Robert Hawes, 46, of Bedford; Antonn Melton, 37, of Maple Heights; Kevin Williams, 34, of Euclid; Robert Pollard, 29, of Lithonia, Georgia; Freddie Murphy, 33, of Cleveland; Eric Armstrong, 58, of South Euclid; Jamill McDonald, 37, of Cleveland Heights; Steven Bouyer, 52, of Cleveland; Darcell Jackson, 32, of Euclid; Lonnie Jordan, 29, of Maple Heights, and DeWitt Chisholm, 38, of Warrensville Heights.

“At a time when a record number of our neighbors were dying from drug overdoses, this organization allegedly brought in large amounts of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine from California and sold it all over Northeast Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Some members of the conspiracy used rifles and other firearms to protect their products while others laundered tens of thousands of dollars in drug money.”

"Illegal drug activity brings danger to our communities - it will not be tolerated," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  "Collaborative law enforcement efforts will continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations bringing violence to our streets." 

“Working together with our law enforcement partners throughout Northeast Ohio, along with the US Attorney‘s Office, we are able to conduct large scale operations and get amazing results,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “This latest indictment of multiple suspects only cements these collaborative efforts as imperative to effective policing today.”

According to the indictment:

Fletcher received kilogram shipments of cocaine, heroin and marijuana from California, from Sanchez and other suppliers. Fletcher arranged for the drugs to be transported to the Cleveland area via domestic shipping carriers.

Carter, at Fletcher’s direction, collected the drug shipments and then delivered the cocaine, heroin and marijuana to Fletcher’s customers, including Nix, Philmon, Hawes, Pollard, Williams and others.

Nix received ounce quantities of cocaine from Melton, and redistributed cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to Chisholm, Murphy, Armstrong, McDonald, Bouyer, Jackson, Jordan and others. Those people then resold the drugs to customers in Northeast Ohio.

Nix is also charged with maintaining a drug premises for using residence on Berrimore Lane in Warrensville Heights to store, process and sell cocaine, fentanyl and other drugs. Additionally, Nix is charged with being a felon on possession of a firearm for having a Taurus 9 mm and ammunition despite several prior drug convictions.

Philmon is charged with maintaining a drug premises for using his residence at the Colony Apartments on Van Aken Boulevard in Cleveland to store, process and sell powder and crack cocaine. He is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Philmon had an Eagle Arms M-15 and ammunition at his apartment despite previous drug convictions.

Carter collected drug proceeds at Fletcher’s direction, and, along with Palmer, stored the money.

Fletcher and Carter charged with conspiracy to launder money. Carter, at Fletcher’s direction, met with California-based members of the drug trafficking organization and provided tens of thousands of dollars worth of drug proceeds. He also mailed them drug proceeds, sometimes concealed in musical instruments.

This conspiracy took place between August 2016 through November 2017, according to the indictment.

If convicted, a 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 Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF) and SouthEast Area Law Enforcement Narcotics Task Force, a collaboration of police departments including Bedford, Bedford Heights, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Solon, Oakwood and Walton Hills.

The NOLETF is a long standing multi-agency task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the police departments of Broadview Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Euclid, Independence, North Royalton, the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Shaker Heights. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiatives. HIDTA supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking in Ohio.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

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.

 

A mail carrier from Painesville was charged with stealing reward certificates from the mail.

Keith Ludrowsky, 55, was charged via criminal information with one count of one count of theft of mail by a postal employee. 

According to the information:

Ludrowsky, while on his mail route, identified mail in his care that contained Dick’s Sporting Goods rewards certificates. This mail was intended to be delivered to residents on defendant’s route in Mentor. These certificates provided $10, $20, or $50 in store credit for use with online purchases of sporting goods equipment and apparel from Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Ludrowsky, between June 2018 and May 2019, stole and used approximately 61 rewards certificates totaling approximately $690. He completed 11 online transactions with stolen rewards certificates to purchase sporting goods and equipment.  All merchandise was mailed to Ludrowsky’s residence. 

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.   

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.

An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Two men from Akron were sentenced to prison for using more than $38,000 in counterfeit $100 bills to buy iPads, Apple watches and other items at stores such as Target, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Tori Smith, 35, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison last week. Allyn Bell, 32, was sentenced Monday to three years in prison. Robert Peters, 31, also of Akron, is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

All three previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pass or utter counterfeit obligations or securities.

Smith, Bell and Peters conspired together between April 2917 and April 2018 to pass counterfeit $100 bills to purchase items that they sometimes returned to cash. They traveled together to stores Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.

For example, on April 6, 2017, Bell passed four counterfeit $100 bills to an employee at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Butler, Pennsylvania to purchase items. Two days late, Bell traveled to the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Mentor, Ohio, and returned the items he purchased for cash, according to court documents.

On April 27, 2017, Peters passed seven counterfeit $100 bills to employees at the Kohl’s in State College, Pennsylvania to purchase two Citizen watches. The next day, at the Kohl’s in Macedonia, Ohio, Peters returned one of the watches for approximately $409.96, according to the indictment.

The defendants together made more than 20 such purchases as part of the conspiracy, according to court documents.

“These defendants traveled across several states ripping off businesses,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

“These defendants were part of a ring that passed over $38,000 in counterfeit currency in Northeast Ohio and multiple other states,” said Jonathan E. Schuck, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service’s Cleveland office. “They used counterfeit money to purchase not only merchandise like electronics and clothes but also paid for gas, food and hotel rooms with counterfeit currency, taking advantage of local businesses. This was a complex case that could not have been solved without the assistance from many other local and state police departments.”  

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein.