Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two from Northeast Ohio indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Two people from Northeast Ohio were indicted on firearms charges.
Demann Wilson, 30, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Wilson possessed fentanyl and an American Arms 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition on July 11. Wilson was prohibited from having the firearm because of previous convictions for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Cortezes Diming, 49, of Cleveland, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Diming possessed a loaded RG Industries .22-caliber pistol on March 13, despite previous convictions for felonious assault, attempted felonious assault, burglary and other crimes, according to the indictment.
The Wilson case was investigated by the FBI and Elyria Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kolansky. The Diming case was investigated by the ATF and the Cleveland Division of Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Kane.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Five people named in 17-count indictment related to the seizure of eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cashRead the Press Release
Five people were named in a 17-count federal indictment related to the seizure of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash.
Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California; Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, and Kimberly Yvette Green, 49, of Cleveland Heights, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Additional charges include distribution of cocaine and heroin, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and other charges.
Blackshaw, Barrera, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of drugs, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.
“These arrests and the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs before it hit the streets of Cleveland undoubtedly saved lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1.1 million in drug proceeds.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Elyria man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunition.
Gregory Raymore, 32, was convicted by a jury earlier this year of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm after a four-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent sentenced Raymore to 110 months for the firearm crime. He also sentenced Raymore to an additional two years in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous crime.
Raymore possessed a .45-caliber handgun and 22 rounds of ammunition. Lorain police officers responded to a fatal shooting in an alleyway outside a bar in May 2018. The murder investigation led to the recovery of a firearm and ammunition near the crime scene that contained Raymore's DNA, although it was not the firearm that caused the death, according to trial testimony.
Raymore was not allowed to possess the firearm or ammunition because of multiple previous convictions, including for aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of drugs and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to trial testimony and court documents.
“A man with a long history of crimes was found, as part of a murder investigation, to have a gun and ammunition,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Defendants like this pose a danger to our community and we are safer with him behind bars. The Lorain Police Department and FBI did a tremendous job investigating this 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.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Zarzycki and Maggie Kane following an investigation by the Lorain Police Department and FBI.
Cleveland man sentenced to 30 years in prison for using a firearm while trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for using a firearm while trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Kernice Martin, 42, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison. A jury found Martin guilty in April of four charges: possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Martin was pulled over by Cleveland police for a traffic stop on June 15, 2018 and found to have 0.79 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 8.41 grams of cocaine, a Taurus .40-caliber handgun and ammunition. Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms because of three previous convictions for drug trafficking and one previous conviction for drug possession, according to court documents.
“Drug traffickers illegally carry firearms to protect their cash and their supply,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case is another example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer.”
“Individuals who use firearms to further their criminal enterprises are a threat to everyone in our community,” said Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the Cleveland Division of Police to make our city safer for everyone.”
This was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Andrachick and Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Two from Toledo indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Two people from Toledo were indicted on federal firearms charges.
Yaree Moon, 41, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Moon possessed a Taurus .40-caliber pistol and five rounds of ammunition on April 16 despite a previous conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.
Kyle Jackson, 30, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jackson possessed a Bersa .380-caliber pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition on June 14 despite previous convictions for aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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 are 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.
The Moon case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Futrell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Jackson case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Toledo Police Department.
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 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.
Justice Department launches National Public Safety Partnership with Cleveland Division of PoliceRead the Press Release
Today, officials from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, and the Cleveland Division of Police convened at the United States Attorney Offices in Cleveland to initiate the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program with the Cleveland Police Department. This Justice Department program is a three-year engagement that seeks to leverage department assets in support of a local jurisdictions' commitment to drive down violent crime.
On June 3, 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced the selection of the Cleveland Police Department as one of ten FY 2019 PSP sites where the Justice Department will work collaboratively to provide training and technical assistance in areas such as crime analytics, emerging technology and community engagement.
Since 2017, the Justice Department has directed nearly $14.9 million in customized training and technical assistance to help build crime fighting capacity in PSP sites, including $6.6 million to support the FY 2019 sites through FY 2022. PSP seeks to bring law enforcement stakeholders together to work collaboratively in reducing violent crime attributed to felonious firearm use, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
“Today our team is on-site in Cleveland to collaborate with local law enforcement officials in their mission to improve public safety and drive down violent crime,” said Jon Adler, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. "Through the Public Safety Partnership, we are committed to fulfilling the Attorney General's priority of supporting local law enforcement combat violent gangs, felonious firearms use and drug trafficking," added Adler.
“We are excited to bring the PSP team’s expertise to Cleveland to add to the outstanding collaboration already underway addressing violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. "We know targeted, vigorous enforcement actions combined with meaningful crime prevention and reentry efforts have a demonstrated track record of reducing homicides, shooting and other violence.”
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams said: “The Cleveland Division of Police welcomes the assistance of the PSP team in our efforts to reduce violent crime in our community. Our commitment to the safety of our residents is our primary focus and this program will increase our ability to provide the highest level of service.”
Since 2017, the Justice Department has worked with more than 30 local jurisdictions under the nationwide PSP program. Many participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime. New Orleans ended 2018 with 146 murders, the lowest number of murders since the early 1970s. In Milwaukee, homicides declined in 2018 for a third straight year after hitting a deadly peak in 2015.
Agencies in attendance at this meeting included the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio; the Office of Justice Programs; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Cleveland Police Department; the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office; the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and Mayor Frank Jackson’s Office.
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Toledo man sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for selling heroin that resulted in the fatal overdose of two womenRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for selling heroin that resulted in the fatal overdose of two women.
Harold Sasse, 42, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. He was sentenced to 174 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $13,600 in restitution.
Sasse sold heroin on March 29, 2017 to two people, identified in court documents as E.M. and T.W. Sometime between that day and March 30, 2017, the women ingested the heroin and died, according to court documents.
“Every death represents someone’s son or daughter, friend or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This prison sentence of more than 14 years shows that those who profit from this drug epidemic will be held accountable for their actions.”
"Overdoses have killed far too many Americans,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI, in collaboration with the Toledo Police Department, is avidly committed to holding those like Harold Sasse accountable for selling the deadly drugs which are killing our fellow citizens."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
Three men from Northwest Ohio indicted after DEA seizes two kilos of cocaine, 20 firearms and $1.8 million in cashRead the Press Release
Three men from Northwest Ohio were indicted on drug conspiracy charges stemming from an investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than four pounds of cocaine, 20 firearms, three vehicles and more than $1.8 million in cash.
Brooke McBeth, 39, Montrel Jackson, 34, both of Toledo, and Tyson Reed, 43, of Fostoria, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The men are accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. This took place between April 2018 and January 25, 2019, according to the indictment.
Law enforcement seized approximately $1,843,900 in cash and 20 firearms, as well as a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover, a 2008 Dodge Nitro and a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle as part of the investigation, according to the indictment.
“Bricks of cocaine, piles of ill-gotten cash, and an arsenal of firearms are the hallmarks of a group that profited from drug trafficking,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “But actions have consequences, and these defendants are now charged with crimes and we will seek to hold them accountable.”
Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said: “Drug trafficking and violence go hand-in-hand. This investigation highlights the impact that cocaine and firearms have on our community. This indictment is a message to drug dealers at large that you will be held accountable.”
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Michael J. Freeman.
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.
Investigators offer assistance with victim identification related to former Boy Scout official accused of photographing children changing after swimmingRead the Press Release
Thomas Close is awaiting trial on charges of production of child pornography related to his alleged surreptitious recording of boys changing after swimming as part of Boy Scout activities.
Close, 40, lived in Richland County. He was known as “Aqua Joe” because he worked with the Boy Scouts of America, often with their swimming program.
Close is accused of secretly recording boys changing after they swam. His alleged crimes are believed to have happened in Ohio between 2011 and 2018. Close remains in jail pending the outcome of his federal criminal case.
If anyone suspects they or their children were recorded by the defendant, they are asked to email their contact information to Homeland Security Investigations at [email protected]. Please attach a photo of the child in question, preferably a photo that was taken around the years that CLOSE would have had contact with your child you or your child had contact with Mr. Close so investigators can positively identify or rule out if the child is associated with this case. A member of the investigative team will respond to your request.
The privacy of crime victims and survivors is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will do everything in its power to protect the privacy of anyone who responds to this inquiry.
Brothers from Youngstown indicted for their roles in conspiracy to obtain cocaine from Puerto Rico and sell the drugs in the Youngstown areaRead the Press Release
Two people from Youngstown were indicted in federal court for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to obtain large amounts of cocaine from Puerto Rico and sell the drugs in the Youngstown area.
Amaury Calderon Santiago, 27, and Felix Calderon Santiago, 29, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Amaury Calderon Santiago is also charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine while Felix Santiago is charged with one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the four-count indictment, Felix Santiago received cocaine from Puerto Rico, which he then provided to Amaury Santiago, who in turn sold the cocaine in the Youngstown area. This took place between May and June 2019, according to the indictment.
The Santiagos used a home on Bennington Avenue in Youngstown to receive and store the cocaine, according to the indictment.
Felix Santiago received and opened a package on June 11 that originally contained more than 500 grams of cocaine. On the same day, Amaury Santiago possessed $5,840 in cash and two loaded firearms, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and 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.
Eight people indicted for conspiracy to sell heroin and cocaine in SanduskyRead the Press Release
Eight people, most from Sandusky, were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to sell large amounts of heroin and cocaine in Sandusky.
Named in the 17-count indictment are: Siron Mills, 41; Patrick Brown, 38; Daryl Castile, 48; Timothy Johnson, 40; Jon Lippert, 38; Darrius Martin, 26, and Eugene Nicholson, 49, all of Sandusky, as well as Gregory Boswell, 44, of Cleveland.
All eight defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Martin is also charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to the indictment:
Mills obtained cocaine from a supplier in Columbus and heroin from Castile. Brown obtained cocaine from Mills and Brown. Members of the conspiracy used several residences and vehicles in Sandusky and Cleveland to store, package and distribute narcotics in the Sandusky area.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit four firearms, ammunition and nearly $40,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.
“These defendants were part of a group that brought deadly heroin and cocaine into Sandusky,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These arrests have helped make our community safer.”
Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said: “Keeping our communities safe from drug trafficking and violent crime is a top priority for the DEA. We will continue to utilize our combined resources and work with our law enforcement partners to bring those threatening the safety of citizens in northern Ohio to justice.”
“The Sandusky Police Department is appreciative of the partnership we have with the DEA and the US Attorney’s office in combating the influx of narcotics into our community,” said Sandusky Police Chief John Orzech. “We are cognizant of the resources needed to investigate criminal drug organizations. The citizens of our city can be assured of the continued partnership with DEA, as we pursue the eradication of drugs in our community.”
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 and the Sandusky Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Ashley A. Futrell.
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.
Jury convicts two Cleveland men of using firearms to rob MetroPCS storesRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted two Cleveland men of brandishing firearms while robbing MetroPCS stores last year and shooting at an off-duty Cleveland police officer.
Shawn Ford, 20, and Charles Rogers, 24, were each convicted on multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and using firearms during a crime of violence. They are scheduled to be sentenced October 9.
Ford and Rogers robbed the MetroPCS story at 10959 Kinsman Road on March 21, 2018, at 11100 Lorain Ave. on March 25, 2018, and at 5853 Broadway Ave., on March 27, 2018, and attempted to the rob the store at 14701 Kinsman Road, also on March 27, 2018.
Ford and Rogers fled from the store on Broadway after taking more than $1,000 from the register. An off-duty Cleveland police officer, who was a customer in the store, followed them out of the store. He identified himself as a police officer and ordered them to stop. One of the suspects began shooting at the officer and spent 9 mm shell casings were recovered nearby, according to court documents.
About 30 minutes later, an officer saw a vehicle that matched the description of the car the suspects got into after shooting at the officer. The car was pulled over with Ford and Rogers inside. Inside the car was a spent 9 mm round, blue latex gloves and clothing that matched clothing worn by suspects in other MetroPCS robberies, according to court documents.
Rogers was wearing an electronic monitoring device with GPS capabilities on March 21, the date of the first MetroPCS robbery. The GPS placed Rogers in the vicinity of the Kinsman Road store a few minutes before the robbery. Sometime later the GPS device was tampered with or taken off Rogers, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Margaret Kane and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleina Thomas.
These cases are 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.
City of Cleveland employee pleaded guilty to charges related to extortion, accepting bribes and other crimesRead the Press Release
A City of Cleveland employee pleaded guilty to charges related to extortion, accepting bribes and other crimes after he accepted below-market improvements on his property from a contractor seeking city business and directed city projects to benefit himself, his outside businesses, and his clients.
Khalil Ewais, 44, of Cleveland, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16. He pleaded guilty to charges including Hobbs Act extortion, bribery, federal program theft, making false statements and filing false tax returns.
His brother Abdeljawad Ewais, of Cleveland, is charged with filing false tax returns and is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on July 8.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Ewais admitted to the following facts related to his crimes:
Ewais worked in the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (“MOCAP”) as the section chief of construction in the division of engineering and construction. In that capacity, he oversaw construction inspectors who inspect work on the city’s roads, bridges and sidewalks. He had a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the city and its citizens.
Ewais also owned and operated Pioneer Engineering, a private engineering and consulting business that did work for private clients. He also, along with Abedeljawad Ewais and other family members, owned commercial and residential rental properties in and around Cleveland.
Company 1 bid on jobs with the City of Cleveland. In April 2015, it was awarded a contract to perform most of the resurfacing of residential streets in certain wards of Cleveland for two years. Company 1 bid approximately $5.8 million for the work.
Khalil Ewais, in his job with the city, had input into whether Company 1 received additional contracts from the city. Company 1 could not receive payment for the work it did until Ewais certified it was done appropriately. He could also direct Company 1 to complete “corrective work” which would cost the company additional time and money. He could also use his official position to help Company 1 obtain faster payment for its services.
Ewais in August 2016 contacted multiple companies, including Company 1, about paving the parking lot adjacent to Captain’s Grill, a property at 6104 Storer Ave. that he and his brother owned. Quotes for the work ranged from $48,923 to $59,152.
Ewais contacted an owner of Company 1 on August 10, 2016, about the estimate for the parking lot and said “I need it to be in the $25K range.” The owner quickly responded, “I will do the job for a lump sum of $26,000.”
Even though the parking lot work was a private job for Ewais, he sent an email form his City email address to another City official regarding the sewer connection at the border of Ewais’s property and West 61st Street, and stated that “E&C [ MOCAP’s Division of Engineering & Construction] directed the roadway work and the connection fix in the street as part of the E&C Requirement Contract.” In fact, no City agency had directed any roadway work on West 61st Street at that time, and the work was related to Ewais’s private construction project.
Ewais also used his official position to cause the city to pay to repave most of the short public alleyway next to the parking lot, West 62nd Place. Around Oct. 25, 2016, Company 1— at the direction of Ewais — instructed a subcontractor to expand the scope of its work on the parking lot job to include milling and paving the part of West 62nd Place that adjoined the parking lot, but not the short additional distance to reach the home at the end of the alleyway.
The work was completed on Nov. 5, 2016, with the parking lot connected to West 62nd Place. Company 1 spent approximately $81,534 to complete the work. Ewais paid $31,336 for the work and Company 1 did not request any further payment.
In designating the portion West 62nd Place adjoining his property to be repaved, Ewais avoided the established process for selecting streets to be resurfaced. The city, through a contractor, had sought to rate the condition of all the streets in Cleveland leading up to the 2016 resurfacing program. The city’s pavement management group, which included Ewais, met to discuss the lowest-rated streets in each ward to recommend to the City Council members which streets to include as part of the resurfacing program. The list of streets to be resurfaced never included West 62nd Place, which never even received a rating in the evaluation process.
Ewais, without the necessary approvals and authorizations, created a task order to have West 62nd Place, the small alleyway next to the Captain’s Grill parking lot, resurfaced. As a result of Ewais’s actions, the City of Cleveland paid a total for $10,938 to have West 62nd Place resurfaced.
In December 2017, Ewais lied to federal agents when he was questioned about the repaving of West 62nd Place, falsely claiming that a Cleveland City Councilperson had selected West 62nd Place to be repaved.
Khalil Ewais also filed numerous false tax returns in which he failed to report rental income.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General and the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea S. Rice and Elliot Morrison.
Pair from Arizona indicted after seizure of one kilogram of fentanyl and 2,100 pills containing fentanylRead the Press Release
Felipe Penuelas-Rodriguez, 50, and Reyna Trejo, 30, both of Mesa, Arizona, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The pair were arrested on June 6 with approximately one kilogram of fentanyl as well as 2,100 blue pills that test positive for fentanyl, according to court documents.
“The drugs seized are enough to kill thousands of people,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The fentanyl pills stamped to look like prescription painkillers are another reminder that there are no safe drugs available on the street.”
“This indictment is another example of our commitment to remove this poison – and those who sell it – from the streets of Toledo” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “This case highlights one of the many inherent dangers of street drugs – that users often are not be buying what they think they are. If this seizure had hit the streets, there would have, no doubt, been an increase in overdoses, and likely overdose deaths, in our community.”
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 case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Toledo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.
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.
Cleveland man indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused fatal overdose in Fairview Park last summerRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused a fatal overdose in Fairview Park last summer.
Devontae Payne, 28, has been charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin, one count of distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
Payne allegedly sold a mixture of fentanyl and heroin to a person who fatally overdosed in Fairview Park on August 9, 2018, according to the indictment.
Payne also allegedly sold heroin on November 1, 2018, and on November 7, 2018, allegedly possessed nearly five grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, according to the indictment.
“Defendants like this one, who sell the opioids killing our friends and neighbors, will be held accountable for their actions,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The detectives and agents who worked this case are to be commended for their tenacity.”
This case was investigated by the DEA, Cleveland Division of Police and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ 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.
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.
Canton man sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally having firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Canton man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunition.
Riccardo Harris, 36, was sentenced to 42 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi last week. Harris previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Canton police officers responded to a shot spotter activation at the Whistle Stop Bar on October 19, 2018. Officers found several .40-caliber shell casings in the parking lot of the bar, according to court documents and court statements.
While at the scene, officers received notification of another shot spotter activation at Harris’ residence in Canton. When officers arrived at Harris’ residence, he walked away from the officers and went behind a parked vehicle in the driveway.
Officers searched the area where Harris walked and they located a loaded .40-caliber pistol and a spent .40-caliber shell casing. Officers then recovered one round of .40-caliber ammunition in Harris’ pocket.
Officers determined that the .40-caliber ammunition Harris possessed matched the ammunition in the firearm, the shell casing near the vehicle and the shell casings recovered from the Whistle Stop Bar, according to court documents and court statements.
Harris was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due a previous conviction in Stark County for aggravated robbery.
This case was investigated by the Canton Police Department and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell.
Toledo pastor Anthony Haynes sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor; fourth person sent to prison as part of investigationRead the Press Release
A Toledo pastor was sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking a minor and other crimes, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said.
A jury in March convicted Anthony Haynes, 40, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking, child exploitation and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
Cordell Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison. Kenneth Butler was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Both pastors previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the sex trafficking conspiracy involving minors.
Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014 through 2017, according to court documents.
The girl was 14 when the conduct began and she was in the custody of Haynes. Some of this conduct took place at Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo, where Haynes was pastor at the time. Haynes used his cellular telephone to record these sexual assaults, according to trial testimony and court documents.
Haynes told her that if she said anything, it would ruin his family and his church, according to court documents.
Haynes also facilitated the victim being sexually exploited by other men, including Jenkins, according to trial testimony and court documents.
Jenkins repeatedly sexually exploited the minor at his home on Barrington Drive, at his office at Abundant Life Ministries and at a motel in Toledo. He paid her and referred to the payment as “hush money.” He often recorded these interactions with his cellular telephone, according to court documents.
Jenkins also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, according to court documents.
Butler also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts from 2015 through 2017, according to court documents.
A fourth defendant, Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count making a false statement. She made false statements to law enforcement on April 12, 2017, about her knowledge of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Lloyd-Jenkins was the Lucas County Administrator and served on the board of Lucas County Children Services at the time of the crimes, according to court documents and statements.
“This defendant and his friends preyed upon a vulnerable child and used her for their own gratification,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This sentence reflects the depravity of the defendant’s conduct. We remain committed to stamping out human trafficking in all its forms.”
"This is a well-deserved sentence which reflects the gravity of the sex trafficking and child exploitation crimes committed by this defendant,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI is committed to investigating and holding accountable those engaged in these ruthless acts and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served for the victims."
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Alissa Sterling following an investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
People from Akron, Garfield Heights and Cleveland indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Three people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations.
Indicted are: Jaquar Keyshore Latimer, 42, of Akron; Alfred Werman, 27, of Garfield Heights, and Brittney N. McTier, 31, of Cleveland.
Latimer is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He allegedly possessed cocaine on February 9, 2018, as well as a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun, a Dan Wesson .357-caliber revolver and a Browning Arms .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun, despite previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated assault, drug possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.
Werman is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He allegedly possessed a Sig Sauer .40-caliber pistol and 45 rounds of ammunition on May 20, 2019, despite a previous conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.
McTier charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. McTier allegedly possessed two rounds of 9 mm ammunition despite a previous conviction for bank fraud, according to the indictment.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police (McTier). They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane, Brendan O’Shea and Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lima man with a long history of violence sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for having firearmsRead the Press Release
A Lima man with a long history of violence was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for having firearms.
Benjamin Frieson, 47, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Frieson possessed a GSG .22-caliber rifle and a Taurus 9 mm pistol on July 14, 2019, according to court documents.
Frieson was prohibited from having firearms because of multiple previous convictions, including for aggravated assault, felonious assault on a peace officer, aggravated assault and attempted robbery.
“This defendant has proven time and again to be a violent individual,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence makes the community safer.”
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lima Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Tangeman and Matthew Simko.
Four people indicted for two separate armed robberies in Elyria this springRead the Press Release
Four people were indicted for two separate armed robberies in Elyria this spring.
Joseph L. Geiger and Michael A. Ward are accused of using a firearm to rob the Marathon gas station at 503 Huron Street on May 5.
James A. Jackson and Demario J. Horton are accused of using a firearm to attempt to rob the Rally’s at 711 Cleveland Street on June 11.
The cases are otherwise unrelated.
Geiger, 31, of Cleveland, and Ward, 31, of Lorain, are charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ward is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Geiger and Ward are accused of brandishing a firearm while robbing the Marathon gas station on May 5. Ward also allegedly possessed a Valor .325 revolver and three live rounds of .325-caliber ammunition on May 5, despite previous convictions for domestic violence and burglary.
Jackson, 27, of Wickliffe, and Horton, 29, of Cleveland, are charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Horton is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jackson and Horton are accused of brandishing a firearm on June 11 while attempting to rob the Rally’s restaurant. Horton also allegedly possessed a Glock .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for aggravated robbery.
“Anyone who uses a firearm to threaten people who are just trying to earn a living is a danger to our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These cases are another example of federal and local law enforcement working together to make us all safer.”
“Customers were simply utilizing their community businesses when these individuals brought danger in the door,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to partner with Elyria PD and our other law enforcement partners to rid the streets of gun toting criminals.”
Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said: “These two cases are perfect examples of how the federal government is helping local municipalities make the cities a safer place to be. The Elyria Police Department and the FBI worked together to solve these crimes and then took the cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the indictments.”
These cases are 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.
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 cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Elyria Police Department. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
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.
Canton man sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for having firearm and mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
A Canton man was sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for opioid and firearms crimes.
Michael J. Meadows, 49, was sentenced to 131 months in prison. A jury convicted him earlier this year on one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Meadows possessed at least 100 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin and cocaine, as well as a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, on Jan. 18, 2018. Meadows was prohibited from having firearms or ammunition because of prior convictions, including cocaine possession, having a weapon under disability and aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine, according to the court documents.
“Opioids, cocaine and firearms are all deadly on their own, let alone put together in one dangerous situation,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence will help make our community safer.”
“The opioid crisis has evolved and so has the nature of the threat, with potent synthetic opioids representing a sharply increasing amount of the total exposure to these drugs, further fueling a growing addiction crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “The FDA has expanded our enforcement efforts to include increased interdiction work aimed at stopping the illegal flow of counterfeit and unapproved prescription drugs and illicit opioids and we will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who intend to threaten the health and safety of Americans.”
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Christopher Joyce.
Operation Steel Penguin nets scores of arrests and seized firearms as part of focused enforcement effort targeting firearms violence in YoungstownRead the Press Release
Scores of suspected criminals were arrested and dozens of firearms seized as part of “Operation Steel Penguin,” which targeted people believed to illegally possess firearms.
It is a joint operation between the Youngstown Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, U.S. Attorney’s Office and Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office.
To date, 33 firearms were seized. Four people have been indicted in federal court. Additional people have been charged in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. Several investigations are ongoing and more indictments are expected.
“These cases involve people who are not allowed to have firearms because of past crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will continue to work with police and federal agencies through Project Safe Neighborhoods to make Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley safer.”
Youngstown Police Chief Robin Lees said: “We appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s office being responsive to the spike in murders we experienced the end of last year and convening a meeting in Youngstown to seek solutions. The result of that meeting being a focused and well-executed effort between federal, state and local agencies and was the key to the success of this program.”
“ATF’s primary mission is reducing violent gun crime in our country,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “We are committed to working with our partners, including the Youngstown Police Department, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, to make the Mahoning Valley safer for all of our residents.”
“Convicted felons need to understand they will go back to prison if they carry a gun in Mahoning County,” Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains said. “This Office will continue to cooperate with federal authorities and target these violent people who threaten our community.”
“The APA would like to recognize the collaborative effort put together throughout this operation,” stated Alice M. Barr, Regional Administrator, Ohio Adult Parole Authority. “The success is a testament to the hard-working men and women in all departments represented. The efforts of those who worked this operation should not go unnoticed. We must continue working to make Ohio safer. It is paramount to ensure those who carry guns illegally understand it is not acceptable behavior.”
Members of the Youngstown Police Department, ATF and Ohio Adult Parole Authority gathered and shared intelligence to identify people considered to be at high risk to commit crime with firearms, particularly people on parole from state prison. This, combined with increased patrols, resulted in an increase in arrests and firearms seizures and a decrease in shootings compared to the same time last year.
Shawn Jones, 29, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Jones possessed a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 9, despite a previous state conviction for attempted murder and previous federal conviction for racketeering, according to court documents.
Jones was one of the founders of the LSP street gang in Youngstown, according to court records.
Barry Wallace II, 25, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Wallace possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol and ammunition on March 17, despite a previous convictions for possession of heroin and possession of cocaine, according to the indictment.
Kendal Dotson, 33, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Dotson possessed a Star .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 28, despite a previous convictions for possession of heroin and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the indictment.
Airik Talbott, 30, of Campbell, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Talbott possessed a Glock .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 24, despite a previous convictions for aggravated robbery and escape, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ 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.
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 indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in LorainRead the Press Release
Fifteen people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in Lorain.
Indicted are: Cesar Francisco Melendez-Perez, 31, of Lorain; Erick Yamil Jiminez-Rodriguez, 30, of Manati, Puerto Rico; Xavier Robles-Cruz, 32, of the Bronx, New York; Freddie Sanchez, 32, of Lorain; Ramon Feliciano-Montanez, 29, of Sheffield Lake; Princeton Edwards, 29, of Columbus; Anthony Washington, 21, of Lorain; John Massey-Lovejoy, 37, of Lorain; Christopher Kovach, 29, of Parma; Jonas Pagan, 25, of Lorain; Jamie Pagan, 25, of Lorain; Thomas M. Parker, 29, of Lorain; Ricky Londa, 26, of Lorain; Bryce A. Babics, 30, of Lorain, and Toby Lewis, 24, of Elyria.
“These defendants sold opioids and cocaine for profit at a time when thousands of people across the country are dying, including people in Lorain County,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We have now indicted more than 80 people on the federal level as part of Operation S.O.S. and remain committed to working collaboratively to address the drug overdose epidemic. The message should be clear to would-be drug dealers in Lorain County – if you sell illegal narcotics, you are going to be prosecuted by the feds.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “These arrests will make Lorain County safer. This group is responsible for selling large amounts of fentanyl, heroin and crack in our community.”
“We have always been appreciative of the level of cooperation between the local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in this area in combating the drug issues that plague our communities,” Lorain Police Department Captain Roger Watkins said.
Elyria Police Department Chief Duane Whitely said: “The SOS project through the U.S. Attorney's Office has been very successful for all of Lorain County. We are very grateful for the efforts of all the federal agencies to help us fight the heroin/ fentanyl crisis.”
According to the 43-count indictment, filed in U.S. District Court:
Melendez-Perez, Robles-Cruz and Jiminez-Rodriguez allegedly worked together to purchase large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, which they would distribute to other dealers in Cleveland, Lorain, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.
Feliciano-Montanez, Edwards, Sanchez and Kovach allegedly obtained large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from Melendez-Perez, which they redistributed in and around Lorain. Edwards and Feliciano-Montanez also distributed fentanyl, heroin and cocaine to other traffickers in Lorain, including Massey-Lovejoy, Washington, Babics and Lewis.
Members of the conspiracy cooked cocaine into crack cocaine for further distribution to customers in Lorain, according to the indictment.
Several members of the conspiracy were additionally charged with firearms violations.
Washington is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. He allegedly had a Springfield 9 mm handgun, despite previous convictions for domestic violence and drug trafficking.
Kovach is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for allegedly having a Kahr .380-caliber handgun, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault.
Melendez-Perez is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for allegedly having a Diamondback 9 mm handgun, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence.
Lewis is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking for allegedly having a Glock .40-caliber handgun, despite previous convictions for domestic violence, drug charges and other crimes.
The cases were 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. More than 80 people have been indicted as part of the program to date. The DEA, Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force participate in the SOS program.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Lorain Police Department, and the Elyria Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ 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.
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.
Five people charged in federal court after they were arrested with nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, fentanyl and approximately $1 millionRead the Press Release
Five people were charged in federal court after they were arrested with nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, fentanyl and approximately $1 million.
Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Jorge Alberto Barrera Gutierrez Jr., 24, of Fresno, California; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California, and Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, were each charged in federal court with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics.
Blackshaw, Barrera, Gutierrez, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of cocaine, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.
A second search warrant was served at Blackshaw’s home on East 85th Street with nearly 200 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 595 grams of marijuana recovered.
“Intercepting 20 pounds of cocaine, as well as fentanyl, before it hits the streets of Cleveland will undoubtedly save lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1 million in drug proceeds.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Elyria man among 1,700 suspected online child sex offenders charged during a two-month, nationwide operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children task forcesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced the arrest of almost 1,700 suspected online child sex offenders during a two-month, nationwide operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children task forces. The task forces identified 308 offenders who either produced child pornography or committed child sexual abuse, and 357 children who suffered recent, ongoing or historical sexual abuse or were exploited in the production of child pornography.
The 61 ICAC task forces, located in all 50 states and comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, led the coordinated operation known as “Broken Heart” during the months of April and May 2019. During the course of the operation, the task forces investigated more than 18,500 complaints of technology-facilitated crimes targeting children and delivered more than 2,150 presentations on internet safety to over 201,000 youth and adults.
"The sexual abuse of children is repugnant, and it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable of all," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "We must bring the full force of the law against sexual predators, and with the help of our Internet Crimes Against Children program, we will. Over the span of just two months, our ICAC task forces investigated more than 18,000 complaints of internet-related abuse and helped arrest 1,700 alleged abusers. I would like to thank our Office of Justice Programs, all of the task force members, and especially the state and local partners who helped us achieve these important results. We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every American child."
“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”
The operation targeted suspects who: (1) produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the sex trafficking of children; and (4) travel across state lines or to foreign countries and sexually abuse children.
The ICAC Program is funded through the Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). In 1998, OJJDP launched the ICAC Task Force Program to help federal, state and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the internet, online communication systems or computer technology to exploit children. To date, ICAC task forces have reviewed more than 922,000 complaints of child exploitation, which have resulted in the arrest of more than 95,500 individuals. In addition, since the ICAC program's inception, more than 708,500 law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other professionals have been trained on techniques to investigate and prosecute ICAC-related cases.
In U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Eric D. Burrows, 59, of Elyria, was charged with receiving, possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Burrows knowingly received numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between February 3, 2018 through April 16, 2018, according to the indictment. The indictment also charges that during the same time period, Burrows knowingly accessed with intent to view, material that contained an image of child pornography, and at least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. The indictment also charges that on April 16, 2019 Burrows knowingly possessed a computer, which contained child pornography, and at least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
For more information, visit the ICAC Task Force webpage. For state-level Operation Broken Heart results, please contact the appropriate state ICAC task force commander. Contact information for task force commanders is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Cleveland man with convictions for domestic violence, robbery and other crimes sentenced to more than three years in prison for having firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man with a history of violent crimes was sentenced to more than three years in prison for having a firearm.
Miquel D. Jones, 49, was sentenced to 42 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.
“This defendant has no right to firearms because his history of violent crime, including convictions for domestic violence and robbery,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Domestic violence offenders pose an outsized threat to Ohio’s families, communities and law enforcement officers.”
“ATF’s mission is reducing violent gun crime in our country,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
Law enforcement officials searched Jones’ residence on Poe Avenue on May 23, 2018, in relation to a missing minor. A search of the residence revealed a Ruger 9 mm handgun, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun and 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, according to court documents.
Jones has previous convictions for robbery, domestic violence, burglary and other crimes, which make it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian S. Deckert and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force and Cleveland Division of Police.
Three from Toledo charged for identity-theft conspiracy in which they obtained stolen or unauthorized credit cards to buy electronics, clothing, appliances and other itemsRead the Press Release
A 16-count indictment was unsealed charging three people for their roles in a conspiracy to steal people’s identities and personal information to obtain stolen or unauthorized credit cards to buy electronics, clothing, appliances and other items.
Indicted are: Terrance Carter, 25; Carrie Gibson, 30, and Angelina Carter, 24. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The defendants stole mail from mailboxes and vehicles to obtain personal identifying information, including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and credit card information, according to the indictment.
They used this information to create lists that included the victims’ addresses, dates of birth, bank information and other information. They used this information to obtain things of value for themselves or to resell, according to the indictment.
For example, Terrance Carter purchased a gold bar with a credit account issued to a victim in January 2016. In March 2017, the defendants used an unauthorized Lowe’s credit card to purchase $1,225 in merchandise from the Lowe’s on Airport Highway in Toledo. A month later, Angelina Carter and Gibson used a stolen credit card to purchase $285 worth of goods from a Walmart on West Central Avenue, according to the indictment.
This conspiracy occurred between 2015 and 2017, according to the indictment.
The investigation is ongoing.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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 agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Jody L. King and Robert N. Melching.
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.
Former Mahoning County judge sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing $100,000 from deceased client’s estateRead the Press Release
A former Mahoning County judge was sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing $100,000 from a deceased client’s estate.
Diane Vettori-Caraballo, 50, of Youngstown, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $328,000 in restitution. She pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of mail fraud, one count of structuring cash deposits, and one count of making false statements to law enforcement.
Vettori-Caraballo stole at least $100,000 in cash that was in the home of a client when that client died in March 2016, according to court documents.
“The fact that the defendant stole at least $100,000 from an elderly person who trusted her to administer their estate is heartbreaking,” US Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The fact that thief in this case was a sitting judge who swore to uphold the law is outrageous.”
“When a public official puts personal gain ahead of a sworn oath of servitude, the very core of how and why our system of government operates is immediately and negatively impacted. Public officials should be an example to the citizens they serve. IRS Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, will continue to give priority to investigations involving the breach of the public trust by government officials,” stated William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Vettori-Caraballo was elected to position of judge in Mahoning County Court #3 – Sebring Court in 2002, with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal and traffic charges and other matters in Sebring and Beloit Villages and Berlin, Green, Goshen,, Ellsworth, Smith and Washingtonville Townships. She was reelected in 2006 and 2012, according to court documents.
She also provided estate planning services to Robert Sampson, including drafting his will. On Nov. 20, 2015, Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to administer Sampson’s estate. The application stated Sampson died without a will. The probate court, unaware of Sampson’s will, appointed Falgiani as the administrator three days later, according to the indictment.
Sampson died in 2015 and his closest living relative was his sister, Dolores Falgiani. Vettori-Caraballo prepared Falgiani will on Nov. 3, 2015. The will made 16 specific bequests to relatives and friends and bequeathed the rest of the estate to Animal Charity Human Society of Boardman and the Angels for Animal Charity in Canfield, according to court documents.
Sometime in October or November 2015, Falgiani stated she was in possession of several shoeboxes of cash stored at her residence. Falgiani was found dead in her home on March 10, 2016, according to court documents.
Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to probate Falgiani’s estate on March 24, 2016. On May 2, she reported having found cash in the residence and depositing the $20,000 into the estate, according to court documents.
Vettori-Caraballo filed a notice of newly discovered assets with the court on several subsequent occasions in 2016 and 2017. Each time, she failed to disclose the cash she had stolen, according to court documents.
Vettori-Caraballo also structured deposits of the cash she stole into five different banks within four weeks to avoid regulations that require banks to report cash transactions over $10,000 to the IRS. In addition, Vettori-Caraballo lied to the FBI when she was confronted about the theft and the structuring of cash deposits, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Alex Abreu.
Canton man charged with using firearm to traffic heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaineRead the Press Release
A seven-count indictment was unsealed charging a Canton man with using a firearm to traffic heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine.
Jack Dale Mitchell, 43, was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Mitchell possessed the aforementioned drugs on February 12, as well as a Ruger 9 mm pistol, 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 records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, Canton Police Department Special Investigations Unit and the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit, which includes the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Township Police Department and Canton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
Akron man guilty of leading conspiracy to bring fentanyl and carfentanil into the U.S. from China, sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, then launder the profitsRead the Press Release
An Akron man pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China, then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, then launder the profits.
Donte L. Gibson, 40, is scheduled to be sentenced September 23. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and conspiracy to launder money.
This took place between May 2016 and February 2018, according to court documents.
Donte and Audrey Gibson purchased fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet, and had the drugs shipped to locations in the Akron-Canton area through the U.S. Postal Service. They directed others to open post office boxes throughout the area, and Audrey Gibson retained control of all the post office box keys, according to court documents.
Co-conspirators picked up the packages containing fentanyl and carfentanil at the P.O. boxes and brought the packages to the Gibsons’ home on Popham Street. Donte Gibson cut the drugs with other white powder, turning 70 or 80 grams of pure fentanyl or carfentanil into seven kilograms of saleable product, according to court documents.
The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to others for sale in Akron and Lorain. The Gibsons used various residences and storage units to store the drugs and cash. They stored the drugs at their home on Popham Street, according to court documents.
Audrey Gibson in 2015 formed JayT AllServices LLC, which purported to be in the business of remodeling, painting homes and cleaning out homes. Donte Gibson later stated that he was an employee of the his wife’s company and that he helps do home improvement work, according to court documents.
In 2016, Audrey Gibson formed Pound Cake Entertainment LLC, which used the web site IAmPoundCake.com. The web site purported to sell clothing and “one of a kind items” as well as offering access to a members-only Snapchat account featuring Audrey Gibson “being flirty or nasty depending on the day,” according to court documents.
In 2017, Dontaysha Gibson formed G’s Car Care and Detail LLC, with the stated purpose of the company being car care sales and detailing. Donte Gibson later stated it was his daughter’s company but that he managed it for her, according to court documents.
The Gibsons opened bank accounts in connection to all three companies, according to court documents.
Audrey Gibson in 2017 opened a Saks Fifth Avenue Store Card and between April and December 2017 made payments on her card totaling $208,504 by using cash in store in Beachwood. She made purchases from Saks Fifth Avenue totaling $686,850 between July 2016 and February 2018 and paid for them with a combination of cash, credit cards and her Saks card. The purchases included handbags from Burberry, Chanel and Gucci, various Louis Vuitton items, Saint Laurent shoes, as well as cosmetics, fragrances and sunglasses, according to court documents.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than $280,000 in cash, two firearms and ammunition seized as part of the investigation, as well as the home at 2946 Popham Street in Akron.
Audrey Gibson previously pleaded guilty to related crimes and is awaiting sentencing.
“This defendant brought huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and carfentanil into Akron, threatening the lives of so many of our neighbors, friends, and family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They set up fake companies to launder their dirty drug money and now will have to answer for his crimes”
“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to in order to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash. The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”
“The harm inflicted by opioids is matched only by the profit potential for those who sell them,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "This is an important victory for the citizens of Northern Ohio. These defendants not only fueled the opioid drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country. IRS-CI worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of money -- the lifeblood that allows these organizations to proliferate. The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations.”
“Fentanyl and carfentanil are by far the deadliest illegal drugs that we are up against in the law enforcement community,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “As this indictment clearly demonstrates, HSI is fully committed to bringing to justice all of the criminal groups and individuals who distribute this lethal poison in our community.”
Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “I feel a strong sense of relief knowing that a group of criminals that had a major role in the city's battle against drugs, and the companion, devastating effects of addiction, will be held accountable. I am proud of the work of Akron's team and our partners with the Safe Streets Task Force. Gibson and his conspirators have been justly charged, they now need to be justly tried and sentenced.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force -- which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Akron Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett.
Jury convicts Cleveland man of illegally having ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was convicted of illegally having ammunition.
Joshua Walker, 34, is scheduled to be sentenced September 25. A jury convicted him of 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.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman named to new working group focused on prosecuting gun crimes to stop and reduce domestic violenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers, using the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
“Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them,” said Attorney General Barr. “I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence.”
“With so many domestic disputes escalating from bruises to bullets, we felt we needed to supplement our state and local partners’ efforts to curb domestic violence with federal prosecutions,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We hope our initial cases send a message to convicted abusers: Not only could the Justice Department theoretically prosecute abusers for firearm possession – they have and they will.”
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “Domestic violence offenders pose an outsized threat to Ohio’s families, communities, and law enforcement officers. I am honored to serve in this advisory capacity to the Attorney General and to advance the Department of Justice’s mission to protect the public. This group will ensure that the Department is positioned to reduce, mitigate, and prevent domestic violence by coordinating initiatives across our federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships.”
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.
Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction.
U.S. Attorneys’ offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success. The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members include:
- Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
- Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
- Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
- Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
- Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
- R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
- Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Former Toledo mail carrier sentenced to more than a year in prison for stealing parcels containing marijuana, as well as having a firearmRead the Press Release
A former U.S Postal carrier from Toledo was sentenced to more than a year in prison for stealing parcels containing drugs from the mail, as well as having a firearm.
Ramon Johnson, 27, was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined $5,000. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of a firearm in federal facilities, theft of mail by a postal employee and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
Johnson removed two packages on September 19, 2018, that were intended to be delivered. He also possessed marijuana that day with the intention to distribute the marijuana. Johnson also possessed a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition at the U.S. Postal Service building at 435 South St. Clair Street in Toledo, according to court documents.
The case was investigated by the U.S Postal Service -- Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and Alissa M. Sterling.
Akron man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for leading conspiracy that brought methamphetamine and heroin from California to Akron areaRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and heroin.
Patrick Griffin, 32, was sentenced to 210 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“This defendant orchestrated large shipments of heroin and methamphetamine from California to Ohio and sold these dangerous drugs around Akron,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These drugs have caused particular pain in Summit County. A sentence of over seventeen years imprisonment is an appropriate punishment, as it reflects the harm the defendant caused to our community.”
Griffin received the methamphetamine and heroin from a source in California. He and others distributed the drugs to customers between 2015 and 2018, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly following an investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Summit County Prosecutor's Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshal Service and police departments from Copley, Barberton, Reminderville, Cuyahoga Falls, Springfield, New Franklin, Stow, the University of Akron and Silver Lake.
Oregon man sentenced to 15 years in prison for cyberstalking and making threats to his former co-workers and law enforcement officialsRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for cyberstalking and making threats to his former co-workers and law enforcement officials.
A jury found Michael A. Hagar guilty earlier this year of one count of cyberstalking and two counts of interstate threatening communication after a weeklong trial.
Hagar, 48, was employed at a Goodyear store in Salem, Oregon, from 2011 through 2013. He was employed by Eaton in Portland, Oregon, from 2014 through 2015. He was involuntarily terminated from both positions, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hager sent numerous threatening e-mails to at least seven former co-workers at Eaton and Goodyear in 2015 and 2016, as well as threatening emails to law enforcement officials in Oregon. The e-mails he sent traveled through Eaton and Goodyear data centers in Northeast Ohio, according to court documents and trial testimony.
In 2016, Hagar was personally served with a temporary stalking protective order ordering him to stop any contact with an Eaton employee identified as R.G. He was also arrested for trespassing on Goodyear property in Oregon, according to court documents and trial testimony.
On May 30, 2016, he sent an email to R.G. and Oregon law enforcement officials with the subject line: “I AM GOING TO RUIN EVERYONE OF YOU(R) LIVES,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Om Kakani following an investigation by the FBI.
Kelley's Island man indicted for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
A Kelley's Island man was indicted in federal court on child pornography charges.
James William Campbell, 47, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting and distributing obscene or sexually explicit material of minors.
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 U.S. Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Ashley A. Futrell.
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.
Seven people indicted for conspiracy to traffic heroin and cocaine in Warren and YoungstownRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a 48-count indictment charging seven people for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Warren and Youngstown areas.
Indicted are: Thomas I. Sledge, 38, of Youngstown; Preston D. Sims Jr., 33, of Akron; Levar A. Johnson; 41; Khalef K. Freeman, 37; James A. Lipscomb, 40; Christopher L. Williams, 39, and Lajuna R. Brown, 30, all of Warren, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin.
The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Warren and Youngstown areas between September 2017 through June 2018.
Sims allegedly supplied heroin to Sledge, who in turn supplied it to Johnson, Freeman, Lipscomb, Williams and Brown for distribution in Youngstown and Warren, according to the indictment.
Sledge obtained cocaine from a source and supplied it to Freeman for distribution in Warren and Youngstown, according to the indictment
The indictment further alleges Sledge distributed cocaine in the fall of 2017.
The indictment also alleges Sledge, Sims, Johnson, Freeman, Lipscomb, Williams and Brown used a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime between January and March 2018.
“These defendants are charged with seeking to profit from the drug epidemic that has plagued all of Ohio and hit the Mahoning Valley particularly hard,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will seek long prison sentences for people who bring cocaine, heroin, and other illicit drugs into our neighborhoods.”
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Warren Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
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.
Maumee man indicted on child pornography charges and for attempting to coerce what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activityRead the Press Release
A Maumee man was indicted for attempting to coerce what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.
Ryan Davis, 30, was indicted on one count of coercion or enticement and one count of receipt or distribution of child pornography.
Davis, between April 24 and 30, 2019, attempted to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, according to the indictment.
Davis knowingly received and distributed child pornography between 2016 and 2019, 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 FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
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.
Former labor union official from Portage County sentenced to a year in prison for embezzling nearly $200,000Read the Press Release
A former labor union official from Portage County was sentenced to a year in prison for embezzling nearly $200,000 from the union.
Terry Doan, 61, of Deerfield, was also ordered to pay $195,147 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.
Doan was one of six trustees of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 84, headquartered in Kent. The group oversaw the training fund and Doan served as financial secretary/treasurer.
Checks over a certain amount required the signature of two trustees, but Doan had that requirement removed in 2012, according to court documents.
Doan embezzled $195,147 from the union training fund between 2012 and 2017, according to court documents.
“This defendant betrayed the trust of the men and women in the union and is being held accountable for his actions,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
“Criminal acts like this directly impact participants in employee benefit plans by compromising their hard-earning benefits and eroding confidence in those chosen to manage their trust,” said Employee Benefits Security Administration Regional Director Joe Rivers, in Cincinnati. “The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration is committed to ensuring the integrity of employee benefit programs.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Bennett following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
Akron man indicted for having a 9 mm handgun converted into an illegal machine gunRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted for illegally having a 9 mm handgun converted into an illegal machine gun.
Kortney D. Moore, 21, was indicted on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Moore, on April 2, 2019, possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol with an installed conversion device that allowed the handgun to be fired fully automatic. Additionally, Moore was not permitted to possess any firearm because of previous felony convictions, according to the indictment.
“Adding this specific part to a handgun to make it fully automatic makes that firearm illegal and puts the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute all firearms violations, and especially to stop the flow of these parts into the country.”
“The possession of illegal firearms is a violation of federal law and a threat to public safety,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”
This case is being investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce following an investigation by the ATF and Akron Police Department.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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.
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.
Toledo woman who served on the board of Lucas County Children Services sentenced to nearly two years in prison for making false statements as part of investigation into the sex trafficking of minorsRead the Press Release
A Toledo woman was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for making false statements as part of investigation into the sex trafficking of minors.
Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, 44, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. She previously pleaded guilty to one count making a false statement.
“This defendant held a position of trust in the community. Instead of reporting the exploitation of children to the police when she learned about it, she kept the information to herself and then lied when asked about it,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
"We are pleased with the sentence Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins has received for the untruths she told to law enforcement and for the efforts she engaged in to cover up abuses of an under-aged female being trafficked for sex,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “In a public position of trust , Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins was held at a higher standard. We encourage the public to report any suspicions of child exploitation to law enforcement."
Lloyd-Jenkins was charged as part of a 13-count indictment in which Kenneth Butler, Cordell Jenkins, and Anthony Haynes, are all charged with conspiracy to sex traffic children.
Lloyd-Jenkins obstructed a sex trafficking investigation by notifying a defendant of the forthcoming investigation on March 29, 2017, according to court documents.
Lloyd-Jenkins made false statements to law enforcement on April 12, 2017, about her knowledge of the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court documents.
Lloyd-Jenkins was the Lucas County Administrator and served on the board of Lucas County Children Services at the time of the crimes, according to court documents and statements.
Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014 through 2017, according to court documents.
The girl was 14 when the conduct began and she was in the custody of Hayne. Some of this conduct took place at Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo, where Haynes was pastor at the time. Haynes used his cellular telephone to record these sexual assaults, according to court documents.
Haynes routinely gave the victim money after the acts and told her not to say anything. He told her that if she said anything, it would ruin his family and his church, according to court documents.
Haynes also facilitated the victim being sexually exploited by several other men, including Jenkins, according to court documents.
Jenkins repeatedly sexually exploited the minor at his home on Barrington Drive, at his office at Abundant Life Ministries and at a motel in Toledo. He paid her and referred to the payment as “hush money.” He often recorded these interactions with his cellular telephone, according to court documents.
Jenkins also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, according to the indictment
Butler also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts from 2015 through 2017, according to indictment.
Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison. Butler was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Haynes is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Alissa Sterling following an investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
North Canton man indicted for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid out $2 million, including allegedly billing for services performed on patients who were already deceasedRead the Press Release
A North Canton man was indicted for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $2 million by billing for X-ray services that were not provided by his company, Portable Radiology Services.
Thomas G. O’Lear, 55, was charged with 25 counts of health care fraud and one count of false statements relating to health care matters.
O’Lear was the president of Portable Radiology Services, or PRS. The company had locations in Canton, North Canton, Uniontown and Cleveland. PRS provided portable X-ray related services to individuals residing in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities, according to the indictment.
O’Lear billed Medicaid and Medicare for X-ray services that PRS did not provide, including billing on approximately 151 occasions for having provided X-rays to deceased patients on dates that were after the patients had passed away, according to the indictment.
This occurred between approximately January 2013 and December 2017, according to the indictment.
O’Lear also allegedly attempted to cover up the health care fraud scheme by forging the signatures of medical professionals to falsely make it appear that services that PRS did not provide to patients, and that O’Lear billed the government for, were actually provided to patients, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan D. O’Shea and Mark S. Bennett, following an investigation by the United States Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of the Inspector General, the FBI, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler and Special Agent Jeremy Buening of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Kent man sentenced to 30 months in prison for money laundering and filing false tax returnsRead the Press Release
A Kent man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for money laundering and filing false tax returns.
Davood Haghighi, 61, was ordered to pay $615,712 in restitution, as well as a $25,000 fine.
He previously pleaded guilty to willfully making and subscribing to a false tax return, making and subscribing false tax returns and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: pay your taxes or pay the price”, stated William Cheung, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Cincinnati Field Office . “Mr. Haghighi is paying the price not only with the loss of his freedom but the forfeiture of his ill-gotten gains.”
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis, James P. Lewis and Suzana K. Koch.
Federal indictment unsealed charging two Youngstown men for their roles in cocaine conspiracy, as well as additional firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed charging two Youngstown men for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, as well as additional firearms charges.
Anthony Cleveland and Jamayle Roland, both 28, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.
Roland was charged with distribution of crack cocaine while Cleveland was charged with possession with intent to distribute a cocaine, possession with intent to distribute a crack cocaine, being felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Cleveland allegedly sold drugs from his residence on Alameda Avenue in Youngstown. Roland accompanied drug customers to the house, obtained drugs from Cleveland, and took payments back to Cleveland. This took place in September 2018, according to the indictment.
Roland allegedly sold 20 grams of crack cocaine on September 21, 2018, according to the indictment.
Cleveland on Sept. 26, 2018, allegedly possessed 48 grams of cocaine, 69 grams of crack cocaine, a ATI GSI 5 Model rifle, a Ruger semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, a Taurus .40-caliber pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.
Cleveland used firearms in relation to drug trafficking and was forbidden from having them because of previous felony convictions, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique
to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.
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.
Cleveland man indicted for mailing two kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly two kilograms of cocaine from California to BeachwoodRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for mailing two kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly two kilograms of cocaine from California to Beachwood in 2017.
Corey Brown, 29, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Brown worked with Devon Williams, Marquacia Deshawn Morris and others between June and September 2017 to distribute approximately 2214 grams of methamphetamine and 1974 grams of cocaine, according to the indictment.
Brown shipped parcels containing the drugs via U.S. Mail. Morris accepted and diverted the drug parcels to Williams, who accepted and transported them, according to the indictment.
Williams, of Richmond Heights, is currently serving a sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Morris, a former postal carrier who lived in Woodmere, is currently serving a sentence of more than eight years in prison.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Willoughby Hills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.
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.
Akron man indicted for having a firearm while trafficking carfentanil, fentanyl and methamphetamineRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted for having a firearm while trafficking carfentanil, fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Dorian McGhee, 29, was indicted on one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil, and one count of possession with intent distribute methamphetamine.
McGhee possessed the drugs on April 17, 2019, as well as two 9 mm handguns, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by members of the Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit, the Akron Police Department SWAT Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Joyce.
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.
Lorain man and inmate at a federal prison in New Jersey were each sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for their conspiracy to commit murder for hire and to distribute cocaineRead the Press Release
A Lorain man and an inmate at a federal prison in New Jersey were each sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for their conspiracy to commit murder for hire and to distribute cocaine.
Eduardo Rios Velasquez, 38, of Lorain, was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison. Angel Cordero, 38, an inmate at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be served consecutive to another 40-year prison sentence he is serving.
A jury convicted both last year on one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Velasquez and Cordero had previously been incarcerated together. Cordero was in contact with Velasquez in the summer of 2017 through a contraband cellular phone that had been smuggled into Fort Dix, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Cordero put Velasquez in contact with another inmate. Velasquez offered to pay the other inmate money if he could provide Velasquez with the address for a woman identified in court documents as T.G. Cordero told the inmate that Velasquez had been hired to kill T.G, according to court documents.
Additionally, another person supplied Velasquez with large shipments of cocaine, with Cordero serving as the broker in the deals. Federal law enforcement authorities intercepted a kilogram of cocaine in July that was being shipped to Velasquez, according to court documents and trial testimony.
“This case was an outstanding effort by investigators and prosecutors from multiple states and jurisdictions who came together to avert a tragedy,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These prison sentences demonstrate the serious nature of the crimes of these two defendants.”
“This case shows that no one is out of reach from being charged and prosecuted when a crime is committed,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York. “Even when serving a sentence, Cordero continued his criminal activity with little regard of the consequences.”
“The FBI is pleased with the sentencing handed down today. Velasquez will now have additional time to spend behind bars for his ruthless willingness to kill someone for money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI Cleveland Division commends the collaboration between the law enforcement agencies involved in disrupting and prosecuting this murder for hire. Let's hope Mr. Velasquez has learned that he will be prosecuted if he chooses to engage in any more crime, no matter where he is located."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough, Brad Beeson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hiral Mehta following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s New York office, the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force – which is comprised of agents, detectives and investigators of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York City Police Department and the New York State Police -- and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Cleveland one of 10 sites selected for National Public Safety Partnership initiative to combat violent crimeRead the Press Release
As the Department of Justice continues its efforts to fulfill President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, Attorney General William P. Barr today announced that Cleveland was selected to join the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) initiative. PSP provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.
“The Public Safety Partnership is a successful program that directs federal law enforcement resources to the cities where they can have the greatest impact," Attorney General Barr said. "These resources help police departments to diagnose where crime is highest—and why—and to find, arrest and prosecute criminals. Several participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime over the past two years. As we expand this program to 10 more cities across America, we are determined to replicate that success.”
The Justice Department created PSP and the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety in response to President Trump’s February 9, 2017, Executive Order charging the agency with leading a national effort to combat violent crime. In June 2017, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the National Public Safety Partnership initiative.
To be considered for selection, a site must have sustained levels of violence that far exceed the national average and demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime. Cities must also display compliance with federal immigration requirements.
The 10 sites announced today are as follows:
- Anniston, Alabama
- Oxford, Alabama
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Davenport, Iowa
- Wichita, Kansas
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Amarillo, Texas
- Harris County, Texas
“This designation will provide the additional training and technical support to law enforcement in Cleveland as we work collaboratively to combat violent crime,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These resources will improve our collective ability to analyze crime trends and direct resources as needed, including enhancements to our current ongoing efforts focused on firearms, carjackings, armed robberies and other crimes of violence.”
More than 30 cities have participated in PSP. The primary participating Justice Department components include the Office of Justice Programs, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service.
More information about PSP can be found at: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/national-public-safety-partnership/overview.
Two Cleveland men indicted for federal firearms offensesRead the Press Release
Two Cleveland men were indicted for federal firearms offenses.
John W. Bryant, 38, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bryant allegedly had a Ruger 9 mm pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition on February 26, 2019, despite previous convictions for aggravated robbery with a firearms specification and aggravated assault, according to the indictment.
Haras Dawkins, 28, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dawkins allegedly had a Glock .40-caliber pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition on February 26, 2019, despite a previous conviction for aggravated 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Kelly Galvin.
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.
Mansfield man indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
A Mansfield man was indicted on child pornography charges.
Christian K. Smith, Jr., 44, was was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Smith knowingly received, attempted to receive and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between May 9, 2014 through May 2, 2019, according to the indictment.
The indictment also charges that on or about May 2, 2019, Smith possessed two cellular phones and a laptop computer that contained child pornography.
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 Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force in Mansfield Office.
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.