Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man charged with making threats and assaulting officersRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Lon R. Sweeney, age 53, making threats against a federal employee and assault of federal officers.
The indictment alleges that Sweeney threatened a Department of Veterans Affairs employee and later, while being placed under arrest, assaulted three VA officers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Beeson is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General — Criminal Investigative Division and the VA Police Department.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Four from Toledo indicted in federal court for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Four men from Toledo were indicted for firearms crimes.
Emanuel Riley, 27, and Sevario Whitaker, 36, were charged with with theft from a federal firearms licensee, possession of silencers not registered to them, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of firearms after being convicted of a felony.
According to documents filed in the case:
A federal firearms licensee doing business as Towers Armory was burglarized on November 19, 2018. Approximately 46 firearms, six suppressors and four gun bags were missing from the store. Video surveillance from the store showed two men entered the store at approximately 3:24 a.m. after gaining access through the ventilation system on the roof and began removing firearms. They returned to the store several times in the early morning hours and continued removing firearms.
Investigators obtained additional footage from a nearby business that showed the two men entered a Toyota Camry and drove away. A Toledo police detective recognized the vehicle as one that was used by Riley.
The vehicle was towed from Riley’s mother’s house and Oregon police executed a state search warrant. Inside the vehicle they recovered gloves, a hat, a face mask and Friday the 13th-style mask consistent with what the burglars on the store surveillance footage were wearing. Whitaker was arrested on an outstanding warrant and also found to be wearing a sweatshirt consistent with what one of the burglars was wearing.
DNA testing revealed Whitaker’s DNA could not be excluded from a red pry bar left behind at the burglary scene and the DNA of both men could not be excluded from DNA taken from the face mask recovered from the Camry.
A search of cell tower records indicates both Riley and Whitaker’s phones connected with a cell tower within one mile of the firearms store around the time of the burglary.
Darius Travell Johnson, 30, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson possessed a Taurus PT-111 pistol on January 16, despite previous convictions for felonious assault and robbery, according to the indictment.
Robert Louis Winston, 58, of Toledo, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Winston possessed a Smith and Wesson .380-caliber pistol on January 9 despite previous convictions for aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, trafficking in heroin and numerous other crimes, according to the indictment.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Simko following investigations by the Oregon Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Riley and Whitaker), Sylvania Township Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the ATF (Johnson and Winston).
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.
Texas couple sentenced to prison; they were the most prolific dark net fentanyl vendor in the world at the time of their arrest last yearRead the Press Release
A San Antonio couple that was the most prolific dark net fentanyl vendor in the world at the time of their arrest last year were sentenced to prison.
Matthew Roberts, 36, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison. Holly Roberts, 35, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.
The Roberts’ operated MH4LIFE and a variety of other dark net marketplace accounts. They previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, identity theft and other crimes.
According to court documents:
The Roberts’ created and operated several dark net marketplace accounts, including MH4LIFE, TRAPPEDINTIME, FASTFORWARD and MRHIGH4LIFE. They operated these accounts on nearly a dozen dark net marketplaces including Dream Market, Silk Road, AlphaBay, Darknet Heroes League, Nucleus and several others.
They used these accounts between 2013 and May 12, 2018 to possess and distribute fentanyl, MethoxyAcetylFentanyl (MAF), other fentanyl analogues, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, marijuana, Xanax, Oxycodone and other drugs.
The Roberts’ MH4LIFE vendor account on Dream Market had 2,800 verified transactions with a 4.89/5 rating as of May 2018. Dream listed that MH4LIFE had 500 verified transactions on the Agora marketplace and 719 transactions on the Nucleus marketplace. The only products listed for sale by MH4LIFE were illegal narcotics. The majority of available reviews detailed customers purchasing fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
MH4LIFE had the highest number of verified transactions worldwide of any fentanyl vendor based upon a review of Dream Market.
The Roberts’ used private messaging, encryption software, Virtual Private Networks and proxies through the TOR network to provide security for the criminal organization. They used decoys, such as glow bracelets and other mundane items, to hide the fact they were mailing narcotics. They also purchased postage from third parties with cryptocurrency in an effort to conceal their activities.
Customers used digital currency to purchase narcotics, which the defendants sent to digital currency exchanges, where the funds were converted into official fiat currency and spent on person goods and services, as well as prepaid Visa and gift cards. The Roberts’ also used advanced identity theft techniques to hide their identity from cryptocurrency and other financial institutions, in order to thwart Know Your Customer protocols.At the time of arrest, law enforcement found Matthew Roberts in a hotel room surrounded by fentanyl, other narcotics, devices used to access the dark net, cryptocurrency wallets, drug ledgers and cash. Holly Roberts was found in their home, which also contained drug ledgers and narcotics.
“The mechanics of drug dealing has changed, and law enforcement has changed with it,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These cases demonstrate that those who think they are hiding behind a cloak of anonymity on the dark net will be uncovered and brought to justice for selling the drugs killing our friends and neighbors.”“This investigation and today’s sentencing marks a final blow to what we now know was one of the largest fentanyl distributors operating on the dark web,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “As this case makes clear, HSI and our partners are united in our resolve to protect our communities and our country from the scourge of drug trafficking. We stand ready to use every tool and resource at our disposal to attack and dismantle these organizations, regardless of where they operate.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is fully dedicated to protecting the American public,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke. “One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies in operations just like this one to keep dangerous drugs out of the communities we serve.”
"The Roberts’ utilized the dark web in an attempt to keep their dangerous drug dealing behavior hidden from law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This significant sentence should serve as notice to anyone dealing illegal drugs online that law enforcement will join efforts and bring their reign to an end."
These cases are the result of Operation Darkness Falls, a joint investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations, U.S Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Federal agents around the country, including in the Western District of Texas, Western District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Florida and elsewhere, have assisted in the ongoing operation.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin and Daniel J. Riedl.Six people indicted for their roles in $48 million health care fraud conspiracy at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Austintown and WhitehallRead the Press Release
Six people from Ohio were indicted in federal court for their roles in a health care fraud conspiracy in which Medicaid was billed $48 million for drug and alcohol recovery services which were not provided, not medically necessary, lacked proper documentation, or had other issues that made them ineligible for reimbursement.
Named in the 60-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland are: Ryan P. Sheridan, 38, of Leetonia; Jennifer M. Sheridan, 40, of Austintown; Kortney L. Gherardi, 29, of Girard; Lisa M. Pertee, 50, of Sunbury; Thomas Bailey, 44, of Poland, and Arthur H. Smith, 54, of Austintown.
All six are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud related to their work at Braking Point Recovery Center, which operated drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Austintown and Whitehall, Ohio.
Additional counts include health care fraud, money laundering, operating a drug premises, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, use of a registration number issued to another to obtain controlled substances, and other offenses.
According to the indictment:
Ryan Sheridan was the sole owner of Braking Point Recovery Center, which operated drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Austintown and Whitehall, Ohio, that provided detox, intensive outpatient treatment, day treatment and residential living rehabilitation.
Sheridan also owned and operated numerous other businesses, including Breaking Point Health and Fitness LLC and Braking Point Recovery Housing LLC, which owned recovery houses (or “sober houses”) for individuals attempting to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
As part of being a certified provider, Sheridan agreed to follow the rules and regulations of the Ohio Medicaid Program and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Between January 2015 and October 18, 2017, various defendants submitted or caused to be submitted billings to Medicaid for drug and alcohol services that were: coded to reflect a service more costly than was actually provided; without proper documentation; without proper assessment documents containing valid diagnosis; billings for patients whose records did not contain diagnosis by a physician; related to treatment at unlicensed inpatient beds; billings related to Bailey dispensing of Suboxone even though Bailey did not have the authority to do so; for case management services when, in fact, the clients were working out at Sheridan’s gym; billings based on quotas provided to the nurses by the defendants to bill four to five hours of treatment daily, even if the services were not medically necessary; billing for in-patient detox and drug treatment services that were, in fact, provided in an out-patient setting, among other violations.
Braking Point submitted approximately 134,744 claims to Medicaid for more than $48.5 million in services it claimed to provide between May 2015 and October 2017. The claims caused Medicaid to pay Braking Point more than $31 million. Medicaid suspended payments to Braking Point on October 18, 2017.
The Sheridans, Gherardi, Bailey and Smith are also accused of conspiring to develop a standard protocol of distributing the same amount of Suboxone to every patient seeking drug treatment immediately upon entering Braking Point’s detox program without being evaluated by a properly licensed physician to determine the medical necessity for the use of Suboxone.
The Sheridans, Gherardi and Bailey used Smith’s DEA data waiver license to dispense more than 3,000 doses of Suboxone in 2017 alone without Smith having seen the patients. Smith held himself out to be Braking Point’s medical director but only went to Braking Point approximately twice a month.
Ryan Sheridan is also accused of making numerous financial transactions involving money derived from unlawful activities, including health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Prosecutors are also seeking for forfeit property and proceeds obtained as a result of these crimes, including nearly $3 million, property in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and eight automobiles, including replicas of vehicles used in the movies “Back to the Future,” “Ghostbusters” and “Batman.”
“These defendants are accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars from taxpayers through fraudulent billing and other crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Treatment for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction is vitally important, but, as alleged in this case, these defendants profited off the suffering of others. We will hold accountable anyone who tries to illegally take advantage of the drug epidemic.”
“Individuals who are recovering from opioid and alcohol abuse that seek assistance need to have the utmost confidence and trust in those who are providing their care”, said Lamont Pugh III, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “That trust and confidence was violated by these defendant’s in order to pursue their own financial gain and waste vital taxpayer dollars. The OIG will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that those who commit criminal acts to unjustly enrich themselves are held accountable.”
“While patients from the community were receiving treatment for their addictions, these individuals were allegedly engaged in fraudulent billing and other financial schemes to bilk taxpayers out of millions of dollars,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and healthcare industry to identify those illegally cheating the system for the benefit of their own pockets.”
“The conduct detailed in this indictment is egregious and exposed these defendants for who they really are, thieves. They defrauded the health care system for their own personal gain," stated Ryan Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to collaboratively working to unravel complex fraud and money laundering schemes and ensuring those responsible are deprived of the fruits of these crimes.”
“While the vast majority of the healthcare professionals in this country are committed to saving lives, there are a few who are merely drug dealers hiding in plain view, and driven by greed,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon. “These arrests reiterate the Drug Enforcement Administration’s commitment to making our communities safer from illicit drugs, diverted pharmaceuticals, and fraud.”
“These scams are a sucker punch in the face to every family with loved ones struggling with addiction,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “We will work with our partners to achieve justice — and get our money back.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicare Fraud and Corruption Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Bennett and Maritsa Flaherty and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Metzler.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four people indicted for firearms violationsRead the Press Release
Four people were indicted in federal court for firearms crimes.
Indicted are: Jevonn Goolsby, 29, of Akron; Seirgio Kindell, 30, of Canton; Charles E. Goode Jr., 37, of Lakewood, and Dwayne J. Wilson, 34, of Euclid.
Goolsby is charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Goolsby possessed a Hi-Point C9 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition on August 3, 2018, despite previous convictions for aggravated robbery and robbery, according to the indictment.
Kindell is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Kindell possessed Walther .22-caliber pistol and ammunition on December 5, 2018, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault with a firearm specification, according to the indictment.
Goode is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Goode possessed Ruger 9 mm pistol and ammunition on December 2, 2018, despite a previous conviction for aggravated assault, attempted felonious assault and aggravated robbery with a firearms specification, according to the indictment.
Wilson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Wilson possessed Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition on December 16, 2018, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence and burglary, 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 violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department (Goolsby).
They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Damoun Delaviz, Aaron P. Howell and Kelly L. Galvin.
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.
Elyria man who stabbed a woman indicted in federal court for carjackingRead the Press Release
An Elyria man who stabbed a woman was indicted in federal court for carjacking.
Johnny G. Mack III, 39, was indicted on one count of carjacking after he used force to steal a 2016 Nissan Altima on December 12, 2018, according to the indictment.
Mack pulled a knife and threated to stab the driver of the Altima as he pushed her into her car. Mack stabbed the victim, causing small puncture wounds to her legs, stomach and hands, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 FBI and Elyria Police Department. It is 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.
Contractor from North Royalton indicted for paying cash bribes to City of Cleveland building officialRead the Press Release
A contractor from North Royalton was indicted for paying cash bribes to a City of Cleveland building official.
Martin Fano, 69, was indicted on seven counts of honest services mail and wire fraud.
According to the indictment:
Fano owned and operated ABC Construction LLC, a business that provided demolition and construction services in the Cleveland area. The company did demolition work for the City of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County Land Bank and private parties.
Fano paid bribes to Rufus Taylor, who served as the City of Cleveland’s Chief of the Demolition Bureau. Fano paid money to Taylor so that Taylor would use his position to ensure work performed by Fano’s company would be quickly inspected after completion and more quickly receive signed permits for work performed. This took place between June 2016 and January 2017, and this favorable treatment allowed Fano to receive faster payment for demolition jobs
Taylor has pleaded guilty to bribery and extortion charges and is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
“Bribery is not acceptable, whether you are a contractor paying the bribe or a public official accepting the money,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Rooting out corruption is vital to protecting our public institutions.”
“Bribing a public official is, most assuredly, a bad business practice and against the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to root out public corruption and hold those that are stealing from our taxpaying citizens accountable in a court of law.”
Brad Geary, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, said: “The prosecution of Mr. Fano’s conduct should serve as a reminder that the HUD Office of Inspector General will vigorously pursue these individuals and bring them to justice. We wish to thank the U. S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners for their continued partnership throughout this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea S. Rice and Elliot Morrison.
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.
A charge 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 stamping pills containing fentanyl and other drugs to look like Percocet, as well as firearms chargesRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted in federal court on fentanyl, firearms and other drug charges, as well as having an illegal pill press.
Donyea Nelson, 42, was indicted on charges including possession of die used to manufacture a counterfeit substance, possession of equipment to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues and other charges.
According to the nine-count indictment and related court documents:
Law enforcement became aware in December 2018 of several packages sent from China to 1305 Bellows Street in Akron. Some of the shipments were consistent with parts used to press pills.
A search of one of the parcels on January 2, 2019 revealed several parts used to press and stamp pills. The die pieces recovered were designed to print and/or reproduce the trade name and mark of acetaminophen oxycodone hydrochloride, more commonly known as Percocet.
Law enforcement made an undercover controlled delivery of the package the next day. Nelson accepted and signed for the package, which was addressed to a Nelsohn Donnier.
Police entered the home and found numerous powders, capsules, items consistent with a pill press operation, as well as a .45-caliber Blackhawk pistol. The drugs were determined to include fentanyl, methamphetamine, butyrylfentanyl and 4-ANPP.
“This case is a stark reminder that people who buy drugs on the street have no idea what they are putting into their body,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This defendant was pressing pills to look like Percocet but his home was filled with deadly fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and other drugs. I am confident this arrest saved lives.”
“Opioid trafficking continues to be among HSI’s highest investigative priorities,” said Homeland Security Investigations’ Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “These deadly drugs pose an extremely serious threat to public safety in our communities. HSI and our partners will be relentless in our effort to bring traffickers of this poison to justice. ”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Akron Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz.
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.
A charge 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.Twelve people from Mahoning County indicted for conspiracy to obtain large amounts of cocaine, which they sold in and around YoungstownRead the Press Release
Twelve people from Mahoning County were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to obtain large amounts of cocaine, which they sold in and around Youngstown.
Named in the 95-count indictment are: Kevin Clinkscale, 32; Keilan Clinkscale, 30; Rochelle Garron, 51; Jeanne George, 48; Deonne Gilbert, 35; Vernon Robinson, 45; Edward Lee DuBose Jr., 37, of Boardman; Edward Lee DuBose Sr., 58; Anthony W. Howell, 30; Jermaine Stroughter, 39; Eric T. Gilford, 27, and Troy Pollard, 35.
All the defendants live in Youngstown except DuBose Jr., who lives in Boardman.
All 12 are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine.
The DuBoses and Gilbert face additional charges of distribution of crack cocaine. DuBose Jr. faces additional charges of distribution of heroin. Gilbert is charged with maintaining a drug premises on West Judson Avenue in Youngstown. There are additional charges for using telephones in furtherance of drug trafficking activity.
According to the indictment:
Robinson obtained cocaine and distributed it to Gilbert, who cooked some of the cocaine into crack. Gilbert distributed crack cocaine and powder cocaine to the DuBoses, Pollard, Kevin Clinkscale, Garron and Stroughter.
DuBose Jr. sold crack and powder cocaine to Howell, DuBose Sr. and Gilford.
Kevin Clinkscale sold crack and powder cocaine to Keilan Clinkscale, Garron and George.
Gilbert used a home on West Judson Avenue to store and distribute drugs.
This conspiracy took place between May and November 2017.
“These defendants sold crack and powder cocaine all over Youngstown, and used a home in the city to stash and sell their drugs,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
“This group of dangerous drug dealers brought violence and fear to Youngstown and the surrounding communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith “Law enforcement agencies joined efforts and now these menacing individuals will be held accountable and our neighborhoods will be rid of their threatening criminal behavior.”
Youngstown Police Chief Robin Lees said: “This case is an example of local and federal law enforcement working together to make Youngstown safer.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason 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.
North Carolina man sentenced to 15 years in prison for trying to recruit people to launch attacks on behalf of ISISRead the Press Release
Erick Jamal Hendricks, 38, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
A jury in Akron, Ohio, convicted Hendricks last year of attempting and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
“This defendant sought to create a cell of ISIS supporters, train those people and then launch attacks from inside the United States,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “This defendant posed a very real threat to the safety of our community and nation.”
“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily – a US citizen that became radicalized online and attempted to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while living in the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Smith. “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups. The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.
Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the U.S.
Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony
Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise). Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.
Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail. This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.” Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the U.S. He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.
On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland. Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi. Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media, communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland, and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest. Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.” He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?” Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.
Al-Ghazi is serving a 16-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Ohio man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, attempting to commit a hate crime and possessing firearms for plot to attack Toledo-area synagogueRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging an Ohio man with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, attempting to commit a hate crime, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a crime a violence stemming from his plan to attack in a synagogue in the Toledo area.
Damon M. Joseph, 21, also known as Abdullah Ali Yusuf, of Holland, Ohio, was arrested in December after he took possession of two semi-automatic rifles.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“This man allegedly spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States, and targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Toledo area specifically because of the faith of the people who worship there,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “We will work to identify and arrest anyone who take steps to use violence to spread their ideology and to interfere with the free exercise of our essential rights.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph allegedly progressed from radicalized, virtual jihadist to attack planner,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Hughes. “He ultimately decided to target two Toledo-area synagogues for a mass-casualty attack in the name of ISIS. Joseph will now be accountable in a court of law for his pursuit of a violent act of terrorism upon our fellow citizens attending their desired house of worship.”
According to documents filed in court, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement in 2018 by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS. This activity led to multiple interactions between Joseph and undercover FBI agents.
During his communication with undercover agents, Joseph stated his support for ISIS and produced propaganda in support of ISIS recruitment. In September, Joseph made videos that he sent to the undercover agent, hoping they would be used to recruit people to ISIS. He also complained that the mosque he attended was critical of ISIS.
Joseph stated his support for violent attacks and operations. For example, on Oct. 21, 2018,Joseph expressed support for “martyrdom operations” and stated: “what must be done, must be done” and “there are always casualties of war.”
On Oct. 30, Joseph and the undercover communicated regarding the mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh. Joseph stated: “I admire what the guy did with the shooting actually.” He added: “I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah. They wouldn[’]t even expect [an attack] in my area...”
Over the next few weeks, Joseph continued stating he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2 he forwarded a document that laid out his plans for an attack, using the name “Abdullah Ali Yusuf” for himself. In the document, he described plans to attack where the greatest number of people are gathered, inflict the most casualties during the attack and make sure no one escaped.
Joseph then stated that he did not see this necessarily as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph stated he was deciding between two synagogues in the area to attack. He stated the choice would depend on “Which one will have [the] most people, what time and what day. Go big or go home.”
The next day, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues he viewed as targets in the greater Toledo area, and discussed the types of weapons he believed would be able to inflict mass casualties.
Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47s, Glocks and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph met with an undercover agent in the Toledo area and stated it would be ideal to attack two synagogues, but that it was probably more realistic to only attack one. Joseph also stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi.
Also on Dec. 6, Joseph wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur. Joseph stated he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present. Joseph pulled up photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he wanted the attack to begin in the sanctuary. Joseph told the undercover agent that he would hide two semi-automatic rifles at his house once the undercover purchased them.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location and Joseph took a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
An indictment is only a charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio, Trial Attorneys Josh Champagne and Kyle Phillips of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division.
Akron man indicted for having fentanyl and cocaineRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted in federal court for having fentanyl and cocaine.
Lexington Jacobs, 24, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentnaly.
Jacobs had the drugs on December 9, 2018, 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 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 Akron Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit a Violent Hate Crime Attack Against a Toledo SynagogueRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the Northern District of Ohio returned a three-count indictment charging an Ohio man with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, attempting to commit a hate crime, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from his plan to attack in a synagogue in the Toledo area.
Damon M. Joseph, 21, also known as Abdullah Ali Yusuf, of Holland, Ohio, was arrested in December after he took possession of two semi-automatic rifles.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
According to documents filed in court, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement in 2018 by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS. This activity led to multiple interactions between Joseph and undercover FBI agents.
During his communication with undercover agents, Joseph stated his support for ISIS and produced propaganda in support of ISIS recruitment. In September, Joseph made videos that he sent to the undercover agent, hoping they would be used to recruit people to ISIS. He also complained that the mosque he attended was critical of ISIS.
Joseph stated his support for violent attacks and operations. For example, on Oct. 21, 2018, Joseph expressed support for “martyrdom operations” and stated: “what must be done, must be done” and “there are always casualties of war.”
On Oct. 30, Joseph and the undercover communicated regarding the mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh. Joseph stated: “I admire what the guy did with the shooting actually.” He added: “I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah. They wouldn[’]t even expect [an attack] in my area...”
Over the next few weeks, Joseph continued stating he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2 he forwarded a document that laid out his plans for an attack, using the name “Abdullah Ali Yusuf” for himself. In the document, he described plans to attack where the greatest number of people are gathered, inflict the most casualties during the attack and make sure no one escaped.
Joseph then stated that he did not see this necessarily as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph stated he was deciding between two synagogues in the area to attack. He stated the choice would depend on “Which one will have [the] most people, what time and what day. Go big or go home.”
The next day, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues he viewed as targets in the greater Toledo area, and discussed the types of weapons he believed would be able to inflict mass casualties.
Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47s, Glocks and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph met with an undercover agent in the Toledo area and stated it would be ideal to attack two synagogues, but that it was probably more realistic to only attack one. Joseph also stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi.
Also on Dec. 6, Joseph wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur. Joseph stated he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present. Joseph pulled up photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he wanted the attack to begin in the sanctuary. Joseph told the undercover agent that he would hide two semi-automatic rifles at his house once the undercover purchased them.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location and Joseph took a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
An indictment is only a charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio, Trial Attorneys Josh Champagne and Kyle Phillips of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division.
Lisbon man indicted for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
A Lisbon man was indicted for child pornography crimes.
David Grunden, 34, of Lisbon, was indicted on one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography and advertising child pornography.
Grunden, between 2014 and 2017, received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possessed a computer with child pornography on October 30, 2018, according to the indictment.
From January 11 through June 3, 2018, Grunden solicited adults to be recorded having sex with children, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Deckert following an investigation by the FBI, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jury convicts Cleveland man on all 14 counts related to using a firearm to deal fentanyl, heroin and other drugsRead the Press Release
A jury convicted a Cleveland man on all 14 counts related to using a firearm to deal fentanyl, heroin and other drugs.
Tyler Hall, 28, is scheduled to be sentenced May 17th. He was convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm and multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine marijuana.
Hall had 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine and a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol during a search of his home and business on the west side of Cleveland last year, according to court documents.
Hall was a person of interest in relation to three non-fatal opioid overdoses. Two of the victims had information that their supplier’s name was Tyler and that he worked, resided and sold drugs in the area of West 104th Street and Lorain Avenue, according to court documents.
Law enforcement on July 3 searched Hall’s residence at 10400 Lorain Ave. and business, at auto body shop at 3179 West 104th Street. Hall was detained and found to be carrying two cellular phones, $1,152 in cash and a set of keys to both his residence and business, according to court documents.
Inside his residence was a desk where it appeared drugs were prepared and packaged for sale. Also nearby were 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine, a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol and approximately $6,000 in cash, according to court documents.
Hall was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery, robbery, intimidation of a crime victim or witness and multiple drug trafficking and possession convictions, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.
Eleven people indicted for roles in conspiracy to distribute synthetic narcotics into federal prison by soaking paper in the drugs and then sending the drug-infused paper into prison as mail and other documentsRead the Press Release
Eleven people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute synthetic narcotics in federal prison by soaking paper in the drugs and then sending the drug-infused paper into prison as mail and other documents.
The letters included purported legitimate legal correspondence from members of the conspiracy impersonating actual attorneys. The recipients of the mailings then distributed the drug-infused paper to other inmates at significant profit and members of the conspiracy laundered the profits.
The defendants also imported fentanyl analogues from China for distribution across the United States.
Named in the 19-count indictment are: Roy Kahn, 48; Christopher Adams, 41; Irwin Jose Vargas, 43; Manuel Lopez, 58; Wayne Fabian, 47; Giuseppe Cellura, 45; Brian Perez-Ayala, 38; Andres Garcia, 41; Jesus Parra-Felix; Miguel Forteza-Garcia, 35, and Eduardo Rivera-Ocana, 36. All the defendants except Kahn, Adams, Lopez and Cellura are currently in federal prison.
“This indictment details the disruption of a sophisticated organization that bought drugs from suppliers in China and then shipped them across the United States, including sending them into federal prisons,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement worked diligently to investigate and dismantle this group.”
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes said: “Concealing dangerous, deadly, illegal drugs and smuggling into prisons by any method in order to profit from incarcerated drug users is quite crafty, but utilizing infusion methods onto paper causes extreme risks to innocent people who may handle the paper. The Bureau of Prisons Investigative Unit did an outstanding job in identifying not only the drugs, but also the method being utilized. Through collaborative law enforcement efforts, these drug dealers will answer for their crimes in federal court and innocent lives have been saved.”
According to the indictment:
Kahn controlled and operated a large multi-state conspiracy that obtained synthetic drugs from suppliers in China and distributed the drugs to inmates in federal prison. This took place between 2015 through 2018.
Kahn and Adams devised a chemical process where they infused the narcotics onto pieces of paper, which could then be cut into strips and smoked. At the height of their operation, they were infusing one kilogram of drugs a week, resulting in the creation of at least 500 drug-infused pages at a time.
Kahn’s organization then used these drug pages to create photographs, books and pamphlets, such as Harry Potter coloring books. They also used the drug pages to create legal mail such as briefs and motions bearing the names of real attorney or fictitious attorney personas they created. The purpose of these actions was to circumvent prison security.
Inmates paid Kahn, Vargas and others through the Bureau of Prisons’ payment system, money orders, wire transfers and other means. Kahn, Vargas and others engaged in a variety of money laundering techniques to make these payments appear legitimate.
Kahn then used the profits from the prison drug smuggling scheme to finance the purchase of more fentanyl analogues and other opioids from China for further distribution in the United States. Kahn and Adams had these drugs shipped to a number of cities, including Cleveland.
The indictment details how the defendants charged at least $500 for a sheet of drug-infused paper. Vargas stated: “The job is badass…they drown those sheets…and then they hang them…like photographs, they have them with clips and leave them to dry,” according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Joint Information Sharing Initiative, the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin and Elliot Morrison.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lorain man sentenced to life in prison for selling fentanyl that killed a 23-year-old Lorain manRead the Press Release
A Lorain man was sentenced to life in prison for selling fentanyl that killed a 23-year-old Lorain man.
Russell Davis, 50, was sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko. The jury convicted Davis last year on one count of distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death.
Davis sold fentanyl to Jacob Castro-White that resulted in Castro-White fatally overdosing on March 7, 2016, according to trial testimony and court records.
“Seeking long prison sentences for those who profit from selling the drugs killing our friends and neighbors is a crucial component to overcoming this epidemic that has cause so much pain and suffering,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The Lorain Police Department, FBI, the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office are all to be commended for their diligence in this case.”
“It is almost a daily occurrence to hear of a death due to heroin or fentanyl,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes. “Law enforcement will continue to work collaboratively to hold accountable those that bring this poison and destruction to our communities.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the FBI and Lorain Police Department, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office.
Westlake man indicted on charges he illegally accepted food stamps at Cleveland-area gas stations, laundered the profits, illegally had firearms, operated an unregulated slaughterhouse and polluted a stream by dumping animal blood in itRead the Press Release
A Westlake man with a history of food stamp fraud was indicted on charges that he continued to illegally accept food stamps at seven Cleveland-area gas stations, laundered the profits, illegally had firearms, operated an unregulated slaughterhouse and polluted a stream by dumping animal blood and other fluids into it.
Amin M. Salem, 59, and Mohamed Salem, 32, were both indicted on one count each of conspiracy to launder money and one count of engaging in real estate transactions using laundered funds.
Amin Salem is additionally charged with one count of making unpermitted discharges into a waterway, one count of distribution of adulterated, misbranded or uninspected meat and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. That charge stems from Amin Salem having an AR-15 rifle and a Savage 12-gauge shotgun, despite previous convictions for conspiracy to defraud the United States, food stamp fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
Mohamed Salem, also of Westlake and Amin’s son, is also charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods for his sale of counterfeit clothing and apparel.
Zahran al-Qadan, 55, of Cleveland, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit properties at 43588 Stang Road and 7250 West Ridge Road in Elyria owned by the Salems.
According to the six-count indictment:
Amin Salem secretly owned several area gas stations: Henry’s Marathon at 3106 Fulton Road; Gas Way at 10606 Bellaire Road; Turney Sunoco at 6009 Turney Road in Garfield Heights; Harvard Gas USA at 7020 Harvard Ave.; Bellaire Gas USA at 3934 West 117th Street; Rapid Stop at 1712 East 55th Street and Memphis Shell at 7210 Memphis Ave.
Mohamed Salem managed the gas station’s finances of behalf of his father. The gas stations had terminals to accept and process Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) cards as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
The gas stations and the EBT terminals inside were in the names of Mohamed Salem or another person, since Amin Salem was prohibited from owning stores that processed EBT transactions because of previous convictions for food stamp fraud and related crimes.
The gas station terminals were used by the Salems to process more than $2.7 million in fraudulent SNAP transactions between 2010 and 2016.
Amin Salem slaughtered lambs and goats at his property on Stang Road in 2015 and 2016. He sold the meat, which was not inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also caused, without a permit, the discharge of blood and other bodily fluids from the slaughtered animals into Engle Ditch, which flows into the Black River and eventually Lake Erie.
Mohamed Salem sold meat illegally slaughtered at Amin Salem’s farm. The Salems allowed customers to pay for the illegally slaughtered meat using SNAP cards, in contravention of SNAP’s rules and regulations.
Money from the meat sales and SNAP transactions were deposited into gas station accounts and ultimately sent to accounts controlled and used by the Salems.
The Salems and al-Qadan owned the Rapid Stop gas station at 1712 East 55th Street in Cleveland. Al-Qadan also owned and operated Yahala Bakery, a grocery store and bakery in North Olmsted.
Al-Qadan used checks from Yahala Bakery to purchase illegally slaughtered meat, and caused the checks to be processed through gas station bank accounts so it appeared those transactions were for the purchase of gasoline. Al-Qadan also paid for the meat using the EBT cards of customers who allowed him to have possession of their cards and accounts.
The Salems used the funds from these fraudulent transactions to pay for lots at 26800-26900 Brookpark Road Extension in North Olmsted.
“Amin Salem is accused of engaging in a diverse array of crimes, from food stamp fraud to illegally slaughtering lambs and goats to illegally having an assault rifle and shotgun, just to name a few,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “He will now be held accountable for years of disregarding our nation’s laws and flouting the rules to enrich himself.”
"This father and son duo engaged in various illegalities to include stealing from every taxpaying citizen by engaging in food stamp fraud, a program designed to help those in need," said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes. "Salem put others at risk by selling unsanitary, unregulated food. The FBI will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to ensure fraudsters like these are held accountable."
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their money," stated Ryan Korner, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI Cincinnati Field Office.
“The defendant is alleged to have illegally discharged waste from an animal slaughtering operation into a local stream,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Ohio. “This case demonstrates that EPA and its law enforcement partners will pursue those who violate laws designed to protect the health of our communities and the environment.”
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal record, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, USDA-OIG, USDA-FSIS, EPA-CID, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Department of Taxation, Ohio Department of Agriculture, BCI, Ohio EPA, Lorain County Sheriff's Office, Guernsey County Sheriff's Department, Cleveland Division of Police, Westlake Police Department and Strongsville Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan Brown and Brad Beeson.
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.
Toledo man sentenced to five years in prison, the last of four defendants sent to prison for their roles in a plot to provide money to al QaedaRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to five years in prison, the final defendant sent to prison for their roles in a conspiracy to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Alwaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
Ibrahim Zubar Mohammad, 39, was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday, and will be deported upon completion of the sentence. He previously pleaded guilty to concealing the financing of terrorism.
Sultane Room Salim, 43, was sentenced to five years in prison earlier this week. He previously pleaded guilty to concealing the financing of terrorism
Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 40, is currently serving a sentence of more than 27 years in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and to soliciting the murder of a United States District Judge.
Asif Ahmed Salim, 38, is serving six years in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to concealing the financing of terrorism.
“These defendants sent thousands of dollars abroad to support al Qaeda and attacks on Americans,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This case demonstrates that we will aggressively pursue leads and evidence around the world to bring to justice those who would strike at our nation and the ideals we hold dear.”
"We are pleased these individuals will spend significant time behind bars for providing funds to a known terrorist who called for violent jihad,” said Robert Hughes, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office. “The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue all collaborative and investigative efforts to root out individuals who provide material support to terrorists and their organizations.”
Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004. He married a U.S. citizen around March 2008. His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005. In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen. He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.
Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005. He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus area.
The four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010. The defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world, according to court documents.
The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East. Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions, according to court documents.
On July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad traveled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki. They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates. Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki, according to court documents.
In addition to pleading guilty to conspiring to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, Yahya Farooq Mohammad also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI employee (UCE), posing as a “hitman,” to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. In or about April 2016 – after he was arrested on the terrorism charge and while the case was pending and assigned to Judge Zouhary – Mohammad told another inmate in the Lucas County Corrections Center in Toledo, Ohio that he wanted Zouhary kidnapped and murdered and that he was willing to pay $15,000 to have this carried out. The inmate provided Mohammad with the contact information for the UCE and stated that the UCE would need a $1,000 down payment before the murder could occur. The inmate also provided Mohammad with an agreed upon code to use when discussing the planned murder over the jail telephone.
On or about April 26, 2016, Mohammad called the UCE from the Lucas County Corrections Center. Using the agreed-upon code, Mohammad told the UCE he wanted to have Judge Zouhary killed. Mohammad agreed to provide the $1,000 down payment. When asked when he wanted the murder committed, Mohammad stated, “The sooner would be good, you know.” Over the ensuing days, Mohammad arranged to have a family member provide the $1,000 in cash to the UCE. On May 5, 2016, that family member met with the UCE and provided the UCE with $1,000 in cash. Mohammad later informed the inmate that the rest of the money for the murder was coming, according to court documents.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Michael Freeman and Trial Attorney David C. Smith of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
Texas man indicted for having one kilogram of fentanyl, three kilograms of heroin and three kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
A Texas man was indicted for having one kilogram of fentanyl, three kilograms of heroin and three kilograms of cocaine.
Roland Herrera, 52, of San Antonio, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Herrera was arrested on December 29 following a traffic stop in Westlake and found to have more than 15 pounds of drugs hidden in his vehicle, according to court documents.
“Fentanyl, heroin and cocaine have been the source of a long-running mass-casualty event here in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This seizure undoubtedly saved lives in our community, and law enforcement will continue prosecuting those who traffic in deadly narcotics while working with other partners to make help available for people who want it.”
“HSI and its Ohio law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously identify, disrupt and dismantle these drug traffickers organizations that exploit and continue to cause great harm to members of the community,” said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation’s Detroit office, which includes Ohio. “The arrest of Mr. Herrera is another example a drug trafficker in possession of a large amount of narcotics that would have likely caused a significant number of overdoses and deaths.”
“The indictment of this individual is another fine example of the results that come from a collaborative policing effort,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “The hard work put forth by the officers and investigators in this case prevented a significant amount of dangerous narcotics from being distributed on our streets. This is the kind of work that saves lives.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Cleveland Division of Police and the Westlake Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Seven people indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Seven people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations.
They are: Justin A. McGeever, aka Jonor A. McGree, 30, of Cleveland Heights; Gabriel T. Williams, 35, of Cleveland; Marcus L. Lockett, 29, of Akron; Melvin Wright, 37, of Akron; Deshaun A. Jones, 39, of Columbus; Fuquawn Baldwin, 26, of Akron, and Rowland L. Babb, 27, of Canton.
According to the indictments:
McGeever possessed ammunition and a .38-caliber pistol in 2016 while subject to a protection order.
Williams possessed a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun in 2016.
Lockett possessed a Springfield Arms 9 mm pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault with a firearms specification. He also possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and was using the firearm in relation to drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Wright possessed a .38-caliber revolver and ammunition on September 8, 2018, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault.
Jones possessed a stolen .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on October 1, 2018, despite a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Baldwin possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol and ammunition on November 24, 2018, despite a previous conviction for robbery.
Babb possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol and ammunition on November 24, 2018, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Canton FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Canton Police Department, the Akron Police Department,
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio man accused of plotting July 4th attack in Cleveland indicted for attempting to provide support to al QaedaRead the Press Release
A Maple Heights man was indicted on one count of attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda.
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 49, has been in custody since July, when he was arrested after allegedly planning a terrorist attack in Cleveland.
“Protecting our citizens and our nation remains the Justice Department’s top priority,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This defendant plotted and scouted locations in downtown Cleveland for an attack on July 4th, when he knew it would be packed with people celebrating our nation’s birthday. We will continue to do all we can to identify, arrest and prosecute those threats while working to keep our communities safe and secure.”
“Pitts, a U.S. citizen living in Ohio, pledged his allegiance to al-Qaeda, a foreign terrorist organization, and was planning to conduct an attack in Cleveland on Independence Day, the very day we celebrate the freedoms we have in this country,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes. “The FBI commends the public for reporting individuals that espouse their radical beliefs and/or engage in behavior that threaten the lives of our military personnel and community.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts and the UCE met in Walton Hills, Ohio, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts and the UCE searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
The UCE texted Pitts later on June 22 and where he indicated al Qaeda “brothers” would provide Pitts with a bus pass and cellular phone.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, who provided Pitts with a bus pass and a phone Pitts could use to communicate with the UCE. The bus pass was provided to Pitts, as he requested, so he could travel to downtown Cleveland to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where they discussed the impending July 4th bombing.
“And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off,” Pitts said.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Matthew Shepherd of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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 selling fentanyl and heroin last year that resulted in a fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for selling fentanyl and heroin last year that resulted in a fatal overdose.
Kadeem Davis, 28, was indicted on one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin, with a sentencing enhancement allegeing the sale resulted in death, one count of use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of possession of fentanyl and heroin with intent to distribute.
Davis sold a mixture of fentanyl and heroin on August 21, 2018 that resulted in a fatal overdose, according to the indictment.
Davis on August 22, 2018 possessed fentanyl and heroin with the intent of distributing the drugs, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 Lakewood Police Department and the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa T. Darden.
The NOLETF is a long standing multi-agency task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the police departments of Broadview Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Euclid, Independence, North Royalton, the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Shaker Heights. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiatives. HIDTA supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking in Ohio.
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.
U.S. Attorney's Office partnering with community organizations to provide active shooter and hate crimes trainingRead the Press Release
You are invited to
SECURE AND SAFE: AN EVENING OF PREPARATION
Concrete Ways to Help Family, Employees and Houses of Worship
Active Shooter Training
Hate Crime Information
Security Best Practices
Co-Sponsored by ADL, U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, and Jewish Federation of Cleveland
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
7:00 pm
STONEHILL AUDITORIUM
MANDEL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
26001 S.Woodland Rd
Beachwood,OH 44122
Free and open to all faiths and denominations.
For security purposes, please RSVP to [email protected].
Any questions may be directed to ADL staff at the email address above.
Two Toledo men charged in federal court for stealing dozens of guns in firearms store burglaryRead the Press Release
Two Toledo men were charged in federal court after allegedly stealing dozens of guns from a firearms store in Oregon, Ohio.
Emmanuel Riley, 27, and Sevario Whitaker, 36, were each charged with theft from a federal firearms licensee and possession of a stolen firearm.
“These defendants are accused of breaking into a store in the middle of the night and stealing dozens of firearms,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent purposes, including those who steal firearms to further their criminal pursuits,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
A federal firearms licensee doing business as Towers Armory was burglarized on November 19, 2018. Approximately 46 firearms, six suppressors and four gun bags were missing from the store. Video surveillance from the store showed two men entered the store at approximately 3:24 a.m. after gaining access through the ventilation system on the roof and began removing firearms. They returned to the store several times in the early morning hours and continued removing firearms.
Investigators obtained additional footage from a nearby business that showed the two men entered a Toyota Camry and drove away. A Toledo police detective recognized the vehicle as one that was used by Riley.
The vehicle was towed from Riley’s mother’s house and Oregon police executed a state search warrant. Inside the vehicle they recovered gloves, a hat, a face mask and Friday the 13th-style mask consistent with what the burglars on the store surveillance footage were wearing. Whitaker was arrested on an outstanding warrant and also found to be wearing a sweatshirt consistent with what one of the burglars was wearing.
DNA testing revealed Whitaker’s DNA could not be excluded from a red pry bar left behind at the burglary scene and the DNA of both men could not be excluded from DNA taken from the face mask recovered from the Camry.
A search of cell tower records indicates both Riley and Whitaker’s phones connected with a cell tower within one mile of the firearms store around the time of the burglary.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon Police Department and the Toledo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko.
A charge is only an accusation 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.
California man charged after receiving a shipment of one kilogram of suspected fentanyl while staying in ClevelandRead the Press Release
A California man was charged in federal court after receiving a shipment of one kilogram of suspected fentanyl while staying in Cleveland.
Alan Gabriel Barba-Sanchez, 30, of San Diego, was charged with one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
A Cuyahoga County Deputy Sheriff seized a parcel containing one kilogram of fentanyl in Middelburg Heights on January 11. Homeland Security agents were contacted to do a controlled delivery of the package, which was addressed to 5400 Tillman Ave. in Cleveland.
An undercover agent delivered the package later that day. About an hour later, an individual later identified as Barba-Sanchez walked up to the front porch of the residence, picked up the package and carried it inside. Barba-Sanchez left the residence approximately 13 minutes later and walked south on West 54th Street.
Barba-Sanchez was arrested. He was carrying three iPhones, approximately $2,000 in cash and a key to a downtown hotel at the time of his arrest.
“When you look at the streets and neighborhoods of this district, fentanyl has had the same effect as a weapon of mass destruction,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This seizure has already saved lives in Northeast Ohio, and law enforcement will continue prosecuting those who traffic in deadly narcotics while working with other partners to make help available for people who want it.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin.
A charge is only an accusation 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.
Mexican citizen living in Massillon indicted for attempting to illegally ship eight firearms and ammunition from Canton to Laredo, TexasRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen living in Massillon was indicted for attempting to illegally ship eight firearms and ammunition from Canton to Laredo, Texas.
Brian Isael Velazquez-Mata, 24, was indicted on one count of delivery of firearms and ammunition to common carrier without written notice for transportation or shipment in interstate commerce to unlicensed person.
Velazquez-Mata attempted to ship two packages containing eight firearms, body armor and ammunition from the UPS store at 7257 Fulton Drive NW in Canton, to Laredo, Texas, on December 7, 2018, according to the indictment.
Among the contents in the packages were: a Windham .308-caliber rifle; a Century Arms 7.62 x 39 mm rifle; a Smith & Wesson M&P-15 rifle; a Windham .223/5.56-caliber rifle; a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol; a Smith & Wesson 40-caliber pistol; a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol; a Glock .40-caliber pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.
“This defendant attempted to illegally send an arsenal, as well as body armor and ammunition, from Canton to the southwest border,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Law enforcement did an excellent job to stop the shipment of these firearms.”
The investigation is ongoing.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
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.
Maple Heights woman indicted for robbing the same store on Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere on consecutive daysRead the Press Release
A Maple Heights woman was indicted for robbing the same store on Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere on consecutive days.
Rachelette McKissack, 26, was indicted on one count of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and two counts of interference with commerce through robbery.
McKissack robbed the Cleveland Consignment Shoppe at 28790 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere on November 15, 2018, according to the indictment.
The next day, McKissack brandished a firearm to again rob the Cleveland Consignment Shoppe, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 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 is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Woodmere Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Kane.
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 with history of firearms and gang violence sentenced to nearly six years in prison for having loaded gunRead the Press Release
A Canton man with a history of firearms and gang violence was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for having a firearm.
Jeremy Pleasant, 35, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. Pleasant previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court:
Pleasant was released from state prison in January 2018 after serving seven years in prison for shooting a rival gang member. On March 24, 2018, Pleasant was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for a traffic violation. Pleasant ran from the car and was Tased.
Pleasant had a loaded Ruger 9 mm in his jeans pocket when he was arrested. Pleasant was forbidden from having a firearm because of the 2011 conviction for felonious assault with a firearms specification, as well as a 2003 conviction for felonious assault with a firearm specification from another shooting.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Canton Police Department.
Toledo couple indicted for conspiracy to use explosives and firearms to kill and injure othersRead the Press Release
A Toledo couple was indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to use explosives and firearms to kill and injure others.
Elizabeth Lecron, 23, and Vincent Armstrong, 23, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to transport or receive an explosive with intent to kill, injure or intimidate any individual , and maliciously damage or destroy by fire or explosive; conspiracy to use a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence; conspiracy to use firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Armstrong faces an additional count of making false statements while Lecron is also charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce.
“According to the allegations in the indictment, this pair obtained firearms and components to make explosives as part of a plot to kill and maim others,” said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Law enforcement worked together to thwart this alleged plot, and we will remain vigilant to protect the public from all threats.”
“The arrest of Elizabeth Lecron and Vincent Armstrong and their prosecution interrupted their alleged desire to engage in acts of death and destruction,” said Robert E. Hughes, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office. “This case is a testament to the value of an ever vigilant public, which had the courage to alert law enforcement as to the alleged goals and intentions of these suspects."
Toledo Police Chief George Kral said: “These arrests should send a sobering message to everyone that there is no city, large or small, that is immune to these types of hate-filled attacks. I am incredibly proud of the response by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Toledo Police Department, and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. This is yet another example of a well-coordinated, local/federal law enforcement partnership. Toledo is a safer city because of the dedication of these hardworking law enforcement professionals.”
According to the indictment and other documents filed in the case:
Lecron and Armstrong came to the attention of law enforcement last year after Armstrong expressed a desire to conduct a violent attack. Further investigation revealed Lecron frequently posted voluminous photographs and comments on social media glorifying mass murderers, including the Columbine shooters and Dylann Roof.
After her Tumblr account was shut down because of offensive content, Lecron started a new profile -- “CharlestonChurchMiracle,” -- where she continued to post photos and comments about mass casualty attacks.
Armstrong and Lecron flew together in August 2018 to visit sights related to the shooting at Columbine High School.
During a search of their home that month, law enforcement found an AK-47, shotgun, multiple handguns, ammunition and end caps purchased by Armstrong, which can be used in the manufacture of pipe bombs. Law enforcement also found journal entries by Lecron and Armstrong discussing a violent attack. On June 8, Armstrong wrote: “Now I have these thoughts…These memories. They haunt me. I have a vision. A vision to kill. To hunt the unwilling...”
Undercover FBI agents and confidential sources communicated with Lecron. In August, she stated she and Armstrong had devised a plan to commit an “upscale mass murder” at a Toledo bar. She stated she knew the bar only had two ways in or out, which could be a tactical advantage when police arrived.
Around this time, Lecron also began corresponding with Roof and attempted to send him Nazi literature.
Lecron stated she wanted to meet other anarchists in order to form a team. She stated she wanted to damage a livestock farm to set livestock free. She later confirmed she was willing to sabotage anything that harms the environment.
On August 28, she reiterated she wanted to attack a farm that raises pigs or cows. The next day, Lecron stated she could not locate such a farm and was going to focus on something else.
In September, Lecron met with undercover FBI agents and stated she and an associate started to make a pipe bomb. She stated she “definitely want(ed) to make a statement up here” and thought the place where she worked could be a good target because she believed they were polluting the river behind the plant.
On December 4, Lecron has discussions with an undercover agent regarding a pipeline bombing. Lecron agreed to buy black powder needed to make a bomb.
On December 8, Lecron met with a source at a retail sporting good stores, where she entered the store by herself and purchased two pounds of Hodgson Triple Seven Muzzleloading Propellant. She then went to a larger retailer in Perrysburg, where she purchased 665 screws of various sizes, some as large as three inches.
Lecron said to the source: “So I guess I’ll talk to you when the deed is done?” She later said: “I’m very excited...stick it to him man…be safe.”
On December 10, law enforcement searched the residence Armstrong and Lecron share on Willow Run Drive, as well as their vehicles. The trunk of Armstrong’s vehicle had a duffel bag that contained a tactical vest with two loaded magazines for an AK-47, two loaded magazines for a pistol, a gas mask, printouts of instructions how to construct various bombs, and other items.
In the residence, law enforcement removed a shotgun, a handgun and an AK-47 with the stock removed.
Armstrong was interviewed on December 10. He denied discussing with Lecron plans to launch an attack. He also denied purchasing items that could be used to make a bomb.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation. They were assisted by the FBI’s office in Denver. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Michelle Baeppler.
If convicted, the defendants’ face up to life in prison. Their sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is 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 man indicted for trafficking heroin, cocaine and fentanyl analoguesRead the Press Release
A 15-count indictment was filed in federal court charging a Toledo man with trafficking heroin, cocaine and fentanyl analogues.
Grant Black, 24, was charged with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute and seven counts of drug trafficking.
Black possessed fentanyl analogues, cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and amphetamine on Aug. 11, 2017. He also sold fentanyl analogues and heroin several times in June and July 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Toledo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeeman.
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.
Men from Cleveland, Canton and Garfield Heights indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Three people were indicted in federal court for firearms crimes.
Riccardo D. Harris, 35, of Canton, was charged being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Harris had a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on Oct. 19, despite a previous conviction for aggravated robbery, according to the indictment.
Damien Loveless, 39, of Cleveland, was charged being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Loveless had a Romarm/Cugir 7.62 x 39 mm rifle and ammunition, on Nov. 2, despite previous convictions for aggravated arson, attempted aggravated robbery, drug trafficking, assault on a police officer, firearms convictions and other crimes, according to the indictment.
Karl Bates, 21, of Garfield Heights, was charged being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bates possessed a loaded Colt .38-caliber revolver on Nov. 14, despite previous convictions for felonious assault, drug trafficking and drug possession, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Canton Police Department. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron P. Howell, Margaret Kane and Kathryn Andrachik.
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 postal employee and the man she lived with indicted for conspiracy in which she stole at least 1,500 gift cards from the mail worth at least $47,000Read the Press Release
A U.S. Postal Service employee who worked at the main mail processing center in Cleveland and the man she lived with were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy in which she stole at least 1,500 gift cards from the mail worth at least $47,000.
Jennifer Riccardi, 46, and Joseph Dennis, 37, both of Cleveland, were indicted on charges including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and possession of stolen mail, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, possession of stolen mail and access device fraud. Riccardi was also charged with theft of mail by a postal employee.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “This defendant is accused of stealing more than a thousand gift cards worth tens thousands of dollars, including birthday presents or other gifts people entrusted to the postal service for delivery to their family and loved ones. Those who steal mail will be held accountable for their actions, just like any other criminal.”
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth F. Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, stated: “The vast majority of the 500,000 postal employees nationwide are hard-working, trust worthy individuals. However, when one of those employees choose to violate that trust and steal from the mail for personal gain, special agents with the USPS OIG will vigorously investigate and pursue federal prosecution when appropriate. When postal employees choose to steal from the mail, they risk their career, benefits, retirement, and possibly their freedom. To report theft of mail, or other postal employee crimes, contact special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
In one night alone, Riccardi stole more than 100 apparent greeting cards. Among the stolen mail that was opened was a card from a mother to her daughter signed “Love you! Mom” and a card from an uncle and aunt wishing a “Happy 1st Birthday.”
According to the indictment:
Riccardi worked at the USPS Processing and Distribution Center at 2400 Orange Avenue in Cleveland. She stole cards, letters and other pieces of mail she believed contained gift cards, focusing primarily on brightly covered envelopes that appeared to contain greeting cards.
Riccardi concealed the mail she took from the mail stream in bags, her lunch box and other means. She transported the stolen mail to the residence she shared with Dennis during her mid-shift break or at the end of her shift.
Dennis and Riccardi sold at least 41 stolen gift cards and used stolen gift cards for purchases from Amazon, Kohl’s, Starbucks and other locations.
On December 11, 2017, Dennis and Riccardi possessed at their residence at least 108 pieces of stolen mail, $42,000 in cash, an automatic currency counter and 1,505 stolen gifts cards from approximately 230 merchants or vendors. Of those, 1,322 of the gift cards bore face values, which totaled approximately $47,000.
The conspiracy took place between December 2016 and December 11, 2017.
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.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison and James Lewis.
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 employee indicted for extortion and accepting bribes 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 clientsRead the Press Release
A City of Cleveland employee was indicted for 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, 43, of Cleveland, was indicted on charges including Hobbs Act extortion, receipt of a bribe, federal program theft, making false statements and filing false tax returns.
His brother Abdeljawad Ewais, 45, of Cleveland, was charged with filing false tax returns.
According to a 14-count indictment unsealed in federal court:
Ewais worked in the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects as the section chief of construction in the division of engineering and construction. 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.”
Company 1 was busy performing larger jobs for the city at the time, and so hired subcontractors to complete the work at Ewais’s parking lot.
While doing the work, the subcontractor learned the connection between the parking lot and the sewer was damaged and would need to be replaced. Ewais used his position to categorize that work as repair work for the city.
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, on his own accord, created a task order for resurfacing West 62nd Place around October 2016. It had an estimated cost of $9,363.70, to be paid to Company 1 under its contract with the city. He also created a task order for Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps at the corners of West 62nd Place and Storer Avenue, at an estimated cost of $5,898, to be paid to another contractor. Ewais on Oct. 28, 2016, sent Company 1 a copy of the resurfacing task order to indicate Company 1 should repave West 62nd Street under its city contract.
Also in 2016, Ewais had a private client through Pioneer Engineering. Ewais used his position with the city to change the Lorain Avenue Rehabilitation plans to create a parking pull-off lane sought by his client. The cost to the city was approximately $10,000.
In 2017, Ewais agreed to help another client get additional street parking off Melbourne Avenue. This would require moving a utility pole, which the client would be billed for if the move were part of a private project. But the utility company would pay the cost of moving the pole if it were part of a public City of Cleveland project.
In order to ensure his private client would not be billed for moving the pole, Ewais contacted the utility company from his City of Cleveland email address. He used his official position and title and made false and misleading statements that were intended to, and did, mislead representatives of the utility to believe that moving the pole to create a parking pull-off was a public project.
Ewais sent an email from his city email address to an employee of the public utility and others on June 13, 2017. The email subject was: “Pole Place[d] Incorrectly in the Public R/W [Right of Way]. The email stated: “The City has been working with the Developer at the above address for over a year to renovate this building and bring in some new tenants. There is a plan to implement a pull off lane off Melbourne Avenue to accommodate some parking requirements.” It also stated the utility had “placed a pole in the middle of the proposed parking area” and that “[t]his pole will need to be relocated so as not to hamper this improvement.”
Both Khalil and Abdeljawad Ewais also filed numerous false tax returns in which they failed to report rental income.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “Public service is a privilege, not a license to get preferential treatment and discounted improvements. This defendant used his job at City Hall to benefit himself and put his personal interests ahead of the people of Cleveland he was supposed to be serving.”
“Our tax-paying citizens are entitled to decisions based on the best interests of the public, not the best interests of corrupt government employees who want to financially benefit themselves,” FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes said. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney's Office to ensure those who violate the public trust are held accountable.”
“Today’s indictment serves as a reminder that no matter the source of income, taxpayers, and especially government employees have an obligation to the American public to pay their fair share of income taxes,” said Ryan Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Cincinnati Field Office. “Bringing to justice those who abscond from their tax liabilities has been and will continue to be a top priority.”
“The charges disclosed today prove our continuing resolve to root out fraud and corruption in all forms,” said Brad Geary, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General. “It is our continuing core mission to work with our federal law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the integrity of our housing programs and to take strong action against those who seek to personally benefit from taxpayer-funded grants.”
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 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.
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.
Akron man indicted for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted in federal court on methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Antonio Dorman, 29, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Dorman on May 22 did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Solon man sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in conspiracy to defraud the Cleveland Clinic out of $2.7 millionRead the Press Release
A Solon man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to defraud the Cleveland Clinic out of more than $2.7 million.
Gary Fingerhut, 58, was ordered to pay $2,784,847 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and one count of making false statements.
According to court documents filed in the case:
Fingerhut worked at Cleveland Clinic Innovations, which assisted doctors and other Clinic personnel with inventing medical products and marketing those products, typically through the formation of a spin-off company. Fingerhut was hired as general manager of information technologies in 2010 and became executive director in 2013. The Clinic terminated his employment in June 2015.
In 2012, the Cleveland Clinic Innovations formed a subsidiary company known as Interactive Visual Health Records (IVHR), to develop a visual medical charting concept of certain Clinic physicians into a functioning, marketable product. Fingerhut hired Wisam Rizk to work as a consultant and then chief technology officer at IVHR to develop the product.
Fingerhut and Rizk, as a condition of their employment, were prohibited from receiving any financial benefit or having any personal or familial financial interests in companies the Clinic did business with, unless they were expressly disclosed to, and approved by, the Clinic. Fingerhut underwent formal training on the Clinic’s ethics and compliance polices and requirements.
Rizk and others caused to be incorporated a shell company known as iStarFZE LLC (ISTAR) that did not actually perform or provide any goods or services. It was established in the name of a nominee owner. Rizk caused ISTAR to establish a web site and email addresses and a mailing address in New York City.
Rizk caused ISTAR to submit a bid to the Clinic to develop and design IVHR’s software and to increase the price the Clinic paid for the software design and development, all without disclosing his financial interest in ISTAR.
Rizk periodically paid Fingerhut a “referral” or “commission” fee in return for Fingerhut not disclosing the fraud scheme.
Fingerhut accepted nearly $469,000 in these payments from Rizk between August 2012 and November 2014. During that time, Fingerhut, Rizk. and others diverted more than $2.7 million from the Clinic.
Rizk pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea S. Rice and Rebecca Lutzko following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Michigan woman indicted for helping man avoid registering as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
A Michigan woman was indicted for helping a man avoid registering as a sex offender.
Heather Butler, 30, of Romulus, Michigan was indicted on one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
Butler traveled from Michigan to Ohio and rented and paid for a hotel room in Rossford, Ohio, which assisted a sex offender in evading sex offender registration requirements, 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 United States Marshal Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
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.
Lima man indicted for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
A Lima man was indicted on child pornography charges.
Dustin Davis, 41, was indicted on one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
Davis received and distributed numerous images of child pornography between September and November 2018, according to the indictment.
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 Department of Homeland Security. The case is being handled 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.
Seven people from Northeast Ohio indicted for conspiracy to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
Seven people from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Named in the 18-count indictment are: Aaron Reels, 52, of Cleveland; Donnell Bell, 40, of Twinsburg; Henry Williams, 45, of Shaker Heights; William Wheat, Jr., 35, of Cleveland; Andre Thompson, 39, of Brook Park; Otha Short, 66, of Cleveland, and Carl Mileca, 74, of Cleveland.
According to the indictment:
Reels purchased drugs from Bell, Wheat, Williams and others. Reels then sold the drugs for profit to Thompson, Short, Mileca and others.
This took place between September 2017 and April 2018.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Lake County Narcotics Agency, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Euclid Police Department, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cleveland Division of Police and Twinsburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa T. Darden.
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.
Parma man indicted for filing false tax returnsRead the Press Release
A Parma man was indicted for filing false tax returns.
Mohammad H. Mohammad, 54, was indicted on four counts of filing false tax returns.
Mohammad understated his income and failed to report gross receipts or sales generated by the business operations of Muhammad Brothers Partners for calendar years 2012 and 2013, 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 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 Carmen E. Henderson following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
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.
Domestic abuser, convicted robber with bullets among those indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Six people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations.
Indicted are: Jacob Moser, 28, Conneaut, Robert Howse, 24, of South Euclid, Anthony Clark, 37, of Cleveland, James Horn, 40, of Cleveland, Bryshaun Dodds, 24, of Findlay, and Samuel Schutte, 34, of Green County, Wisconsin.
Moser possessed a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE pistol and 39 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition on August 21, despite a previous conviction for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Howse possessed 28 rounds of 9 mm ammunition on September 15 and 16, despite a previous convictions aggravated robbery, burglary and robbery, each with a firearms specification, according to the indictment.
Clark possessed a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE pistol and 39 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition on August 21, despite a previous conviction for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Horn possessed a 12-gauge shotgun on April 11, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence in Cleveland Municipal Court, according to the indictment.
Dodds possessed a .38-caliber revolver, a .22-caliber rifle and a .45-caliber pistol on October 24, despite previous convictions for aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the indictment.
Schutte possessed a Kahr .45-caliber handgun on October 30 despite previous convictions for burglary, forgery and escape, according to the indictment.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Cleveland Division of Police, the Toledo Police Department and the Metrich Drug Task Force. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Simko, Henry F. DeBaggis, James Lewis, Scott Zarzycki and Robert Patton.
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 sentenced to 12 years in prison for armed robbery of Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the armed robbery of a Dollar General.
Deonte Griffin, 29, was sentenced to 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent. Griffin previously pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Griffin used a firearm to rob the Dollar General at 901 Copley Road in Akron on August 30, 2017, according to court documents.
Griffin possessed a .25-caliber pistol and ammunition despite a previous conviction for aggravated robbery which made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to court documents.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department.
Toledo man was charged with making false statements following search of his home and carRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was charged with making false statements.
Vincent S. Armstrong, 23, was charged in U.S. District Court with one count of providing false statements to a law enforcement officer.
The charge was announced by United States Attorney Justin Herdman, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato and Toledo Police Chief George Kral.
Armstrong lives with Elizabeth Lecron, who was arrested Monday and charged with one count of transportation of explosives and explosive material for the purposes of harming others and property. Lecron is accused of purchasing black powder and screws that she believed were going to be used to make a bomb as part of a terrorist attack.
According to an affidavit filed in Armstrong’s case:
Armstrong and Lecron flew together in August to visit sights related to the shooting at Columbine High School. During a search of their home that month, law enforcement found an AK-47, shotgun, multiple handguns, ammunition and end caps purchased by Armstrong, which can be used in the manufacture of pipe bombs.
Law enforcement also found journal entries by Lecron and Armstrong discussing a violent attack. On June 8, Armstrong wrote: “Now I have these thoughts…These memories. They haunt me. I have a vision. A vision to kill. To hunt the unwilling...”
On December 10, law enforcement searched the residence Armstrong and Lecron share on Willow Run Drive, as well as their vehicles. The trunk of Armstrong’s vehicle had a duffel bag that contained a tactical vest with two loaded magazines for an AK-47, two loaded magazines for a pistol, a gas mask, printouts of instructions how to construct various bombs, and other items.
In the residence, law enforcement removed a shotgun, a handgun and an AK-47 with the stock removed.
Armstrong was interviewed on December 10. He denied discussing with Lecron plans to launch an attack. He also denied purchasing items that could be used to make a bomb.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the investigation. They were assisted by the FBI’s office in Denver. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman.
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.
A charge 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 charged after she purchased black powder and screws that she believed were going to be used to make a bomb as part of a terrorist attackRead the Press Release
A Toledo woman was arrested and charged in federal court after she purchased black powder and screws that she believed were going to be used to make a bomb as part of a terrorist attack.
Elizabeth Lecron, 23, was charged with one count of transportation of explosives and explosive material for the purposes of harming others and property.
“This defendant bought black powder and hundreds of screws that she expected would be used to make a bomb,” said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Through her words and actions, she demonstrated that she was committed to seeing death and destruction in order to advance hate. This case demonstrates terrorism comes in many guises and we will remain vigilant to protect all Americans.”
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato said: “Removing Elizabeth Lecron from the ranks of civilized society by virtue of arrest and prosecution thwarts her explicitly stated desire to engage in acts of death and destruction. This case is a testament to the value of an ever vigilant public, which had the courage to alert law enforcement as to the evil goals and intentions of this suspect."
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
Lecron came to the attention of law enforcement earlier this year after one of her associates expressed a desire to conduct a violent attack. Further investigation revealed Lecron frequently posted voluminous photographs and comments on social media glorifying mass murderers, including the Columbine shooters and Dylann Roof.
After her Tumblr account was shut down because of offensive content, Lecron started a new profile -- “CharlestonChurchMiracle,” -- where she continued to post photos and comments about mass casualty attacks.
Lecron and an associate flew to Denver in order to visit Columbine High School. Around this time, she also began corresponding with Roof and attempted to send him Nazis literature.
Earlier in August, undercover FBI agents and confidential sources communicated with Lecron. In August, she stated she and an associate 1 had devised a plan to commit an “upscale mass murder” at a Toledo bar. She stated she knew the bar only had two ways in or out, which could be a tactical advantage when police arrived.
Later that month, Lecron stated she wanted to meet other anarchists in order to form a team. She stated she wanted to damage a livestock farm to set livestock free. She later confirmed she was willing to sabotage anything that harms the environment.
A week later, on August 28, she reiterated she wanted to attack a farm that raises pigs or cows. The next day, Lecron stated she could not locate such a farm and was going to focus on something else.
In September, Lecron met with undercover FBI agents and stated she and an associate started to make a pipe bomb. She stated she “definitely want(ed) to make a statement up here” and thought the place where she worked could be a good target because she believed they were polluting the river behind the plant.
On December 4, Lecron has discussions with an undercover agent regarding a pipeline bombing. Lecron agreed to buy black powder needed to make a bomb.
On December 8, Lecron met with a source at a retail sporting good stores, where she entered the store by herself and purchased two pounds of Hodgson Triple Seven Muzzleloading Propellant. She then went to a larger retailer in Perrysburg, where she purchased 665 screws of various sizes, some as large as three inches.
Lecron said to the source: “So I guess I’ll talk to you when the deed is done?” She later said: “I’m very excited...stick it to him man…be safe.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation. They were assisted by the FBI’s office in Denver. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman.
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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Ohio man arrested and charged in federal court after planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo areaRead the Press Release
Damon M. Joseph, 21, of Holland, Ohio, was charged today in federal court with one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, for allegedly planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo, Ohio area. Joseph was arrested Friday evening after he took possession of two semi-automatic rifles.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“Damon Joseph was allegedly inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate. He planned to attack the victims, based on their religion, at a Toledo-area synagogue in the name of ISIS, and hoped that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “His alleged actions would be an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear. We will continue to make every effort to prevent such attacks from occurring. I commend the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“This man spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States, and eventually targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Toledo area,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “The charges describe a calculated man fueled by an ideology of hatred and intent on killing innocent people. The FBI, our police and Justice Department employees are to be credited for working to stop the defendant before he could act.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph progressed from radicalized, virtual jihadist to attack planner,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Fortunato. “He ultimately decided to target two Toledo-area synagogues for a mass-casualty attack in the name of ISIS. Joseph will now be accountable in a court of law for his pursuit of a violent act of terrorism upon our fellow citizens attending their desired house of worship.”
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Toledo:
Earlier in 2018, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS. This activity led to multiple interactions between Joseph and undercover FBI agents.
During his communication with undercover agents, Joseph stated his support for ISIS and produced propaganda in support of ISIS recruitment. In September, Joseph made videos that he sent to the undercover agent, hoping they would be used to recruit people to ISIS. He also complained that the mosque he attended was critical of ISIS.
Joseph stated his support for violent attacks and operations. For example, on Oct. 21, Joseph expressed support for “martyrdom operations” and stated: “what must be done, must be done” and “there will always be casualties of war.”
On Oct. 30, Joseph and the undercover communicated regarding the mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh. Joseph stated: “I admire what the guy did with the shooting actually.” He added: “I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah. They wouldn’t even [an attack] expect in my area...”
Over the next few weeks, Joseph continued stating he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2 he forwarded a document that laid out his plans for an attack, using the name “Abdullah Ali Yusuf” for himself. In the document, he described plans to attack where the greatest number of people are gathered, inflict the most casualties during the attack and make sure no one escaped.
Joseph then stated that he did not see this necessarily as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph stated he was deciding between two synagogues in the area to attack. He stated the choice would depend on “Which one will have the most people, what time and what day. Go big or go home.”
The next day, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues he viewed as targets in the greater Toledo area, and discussed the types of weapons he believed would be able to inflict mass casualties.
Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47, Glocks and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph met with an undercover in the Toledo area and stated it would be ideal to attack two synagogues, but that it was probably more realistic to only attack one. Joseph also stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi.
Also on Dec. 6, Joseph wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur. Joseph stated he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present. Joseph pulled up photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he wanted the attack to begin in the sanctuary. Joseph told the undercover agent that he would hide two semi-automatic rifles at his house once the undercover purchased them.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location and Joseph took a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
A charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys Josh Champagne and Kyle Phillips of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Ohio Man Arrested on Terrorism Charge After Planning Attack on Jewish SynagogueRead the Press Release
Damon M. Joseph, 21, of Holland, Ohio, was charged today in federal court with one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, for allegedly planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo, Ohio area. Joseph was arrested Friday evening after he took possession of two semi-automatic rifles.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“Damon Joseph was allegedly inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate. He planned to attack the victims, based on their religion, at a Toledo-area synagogue in the name of ISIS, and hoped that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “His alleged actions would be an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear. We will continue to make every effort to prevent such attacks from occurring. I commend the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“This man spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States, and eventually targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Toledo area,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “The charges describe a calculated man fueled by an ideology of hatred and intent on killing innocent people. The FBI, our police and Justice Department employees are to be credited for working to stop the defendant before he could act.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph progressed from radicalized, virtual jihadist to attack planner,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Fortunato. “He ultimately decided to target two Toledo-area synagogues for a mass-casualty attack in the name of ISIS. Joseph will now be accountable in a court of law for his pursuit of a violent act of terrorism upon our fellow citizens attending their desired house of worship.”
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Toledo:
Earlier in 2018, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS. This activity led to multiple interactions between Joseph and undercover FBI agents.
During his communication with undercover agents, Joseph stated his support for ISIS and produced propaganda in support of ISIS recruitment. In September, Joseph made videos that he sent to the undercover agent, hoping they would be used to recruit people to ISIS. He also complained that the mosque he attended was critical of ISIS.
Joseph stated his support for violent attacks and operations. For example, on Oct. 21, Joseph expressed support for “martyrdom operations” and stated: “what must be done, must be done” and “there will always be casualties of war.”
On Oct. 30, Joseph and the undercover communicated regarding the mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh. Joseph stated: “I admire what the guy did with the shooting actually.” He added: “I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah. They wouldn’t even [an attack] expect in my area...”
Over the next few weeks, Joseph continued stating he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2 he forwarded a document that laid out his plans for an attack, using the name “Abdullah Ali Yusuf” for himself. In the document, he described plans to attack where the greatest number of people are gathered, inflict the most casualties during the attack and make sure no one escaped.
Joseph then stated that he did not see this necessarily as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph stated he was deciding between two synagogues in the area to attack. He stated the choice would depend on “Which one will have the most people, what time and what day. Go big or go home.”
The next day, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues he viewed as targets in the greater Toledo area, and discussed the types of weapons he believed would be able to inflict mass casualties.
Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47, Glocks and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph met with an undercover in the Toledo area and stated it would be ideal to attack two synagogues, but that it was probably more realistic to only attack one. Joseph also stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi.
Also on Dec. 6, Joseph wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur. Joseph stated he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present. Joseph pulled up photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he wanted the attack to begin in the sanctuary. Joseph told the undercover agent that he would hide two semi-automatic rifles at his house once the undercover purchased them.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location and Joseph took a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
A charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Police Department, is leading the ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys Josh Champagne and Kyle Phillips of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Convicted rapist among those indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
A convicted rapist from Cleveland was indicted in federal court for having a firearm.
Kevin L. Lott, 52, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Lott possessed a L.W. Seecamp 380 pistol on Oct. 2, despite previous convictions for aggravated burglary and rape, sexual battery and attempted robbery, according to the indictment.
In an unrelated case, Delonte Hudson, 32, of Cleveland, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hudson possessed a Glock 40-caliber handgun and 12 rounds of ammunition on Oct. 26 despite a previous conviction for attmpted drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The Lott case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis.
The Hudson case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cleveland Division of Police and Cleveland Heights Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Deckert.
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 lying about domestic violence conviction three times this year while trying to purchase a firearmRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for lying about his conviction for domestic violence three times this year while trying to purchase a firearm.
Joseph Williams, 25, was indicted on three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Williams was convicted in 2011 of one misdemeanor count of domestic violence in Cleveland Heights Municipal Court.
Williams falsely stated he had not been convicted of domestic violence when he attempted to purchase firearms from Fin Feather Fur in Middleburgh Heights on Aug. 31, Atwell’s Police & Fire Equipment in Painesville on Sept. 5 and Atlantic Gun & Tackle in Bedford Heights on Oct. 27, according to the indictment, according to the indictment.
He was stopped from buying the firearm each time.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli.
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.
California man indicted for transporting five illegal aliensRead the Press Release
A California man was indicted for transporting five people in the country illegally.
Yusnier Perez-Canet, 20, was indicted on five counts of transportation of aliens not lawfully in the United States.
Perez-Canet on Sept. 26 was transporting five people who were in the country illegally, 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 U.S. Border Patrol. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and 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.
Wooster man indicted for attempting to induce what he believed was a 13-year-old boy to have sex with himRead the Press Release
A Wooster man was indicted in federal court for attempting to induce what he believed was a 13-year-old boy to have sex with him.
Luther R. Nash, 47, was indicted on one count of coercion and enticement.
Nash used a cell phone to attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, that is, a 13 year-old boy, to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. This took place in September and October, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wooster Police Department and the Canton Police Department.
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.