Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Registered sex offender from Van Wert sentenced to 19 years in prison for downloading images of young children being raped and abusedRead the Press Release
A Van Wert man was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for downloading images of young children being raped and abused.
Roy Allen Nichols, 56, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison. Nichols previously pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography. He was a registered sex offender because of previous convictions in state court for pandering and criminal enticement.
Nichols in June 2017 was found to have downloaded multiple images of children as young as two years old being abused and raped by adults, according to court documents.
"These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, for the Northern District of Ohio, said in a news release. "We will continue to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman following an investigation by the FBI in Lima.
Akron man indicted for robbing Mantua bank this summerRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted for robbing a Mantua bank this summer.
Alan T. Hargover, 38, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. He is accused of robbing the Cortland Bank on State Route 44 on June 30.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
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.Three people from Michigan sentenced to prison for using stolen identities to apply for fraudulent bank loansRead the Press Release
Three people from Michigan were sentenced to prison for using stolen identities to apply for fraudulent bank loans.
Brian J. Graham-Love, 24, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Madison Isaacson, 20, was sentenced to two years in prison after previously pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft.
Kristi Belanger, 20, was sentenced to three months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
The trio used fraudulently obtained personal identification information, which they used to open bank accounts and submit loan applications at various Dollar Bank locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
They successfully used the identities of four people to receive loans totaling $52,000, of which they withdrew nearly $41,000, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the University Heights Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kern and Danielle Angeli.
Ten people sentenced to prison for installing credit-card skimmers on gas pumps and stealing account information from thousands of peopleRead the Press Release
Ten people were sentenced to prison for their roles in a conspiracy to install credit-card skimmers on gas pumps in at least five states, including several locations in Northeast Ohio, and steal account information from thousands of people.
The sentences are as follows:
Ranset Rodriguez, 41, of Miami: 81 months in federal prison.
Jose Manuel Iglesias, 52, of West New York, New Jersey: 81 months in federal prison.
Yaniris Alfonso, 32, of Miami: 57 months in federal prison.
Edelberto Hernandez, 46, of Kiowa, Colorado: 33 months in federal prison
Yadian Quesada-Hernandez, 32, of Tampa: 30 months in federal prison.
Alejandro Moises, 53, of Miami: 24 months in federal prison.
Luis Enrique Jimenez Gonzales, 28, of Hialeah, Florida: 24 months in federal prison.
Eddy Pimentel-Vila, 46, of Jersey City, New Jersey: 24 months in federal prison.
Yonasky Rosa, 35, of Tampa: 22 months in federal prison.
Lester Enrique Castaneda, 39, of Hialeah, Florida: six months in federal prison and six months of home detention.
Juan Carlos Banos, 59, of Parma, and Carlos Rodriguez Martinez, 43, of Aurora, Colorado, remain at large.
The defendants conspired to install skimmers on point-of-sale terminals inside of gas pumps located in Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Utah and elsewhere between August 2014 and July 2017. The defendants then re-encoded the stolen credit/debit card account information, including the actual account holders’ names, onto counterfeit credit cards, which were used to fraudulently purchase gift cards, merchandise, goods and services in Ohio and elsewhere, according to court documents.
The defendants traveled from Florida to install the skimmers and worked together to distract gas station employees and/or obstruct their view while the skimmers were covertly installed. Skimmers were discovered on gas pumps in Rocky River, Solon, Stow, Hudson, Fairview Park, Medina, Cleveland, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Norton, Austintown and elsewhere, according to court documents.
“This group stole credit card information from thousands of people all over Northeast Ohio just looking to fill up their gas tanks and continue on their way,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Instead, these victims had their personal information taken and used to make fraudulent credit cards, which this group in turn used to steal merchandise.”
“This sophisticated, multistate criminal enterprise stole credit card numbers from innocent folks putting gas in their cars,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “These individuals, now in prison, caused financial difficulties for numerous everyday citizens, and for this, they are being held accountable.”
“This investigation is a great example of how all levels of law enforcement worked together to dismantle a criminal organization which targeted unsuspecting victims from around the United States. The multiple arrests and successful prosecution could not have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and dedication from the men and women of the state police, local law enforcement, and FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Schuck, U.S. Secret Service - Cleveland Field Office. “The Secret Service is dedicated to protecting our nation’s financial infrastructure and this an example of one of the success stories.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan R. Miller and Robert W. Kern are prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service and the Boulder County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office.
Postal employee assigned to deliver mail in Willowick and Eastlake sentenced to six months in prison for stealing gift cardsRead the Press Release
A U.S. Postal employee assigned to deliver mail in Willowick and Eastlake was sentenced to six months in prison for stealing gift cards.
Sonte E. Gibbons, 25, of Cleveland, previously pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Gibbons was assigned to the Willowick Post Office beginning in September 2016, where he delivered mail in Eastlake and Willowick.
On April 13, 2017, Gibbons had a letter he was supposed to deliver to a location on East 331 Street that contained a $10 Wal-Mart gift card. Gibbons redeemed the gift card three days later while wearing his postal uniform, according to court documents.
Gibbons was arrested after the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General received complaints about mail on Gibbons’ route had not been delivered. Agents prepared 10 first-class mail pieces that contained a greeting card and a gift card or cash. Agents mailed the letters. Seven of the 10 were not delivered, according to court documents.
“As the holidays approach, this case is a good reminder that people should be cautious about sending cash or gift cards in the mail,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The vast majority of postal employees are dedicated workers, but this case reminds us that there are always Grinches among us.”
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office said: “Postal employees are paid to deliver the mail, not steal it. This prison sentence should send a message to all postal employees and the public that special agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General aggressively investigate all allegations of employee mail theft, and will hold those who choose to steal accountable. Gibbons decided to forfeit his pay, benefits, retirement, and freedom for what amounted to a few dollars. To report postal employee misconduct, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Cuyahoga County Land Bank employee indicted for soliciting and accepting improvements to his property in Cleveland Heights in return for assisting a demolition company get contractsRead the Press Release
A Cuyahoga County Land Bank employee was indicted for soliciting and accepting improvements to his property in Cleveland Heights in return for assisting a demolition company get contracts.
Kenneth Tyson, 48, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud, three counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery.
Tyson worked as property specialist for the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp., also known as the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. Tyson served as a liaison with East Cleveland on land acquisition, demolition and other projects, according to the indictment.
He vetted prospective demolition contractors seeking to be placed on the Land Bank’s list of qualified contractors and exercised influence over who could compete for Land Bank contracts, according to the indictment.
Residential Commercial Industrial (RCI) Services was a demolition company whose principal place of business was East Cleveland. It was operated by someone identified in the indictment as M.R. A person identified as M.S. served as chief of staff in the city of East Cleveland
Tyson conspired with M.R. and M.S. between 2013 and 2018. Tyson solicited M.R. to provide free contractor and repair services to Tyson’s property at 1210 Castleton Road in Cleveland Heights. In exchange, Tyson assisted and arranged for RCI to be put on the Land Bank’s qualified demolition contractor list and for RCI to be invited to bid on Land Bank demolition jobs, according to the indictment.
In October 2013, M.R. was billed approximately $2,565 for plumbing work done at Tyson’s property. That same month, M.R. paid someone approximately $1,000 to cut down a tree on the property, according to the indictment.
An East Cleveland employee, at the direction of M.S., sent documents and pictures to the Land Bank confirming RCI had previously completed demolition work in East Cleveland. Tyson and others conducted a site visit to RCI on Elderwood Road in East Cleveland, according to the indictment.
RCI was added to the Land Bank’s system as a demolition contractor on Nov. 21, 2013, allowing it to bid on Land Bank contracts. Five days later, the Land Bank invited RCI to bid on jobs at three sets of properties. RCI submitted the lowest bids on those jobs and was awarded the contracts, according to the indictment.
The Land Bank sent RCI three checks between January and March 2014, paying approximately $32,355 for the work, according to the indictment.
Around July 2014, RCI paid approximately $3,200 for concrete work done at Tyson’s property, according to the indictment.
“This defendant used his position to enrich himself with free home repairs when he was supposed to be helping rid our community of blight,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We remain committed to stamping out public corruption in all its forms.”
“The charges disclosed today prove our continuing resolve to root out fraud and corruption in all forms, especially when the programs involved should have been used to help our neediest families,” said HUD-OIG Special Agent in Charge Brad Geary. “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.”
"Competition in federal blight demolition programs is critical to protecting taxpayers, with no room for contract awards involving bribery, as is alleged against this land bank official,” said Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Christy Goldsmith Romero. “Cuyahoga County Land Bank has taken nearly $60 million from TARP’s Blight Elimination Program to demolish homes and improve local communities. It is critical that these taxpayer funds be used appropriately and for their intended purpose. I thank U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and his team of prosecutors for standing with SIGTARP in the fight against blight-related crime.”
“Our tax-paying citizens are entitled to decisions based on the best interests of the public, not the best interests of corrupt public officials and bribe-paying contractors,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to hold those that violate the public trust accountable in a court of law.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, The Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen E. Henderson and Chelsea S. Rice.
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.Three men from Northeast Ohio, including two former U.S. Postal Service employees, were sentenced to prison for their roles in the armed robbery of postal carrierRead the Press Release
Three men from Northeast Ohio, including two former U.S. Postal Service employees, were sentenced to prison for their roles in the armed robbery of a postal carrier in which they were trying to steal packages containing marijuana.
Cortez Anderson, 29, of Oakwood Village, was sentenced to more than nine years in prison. Jabar Hogan, 34, of Cleveland, and Roy Malone, 34, of Bedford Heights, were both sentenced to nearly two years in prison.
A juvenile who was also involved in the robbery was sentenced to three years in a juvenile detention facility.
According to court documents:
The juvenile pointed a gun at the letter carrier on Oct. 30, 2017 in Euclid, when he told the carrier to “start walking” and retrieved a parcel addressed to a nearby apartment complex from the rear of a postal vehicle.
Security video nearby had images of a gray Dodge Charger that the juvenile drove in. A search of police databases revealed the vehicle was owned by Hogan, who worked at the Postal Service’s Processing and Distribution Center on Orange Avenue in Cleveland.
Further investigation revealed that Anderson paid Hogan with cash or marijuana for information about parcels fitting the profile of packages believed to contain marijuana. Hogan sent Anderson tracking numbers of the packages in order for Anderson to intercept the package either at its destination or, as in this case, straight from the postal truck. Anderson sold marijuana and was believed to be affiliated with the Heartless Felons gang.
Monitored phone calls between members of the group revealed that Malone – also an employee at the Orange Avenue Processing and Distribution Center -- was the driver of the vehicle, while the juvenile used a firearm during the robbery and Anderson was in the car at the time of the robbery.
“These defendants put the letter carrier and public at risk with this armed robbery,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely stated: “The vast majority of the 600,000 postal employees nationwide are hard-working, trustworthy individuals. However, a few of them decide to violate that trust and use their positions for personal gain. In this case, these individuals will have several years in federal prison to think about their terrible decision. They have lost their careers, pension, and freedom for a few dollars. Postal employees need to realize when they steal drug parcels from the mail, the put their fellow employees at risk. USPS OIG special agents and postal inspectors will aggressively investigate those using the postal system to traffic narcotics, and those employees who are involved. To report postal employee criminal activity or drugs being sent in the mail, please contact www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison and Scott Zarzycki following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Sexual predator from Williams County sentenced to nearly two years in prison after traveling to Asia without permission and failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
A sexual predator from Williams County was sentenced to nearly two years in prison after traveling to Asia without permission and failing to register as a sex offender.
Mark Timothy Schafer, 49, of Bryan, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender and one count of failure to notify of international travel.
“This defendant ignored the law when he failed to register as a sex offender and traveled abroad to teach children,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Our community is safer with this man behind bars.”
Schafer was convicted of gross sexual imposition in 2004 in the Defiance County Court of Common Pleas. He was classified as a Tier III sex offender – meaning he had to register his address every 90 days – because his crime involved a victim under the age of 13, according to court documents.
Schafer registered as a sex offender following his release from state prison. He updated his registration, which changes to employment and address, multiple times in 2017, most recently with the Williams County Sheriff’s Office.
In 2017, Schafer applied for a U.S. passport, but failed to notify the Williams County Sheriff’s Office that he planned to travel abroad. Schafer applied for a Chinese visa and for a job to teach English in Shenyang, China. Schafer arrived in China on Nov. 21, 2017 and taught English to children there.
His employment was terminated in China in January 2018 and he returned to the U.S. via Detroit, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Department of State, Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa K. Sterling and Jody L. King.
Men from Mansfield and Curtice indicted for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
Two Ohio men were indicted on charges related to child pornography crimes.
Terry Gutshall, 41, of Mansfield, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possessing child pornography.
John R. Garrett, III, 39, of Curtice, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
Both cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Gutshall case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Angeli while the Garrett case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Tangeman Ballard.
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.
Euclid woman sentenced to more than five years in prison for $200,000 college student aid fraud and identity theftRead the Press Release
A Euclid woman was sentenced to more than five years in prison for a college student aid scam in which she fraudulently obtained more than $205,000.
Elizabeth Westmoreland, 69, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison. She previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, theft of government property and aggravated identity theft.
“This money was supposed to be used to help legitimate students pay for tuition and cover the cost of books and supplies,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This defendant got hundreds of thousands of dollars because she is a scammer. This prison sentence is deserved.”
Westmoreland, from 2013 through 2017, recruited “students” whose identities she could use to fraudulently enroll them at several community colleges, including Lakeland Community College, Owens Community College, University of Rio Grande and Edison State Community College. At least one “student” was incarcerated while he purported to attend Lakeland, according to court documents.
Westmoreland applied for financial aid using the fraudulent students. This aid covered the cost of tuition and other fees, which were sent directly to the schools, but also additional expenses, such as money for books, supplies, transportation and other fees. This money was sent from the U.S. Department of Education directly to the students, according to court documents.
As part of the conspiracy, Westmoreland and the fraudulent students split the proceeds of the student aid money. Westmoreland arranged for and/or personally completed the coursework online so the students continued to receive aid, according to court documents.
The checks were mailed to addresses controlled by Westmoreland, then she and other would transport the recruited fraudulent students to various locations to cash the checks and split the proceeds, according to court documents.
The U.S. Department of Education was defrauded approximately $178,476 and the Social Security Administration was defrauded approximately $27,267 as part of the conspiracy, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration -- Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education -- Office of Inspector General, Postal Inspection Service and Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kern and Danielle Angeli.
Business owner indicted for paying cash bribes to Cleveland demolition employeeRead the Press Release
The owner of an asbestos removal and demolition business was indicted for paying cash bribes to a Cleveland employee in return for confidential information and preferential treatment regarding jobs for the city.
Eric Witherspoon, 55, of Warrensville Heights, was indicted on two counts of bribery and seven counts of honest services wire fraud.
According to the nine-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court:
Witherspoon owned and operated Arick’s Environmental Services, Inc. and Arick’s Services, which were asbestos removal and demolition businesses operating in Cleveland. Witherspoon submitted bids to the city of Cleveland in an attempt to obtain contracts for abatement and demolition work on behalf of the city.
Rufus Taylor was employed as Cleveland’s Chief of the Demolition Bureau. Taylor was responsible for assigning “board-ups” to contractors for vacant and abandoned properties in Cleveland, as well as locating contractors for and assigning emergency demolition jobs. He was also responsible for advising other city officials on which contractors should be solicited for bids and conducting inspections, which had to be completed before a contractor would be paid.
Witherspoon conspired with Taylor between November 2013 through September 2017. This included the two of them meeting at restaurants, job sites and parked cars in which Witherspoon paid cash to Taylor. In return, Taylor provided confidential information and advice about potential board-up and demolition jobs in Cleveland. Taylor also provided assistance to Witherspoon in assuring the jobs he worked on would be inspected quickly.
The two men met in November 2013 to discuss a demolition job at 887 Parkwood Drive. Witherspoon promised to pay Taylor $8,000 in exchange for Taylor getting Witherspoon on the bid list. Cleveland awarded Witherspoon the contract and he paid Taylor $8,000.
Taylor in October 2015 notified Witherspoon about an emergency demolition job on East 123rd Street and 1885 Coltman Ave. Witherspoon agreed to pay Taylor $12,000 in exchange for notifying him about the job.
Witherspoon was paid $94,640 by the city for work done at the location, but for reasons beyond Taylor’s control, Witherspoon’s business was not awarded the full contract and he never paid Taylor the full $12,000.
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. Attorney 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.Chinese national sentenced to nearly six years in prison for distributing opioids and other drugs that were shipped from China to the U.S. and ultimately to OhioRead the Press Release
A Chinese national who had been living in Massachusetts was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for distributing opioids and other drugs that were shipped from China to the United States and ultimately to Ohio.
Bin Wang, 43, was sentenced to 71 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to 10 counts, including drug conspiracy, conspiracy to import a controlled substance and drug distribution.
Wang operated Cambridge Chemicals, Wonda Science, and other companies from a warehouse in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Law enforcement began investigating shipments of carfentanil, fentanyl and other opioids in August 2016, after a series of fatal overdoses in Northeast Ohio, according to court documents.
That investigation led them to several Chinese web sites, which they learned were selling kilogram amounts of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which were shipped via private carriers such as FedEx. One of the web sites was used to purchase acetylfentanyl that caused the overdose deaths of two Summit County residents in 2015, according to court documents.
Beginning in November 2016, undercover agents began ordering opioids and other drugs from a Chinese drug trafficking organization. The agents wired money to China using Western Union or MoneyGram. Investigators learned the Chinese drug trafficking organization sent the drugs Wang in Massachusetts, who in turn mailed the drugs domestically, including to locations in Northeast Ohio, according to court documents.
Court documents detail numerous sales and shipments of drugs from China to Massachusetts to Ohio from November 2016 through July 2017.
The leaders of the Chinese drug organization, Fujing Zheng, aka Gordon Jin, and his father Guanghua Zheng, both reside in Shanghai, China. They have been charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to import controlled substances into the United States, operating a continued criminal enterprise, money laundering and other crimes.
“Wang was responsible for receiving shipments of deadly opioids and other drugs from China and then sending them to Ohio and throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to stop the steady stream of drugs from overseas that is killing our friends and neighbors.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon said: “The importation of opioids and other synthetic drugs from China has played a significant role in America’s current drug use epidemic. Over 60,000 people a year die from drug overdoses in this country, and halting all methods of drug trafficking, including by way of the Internet is a top priority of the DEA. This investigation makes clear that geographic and technological hurdles will not stop DEA and our partners from bringing to justice those responsible for the illegal distribution of drugs in the U.S.”
“As opioids and other dangerous drugs continue to plague our communities in Ohio, a unified law enforcement community is the only way to stem the tide of this dangerous and deadly epidemic,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “In order to have a significant impact, these organizations must be attacked from the street-level dealer to the wholesale distributor.”
“This investigation is a great example of a collaborative effort of federal agencies and a local drug task force working together to identify and track down people and organizations that are responsible for the ever-increasing shipments of very powerful synthetic opiates into Ohio,” said Don Hall, director of the MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin following an investigation by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations and the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, a drug task force serving Wayne County.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations operating domestically and internationally. The principle mission of the OCDETF Program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Warrensville Heights man indicted on fentanyl, cocaine, firearms and food stamp fraud chargesRead the Press Release
A Warrensville Heights man was indicted on federal drug, firearms and food stamp fraud charges.
Brandon M. Ojikutu, 26, possessed fentanyl, cocaine, a Ruger 9 mm handgun and ammunition on May 26. Ojikutu used the firearm as part of his drug trafficking but was prohibited from having a firearm and ammunition because of prior drug convictions, according to the indictment.
Ojikutu also possessed an EBT card in another person’s name, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Ohio Investigative Unit and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis.
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
Two Cuban nationals indicted for using skimmers to steal identities and make fake credit cards, which they used to make purchases at stores in Mentor, Canton, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls and Oakwood VillageRead the Press Release
Two Cuban nationals from Miami were indicted for using credit card skimmers to steal identities and make fake credit cards, which they used to make purchases at Sam’s Club stores in Mentor, Canton, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, Oakwood Village and elsewhere.
Silvio Leon, 45, and Pablo Arrechavaleta, 41, were indicted for conspiracy to commit access device (credit card) fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Leon, Arrechavaleta and others covertly installed credit card skimmers on gas station pumps in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Iowa and elsewhere between May 2016 and June 2018. They then downloaded the stolen credit card information and stored it on flash drives, according to the indictment.
Leon, Arrechavaleta and others then re-encoded the stolen account information and other data onto counterfeit credit cards, which they used to make purchases at Sam’s Club stores in Mentor, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, Oakwood Village and elsewhere, according to the indictment.
They had information for nearly 5,000 credit card accounts when they were arrested, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Mentor Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
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.
Six people from Northeast Ohio indicted on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Six people were indicted on federal firearms charges.
Indicted are: Eric J. Allen, 31, of Akron; Lyjesta Jerry Agee, 31, of Cleveland; Howard T. Duncan, 26, of Cleveland; Dwaine Rucker, Jr., 25, Cleveland; Christopher Brenick, 23, of Valley View, and Eric Reynolds, 20, of Valley View.
All are charged with being felons in possession of firearms, except Brenick and Reynolds, who are charged with making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Allen was found to have a Hi-Point 9mm rifle and 20 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition on Aug. 6. Allen was previously convicted of sexual battery.
Agee was found to have a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on Oct. 26, despite previous convictions for drug trafficking.
Duncan was found to be in possession of a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on Oct. 4 despite previous convictions for child endangering, drug trafficking and carrying a concealed weapons.
Rucker was found to be in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition on Sept. 26 despite a previous conviction for abduction.
Brenick falsely stated on April 19 that he was the true purchaser of a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol from Stonewall Gun Shop in Brecksville, when Reynolds was the actual buyer of the firearm, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The Allen case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Joyce following an investigation by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Agee case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Angeli following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and ATF. The Duncan case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and ATF. The Rucker case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Deckert following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and ATF. The Brenick and Reynolds case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Brian Deckert following an investigation by the ATF.
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.
Mahoning County judge indicted for stealing at least $100,000 from a former clientRead the Press Release
A Mahoning County judge was indicted in federal court for stealing at least $100,000 from a former client, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Diane Vettori-Caraballo, 50 of Youngstown, was charged with one count of mail fraud, one count of structuring cash deposits, and one count of making false statements to law enforcement.
Vettori-Carabllo and her husband Ismael Caraballo, 60, were also charged with one count of filing a false tax return.
Vettori-Caraballo stole between $100,200 and $328,000 in cash that was in the home of a client when that client died in March 2016, according to the indictment.
Vettori-Caraballo was elected to position of judge in Mahoning County Court #3 – Sebring Court in 2002, with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal and traffic charges and other matters in Sebring and Beloit Villages and Berlin, Green, Goshen,, Ellsworth, Smith and Washingtonville Townships. She was reelected in 2006 and 2012, according to the indictment.
She also provided estate planning services to Robert Sampson, including drafting his will. On Nov. 20, 2015, Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to administer Sampson’s estate. The application stated Sampson died without a will. The probate court, unaware of Sampson’s will, appointed Falgiani as the administrator three days later, according to the indictment.
Sampson died in 2015 and his closest living relative was his sister, Dolores Falgiani. Vettori-Caraballo prepared Falgiani will on Nov. 3, 2015. The will made 16 specific bequests to relatives and friends and bequeathed the rest of the estate to Animal Charity Human Society of Boardman and the Angels for Animal Charity in Canfield, according to the indictment.
Sometime in October or November 2015, Falgiani stated she was in possession of several shoeboxes of cash stored at her residence. Falgiani was found dead in her home on March 10, 2016, according to the indictment.
Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to probate Falgiani’s estate on March 24, 2016. On May 2, she reported having found cash in the residence and depositing the $20,000 into the estate, according to the indictment.
Vettori-Caraballo filed a notice of newly discovered assets with the court on several subsequent occasions in 2016 and 2017. Each time, she failed to disclose the cash she had stolen, according to the indictment.
The indictment also charged Vettori-Caraballo with structuring 22 deposits of the cash she stole into five different banks within four weeks to avoid regulations that require banks to report cash transactions over $10,000 to the IRS. In addition, the information charges that Vettori-Caraballo lied to the FBI when she was confronted about the theft and the structuring of cash deposits.
This case was investigated by the Fedearl Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Alex Abreu
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique 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 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.
Former executive director of Collinwood and Nottingham Villages Development Corporation arrested and charged with embezzling $172,000 from the nonprofitRead the Press Release
A former executive director of a Cleveland community development corporation was arrested this morning for embezzling more than $172,000 from the Collinwood and Nottingham Villages Development Corporation.
Tamiko Parker, 46, of Cleveland, is scheduled to appear on Thursday at 2 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Cleveland. She has been indicted on one count of theft of federal funds.
Parker served as executive director of Collinwood and Nottingham Villages Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that was to acquire, develop and lease property on the northeast side of Cleveland.
Parker misused various accounts through a variety of schemes including making unauthorized cash withdrawals, having checks issued to her and using debit and credit cards to pay her personal expenses. This took place between September 2014 through February 2016, according to court documents.
Parker used the community development corporation’s debit card to make purchases at Harley Davidson, the Horseshoe Casino, Victoria’s Secret and in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. She used the community development corporation’s credit card to purchase appliances at Home Depot for her home. Parker collected cash rental payments from tenants of the nonprofit and deposited cash into her personal account, according to court documents.
“This defendant betrayed the trust placed in her by a city and a community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Instead of using her position to spur redevelopment, she used it as a personal piggy bank to gamble and travel.”
“Ms. Parker stole hundreds of thousands of dollars planned for economic development in the community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The only thing Ms. Parker was developing was her lavish lifestyle. She will now be held accountable for being a thief.”
“The charges disclosed today prove our continuing resolve to root out fraud and corruption in all forms, especially when the programs involved should have been used to help our neediest families,” 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.”
“Those funds were designated to improve the lives of the residents and business owners in the Collinwood neighborhood,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -- Office of Inspector General. and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Carmen Henderson.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique 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 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 twice convicted of domestic violence indicted for having a gunRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man twice convicted of domestic violence was indicted for having a gun.
Joshua Hych, 24, was indicted in federal court on one count of possession of a firearm after misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Hych on Sept. 26 possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun, despite convictions for domestic violence in 2012 and 2015 Parma Municipal Court.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosivs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis.
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.
Two from Lorain indicted for selling fentanylRead the Press Release
Two men from Lorain were indicted for selling fentanyl.
Julius Ruffin, 39, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Ruffin had nearly 100 grams of the drug mixture on Oct. 19, according to the indictment.
Aalijah Joel Rico, 24, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Rice had 117 grams of fentanyl on Oct. 12, according to the indictment.
The cases were investigated as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), which seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation S.O.S. Nearly 40 people have been indicted as part of the program to date.
These cases are investigated by the DEA, FBI, Elyria Police Department, Lorain Police Department and Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros.
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.
Norwalk man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking after fraudulently inducing teen girls into engaging in sexually explicit conductRead the Press Release
A Norwalk man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraudulently inducing teen girls into engaging in sexually explicit conduct and recording the conduct under the false promise that he was producing a pornographic film.
Charles Thomas Barbarotta, 33, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.
Barbarotta used fraud to cause two minors to engage in commercial sex acts in December 2016.
Barbarotta also used a scheme to induce the two minor victims into performing sex acts with him for what he fraudulently purported would be a pornographic film he would produce or direct, according to court documents.
“This man misrepresented himself to trick two underage girls,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case is a cautionary tale for teens and parents alike. This sentence means the defendant will not be able to prey on minors anymore, but we know there are others out there like him.”
“We are pleased this child predator will be behind bars for a significant amount of time,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ottawa, Huron and Erie County Sheriff’s Offices. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
North Canton woman indicted for robbing banks in Kent, Boardman, Youngstown and FindlayRead the Press Release
A North Canton woman was indicted for robbing four banks.
Fellicia Smith, 39, was indicted on four counts of bank robbery.
The indictment Smith robbed the Fifth Third Bank located in Kent on Dec. 24, 2016, the First National Bank in Boardman on Feb. 18, 2017; the Key Bank in Youngstown on March 31, 2017, and the Key Bank in Findlay on April 3, 2017.
In each robbery, Smith showed the bank teller a knife and demanded cash, 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 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.
Men from Avon Lake, Concord and Ravenna indicted for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
Three men were indicted in federal court for crimes related to child pornography.
Shaun M. Stoneham, 37, of Avon Lake, was charged with receiving, possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography.
Stoneham received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between June and September 2017, according to the indictment.
David Greathouse, Jr., 32, of Ravenna, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Greathouse received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between May 2017 and October 2018. He also possessed a computer and phone which contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
Sean P. McElhatten, Jr., 30, of Concord, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
McElhatten received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between March and July 2017. He also possessed a computer and flash drives which contained child pornography, 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 cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
The Stoneham case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The Greathouse case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Tallmadge Police Department and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.
The McElhatten case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Columbus man indicted for illegally selling firearms, including guns used in drug trafficking, as well as laundering drug profitsRead the Press Release
A Columbus man was indicted for illegally selling firearms, including guns used in drug trafficking, as well as laundering drug profits.
Francisco Flores, 39, was indicted on one count of transfer of firearms for use in drug trafficking, three counts of sale of firearms to a felon, four counts of money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Flores sold three firearms on Jan. 10 – a Smith & Wesson 5.56 mm semiautomatic assault rifle, a Glock 9 mm pistol and Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver – knowing the firearms would be used for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Flores on June 1 sold a Pietro Beretta 9 mm pistol and a Glock 9 mm pistol to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
Flores on Aug. 31 sold two Glock 9 mm pistols to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
Flores on Nov. 1 sold a Diamondback Firearms 5.56 mm semiautomatic assault rifle, a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
On several occasions between August 2017 and January 2018, Flores made financial transactions to disguise proceeds that he believed were derived from drug trafficking. He also used his business, Flores Flooring, to engage in the unlicensed transmitting of money, according to the indictment.
Flores was arrested Wednesday morning.
“This is a man who put heavy firepower on the streets for drug dealers, and also helped them launder their drug money,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Ohio is a safer place with him behind bars.”
“Francisco Flores may be known to some in the community as a business owner but to law enforcement he is known as someone engaged in dangerous unlawful activities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “These actions will not be tolerated in our community. The FBI's Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force will continue to disrupt individuals that are a threat to our everyday lives.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Cronin and Elliot Morrison are prosecuting the case.
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.
Three from Akron indicted for having nine firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
Three Akron residents were indicted on federal firearms charges after they were found to have nine firearms and ammunition.
Ronald Black, 43, Jeremy Willard, 36, and Lotus Evans, were each indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
The trio were found on June 27 to be in possession of five rifles, four handguns and ammunition. None of the defendants were permitted to possess firearms because of previous convictions: Black and Willard for domestic violence, Evans for attempted aggravated drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron 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 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.
South Euclid man indicted for brandishing a firearm during Painesville bank robberyRead the Press Release
A South Euclid man was indicted for using a firearm to rob a bank in Painesville.
Clark brandished a firearm on Aug. 13 when he robbed the Northwest Bank on Richmond Street, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the FBI and Painesville 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 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 woman indicted for laundering drug profits through her company through the purchase and sale of homes around Northeast OhioRead the Press Release
A Solon woman was indicted for laundering drug profits through her company through the purchase and sale of homes around Northeast Ohio.
Jennifer Harrison, 36, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Harrison owned Priority Property Services LLC, a business that operates as a general contractor handling home repairs, inspections and maintenance. Harrison and a Maple Heights drug trafficker identified in the indictment as CC1 conspired between 2010 and 2014 to launder CC1’s drug profits, according to the indictment.
CC1 provided cash to Harrison to be used to purchase property and real estate. CC1 also provided cash to purchase supplies, appliances and other items to improve the value the of the property. Harrison sometimes re-sold the property and provided a portion of the proceeds to CC1, according to the indictment.
At times, Harrison deposited cash from CC1 into Priority Property Services LLC’s bank account, then wrote checks to CC1, giving the false impression she was paying CC1 for work and services performed at various properties such as landscaping and roofing, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Riedl following an investigation by the ATF, Internal Revenue Service -- Criminal Investigations, U.S. Secret Service and the Northern Ohio Law Enforcment Task Force.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
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 from Northeast Ohio indicted on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Seven people were indicted on federal firearms charges.
Indicted are: Demond C. Smart, 29, of Akron; Eric S. Smith, 49, of Akron; Leighland Johnson, 33, of Youngstown; Russell Littlejohn, 31, of Cleveland; Howard Frost, 39, of Lorain; Edward Campbell III, 27, of Youngstown and Essence D. Williams, 23, of Youngstown.
Smart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Smart was arrested on Aug. 29 with a TK firearm following a chase in which Smart was driving a stolen car. Smart has previous convictions that prohibit him from having a firearm, including for felonious assault and firearms crimes, according to the indictment.
Smith is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Smith possessed a J.P. Sauer and Sohn .357 Magnum Western Marshal revolver on June 17, despite previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapons, attempted battery with a deadly weapon and other crimes, according to the indictment.
Johnston is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Glock .40-caliber pistol and ammunition despite a previous conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.
Frost on Sept. 17 possessed a Raven MP-25 pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for drug trafficking. Frost also possessed 17 grams of fentanyl and 2 grams of crack cocaine, according to the indictment.
Campbell is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm while Williams is charged with aiding and abetting.
Campbell possessed a Smith & Wesson, 9mm pistol, a Taurus, 9mm pistol, and a Century Arms, 7.62 rifle on March 5, 2018, despite a previous federal conviction for racketeering. He was aided and abetted by Essence D. Williams in the possession of these firearms, according to the indictment.
Littlejohn is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Littlejohn possessed a Phoenix Arms, Model HP22A, .22 caliber pistol, and ten rounds of .22 caliber ammunition on Oct. 10, after having been previously convicted of robbery with a firearm specification in 2010 and felonious assault, according to the indictment.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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.
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.
The Smart and Smith cases were investigated by the ATF and Akron Police Department and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly. The Littlejohn case was investigated by the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority and ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson. The other cases were investigated by the ATF and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pennsylvania fugitive Shawn Christy indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man who was a fugitive was indicted on federal firearms charges.
Shawn Christy, 27, of Macadoo, Pennsylvania, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice.
Christy had become a fugitive from justice fleeing from charges out of the Middle District of Pennsylvania for threats against the President and interstate communication of threats. Christy was located in Ohio after an extensive manhunt. Christy was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition when he was arrested on Sept. 21, 2018.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the FBI and ATF.
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.
Newton Falls woman indicted for stealing $377,000 from healthcare plans she administered and using the money to pay personal and business expensesRead the Press Release
A 26-count indictment was filed today accusing a Newton Falls resident of stealing more than $375,000 from healthcare plans she administered and using the money to pay for personal and business expenses, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Pamela S. Priddy, 58, was charged with 22 counts of bank fraud and four counts of theft from a health benefit program.
In 2010, Priddy started Health Plan Administrators LLC (“HPA”), a company that was a third-party administrator of healthcare plan benefits. It was located in Austintown. Priddy was HPA’s President, founder and owner majority owner.
HPA had several clients that were companies which sponsored self-funded health care benefit plans for their employees. These companies hired HPA and paid it a fee to administer their benefit plans. Priddy knew HPA was required by law and by contract to establish individual segregated bank accounts for each of the client companies to hold, in trust, the funds the companies sent to HPA to pay claims from medical service providers, according to the indictment.
From at least January 1, 2012 through November 13, 2013, Priddy diverted and used approximately $377,091.74 of HPA clients’ money in connection with a health care program as general assets of HPA and for Priddy’s personal benefit. Priddy did so through (a) Company Account Misappropriations and, (b) Health Care Service Provider Refunds Misappropriations.
From on or about January 4, 2012 through on or about January 10, 2013, Priddy obtained approximately $151,568.66 in funds from Company’s accounts. Priddy failed to disclose to the clients that following the termination of their business relationship with HPA the material fact that there were substantial remaining funds in the Company’s client claim accounts.
From on or about January 1, 2012 through on or about November 13, 2013, Priddy misappropriated approximately $225,523.08 of health care service provider refunds. Health care service providers sent approximately 178 checks representing refunds due to Companies to HPA. The refunds were due to multiple claim payments, payments made without accounting for network discounts, and payments paid in error by HPA, on behalf of HPA clients, with clients’ health plan assets, as evidenced by multiple Explanation of Benefit forms and refund request letters generated by HPA or refund forms generated by service providers. The majority of the refunds were due to former clients of HPA and were received after the clients had terminated services with HPA.
Instead of depositing those checks to Companies’ client accounts, crediting clients’ accounts, or refunding the money, Priddy caused those checks to be deposited in HPA accounts and the funds were used for HPA business expenses and Priddy's personal benefit. Priddy failed to disclose to the clients the material fact that HPA received refunds from providers, but those funds were not deposited into the client claims accounts or credited to the client’s bill with HPA.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
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.
Former labor union official from Portage County indicted for embezzling nearly $200,000 from the unionRead the Press Release
A former labor union official from Portage County was indicted for embezzling nearly $200,000 from the union.
Terry Doan, 60, of Deerfield, was indicted on one count of embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.
Doan was one of six trustees of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 84, headquartered in Kent. The group oversaw the training fund and Doan served as financial secretary/treasurer.
Checks over a certain amount required the signature of two trustees, but Doan had that requirement removed in 2012, according to the indictment.
Doan embezzled $195,147 from the union training fund between 2012 and 2017, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Bennett following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
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 heroinRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin.
Deonte Ayers, 32, was indicted on two counts of distribution of controlled substances and two counts of use of a communication device to facilitate a felony.
Ayers sold 110 grams of fentanyl on Sept. 20 and 46 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture on Oct. 3, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Segev Phillips.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Canton woman indicted for using dead uncle's Social Security fundsRead the Press Release
A Canton woman was indicted today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
JoAnne C. Comstock, 45, fraudulently converted for her own use her uncle’s Title II Retirement Insurance benefits after her uncle passed away. The Social Security Administration was not made aware of the death and continued to pay benefits to a joint account held by Comstock and her late uncle. For nearly four years, Comstock withdrew over $28,000 in federal benefits from the account for which she was not entitled, according to the indictment.
Special Agent Manuel Muniz from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. 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.
Akron man sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison after ordering 500 grams of a fentanyl analogue from ChinaRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison after ordering 500 grams of a fentanyl analogue from China.
Don A. Maigari, 37, was sentenced to 116 months in prison. Maigari previously pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute approximately 500 grams of methoxyacetylfentanyl.
Maigari ordered the fentanyl analogue online from a lab in China. U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted the package and replaced the contents with sham product. Postal inspectors, along with Homeland Security Investigations agents and Akron Police officers conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Maigari on Oct. 13, 2017, according to court documents.
“This case is a great example of how law enforcement works together every day to reduce the flow of these dangerous drugs from hitting our streets,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This amount of fentanyl analogue is the same as sending a bomb through the mail.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Akron Police Department.
Akron man indicted for identity theftRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted on charges for stealing the identities of others in relation to bank fraud.
Dante Dixon was indicted on five counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of identity theft.
Dixon fraudulently used the identities of three individuals to commit the crimes of bank fraud and wire fraud, according to the indictment.
This investigation was conducted by the Akron Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two men from Northwest Ohio indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Two men from Northwest Ohio were indicted on federal firearms charges.
David L. Hannah, 52, of Findlay, and Terrence Turner, 31, of Toledo, were both indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Their cases are otherwise unrelated.
Hannah possessed nine firearms on Sept. 22, despite a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hannah possessed two AM15, 5.56 mm rifles, two .22-caliber rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns and three handguns, according to the indictment.
Turner on Aug. 6 possessed a Smith & Wesson Model 15 firearm despite a previous conviction for domestic violence, 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 Hannah case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and Thomas P. Weldon. The Turner case was investigated by the ATF and Toledo Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko
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.
North Royalton man charged with theft of government funds and wire fraudRead the Press Release
A North Royalton man was charged with theft of government funds and wire fraud.
Louis C. Cooper, 57, fraudulently collected benefits from Social Security and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation while concealing his employment as a general contractor. Cooper had been entitled to disability payments from a work-related injury in 1996. However, Cooper was required to report to both agencies whether he returned to work, which would terminate his ability to receive continued payments from both agencies, according of the criminal information.
Cooper developed a scheme where he could conceal his income as general contractor by asking his clients to not pay him directly. For the past eight years, Cooper earned at least $185,000 as a general contractor, but reported to both agencies numerous times that he was too injured to work in order to fraudulently secure an additional $245,000 total from both agencies, according to the information.
Special Agents Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Mike George from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Special Investigations Department, conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An information 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 pleads guilty after arrest with large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, PCP and crack cocaineRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man pleaded guilty to drug charges in federal court after he was found to have large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, PCP and crack cocaine.
Germine Bradley, 35, pleaded guilty to six counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 14
Bradley, on April 26, possessed 17 grams of PCP, 11 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of crack cocaine and four grams of fentanyl, according to court documents.
On May 31, Bradley possessed 41 grams of PCP and 249 grams of cocaine, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.
More than 22 tons of prescription medication were returned in Ohio as part of DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events last monthRead the Press Release
More than 22 tons of prescription medication were returned in Ohio as part of DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events last month.
The DEA’s Detroit Field Division, servicing Michigan and Ohio collected a total of 69,584 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The state of Ohio collected 45,206 pounsd, while Michigan collected 24,378 pounds. Each state collecting larger amounts than the previous event.
Nationally, DEA and federal, state and local partners disposed of more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country during the 16th semiannual event on Oct. 27. Together with almost 5,000 local, state and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed more than 457 tons of potentially dangerous leftover prescription drugs.
With the robust participation of Americans nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now surpassed its 10 million pound goal and collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications over the course of 16 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events.
This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 10,878,950 pounds, or 5,439.5 tons.
“The results of our most recent Take Back Day clearly demonstrate a need for this initiative as a tool in the fight against America’s opioid crisis,” said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “The success of this event is a direct reflection of DEA’s commitment to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Together, we are all helping to make a difference to keep our friends and families safe.”
“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program nine years ago, doctors are prescribing fewer painkillers, and law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results. DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
Akron woman sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for defrauding the U.S. Department of Education out of $1.8 million by enrolling prison inmates and others in Arizona community collegeRead the Press Release
An Akron woman was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for defrauding the U.S. Department of Education out of $1.8 million through a scheme where she and others enrolled prison inmates and people whose identities they stole in an Arizona community college in order to obtain financial aid.
Janice M. Shufford, 54, was sentenced to 81 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution. A jury convicted her earlier this year of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud following a trial.
Bridgid D. Sommerville, 48, and Christine M. Robinson, 39, previously pleaded guilty to related charges.
“These defendants lied on applications or used stolen identities to steal money that otherwise would have gone to deserving students,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Our office will continue to prosecute those who defraud the federal government.”
“These individuals engaged in fraud that resulted in over a million dollars lining their greedy pockets and not going to deserving, eligible students in need,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The FBI will continue efforts to bring self-serving fraudsters to justice."
Financial aid is sometimes provided to eligible students by the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for college. This money can include living expenses, beyond the cost of tuition, that is sometimes disbursed via bank debit cards. In this case, those refunds were sent to addresses or bank accounts controlled by the defendants, according to the indictment.
The defendants conspired to obtain federal student financial aid money to which the recipients were neither eligible nor entitled. For example, people who are incarcerated, or have not received a high school diploma or GED are not entitled to receive federal financial aid, according to the indictment.
The defendants fraudulently enrolled hundreds of people at Maricopa Community College in Arizona between 2011 and 2015, according to the indictment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and Ranya Elzein following an investigation by the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Akron man sentenced to 10 years in prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for firearms violations.
Lashawn Johnson, 40, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Akron Police officers responded on Feb. 4 to a 911 call from a man who stated that Johnson pointed a gun in his face and threatened him outside of a convenience store. Police responded and found the Johnson in the store, according to court records and statements in court.
Officers attempted to talk to Johnson and he tried to leave and fought with the officers. The officers found a loaded firearm and less than a gram of methoxyacetylfentanyl on Johnson, according to court records and statements in court.
Johnson is barred from having a firearm because has a prior federal conviction for trafficking cocaine and prior felony convictions for trafficking heroin and cocaine in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Cleveland man arrested and charged with firearms violationsRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was arrested and charged with firearms violations in federal court.
Ahmed Williams, 37, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Williams possessed five .410 shotgun cartridges and a modified flare gun on Oct. 26, despite a previous conviction for attempted felonious assault.
Williams was arrested on Oct. 26 when he went to the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Rehabilitation Department, where his child was a patient. Williams told workers at the Cleveland Clinic that “people were out to kill him” and making unusual statements about the FBI, police officers and other topics, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
Williams denied having a firearm, but later said he had a firearm concealed in his pants. Cleveland Clinic police officers retrieved a HK Sig P2 flare fun as well as five .410 shotgun cartridges. Williams agreed to be transported to the Cleveland Clinic Emergency Department for an evaluation, according to the affidavit.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Clinic Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton.
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 maximum.
A charge is only an allegation and 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Miller will lead the efforts of the office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day programRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Miller will lead the efforts of the office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.
AUSA Miller has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Northern District of Ohio and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” Herdman said. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Herdman stated that AUSA Miller will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 216-622-3855.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 216-522-1400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
Herdman said: “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Rocky River businessman C. David Snyder sentenced to two years in prison, ordered to pay $781,000 in restitution for embezzlement and tax crimesRead the Press Release
Rocky River business executive C. David Snyder was sentenced to two years in prison for embezzlement and tax crimes.
Snyder was also ordered to pay approximately $781,000 in restitution.
A federal jury convicted Snyder earlier this year on six charges related to embezzling $126,000 from an employee retirement fund and collecting nearly $860,000 from his employees but not paying the money to the IRS.
Snyder, 61, served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Attevo, Inc., a technology consulting company headquartered in Cleveland. He also served as chairman and primary shareholder at Ruralogic, Inc., headquartered in Bryan, Ohio.
Attevo employees prepared financial records and schedules, quarterly and annual returns and reports for Attevo, at Snyder’s direction. Snyder ranked Attevo’s payables in order of importance, according to court documents.
Snyder, on behalf of Attevo, and the IRS in 2011 agreed to a monthly payment plan of $48,350 per month to repay the company’s outstanding payroll tax liabilities. Attevo made 10 payments totaling $483,500 then made no further payments, according to court documents.
Snyder withheld payroll tax from employees but failed to pay it to the IRS. Snyder failed to pay over approximately $328,355 of employee’s portion of payroll taxes in 2010 and approximately $530,778 in 2012, according to court documents.
Snyder created a 401(k) and profit-sharing plan for Attevo employees in 2009. Ruralogic was added to the plan in 2010. The plan was funded through employee payroll deferrals. Between 2010 and 2012, Snyder failed to pay into the plan approximately $126,000 in contributions and loan repayments withheld from Attevo and Ruralogic employee wages, according to court documents.
During the time of his criminal conduct, instead of paying Attevo’s employment taxes, Snyder paid $20,000 per month for the rental of a personal residence in Lakewood and his vacation home in Chautauqua, New York, leases on four vehicles and other personal expenses, according to trial testimony and court documents.
He also used Attevo’s American Express to pay personal expenses, including women’s clothing at Ann Taylor, Nieman-Marcus and other stores, beauty supplies at Oro Gold in Las Vegas, travel to resorts in Florida and for pool/spa renovations, according to trial testimony and court documents.
Snyder earned income from Attevo totaling approximately $1.6 million between 2009 and 2012, according to the court documents and trial testimony.
“This defendant embezzled money from his employees and pocketed taxes he took out of their paychecks, which he used to pay for his vacation home, swimming pool renovation and to otherwise fund his lifestyle,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence demonstrates that we take fraud seriously and criminals will be held accountable, whether they operate on street corners or in corner suites.”
“C. David Snyder was placed in the utmost position of trust by Attevo, Inc. and Ruralogic, Inc., but he chose to abuse that position of trust for his own personal greed,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “These companies ended up being his own personal piggy bank as he used their money to pay for his residence, vacation home, vehicles, and other personal expenses. Now he is a convicted felon and owes a substantial amount of money to the IRS.”
“Charles David Snyder embezzled over $126,000 from his employees’ 401(k) retirement plan. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the retirement assets covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act,” said James Vanderberg, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan R. Miller and Michael L. Collyer.
Richland County Boy Scout official arrested and charged production of child pornography after surreptitiously recording children changingRead the Press Release
A Richland County man affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America was arrested and charged in federal court with production of child pornography after he surreptitiously recorded children changing.
Thomas Close, 39, of Shelby, was charged with sexual exploitation of children and receiving and distributing child pornogrpahy. The investigation is ongoing.
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
Homeland Security Investigations agents received information from the Cyber Crimes Center regarding videos taken of minor boys changing before or after swimming at the YMCA in Sandusky.
A review of several videos revealed they were recorded at the YMCA facility in Sandusky, which sometimes rented its pool to the Boy Scouts, inside teepees used at the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman, as well as inside the bathroom of a home that appeared to have a swimming pool.
Investigators met with Boy Scouts of America officials in Cleveland, whose area includes seven counties. Due to the fact that all of the photos appear to revolve around changing before or after swimming, Boy Scout officials alerted investigators to an incident report from June 2017 documenting an occurrence at the Firelands Scout Reservation they felt could be related. The report was made by a den leader regarding a Boy Scouts of America staff member named Thomas Close, also known as “Aqua Joe,” according to the affidavit.
Close is associated with Boy Scout Troop 406 and has a pool in his back yard.
HSI investigators went to Close’s home on Nov. 1. Upon viewing his bathroom, they realized it is the same bathroom depicted in one of the videos. Close admitted to making the videos and said he created videos between 2011 and the summer of 2018, according to the affidavit.
He also admitted to downloading child pornography and said he had approximately five terabytes of child pornography on his computer, according to the affidavit.
“This case was solved because of good investigative work but also because a parent who was trained to look for signs of suspicious activity raised their concerns to Scout leadership,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We all have an obligation to be aware of what is taking place around us and let authorities know when there are concerns.”
“This individual is accused of violating his position of trust with the Boy Scouts and as a teacher to exploit and take advantage of young people under his supervision," said Steve Francis, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. "The exploitation of children is reprehensible, and HSI has highly skilled and dedicated special agents to investigate child exploitation crimes to ensure that we identify and arrest perpetrators while protecting our most vulnerable population, our children."
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 maximum.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Shelby Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.
A charge is only an allegation and 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.
Anyone with knowledge of the man’s unsupervised contact with children should contact HSI at 216-749-9602.
Cleveland man sentenced to more than six years in prison for illegally having ammunition stemming from shootout that left two people deadRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to more than six years in prison for illegally having ammunition stemming from a shootout last year in which two people were killed.
Jesus Bey, 25, was sentenced to 78 months in prison. A jury convicted Bey earlier this year of being a felon in possession of ammunition following a weeklong trial.
Bey possessed 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on Jan. 25, 2017, despite prior convictions that made it illegal for him to have ammunition, including felonious assault with a firearm specification, having weapon under disability and attempted felonious assault, according to court documents.
“This defendant has demonstrated that he walks around our streets carrying guns and ammunition the way a painter carries a ladder or a doctor carries a stethoscope. They are the tools of his trade,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “People who prey on others will be sent to prison and this case is an example of that.”
According to trial exhibits and testimony:
Bey was outside Harvard Wine and Grill on Jan. 25, 2017, when a shootout began at the intersection of East 142nd Street and Harvard Avenue. When the shootout was over, two men (one wearing a ski mask) were dead and at least 60 shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Bey was previously sentenced to prison for a 2013 shooting in a bar in Cleveland Heights, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Scott Zarzycki following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police’s Gang Impact Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mexican citizen living in Marion sentenced to 54 months in prison for operating document mill that produced 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of anotherRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen who had been living in Marion was sentenced to more than four years in prison for operating a document mill that produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of another.
Martha Buendia-Chavarria, 44, was sentenced to 54 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of false with intent to transfer false identity documents, possession of document-making implements, false claim of citizenship to obtain benefits and aggravated identity theft.
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant in Willard in July 2017 related to an identity-theft investigation. The target of that investigation, Manuel Granados, eventually pleaded guilty to related crimes. Granados purchased false identity documents from Buendia-Chavarria in Marion, which he later resold.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Buendia-Chavarria’s residence in October 2017, where they located numerous false identification documents, five handwritten ledgers containing other peoples’ names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and in some cases, who the identity was sold to, according to court documents.
Forensic analysis of the printers and devices seized from Buendia-Chavarria’s residence indicated she produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, according to court documents.
Buendia-Chavarria also stole the identity of another person, which she used to make a false claim of citizenship.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Hood following investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, in Sandusky and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in Detroit.
Lisbon man arrested and charged for soliciting adults to have sex with childrenRead the Press Release
The FBI, Cleveland Division - Youngstown Resident Agency, members of the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of David Grunden, 34, of Lisbon.
Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Oct. 30 at Grunden's residence in Lisbon following a nine-month investigation. Gruden is believed to have been engaging in the solitication and enticement of children, as well as soliciting male adults to have sex with children on film.
Grunden was taken into custody without incident upon conclusion of the executed search warrant. Grunden has been federally charged with solicitation and advertising for child pornography.
A complaint 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.
Turn in your unused pills and medicine on Saturday as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
After collecting a total of more than 9.9 million pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications during 15 previous events over the past eight years, the Drug Enforcement Administration expects to reach a total of 10 million pounds collected following the upcoming fall 2018 Take back event. DEA and its national, tribal and community partners will hold the 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country on Saturday, October 27.
The service is free and anonymous.
This weekend, more than 5,400 collection sites manned by more than 4,400 partner law enforcement agencies will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.)
“We know that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet,” said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “If we reduce the availability of those unused or expired medications through proper disposal, the fewer drugs there are to be misused, and fewer people will be at risk for abuse, addiction, overdose, and even death.”
“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative addresses a critical public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Because the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration have advised the public that flushing their prescription drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards, DEA launched its prescription drug take back program to encourage the safe disposal of medications.
National Take Back Day has received robust public support since its inception in 2010. Last April, the public turned in 456 tons (912,305 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,700 of its local and tribal partners.
Stark County man previously convicted of manslaughter indicted for having a firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Stark County man previously convicted of manslaughter was indicted for having a firearm and ammunition.
Michael Winland, 40, was arrested Friday and a federal indictment was unsealed charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Winland on Aug. 20 possessed a Taurus .45 revolver and ammunition, despite previous convictions in the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas for involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, 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 maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Beach City Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
An indictment is only a charge and 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.
Justice Department selects Cleveland for strike force targeting drug trafficking and violent crimeRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joined United States Attorney Justin Herdman, federal and local law enforcement officials today to announce a new strike force to target drug trafficking and violent crime in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force will bring together more than 200 local police, federal agents and prosecutors to work side-by-side to strengthen public safety. The strike force’s mission will be to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and their subsidiaries trafficking narcotics, weapons, humans and the proceeds of their crimes. Cooperative investigations will be focused on dissolving these organizations, their financial infrastructure, and the violence that accompanies their activities.
“This Strike Force brings our best federal and local law enforcement talents together in a united front to take the fight to the streets of Cleveland and to stop this drug-fueled violence in its tracks,” said Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. “It’s an honor to join U.S. Attorney Herdman, the city of Cleveland and the many federal and local law enforcement leaders partnering in this effort.”
“The Strike Force will increase sharing of intelligence so we can more quickly and effectively target drug trafficking organizations and the groups responsible for armed robberies, shootings and other violent crime in Cleveland and the outlying suburbs,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
The strike force will target violent street gangs involved in retaliatory homicides, carjackings, commercial robberies and other violent activities, as well as people and organizations involved in trafficking opioids, which has fueled the overdose epidemic plaguing Ohio. This includes focusing on interdicting packages containing drugs traveling via the U.S. mail, as well as investigations focused on online drug trafficking.
Participating agencies include: FBI, DEA, HSI, IRS, ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Border Patrol, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Independence Police Department. Several other area law enforcement agencies have agreed to participate in the Strike Force as well.
Police officers, agents and both federal and state prosecutors will work together in open workspace. Both the physical and organizational structure will lead to collaborative, centralized intelligence sharing. Wire rooms will also be located at the building so intelligence and information can be shared in real time.
The Strike Force will be jointly led by the FBI and DEA. The U.S. Attorney will serve as chair of Strike Force Executive Council.
“The creation of the Cleveland Strike Force is an exciting time for law enforcement and a valuable tool to help protect our citizens and hold criminals accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “Combining under one roof the unique skills, talents and capabilities of the participating agencies will enable us to better address the wide variety of significant drug and violent crime threats facing our community. The FBI is fully committed to help lead this critical new initiative with substantial resources, equipment and technology.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said: “As a part of the Cleveland OCDETF Strike Force, we are committed to a long-term partnership that allows law enforcement to reduce the illegal drug supply by aggressively targeting criminal organizations operating throughout northern Ohio. Drug trafficking and violence go hand-in-hand, which is why federal, state and local law enforcement are making these dangerous drug trafficking organizations a top priority. By working with our partners, we are able to leverage resources that bring these violent individuals to justice and improve the safety of our communities. We are focused on the current opioid epidemic, but this initiative is ready to adapt to any future drug threat facing northern Ohio.”
“Crime, particularly violent crime, challenges our quality of life and affects our ability to create a great city with a sustainable future,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “The addition of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force will help us more effectively fight drug problems and violent crime.”
“Here in Northeast Ohio, we are fortunate to have strong and lasting law enforcement partnerships at the local, state and federal levels,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “The implementation of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force will further enhance our efforts to reduce drug trafficking and gun violence.”
The cost of the build-out, rent, equipment and support costs will be paid by the Justice Department. The Strike Force is expected to be operational by mid-2019.