Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two people guilty of distributing Tramadol pillsRead the Press Release
Two people pleaded guilty to distributing Tramadol pills.
Randall S. Borntrager, 48, of Canton, and Renee Bischoff, 50, of Bakersfield, California, are scheduled to be sentenced later this year after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a Schedule IV controlled substance and conspiracy to ship misbranded drugs in interstate commerce.
Bischoff was a pharmacy technician who, from at least 2013 to 2017, shipped pills of Tramadol from California to Borntrager in Ohio, who sold the drugs, according to court documents.
Bortrager distributed approximately 100 Tramadol pills on July 1, 2017, according to court documents.
“The illegal diversion of prescription painkillers is one of the causes of the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain and suffering here in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This pair will be held accountable for their actions.”
“Pharmacy technicians, like other health care professionals, are trusted by U.S. consumers to fill their prescriptions with drugs from the legitimate prescription drug supply chain. When that trust is betrayed, the consequences can be serious for patients,” said Mark S. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who abandon their professional principles in exchange for profit.”
The investigation preceding the information was conducted by the Food & Drug Administration -- Office of Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
Jury convicts former MetroHealth Chief Operating Officer and three others in kickback and bribery schemeRead the Press Release
The former Chief Operating Officer of MetroHealth Hospital System and three other men were convicted by a jury for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud the hospital and others through a series of bribes and kickbacks totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars related to the hospital’s dental program.
Edward R. Hills, 58, of Aurora, Sari Alqsous, 34, of Cleveland, Yazan B. Al-Madani, 34, of Westlake, and Tariq Sayegh, 38, of Cleveland, were all found guilty of criminal charges following a trial that lasted several weeks. They are scheduled to be sentenced November 27.
“These defendants ripped off taxpayers and betrayed the community’s trust when they accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and other bribes,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Their egregious, offensive behavior lasted nearly a decade and now they will be held accountable for their actions.”
"A jury decided to hold Mr. Hills and his associates accountable for their roles in defrauding our healthcare system,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said. “The investigation revealed these individuals engaged in a pervasive pattern of fraud, betraying the MetroHealth Hospital System, its employees, and our community. The collective efforts of the FBI, IRS, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Office of the Inspector General, United States Attorney's Office, and MetroHealth officials led to the disruption of this destructive illegal activity. "
“Edward Hills was placed in the utmost position of trust by MetroHealth, but he chose to abuse that position of trust for his own personal greed and ego,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “These defendants had the opportunity to come clean and tell the truth. Instead, they chose to obstruct the investigation by telling witnesses to not to cooperate with law enforcement. Now they are convicted felons facing a lengthy prison sentences for their crimes. Today’s guilty verdicts are a direct result of the excellent partnership amongst IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Ohio Office of the Inspector General.”
“This investigation unraveled a complex scheme that involved corruption on a number of different levels,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “Corruption like this has no place in Ohio, and I applaud the work of all our law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
Hills worked in various capacities at MetroHealth, including as Chief Operating Officer and Director of MetroHealth Dental. He also served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer from December 2012 through July 2013. Alqsous, Al-Madani and Sayegh are dentists who worked for MetroHealth.
According to court documents, testimony and documents presented at trial:
Hills, Alqsous and Al-Madani engaged in a racketeering conspiracy from 2008 through 2016 involving a series of elaborate bribery conspiracies, witness tampering and other crimes. These bribes include Hills soliciting cash, checks, a $3,879 Louis Vuitton briefcase, a 55-inch television, airline flights and use of a downtown apartment from Alqsous, Al-Madani and others. In return, Hills took official actions on their behalf, including allowing them to work at their private dental businesses during regular business hours while receiving a full-time salary from MetroHealth.
Alqsous, Al-Madani and others gave cash, checks and other things of value to Hills beginning in 2009. Evidence included text messages and meetings, often at expensive restaurants, which resulted in cash being deposited into Hills’ bank accounts.
Alqsous sent a text message to Al-Madani and another person in 2013 that stated: “With 22nd of October approaching we ll be celebrating Dr hills bday earlier this year…1000 dollars each is the gift from the 3 sons their father.” Later that day, $3,000 was deposited into Hills’ bank account.
In 2012, Alqsous rented and lived in an apartment at the Perry Payne apartment building in downtown Cleveland. When he bought a residence, Hills instructed Alqsous to continue paying rent and other bills at the Perry Payne building, even though Alqsous would no longer be living there. Hills used the Perry Payne apartment to house an associate and for his own personal use in 2013 and 2014 while Alqsous, acting on Hills’ orders, continued to pay rent and other bills.
Hills instructed Alqsous to purchase furniture for the apartment for Hills’ personal use. Alqsous sent Hills a text in 2013 stating: “I bought your bedroom yesterday…there is mirrors everywhere…You will like it.”
Hills became interim President and CEO of the MetroHealth Hospital System in December 2012. Around that time, he told Alqsous, Al-Madani and others that he wanted a specific Louis Vuitton briefcase because his predecessor had a similar briefcase.
Alqsous texted a photo of the briefcase to Hills and wrote: “The guys are also very excited about their raise haha.” Hills responded with: “Thanks I’m so excited to have my bag to start my new job as #1.” Later that day, Alqsous, Al-Madani and others purchased the briefcase for $3,879 from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beachwood and later presented it to Hills.
As director of MetroHealth Dental, Hills was responsible for determining monthly bonuses for dentists who produced receipts in excess of their monthly salary and benefits. Dentists typically received a monthly bonus totaling 25 percent of the monies they generated for excess receipts.
Between 2010 and 2014, Hills regularly upwardly adjusted the bonuses of Alqsous, Al-Madani and others, by a total of approximately $92,829.
Hills also allowed Alqsous, Al-Madani and others to retain full-time salaries and benefits at MetroHealth without requiring them to work full-time hours, thus allowing them to operate private dental clinics. Hills, acting at the request of Alqsous and Al-Madani, provided MetroHealth dental residents to practice at those private clinics during regular business hours. Neither Alqsous nor Al-Madani paid wages or salaries to the resident dentists.
Additionally, Alqsous, Al-Madani and Sayegh solicited and accepted bribes totaling tens of thousands of dollars from prospective candidates to the MetroHealth Dental residency program.
In a typical year, the MetroHealth Dental residency accepted four to six candidates for the residency program from a pool of 40 to 60 applicants. Alqsous, Sayegh and Al-Madani each had the authority to influence the selection of dental residents, and Hills had final decisional authority over who was selected for the residency program.
Alqsous and Sayegh often identified and selected candidates who were from Jordan or trained at a Jordanian dental school, telling them they would have to pay a “donation” to MetroHealth to be considered. Alqsous and Sayegh directed the candidates to pay the “donation” directly to them, and in some cases, told the candidates a portion of the money would go to Hills.
Alqsous, Sayegh and Al-Madani solicited at least $75,000 in bribes from resident dentist candidate between 2008 and 2014.
In another conspiracy, Al-Madani and Alqsous paid bribes to Hills in exchange for him taking actions to refer Medicaid recipients to private dental clinics owned by Al-Madani and Alqsous instead of MetroHealth. All three took steps to conceal this activity by claiming kickback checks totaling $17,600 written to Hills were for “consultation fees” or “professional fees”.
Hills, Alqsous and Al-Madani also conspired to obstruct justice, instructing people not to cooperate with law enforcement after becoming aware of the federal investigation in 2014.
Hills also made false statements on tax returns, failing to claim approximately $165,751 in unreported income stemming from bribes, kickbacks and other things of value between 2011 and 2013.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani, Michael L. Collyer and James Lewis following an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Office of the Inspector General.
Two people indicted for reentering the U.S. after multiple deportationsRead the Press Release
Two people were indicted in federal court for illegally reentering the United States.
Fermin Cabrera-Flores, 46, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Painesville on July 13 after having been previously deported seven times following convictions for domestic violence, evading arrest, illegal reentry, criminal trespass and other crimes, according to court documents.
Lazaro Oscar Romero-Colindres, 40, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Amherst on July 10, after having been deported three times, according to court documents.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson is prosecuting the case following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
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
South Euclid man indicted for using a firearm while trafficking fentanyl, heroin and pillsRead the Press Release
A South Euclid man was indicted in federal court for using a firearm while trafficking fentanyl, heroin and pills.
Christopher Bowen, 25, was charged in a 10-count indictment with distribution of drugs, possession with intent to distribute drugs, using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Bowen on several occasions in May and June sold fentanyl and heroin, according to the indictment.
On June 28, Bowen had approximately 14 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, 31 grams of heroin, 64 Alprazolam pills, a Jimenez Arms 9 mm handgun, a Bryco Arms 9 mm handgun, an Anderson MFG long rifle and ammunition. Bowen was prohibited from having a firearm or ammunition because of a prior conviction for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa T. Darden 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 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 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.
Richland County man indicted for sexually exploiting a childRead the Press Release
A Richland County man was indicted in federal court for sexual exploitation of a child.
Joseph R. Hurley, 31, of Lucas, was initially arrested on charges of sexually abusing an 11-year-old. During a subsequent review of Hurley’s computer, law enforcement discovered approximately 261 images and 102 videos containing child pornography.
The forensic review also revealed a folder that contained images of a nude female later determined to be 16 years old when the images were taken. The female was completely nude and her eyes were closed, according to the affidavit.
Investigators made contact with the girl in the images. She stated that she had a one-month relationship with Hurley in 2013, when he was 26 and she was 16.
The last time they had contact, the girl said Hurley mixed her an alcoholic drink, although she did not see him prepare it. She said the drink made her “feel sleepy” and that she did not remember the rest of the night. She said she woke up in the morning without any clothes and felt sore, according to the affidavit.
The girl stated she had no knowledge of Hurley taking the photos of her, according to the affidavit.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mansfield Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
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 a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Elyria man indicted for trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was indicted in federal court for trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Kenneth Ward, 44, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and multiple counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.
The indictment details multiple sales of drugs by Ward in March and April. Ward on April 28 possessed nearly 22 grams of crack cocaine and four grams of fentanyl, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Elyria Police Department. It is 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 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 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 suspected of causing overdoses indicted for having a firearm while trafficking fentanyl and crack cocaineRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for having a firearm while trafficking fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Tyler Hall, 28, was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Hall had 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine and a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol during a July 3 search of his home and business on the west side of Cleveland, according to court documents.
Hall was a person of interest in relation to three non-fatal opioid overdoses. Two of the victims had information that their supplier’s name was Tyler and that he worked, resided and sold drugs in the area of West 104th Street and Lorain Avenue, according to court documents.
Law enforcement on July 3 searched Hall’s residence at 10400 Lorain Ave. and business, at auto body shop at 3179 West 104th Street. Hall was detained and found to be carrying two cellular phones, $1,152 in cash and a set of keys to both his residence and business, according to court documents.
Inside his residence was a desk where it appeared drugs were prepared and packaged for sale. Also nearby were 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine, a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol and approximately $6,000 in cash, according to court documents.
Hall was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery, robbery, intimidation of a crime victim or witness and multiple drug trafficking and possession convictions, according to court documents.
“This defendant was identified by law enforcement as a serious threat who has caused pain and destruction in and around his neighborhood,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Police officers, federal agents and prosecutors will continue to work together to prosecute those who illegally have firearms and deal drugs.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said: “Through the swift and intense investigative efforts of the Cleveland Division of Police Opioid Overdose Investigations Group, the Cleveland DEA Heroin Response Group and Cleveland HIDTA, Hall was arrested before additional destruction to our community could occur. The DEA and our partners will continue to make drug trafficking and any associated violence a priority. Drug traffickers in the Cleveland area take heed, the DEA and our partners will continue to hold those who deliver causing overdose accountable.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jury convicts Cleveland man of illegally having ammunition during shootout in which two people were killedRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was convicted of illegally having ammunition stemming from a shootout last year in which two people were killed.
Jesus Bey, 25, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 1. A jury convicted Bey this week 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 is a walking crime wave and our community is safer with him behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This case demonstrates that law enforcement will work together to sort through the facts and pursue cases against those who illegally use firearms to prey on our neighbors.”
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.
Da’Montais Banks was recently convicted in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas of tampering with witnesses, possessing weapons despite having a felony record and being a member of the Heartless Felons. The jury did not reach a verdict on the two deaths that resulted from the shootout and charges remain pending, 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.
Put-in-Bay police officer indicted for using excessive force and obstructing justiceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury today unsealed an indictment charging El’Shawn Williams, an officer in the Put-in-Bay Police Department, with using excessive force against a man in custody, and then making false statements and writing false reports to cover it up. The indictment alleges that Williams, 28, punched and struck the victim multiple times in the head and body, causing him bodily injury.
The indictment was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
The indictment alleges that after the incident, Williams wrote a report that falsely minimized the force he used and failed to disclose that he struck the victim after the victim was restrained by another officer. It also alleges that Williams gave a false statement to an Ottawa County detective denying that he punched the victim, denying that he struck him in the face, and denying that he struck him after the victim was restrained by another officer.
If convicted, Williams faces a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment for the excessive force charge and up to 20 years imprisonment for each obstruction charge. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case was investigated jointly by the ClevelandDivision of the Federal Bureau Investigation and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.Owner of Canton company that manufactures American flags indicted for failing to pay $162,000 in payroll taxesRead the Press Release
The owner of a Canton company that manufactures American flags was indicted for failing to pay more than $162,000 in payroll taxes.
Richard Spencer, 51, was indicted in federal court on 15 counts of failure to account for, collect and pay over employment taxes.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “This defendant is accused of not paying over taxes he collected from his employees, and intentionally misclassifying others to avoid taxes. This defendant benefitted from being able to say that his flags were made in America, but he failed to meet his obligations to his employees and the American taxpayer.”
“In an attempt to avoid his employment tax responsibilities as owner of RS Sewing, Richard Spencer misclassified a portion of his employees as independent contractors. He also withheld employment taxes from his appropriately classified employees, but never paid them to the IRS,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Spencer controlls RS Sewing, which manufactures American flags. Spencer oversaw production, source materials, paperwork and the company’s financial operations, according to the indictment.
Spencer, beginning around 2008, reclassified some of his workers from employees to independent contractors. Following an audit in 2011, Spencer was informed he improperly classified the workers as independent contractors, and a penalty was assessed against Spencer. He continued to misclassify some employees and failed to pay employment taxes, according to the indictment.
Spencer classified some workers as independent contractors and others as employees, although all RS Sewing workers were required to clock in and out, were paid wages by the hour, were provided materials to make the flags by RS Sewing and were otherwise treated the same by managers, according to the indictment.
Spencer from 2012 through 2015, Spencer failed to withhold taxes from workers he knowingly and willfully misclassified as independent contractors. For workers classified as W-2 employees, Spencer withheld federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes from employees but never paid the money to the IRS, according to the indictment.
Overall, he failed to collect, account for and pay over approximately $162,728 of federal employment taxes, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Henderson.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron woman indicted for stealing $164,000 from Social SecurityRead the Press Release
An Akron woman was indicted today for theft of government funds.
Jacqueline R. Acklin, 66, fraudulently converted to her own use her father’s Title II Retirement Insurance benefits after her father passed away. The Social Security Administration was not made aware of the death and continued to pay benefits a joint account held by Acklin and her late father. For nearly thirteen years, Acklin withdrew more than $164,000 in federal benefits from the account for which she was not entitled.
Special Agent Manuel Muniz from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States 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 indicted for making threats involving explosives and killing police officersRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted in federal court for making threats involving explosives and interstate threats stemming from posts he made on Facebook in which he referenced making explosives and shooting police officers.
Wesley B. Esper, 33, was indicted on one count of interstate threats involving explosives and one count of interstate communications of threats.
Esper made numerous postings on Facebook on June 21 which included messages such as: “Kids the gov. is wrong and it’s time. Stand up fight. Ohio is the key state. Shoot cops and politicians and any corrupt perversion of our liberty to life and freedom. Be John Dillinger, be a cowboy and don’t give up the revolution. Am will to help assemble automatics and bombs. Thank you and bless. Tyrants and alike must answer to patriots and the people,” according to the indictment.
Another post stated: “Ohio is the most corrupt and has sold off our public institutions. Go out and shoot your governor. That piece of (expletive) should hang along with many local authoritarian creatures. Thank you. Please send me pics of your progress…Strategic acts of violence to put these tyrants in their place,” according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the Massillon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley.
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.
Wayne County man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
A Wayne County man was indicted in federal court on charges involving methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Charles F. Sarno, 36, of West Salem, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine cocaine.
The indictment alleges that on or about March 28, 2017, Sarno knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute and distributed at least five grams of methamphetamine.
The indictment further alleges that on or about March 28, 2017, Sarno did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine.
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 United States Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
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.
Nine people indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Nine people were indicted in federal court for firearms crimes.
Indicted are: Elijah Frink, 26, of Akron; Darnell Ingram, 23, of Cleveland; Timothy Hughart, 28, of Ashtabula; John L. Brooks, 40, of Akron; Jesse J. Kinder, 35, of Rittman; Vernon T. Coleman, 31, of Sandusky; Victor Henry Austin, 29, of Lima, Richard Rowald, 70, of Findlay, and Steven J. Robison, 35, of Findlay.
Frink was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Frink on May 10 had nine rounds of ammunition despite a prior conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.
Ingram was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. He had a Glock .40-caliber firearm and ammunition on May 23 despite a prior conviction for aggravated robbery, according to the indictment.
Hughart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol and ammunition on March 23, despite a previous conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.
Brooks is charged with providing false information in the acquisition of firearms. Brooks purchased a dozen firearms from three sellers at an Akron-area gun show by knowingly making false and fictitious written statements, which statements were intended and likely to deceive the sellers, in that he represented that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when in fact he was not. This took place on March 18 and 19, 2017, according to the indictment.
Kinder is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of methamphetamine. Kinder on Feb. 21 possessed a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol and ammunition despite multiple previous convictions for heroin trafficking and other crimes. Kinder also distributed methamphetamine on at least three occasions, according to the indictment.
Coleman is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Taurus .380-caliber pistol, a Davis .32-caliber pistol and a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol on March 30 despite previous convicitions for attempted felonious assault and other crimes, according to the indictment.
Austin is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol on April 10 despite previous convictions for robbery, drug trafficking and other crimes, according to the indictment.
Rowold was charged with making a false statement during the acquisition of firearms and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and Robison was charged with making a false statement during the acquisition of firearms.
Robison on Feb. 12 falsely stated he was the purchaser of 50 AM-15 lower receivers, when, in fact, Rowold was the actual purchaser. Rowold was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, according to the indictment.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, the Sandusky Police Department, the Lima Police Department
They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark S. Bennett, Danielle Angeli, David M. Toepfer, Teresa Riley, Thomas P. Weldon and Matthew Simko.
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.
Marion man indicted on fentanyl chargesRead the Press Release
A Marion man was indicted in federal court for having fentanyl.
Shiloh Jackson, 29, was indicted on one count of distribution of fentanyl. He had approximately 21 grams of fentanyl on March 10, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agencies in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marmet Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Freeman and Thomas P. Weldon.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Andrew Shonk indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
Andrew A. Shonk, 36, of Massillon, was charged with receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment charges that from March 2013 through February 20, 2018, Shonk knowingly received numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also charges that between on or about May 19, 2018 and on or about June 19, 2018, Shonk possessed two USB storage devices that contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, the Canton Police Department and the Jackson Township Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lorain County one of 10 locations selected for pilot project targeting synethetic opioidsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman Northern District of Ohio, today announced Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a new program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
As part of Operation S.O.S., the Department will launch an enforcement surge in ten districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates, including the Northern District of Ohio.
Each participating United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) will choose a specific county and prosecute every readily provable case involving the distribution of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of drug quantity. Lorain County has been designated as the area as it has been deluged with opiate overdoses. In 2014, the Lorain County Coroner reported 39 heroin overdose deaths with 13 of those overdose deaths involving fentanyl. In 2015, that number climbed to 41 heroin deaths with 20 of those overdose deaths involving fentanyl. The staggering amount of overdose deaths in Lorain County related to heroin/fentanyl increased significantly in 2016. In 2016, there were 131 overdose deaths and in 2017, the number remained steady at 132. The impact has affected both large and small towns in Lorain County. Investigators have noticed that overdose deaths have sometimes occurred in clusters and are related to the recent influx of fentanyl, carfentanil laced heroin and other analogues.
In addition, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office will send an additional two-year term Assistant United States Attorney to each participating district to assist with drug-related prosecutions.
In Manatee County, a county just south of Tampa with a population of about 320,000, overdoses and deaths skyrocketed in 2015 (780 overdoses/84 opioid related deaths) and 2016 (1,287 overdoses/123 opioid related deaths). In summer of 2016, local law enforcement reported frequent, street-level distribution of fentanyl and carfentanil for the first time.
To combat this crisis, the Middle District of Florida committed to prosecuting every readily provable drug distribution case involving synthetic opioids in Manatee County regardless of drug quantity. The effort resulted in the indictments of 45 traffickers of synthetic opioids. . Further, from the last six months of 2016 to the last six months of 2017, overdoses dropped by 77.1% and deaths dropped by 74.2%. Overall, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office went from responding to 11 overdoses a day to an average now of less than one per day.
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, will coordinate with the Lorain County Prosecuting Attorney Dennis Will, Chief Duane Whitely of the Elyria Police Department, Chief Cel Rivera of the Lorain Police Department, Sheriff Phil Stammitti of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to work together on this initiative in an effort to aggressively combat opiate drug crimes. These charges represent a coordinated effort on behalf of the Federal and State partners to hold accountable these individualswho all have significant prior drug charges and have continued to peddle illegal opiate narcotics in Lorain County.
"When it comes to synthetic opioids, there is no such thing as a small case," Attorney General Sessions said. "In 2016, synthetic opioids killed more Americans than any other kind of drug. Three milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal--that's not even enough to cover up Lincoln's face on a penny. Our prosecutors in Manatee County, Florida have shown that prosecuting seemingly small synthetic opioids cases can have a big impact and save lives, and we want to replicate their success in the districts that need it most. This new strategy—and the new prosecutors who will help carry it out—will help us put more traffickers behind bars and keep the American people safe from the threat of these deadly drugs."
“These drugs have killed thousands of our friends and neighbors and caused pain and heartbreak to their families.” United States Attorney Justin Herdman said. “ This initiative will allow us to work in a collaborative, targeted way on the enforcement side to reduce the drug supply, while continuing to partner with others in our community to help drive down demand.”
Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said: “We are grateful for the excellent working relationship between all the Lorain County law enforcement agencies and our Federal partners. We will continue working together to attack the illegal drug trade throughout Lorain County.”
“Through the cooperation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to share their resources, intelligence and manpower we can aggressively investigate drug trafficking organizations,” said Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti. “These organizations from the street level dealer to the main source suppliers are drastically having a devastating effect on our communities. In conjunction with the newly formed Lorain County HIDTA, we are proud of all the units that work together to aggressively investigate drug traffickers.”
This operation demonstrates another example of the significant federal presence in Lorain County and the cooperation that exists between federal and state agencies over the last several years to work hand in hand with Lorain County partners in seeing that those who repeatedly violate drug laws in Lorain County are held accountable and comes directly of the heels of significant Lorain County arrests last month.
On June 27, 2018, twenty-five people were arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging them for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic drugs in Elyria and the surrounding area, including fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl analogues pressed to look like pills of Percocet.
According to the 59-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland:
Troy Davis traveled to South Carolina to buy from Jenkins pills that were laced with furanyl fentanyl and pressed to look like 30 mg Percocet pills. Davis brought the pills to Ohio, where he sold them to Phares and others.
Troy Davis sold cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and various fentanyl analogues to other drug dealers and customers in the Elyria area. Troy and Elonzo Davis, who are uncle and nephew, were supplied by Vaughn, Jarell Davis, Washington, Oliver and Rogers. The Davis’ then resold the drugs to Lawrence, White, Pryor, Hobson and others.
The Davis’ and others used homes in Elyria to store and sell the drugs. They also used numerous vehicles, including rental cars, as well as multiple pre-paid cellular telephones, to facilitate the shipment and sale of drugs.
Other recent cases handled by the United States Attorney’s Office with assistance from Lorain County Law Enforcement including the Elyria Police Department, The Lorain Police Department, The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department the FBI, DEA and the Lorain County Prosecutor’s office are as follows:
-Russell Davis was convicted after a trial of multiple counts of distributing heroin fentanyl with of the distributions caused an overdose and resulted in death to a person. Davis was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. He had at least defendant had at least one previous drug trafficking felony conviction. Davis is facing a mandatory life sentence.
-Delante Lunn was convicted after a trial of multiple counts of distributing heroin fentanyl with a specification that the distributions caused an overdose and resulted in death to a person. Lunn was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. He had at least one previous felony drug trafficking conviction. Lunn was sentenced to 25 years incarceration.
The Northern District of Ohio is one of ten districts selected for this initiative. The other participating disricts are as follows:
Southern District of Ohio
Eastern District of Tennessee
Eastern District of Kentucky
Southern District of West Virginia
Northern District of West Virginia
District of Maine
Eastern District of California
Western District of Pennsylvania
District of New Hampshire
Canton man indicted on fentanyl and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Canton man was indicted on fentanyl and firearms charges.
Michael J. Meadows, 48, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Meadows on Jan. 18 possessed at least 40 grams of fentanyl, a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition. Meadows was prohibited from having firearms or ammunition because of prior convictions, including cocaine possession, having a weapon under disability and aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio Man Arrested for Attempting to Assist a Foreign Terrorist Organization with Homeland Attack PlotRead the Press Release
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 48, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Pitts was arrested Sunday by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The arrest and charges were announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“Terrorists reject the ideals this nation was founded upon—the ideals we celebrate on July Fourth and which our law enforcement officers lay down their lives for every day,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Each one of us owes a debt of gratitude to the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who work day and night to identify those who would do this nation harm, including those committed to supporting violence in the name of foreign terrorist organizations. At the Department of Justice, we will continue to take every lawful step we can to disrupt terrorist plots and to protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats, including the dangerous threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism.”
“Together with our law enforcement partners on FBI Cleveland's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI disrupted plans to attack innocent citizens – including on July 4th, a day our citizens should be able to celebrate our freedom without fear of violence," said Director Wray. "This arrest shows the determination of the men and women of the FBI and our partner agencies to protect our communities from harm. I extend my thanks not just to those who worked on this case, but to all those who safeguard our nation every day.”
“Protecting our citizens and our nation remains the Justice Department’s top priority,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “This defendant plotted and scouted locations in downtown Cleveland for an attack on July 4th, when he knew it would be packed with people celebrating our nation’s birthday. We will continue to do all we can to identify, arrest and prosecute those threats while working to keep our communities safe and secure.”
“Pitts, a U.S. citizen living in Ohio, pledged his allegiance to al-Qaeda, a foreign terrorist organization, and was planning to conduct an attack in Cleveland on Independence Day, the very day we celebrate the freedoms we have in this country,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI commends the public for reporting individuals that espouse their radical beliefs and/or engage in behavior that threaten the lives of our military personnel and community.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts, a U.S. citizen, and the UCE met on June 22, in Walton Hills, Ohio, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts and the UCE searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
The UCE texted Pitts later on June 22 and where he indicated al Qaeda “brothers” would provide Pitts with a bus pass and cellular phone.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, who provided Pitts with a bus pass and a phone Pitts could use to communicate with the UCE. The bus pass was provided to Pitts, as he requested, so he could travel to downtown Cleveland to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where they discussed the impending July 4th bombing.
“And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off,” Pitts said.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
The defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Matthew Shepherd of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Maple Heights man arrested and charged in federal court after plotting terror attack in downtown Cleveland on Independence DayRead the Press Release
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 48, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Pitts was arrested Sunday by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The arrest and charges were announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“Terrorists reject the ideals this nation was founded upon—the ideals we celebrate on July Fourth and which our law enforcement officers lay down their lives for every day,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Each one of us owes a debt of gratitude to the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who work day and night to identify those who would do this nation harm, including those committed to supporting violence in the name of foreign terrorist organizations. At the Department of Justice, we will continue to take every lawful step we can to disrupt terrorist plots and to protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats, including the dangerous threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism.”
“Together with our law enforcement partners on FBI Cleveland's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI disrupted plans to attack innocent citizens – including on July 4th, a day our citizens should be able to celebrate our freedom without fear of violence," said Director Wray. "This arrest shows the determination of the men and women of the FBI and our partner agencies to protect our communities from harm. I extend my thanks not just to those who worked on this case, but to all those who safeguard our nation every day.”
“Protecting our citizens and our nation remains the Justice Department’s top priority,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “This defendant plotted and scouted locations in downtown Cleveland for an attack on July 4th, when he knew it would be packed with people celebrating our nation’s birthday. We will continue to do all we can to identify, arrest and prosecute those threats while working to keep our communities safe and secure.”
“Pitts, a U.S. citizen living in Ohio, pledged his allegiance to al-Qaeda, a foreign terrorist organization, and was planning to conduct an attack in Cleveland on Independence Day, the very day we celebrate the freedoms we have in this country,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI commends the public for reporting individuals that espouse their radical beliefs and/or engage in behavior that threaten the lives of our military personnel and community.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts, a U.S. citizen, and the UCE met on June 22, in Walton Hills, Ohio, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts and the UCE searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
The UCE texted Pitts later on June 22 and where he indicated al Qaeda “brothers” would provide Pitts with a bus pass and cellular phone.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, who provided Pitts with a bus pass and a phone Pitts could use to communicate with the UCE. The bus pass was provided to Pitts, as he requested, so he could travel to downtown Cleveland to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where they discussed the impending July 4th bombing.
“And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off,” Pitts said.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
The defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Matthew Shepherd of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Three from Northeast Ohio indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Three people from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court on firearms charges.
Charged with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition are: Jared M. Sebaugh, 30, of Olmsted Falls; Jose Colon, 34, of Cleveland; Calvin C. Cody, 36, of Cleveland;
Sebaugh on May 15 possessed a Smith and Wesson, Model M&P-15, 5.56 mm caliber rifle, two 40-round capacity rifle magazines, a 30-round capacity rifle magazine, a Ruger, Model SR40, .40 caliber pistol, and 11 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, after having been previously convicted of aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, according to the indictment.
Colon possessed a Bryco Arms 9 mm pistol and six rounds of ammunition on May 29, despite a prior conviction for aggravated robbery with a firearms specification, according to the indictment.
Cody possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun on May 30 after having been convicted of prior felonies in Cuyahoga County, including attempted robbery, drug trafficking and drug possession, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to his case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cleveland Division of Police, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein, Kathryn Andrachik and Brad Beeson.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The former police chief of a village in Mahoning County sentenced to five years in prison for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
The former police chief of a village in Mahoning County was sentenced to five years in prison for child pornography crimes.
Andrew M. Soloman, 37, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Soloman was the police chief of Craig Beach Village when he committed the crimes. He met the juvenile victim when responding to her residence for calls about harassment and a juvenile runaway. During their interactions, the victim sat in Soloman’s cruiser for several hours and talked. He provided her with his work email address, according to court documents.
The two continued to communicate via text and email. The victim sent Soloman sexually explicit photographs of herself and Soloman responded by sending sexually explicit photographs via his work email account. This took place from Oct. 24 through Dec. 7, 2017 according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Austintown Police Department.
Six men indicted for crimes related to child pornography or child exploitationRead the Press Release
Six people were indicted in federal court for crimes related to child pornography or child exploitation.
Indicted are Jason Warner, 27, of Massillon; Austin Lloyd, 31, of Ravenna; Nicholas Snyder, 36, of Wooster; Andrew Pitts, 36, of Youngstown; Justin McKnight, 36, of North Canton, and Allen Bernhardt, 30, of Canton. Their cases are not otherwise related.
Warner was charged with transporting visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Warner in October 2016 used a computer to transport numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the indictment.
Lloyd was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files between 2015 and 2018 which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lloyd possessed a cellular phone on June 7 which contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
Snyder was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In June 2017, Snyder knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Snyder on July 18, 2017, also possessed a cellular phone which contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
Pitts was charged with enticement. The Indictment charges from around Feb. 25-26, 2018, Pitts did knowingly use facilities and means of interstate and foreign commerce, that is, a cell phone, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, that is, a 12-year-old boy to engage in illegal sexual activity with him, according to the indictment.
McKnight was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The Indictment charges that from Jan. through March 30, 2018, McKnight knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also charges that on or about April 24, 2018, Richards possessed a Samsung cellphone and an HP Blue laptop computer that contained child pornography.
Bernhardt was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The Indictment charges from Dec. 29, 2017 through March 22, 2018, Bernhardt knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also charges that on or about March 23, 2018, Bernhardt possessed a Motorola Droid cell phone that contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Carole Skutnik following investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Shaker Heights man sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding investor out of $287,000Read the Press Release
A Shaker Heights man was sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding an investor out of more than $287,000.
James M. Unger, 51, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and five counts of filing false tax returns.
Unger worked as a securities broker and investment advisor who provided financial advice to clients. Between 2006 and 2014, Unger devised a scheme to defraud an investor identified in court documents as E.C., according to court documents.
E.C. executed a durable power of attorney in 2007, which gave Unger control of her financial affairs. A few months later, Unger convinced E.C. to invest in a high-risk international casino project based on Unger’s assurances that it was a safe, lucrative investment opportunity. Unger and others provided E.C. with promissory notes guaranteeing a 15 percent annual rate of return, according to court documents.
E.C. invested approximately $407,000 in the project between 2008 and 2009. By 2012, Unger had wired money from E.C.’s bank account, without her knowledge or consent, to another client. He converted her investment to stock in a new company and convinced E.C. to invest an additional $79,985, according to court documents.
In 2014, E.C. told Unger she wanted to liquidate her investment in the casino project. She believed her investment, including earnings, totaled approximately $1.9 million, but her total investment was actually lost, according to court documents.
Unger had actually embezzled funds from E.C.’s bank accounts to enrich himself and pay for his own personal expenses, including pay his daughter’s college expenses, according to court documents.
In total, Unger embezzled approximately $287,464 from E.C. He also failed to claim some of this income on his tax returns between 2011 and 2015, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Patton and Alejandro A. Abreu following an investigation by the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigations.
Postal employee from Warrensville Heights indicted for stealing more than 250 gift cards from postal station in ClevelandRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned an indictment charging a U.S. Postal Service employee with stealing more than 250 gift cards from the mail while working at 2400 Orange Avenue in Cleveland.
Monique Wheeler, 54, of Warrensville Heights, was indicted on one count of theft of mail. Wheeler knowingly stole or took letters, postal cards, packages, bags, or mail and numerous gift cards of varying monetary amounts between July 2017 and September 2017, according to the indictment.
Wheeler stole from the mail gift cards to dozens of stores or services, including Aldi, Amazon, Applebee’s, Best Buy, Bob Evans, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick Fil A, Chipotle, DSW, Game Stop, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, MasterCard, Panera, Red Lobster, Starbucks, Target, Victoria’s Secret, Visa, Xbox and others.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “This defendant is accused of stealing hundreds of gift cards worth thousands of dollars over three months. Presumably some of these were birthday presents or other gifts that people entrusted to the postal service for delivery. Those who steal mail will be held accountable for their actions, just like any other criminal.”
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth F. Cleevely stated: “The vast majority of the 600,000 Postal Service employees nationwide are hard working individuals worthy of America’s trust. However, when one of them decides to violate that trust, special agents of the USPS OIG will conduct an aggressive and thorough investigation, as was done in this case. Special agents will seek federal prosecution and the individual’s removal from the Postal Service. When an employee steals from the mail, they risk loss of employment, loss of their retirement, and loss of their freedom. To report postal employees involved in criminal activity, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to her case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein and was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
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 woman indicted for making straw purchase of rifle used in attempted robbery of Willoughby credit unionRead the Press Release
A Cleveland woman was indicted in federal court for making a straw purchase from a gun store in Eastlake of a rifle that was later used in the attempted robbery of a credit union.
Marshyia S. Ligon, 20, was indicted on one count of making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm.
Ligon made false statements on Oct. 4, 2017 when she purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 15, 556 caliber rifle bearing the serial number TH11301 from Sherwin Shooting Sports, 33140 Vine Street in Eastlake. Ligon falsely stated she was the actual buyer of the rifle when, in fact, she was not the actual buyer of the firearms, according to the indictment.
The firearm was recovered one week later at the Willoughby Eastlake Schools Credit Union, where it was used in an attempt to rob the credit union.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Willoughby Police Department, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron man indicted on firearms and methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted on federal drug and firearms charges.
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Anthony D. Gelfo, 32, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that on or about March 8, 2017, Gelfo did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least five grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The indictment further alleges that on or about March 8, 2017, Gelfo knowingly possessed a Walther pistol, model P22, .22 caliber, serial number obliterated, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment further alleges that on or about March 8, 2017, Gelfo, having been previously convicted of rape in 2004 in the Medina County Court of Common Pleas, did knowingly possess in and affect interstate and foreign commerce, a firearm, specifically, a Walther pistol.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
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.
Twenty-five people indicted for their roles in conspiracy to traffic drugs in Elyria, including fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl analogues pressed to look like PercocetRead the Press Release
Twenty-five people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic drugs in Elyria and the surrounding area, including fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl analogues pressed to look like pills of Percocet.
Everyone indicted is from Elyria unless otherwise noted. They are: Troy Davis, 37; Reginald Jenkins, 40; Stephen Phares, 25; Deondre Vaughn, 35, of Cleveland; Jarell Davis, 29, of Cuyahoga Falls; Leon Lamont Washington, 42; Raymond Trenell Oliver, 43; Anthony Rodgers, 35, of Cleveland; Elonzo Davis, 44; Quadron Johnson, 31; William Solomon, 43; Malik Hobson, 38; Johnnie Lawrence, 38; Richard Fluker, 59; Troy Martin, 37, of Cleveland; Myron L. Pryor, 47, of Cleveland; Alvin Fennell, 48,; Terrance Williams, 25,; Aaron White, 22,; Alkeem Fennell, 25; Cassandra Studebaker, 25,; Courtney Warrens, 25; Tommie Richardson, 27; Arthur Solomon, 45, and Mickey Tramaine Wright, 25.
According to the 59-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland:
Troy Davis traveled to South Carolina to buy from Jenkins pills that were laced with furanyl fentanyl and pressed to look like 30 mg Percocet pills. Davis brought the pills to Ohio, where he sold them to Phares and others.
Troy Davis sold cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and various fentanyl analogues to other drug dealers and customers in the Elyria area. Troy and Elonzo Davis, who are uncle and nephew, were supplied by Vaughn, Jarell Davis, Washington, Oliver and Rogers. The Davis’ then resold the drugs to Lawrence, White, Pryor, Hobson and others.
The Davis’ and others used homes in Elyria to store and sell the drugs. They also used numerous vehicles, including rental cars, as well as multiple pre-paid cellular telephones, to facilitate the shipment and sale of drugs.
“These defendants brought lots of deadly drugs into Elyria, including carfentanil and fentanyl,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement worked together to dismantle this organization and the lives of countless Elyria residents will be better because of those efforts.”
“Today’s indictment and arrests shut off a pipeline of dangerous drugs that have killed so many of our friends and neighbors and caused pain and destruction in our community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. “This case is the result of a long joint investigation between DEA, Elyria police, the Lorain County HIDTA and many others. DEA will continue to work to reduce the supply of illegal narcotics hitting our streets.”
Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said: “The events today are the culmination of nine months of work aimed at attacking the drug trade in Elyria and surrounding areas. This investigation was initiated by the Elyria Police Narcotics Unit who partnered with the DEA Cleveland’s Office and the Lorain HIDTA. We are grateful for the excellent working relationship between all the Lorain County law enforcement agencies. We will continue working together to attack the illegal drug trade throughout Lorain County.”
“Through the cooperation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to share their resources, intelligence and manpower we can aggressively investigate drug trafficking organizations,” said Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti. “These organizations from the street level dealer to the main source suppliers are drastically having a devastating effect on our communities. In conjunction with the newly formed Lorain County HIDTA, we are proud of all the units that work together to aggressively investigate and pursue these drug trafficking organizations.”
Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program Executive Director Derek Siegle said: “This case is an example of HIDTA’s ability to help coordinate investigations that span several city, county and state boundaries. We are building off our successes in other parts of Ohio to help make Lorain County and the entire region safer.”
Lorain Police Capt. Roger Watkins said: “We have always been appreciative of the level of cooperation between the local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in this area in combating the drug issues that plague our communities.”
“Opioids are killing people every single day in Ohio, and I firmly believe that those trafficking drugs into our communities have no regard for human life,” said Attorney General DeWine. “This case is yet another example of our commitment to stopping drug traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic, and I applaud the state, local, and federal authorities who aggressively worked on this case.”
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Cleveland office, Elyria Police Department, the Lorain County HIDTA -- which is comprised of the Sheriff’s Lorain County Drug Task Force, DEA, Ohio Adult Patrol Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Avon Lake Police Department, Avon Police Department, Amherst Police Department, Oberlin Police Department and Vermilion Police Department -- Lorain Police Department, Lorain Prosecutor’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and U.S. Marshal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa T. Darden and Vasile C. 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 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 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.
Mansfield man charged with defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
A Mansfield man was charged with theft of government funds.
Timothy L. Deener, 47, who receives Social Security benefits, falsely reported to the Social Security Administration for five years that he was not married and that he lived alone. As a result, Deener unlawfully obtained more in benefits than he was entitled to receive, according to the criminal information.
Special Agent Kelly Clark 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 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.
Parma men among those charged as part of crackdown on Darknet vendorsRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced the results of a year-long, coordinated national operation that used the first nationwide undercover action to target vendors of illicit goods on the Darknet. Special Agents of the HSI New York Field Division, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, posed as a money launderer on Darknet market sites, exchanging U.S. currency for virtual currency. Through this operation, HSI New York was able to identify numerous vendors of illicit goods, leading to the opening of more than 90 active cases around the country. The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, working with more than 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country, coordinated the nationwide investigation of over 65 targets, that lead to the arrest and impending prosecution of more than 35 Darknet vendors.
These results were announced by Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Executive Associate Director Derek Benner of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez of HSI New York Field Office, Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) New York Division, Assistant Director Kenneth Jenkins of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Office of Investigations, and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division.
“Criminals who think that they are safe on the Darknet are wrong,” said Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. “We can expose their networks, and we are determined to bring them to justice. Today, we arrested more than 35 alleged Darknet vendors. We seized their weapons, their drugs, and $23.6 million of their ill-gotten gains. This nationwide enforcement effort will reduce the supply of deadly drugs like fentanyl that are killing an unprecedented number of Americans. I want to thank our federal prosecutors, and the dedicated federal agents with DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Secret Service for their outstanding work.”
“The Darknet is ever-changing and increasingly more intricate, making locating and targeting those selling illicit items on this platform more complicated. But in this case, HSI special agents were able to walk amongst those in the cyber underworld to find those vendors who sell highly addictive drugs for a profit,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Benner. “The veil has been lifted. HSI has infiltrated the Darknet, and together with its law enforcement partners nationwide, it has proven, once again, that every criminal is within arm’s reach of the law.”
“Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will spare no resource or expense to shine a light on the sale and distribution of illicit and dangerous items on the Darknet, that serve to destroy the lives of many through addiction and despair,” said Inspector in Charge Rendina. “Today’s announcement of our law enforcement partnership and operation sends a strong message to those who choose this illegal path, we are watching and will bring you to justice for your crimes against the American public.”
“The Secret Service is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to help combat one of the largest threats to the U.S. financial infrastructure, money laundering with virtual currency,” said U.S. Secret Service Assistant Director Jenkins. “The Secret Service continues to adapt along with these cyber criminals to maintain our level of success in stopping them.”
“At this crucial time of unprecedented drug related deaths, one of the greatest threats we face is cyber drug trafficking,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Hunt. “Because the Darknet invites criminals into our homes, and provides unlimited access to illegal commerce, law enforcement is taking steps to identify and arrest those involved. I applaud all the agencies who participated in this groundbreaking investigation.”
The extensive operation, which culminated in four weeks of more than 100 enforcement actions around the country, resulted in the following:
- Federal arrests of more than 35 Darknet vendors who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit goods;
- Execution of 70 search warrants, resulting in the seizure of massive amounts of illegal narcotics, including 333 bottles of liquid synthetic opioids, over 100,000 tramadol pills, 100 grams of fentanyl, more than 24 kilograms of Xanax, and additional seizures of Oxycodone, MDMA, cocaine, LSD, marijuana, and a psychedelic mushroom grow found in a residence;
- Seizure of more than 100 firearms, including handguns, assault rifles, and a grenade launcher;
- Seizure of five vehicles that were purchased with illicit proceeds and/or used to facilitate criminal activity;
- Seizure of more than $3.6 million in U.S. currency and gold bars;
- Seizure of nearly 2,000 Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies, with an approximate value of more than $20 million;
- Confiscation of 15 pill presses, which are used to create illegal synthetic opioids; and
- Seizure of Bitcoin mining devices, computer equipment, and vacuum sealers.
Amongst those charged federally, include:
- Antonio Tirado, 26, and Jeffrey Morales, 32, of the Bronx, New York, were arrested on June 18, and separately charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York with distribution and possession with intent to distribute narcotics, including cocaine, LSD (also known as “acid”), marijuana, and hashish oil. Additionally, Tirado was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offenses. Following an investigation into a Darknet marketplace vendor using the moniker “Trapgod,” investigators executed search warrants at homes in two residential neighborhoods in the Bronx leading to Tirado and Morales. As alleged in the complaints, during the execution of the search warrants at the Tirado and Morales residences, agents seized controlled substances including powder cocaine, marijuana, and LSD, as well as various precursor powders, liquids, and reagents, and other narcotics-related paraphernalia including marijuana growing equipment, a home chemistry lab, scales, and heat sealing packaging materials. In Tirado’s home, agents recovered a fully loaded shotgun alongside a narcotics stash. Investigators in Tirado’s apartment recovered additional evidence of Darknet narcotics distribution, such as numerous U.S. Postal Service shipping boxes, already addressed to customers around the United States, which boxes contained hairbrushes some of which had already been packed with powder cocaine for distribution.
- Jian Qu, 30; Raymond Weng, 24; and Kai Wu, 22, all of Queens, New York, along with Dimitri Tseperkas, 22, and Cihad Akkaya, 22, of Middle Island and Port Jefferson, New York, respectively, were each arrested on June 18, and charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York with participation in a conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Tseperkas and Akkaya were also charged with firearms offenses relating to the drug conspiracy. Investigators monitoring Darknet marketplaces found accounts used by some of the conspirators, leading agents to execute search warrants at three addresses in residential communities in Flushing and Mt. Sinai, New York. From the residences, agents recovered approximately $400,000 in U.S. currency, 140 kilograms of suspected marijuana and an additional 10 kilograms of suspected marijuana vape cartridges, 12 kilograms of suspected Xanax pills, over half a kilogram of suspected ecstasy, four pill presses, mixers, and pill press parts, over a dozen kilograms of various powders, packaging materials, and paraphernalia. While searching the residence where Akkaya and Tseperkas were found, investigators recovered three loaded shotguns, including a tactical double-barreled shotgun loaded with 14 shells, and over 50 shotgun shells, as well as significant quantities of narcotics, packaging materials, and paraphernalia including a money-counting machine. Review of electronic evidence recovered from the residences proved the conspirators’ connections to Darknet marketplaces, use of cryptocurrency, and narcotics distribution schemes.
- Ryan Farace, 34, of Reisterstown, Maryland, and Robert Swain, 34, of Freeland, Maryland, were charged by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland related to a scheme to manufacture and distribute alprazolam tablets, which are typically sold under the brand name “Xanax.” The indictment alleges that Farace distributed the drugs through sales on the dark web in exchange for Bitcoin, and that Farace and Swain laundered the drug proceeds through financial transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the illegal funds. To date, law enforcement has seized various crypto currency, to include bitcoin, valued at over $22 million at the time of the seizures, and over $1.5 million in cash, which was seized from Farace’s residence upon the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 18. As part of the indictment, the government seeks the forfeiture of no less than $5.665 million, plus the value of 4,000 Bitcoin believed to be the proceeds of the illegal drug sales, two residences, and a vehicle used to facilitate the drug distribution.
- Nicholas J. Powell, 32, and Michael Gonzalez, 27, former and current residents of Parma, Ohio, respectively, were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and laundering money using the dark web. The complaint alleges that Powell used various monikers on Darknet marketplaces as part of his criminal scheme, including “TheSource,” “BonnienClyde,” BnC,” “BCPHARMA,” and “Money TS.” The conspiracy operated on multiple Darknet marketplaces, including Silk Road 2, AlphaBay, and HANSA. The conspiracy involved distributing Xanax, steroids, marijuana and other drugs across the country using these and other Darknet monikers. Powell and Gonzalez would then launder the funds as cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Etherium, and Komodo through individuals specializing in money laundering on Darknet marketplaces. At the time of arrest, law enforcement had already seized approximately $437,000 in cryptocurrencies from Powell.
- Jose Robert Porras III, 21, and Pasia Vue, 23, both of Sacramento, were charged with drug distribution, money laundering, and illegally possessing firearms, in a 16-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of California. According to the indictment, Porras and Vue were using the online monikers “Cannabars” and “TheFastPlug,” to distribute marijuana, Xanax, and methamphetamine on various dark web marketplaces, including Trade Route, Wall Street Market, and Dream Marketplace. Porras and Vue then laundered the Bitcoin proceeds of their drug distribution through the HSI undercover agent located in New York. After receiving the Bitcoin from Porras and Vue, the undercover agent mailed parcels of cash to them in Sacramento. HSI and USPIS agents seized nine weapons including an AK-47 magazine and ammunition, 30 pounds of marijuana, $10,000 in U.S. currency, a vehicle, and over 100 bars of Xanax.
- Sam Bent, 32, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont (and formerly of East Burke, Vermont), and his cousin, Djeneba Bent, 26, also of St. Johnsbury (and formerly East Burke) were charged with conspiracy to distribute LSD, MDMA (also known as “ecstasy”), cocaine, and marijuana in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the District of Vermont. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy involved setting up accounts on dark web marketplaces, establishing online identities, accepting Bitcoin in exchange for sales over the dark web, and mailing controlled substances from several different post offices in Northeastern Vermont and Northwestern New Hampshire in an effort to avoid detection. The indictment also charges Sam Bent with four counts of money laundering involving three different exchanges of bitcoin drug distribution proceeds for U.S. currency.
- In Fresno, California, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment on May 17, against Daniel Boyd McMonegal, 35, of San Luis Obispo and Mariposa, California, charging him with drug distribution and money laundering in the Eastern District of California. According to the indictment, McMonegal, using the online monikers “Sawgrass,” “Ross4Less,” and “ChristmasTree,” distributed marijuana on various dark web marketplaces, including Dream Market. McMonegal was also the owner of a marijuana delivery service in San Luis Obispo called West Coast Organix, which claimed to be a non-profit medical marijuana cooperative. McMonegal then laundered the Bitcoin proceeds of his drug distribution through an undercover agent located in New York. After receiving the Bitcoin from McMonegal, the undercover agent mailed parcels of cash to McMonegal in San Luis Obispo and Mariposa.
More than 50 Darknet vendor accounts were identified and attributed to the real individuals selling illicit goods on Darknet market sites such as Silk Road, AlphaBay, Hansa, Dream, and others. HSI-New York Field Division and MLARS coordinated with law enforcement and federal prosecutors to investigate 65 targets identified by the undercover operation in more than 50 Federal districts, including: the District of Arizona, the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Western District of Arkansas, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, the District of Colorado, the District of Connecticut, the Middle District of Florida, the Northern District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Northern District of Iowa, the District of Kansas, the District of Maryland, the Eastern District of Michigan, the District of Minnesota, the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Western District of North Carolina, the District of New Hampshire, the Northern District of New York, the Southern District of New York, the Western District of New York, the District of North Dakota, the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, the District of Oregon, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the District of South Carolina, the District of South Dakota, the Eastern District of Texas, the Northern District of Texas, the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of Utah, the Eastern District of Virginia, the District of Vermont, the Eastern District of Washington, and the Western District of Washington. FBI was part of the investigative team in the Northern District of California.
The investigation is ongoing.
Toledo man sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking heroin and cocaine and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking heroin and cocaine and for firearms crimes.
Cornelius Henry, 44, pleaded guilty earlier this year to 45 counts, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, money laundering, being a felon in possession of firearms and maintaining a drug house, among others.
Henry conspired with others from 2011 through 2016 to possess with intent to distribute large amounts of heroin and cocaine. He also possessed at least two firearms despite multiple felony convictions that made it illegal for him to have a firearm. He used the residence at 2214 Airport Highway in Toledo to store and distribute the drugs, according to court documents.
Henry also forfeited two properties on Airport Highway, three firearms and ammunition, six automobiles, one motorcycle and more than $10,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo office, the Internal Revenue Service and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Michael J. Freeman.
Toledo man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted on firearms and drug charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Antoine Kennedy, 20, was indicted on charges of Kennedy with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
Kennedy on Nov. 6, 2016 possessed cocaine, marijuana and a FNS 40-caliber pistol, despite a prior conviction for trafficking cocaine that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agencies in this case are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Toledo, Ohio and the Toledo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman is handling the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
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.
Six from Northeast Ohio with convictions for violent crimes indicted for firearms offensesRead the Press Release
Six people from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court for firearms crimes.
All six are charged with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. They are: John Lewis Chapple, 31, of Cleveland; Anthony L. Norman, 35, of Cleveland, Miquel Jones, 48, of Cleveland; Marwan Little, 42, of Elyria, Clifton D. McCarty, 38, of Cleveland, and Tequan Rushton, 23, Youngstown
“These defendants are all people who are illegally carrying guns and who have committed violent crimes in the past,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
“ATF’s mission is reducing violent gun crime in our country,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor A. Velinor. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
Chapple was arrested on May 10 with a Czech cal-st-alb-et, 7.62 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition, despite prior convictions on two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of felonious assault; additional convictions for kidnapping, felonious assault and aggravated robbery, according to the indictment.
Norman was arrested on May 6 with a Springfield Arms .45-caliber handgun and ammunition, despite previous convictions for felonious assault with a firearm specification, carrying a concealed weapon and intimidation of a crime victim or witness
Jones was arrested on May 23 with a Ruger 9 mm handgun, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun and 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition despite previous convictions for robbery, domestic violence, burglary and other crimes.
Little was arrested on April 4 with a Amadeo Ross .38-caliber revolver and five rounds of ammunition despite a prior conviction for felonious assault.
McCarty was arrested on March 17 with a Taurus 9 mm handgun and 20 rounds of ammunition, despite prior convictions which made it illegal for him to have a firearm, including multiple drug trafficking crimes, attempted felonious assault of a peace officer, and attempted felonious assault with repeat violent offender specification.
Rushton was arrested on March 14 with a SCCY 9 mm pistol and ammunition despite a prior felony conviction for assault, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Elyria Police Department, the Youngstown Police Department and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian S. Deckert, Payum Doroodian, Danielle K. Angeli and David M. Toepfer.
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.
Eleven people indicted for being in Ohio after having been previously deported and/or convicted of crimes in the U.S.Read the Press Release
Eleven people who were found to be in Ohio after having been deported were indicted for illegally reentering the United States.
Eight of those indicted were found to be in Ohio on June 5. They are: Maurilio Perez-Morales, 47; Omar Rovelero-Morales, 37, ; Cutberto Gallardo-Trujillo, 49; Epigmenio Sifuentes-Cabrera (aka Jose Fernandez-Cabrerra), 35; Josefino Alvaro Leon-Herrera, 52; Bersain Alvarez-Lopez, 30; Dalila Molina-Vazquez, 29, and Isias Roblero-Perez, 39. All are Mexican citizens.
Perez-Morales, Rovelero-Morales, Sifuentes-Cabrera, Alvarez-Lopez, Roblero-Perez and Molina-Vazquez were found in Ohio on June 5 after having been previously deported.
Gallardo-Trujillo was found in Ohio on June 5 after having previously been deported and previously convicted of delivery of cocaine. Leon-Herrera was found in Ohio on June 5 after having been deported and previously convicted of trafficking marijuana.
Edgar Samuel Palomino-Sanchez, 25, of Mexico, was found to be in Ohio on May 28 after having been previously deported.
Miguel Sanchez Ceto, of Guatemala, would found to be in Ohio on May 21 after having been previously deported.
Pedro Luis Martinez-Navarro, of Honduras, was found to be in Ohio on May 26 after having been previously deported.
These cases were investigated U.S. Customs and Border Patrol andImmigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
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 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 armed robberies of credit unions in Willoughby and Shaker HeightsRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for his role in armed robberies of credit unions in Shaker Heights and Willoughby on the same day last year.
Richode Meredith-Hill, 20, was indicted on two counts of armed credit union robbery and two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Meredith-Hill attempted to rob the Buckeye State Credit Union on Chagrin Boulevard in Shaker Heights and robbed the Cardinal Community Credit Union on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby. Both took place on April 3, 2017, according to the indictment.
Meredith-Hill aided and abetted another who used a firearm during these crimes of violence, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the FBI and police departments in Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Euclid and Willoughby. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 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 charged with theft of government fundsRead the Press Release
A Canton woman was charged today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
For over 12 years, Michelle L. Cyrus, 41, falsely reported to the Social Security Administration that her husband did not live with her in the family home. As a result, she received more Social Security benefits that she was entitled to receive.
Special Agent Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States 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.
Bedford man arrested, charged with having firearms while trafficking cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Bedford man was charged in federal court with drug and firearms crimes.
Lamont Colvin, 32, was charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm, distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Colvin was arrested on Feb. 7 when DEA agents found him with approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of fentanyl and 84 grams of cocaine, as well as four loaded firearms, according to the indictment.
Colvin on Feb. 7 had a Glock 45-caliber pistol, a Glock 40-caliber pistol, a Taurus 40-caliber pistol, a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle and ammunition, despite numerous prior convictions for drug trafficking that made it illegal for him to possess firearms, according to the indictment.
Colvin also sold nearly 300 grams of cocaine on two dates prior to his arrest, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated jointly by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sheffield Lake man sentenced to 16 years in prison for providing support to ISISRead the Press Release
Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, 41, aka Robert C. McCollum, of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for one count of providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division made the announcement.
“The National Security Division is committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to provide material support to terrorist groups like ISIS.” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “I want to thank the prosecutors and our partners in law enforcement—including the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force—who ensured that this defendant was held accountable for his crimes.”
“This case is a stark reminder that ISIS is more than an abstract threat,” said U.S Attorney Herdman. “Through social media and other means, ISIS and groups like it seek to radicalize people of all backgrounds into its world of violence.”
“This case demonstrates law enforcement’s number one priority – to keep our communities and our nation safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “It is clear that no area is immune from the influence of ISIS and its supporters. We hope this case will serve as a strong message to others who may consider providing support to terrorists. The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners are committed to identifying and stopping these individuals.”
Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum last year, pledged his support to ISIS and Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014. From July 2014 to June 2015, Al-Ghazi made multiple statements trying to persuade others to join ISIS. He also expressed his own desire to perpetrate an attack on the United States and had attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle. Al-Ghazi has communicated with individuals he believed to be members of ISIS in the Middle East and took steps to create propaganda videos for ISIS, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd of the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from Trial Attorney Erin Creegan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.Former Allen County Sheriff indicted for soliciting bribes, extortion, making false statementsRead the Press Release
The former Allen County Sheriff was indicted in federal court for asking for and taking bribes from drug dealers, people arrested in prostitution stings, suspected gamblers and others.
Samuel A. Crish, 54, was charged in a six-count indictment with multiple counts of extortion, soliciting bribes and making false statements to the FBI.
“The conduct described in these charges is as offensive as it is audacious,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Demanding bribes from drug dealers, gamblers and johns arrested in prostitution stings reads like something out of a bad movie. This defendant let down the people of Allen County and the men and women who served with him at the Sheriff’s Office. He does not represent the vast majority of law enforcement, and he will now be held accountable for his crimes.”
“Mr. Crish tarnished his badge when he chose to use his official capacity to influence criminal investigations and to protect his self-interests,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “He further exacerbated the situation by lying to the FBI in an attempt to conceal his criminal conduct. As Mr. Crish was a law enforcement officer and county sheriff -- sworn to uphold the law -- his conduct is particularly egregious.”
The charges detail Crish extorting or soliciting nearly $100,000 from five people between 2012 and 2016.
According to the indictment:
Crish joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Office in 1991, where he held numerous positions, including commander of the office’s Investigative Division and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force (WCOCTF). He was elected sheriff in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
In June 2012, Crish approached a person identified in the charges as Person 1 and asked Person 1 for $8,000, falsely stating he needed the money to cover medical bills. Person 1 gave Crish the money in cash in an alley behind the sheriff’s office in July 2012.
Two months later, Person 1 applied for the position of nurse at the Allen County Jail, which Crish oversaw. Based on conversations with Crish, Person 1 understood the job was theirs. Crish stated in October 2012 he would try to hire Person 1 as nurse. In the same conversation, he stated he needed $42,000 to pay his debts and asked if Person 1 could help.
Person 1 took out a home equity line of credit and, on Oct. 12, 2012, gave Crish a check for $42,000 in the alley behind the sheriff’s office. Crish agreed to repay the money in monthly increments of $480. On Dec. 15, 2012, Person 1 was hired by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office to work as the nurse at the county jail.
In 2011, the WCOCTF was investigating Person 2 for drug offenses. That investigation did not result in criminal charges. In 2013, Person 2 called Crish and asked that he not send deputies for a two-day party Person 2 planned in which he charged a cover, sold liquor and generated a profit of up to $15,000.
Crish then sent Person 2 numerous messages asking about money. At some point in February or March 2013, Person 2 gave Crish $20,000 in cash. Crish promised to repay the money plus $5,000 in interest within a few weeks.
Crish and Person 2 met on April 22, 2013 to discuss an undercover operation, and Crish told Person 2 he was “going to get indicted.” Crish also stated he would “take care of it” if Person 2 would forgive half of the $20,000 debt.
Crish made small repayments to Person 2 in April and May 2013. The WCOCTF investigated Person 2 for drug trafficking and Person 2 was arrested on Dec. 5, 2013. Crish was named as a defense witness. Person 2 pleaded guilty in Allen County Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 23, 2014 and was sentenced to 24 years in prison on Dec. 2, 2014.
Person 3 operated a used car business and was arrested by members of the sheriff’s office and WCOCTF on Aug. 19, 2015 during a prostitution sting. He was charged with solicitation in Lima Municipal Court.
Crish visited Person 3’s business several times in August and September 2015, at one point asking Person 3 for a $7,000 loan. Person 3 gave Crish a check for $7,000 on Sept. 25, 2015.
Crish met with prosecutors and law enforcement officials about Person 3’s case on Nov. 24, 2015, and demanded the Lima City Attorney’s Office drop the charges. The solicitation case was dismissed on Feb. 18, 2016. Eight days later, Crish texted Person 3 to meet, where they discussed the dismissal of Person 3’s case.
Person 4 operated a used car business in Elida, Ohio. Crish asked Person 4 in September 2015 to work as an informant. He also asked Person 4 to loan him $10,000.
Person 4 gave Crish $10,000 in cash on Nov. 3, 2015. The next day, Person 4 was arrested at a motel in Lima as part of a prostitution sting operation. Following his arrest, Person 4 asked to speak to Crish. All of the other men arrested were charged.
Crish visited Person 4’s business on Nov. 5, 2015, and told him not to worry about the arrest because he was working for Crish.
Crish visited Person 4’s business again on Nov. 17, 2015, and asked for $500. Person 4 insisted Crish would have to pay back the $500, unlike the previous $10,000. Crish called Person 4 in May 2016 and told him he was “fine” referring to the charges for the prostitution arrest.
Person 5 owned a grocery store in Allen County. Crish stopped by Person 5’s business in October 2015 to ask for a loan. Crish inferred during the visit that an agency was coming to investigate Person 5’s business for suspected illegal gambling operations, but that Crish could stop the investigation if Person 5 provided Crish with a loan.
Person 5 gave Crish a $2,000 loan in October 2015, which Crish repaid without interest.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Hood and Gene Crawford.
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 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.
Baeppler, Pendergrass honored with Director's AwardsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Baeppler and Victim/Witness Specialist Darla Pendergrass were one of 162 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Director James Crowell, IV at the 34th Director’s Awards Ceremony Friday in Washington D.C.
The Northern District of Ohio was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In addressing the award recipients and guests, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said, “Today’s honorees earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, they earned the gratitude of our fellow citizens — the people whose communities you made safer, whose lives you improved, and whose trust you rewarded. Today, we pause to honor and recognize a small portion of your work.”
“Michelle and Darla represent the very best of our office and the Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “They work daily to seek justice for crime victims, whether that means using social media postings to prosecute someone urging violence against the members of our military or holding the hand of the victim of a life-altering act of violence.
Baeppler, along with former Assistant U.S Attorney Christos Georgalis Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy from the Justice Department’s Counter Terrorism Section, received an award for Superior Performance in Criminal Matters.
The trio was honored for their groundbreaking work in United States v. McNeil. McNeil, of Akron, posted the names and addresses of more than 100 members of the military urging supporters of the Islamic State to behead, stab and otherwise attack the service members.
McNeil is serving 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence and five counts of making threatening interstate communications.
Pendergrass will receive an award for Superior Performance in a Litigation Support Role for her work on a number of cases last year involving sensitive victim-witness issues.
Among the cases Pendergrass was assigned to was the prosecuting the shooting of young woman in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The victim survived but sustained serious injuries. With Pendergrass’ support, she was able to confront her attacker, who is serving a life sentence in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Elyria man sentenced to 25 years in prison for selling fentanyl and heroin that resulted in fatal overdose of Lorain County womanRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for selling a mixture of fentanyl and heroin that resulted in the overdose death of a Lorain County woman.
Delante Lunn, 38, was convicted earlier this year of distribution of fentanyl and heroin. Lunn sold the drugs to a Wellington Village woman in February 2016. The woman died as a result of ingesting the drugs Lunn sold her, according to court documents and trial testimony.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the FBI and Elyria Police Department, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.
Eight people indicted in federal court for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine in LimaRead the Press Release
Eight people were indicted in federal court their roles in a conspiracy selling cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Lima, law enforcement officials said.
Those named in the 11-count federal indictment are: Don Burns, 44; Joseph Downton, 39; Earl Hall, 37; DeJuan James, 31; Michael Jones, 40; DeJuan Keys, 29; Larry Nathan, 53, and Chivas Shurelds, 29. All eight live in Lima and all are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Several additional people were indicted in the Allen County Court of Common Pleas as part of the case.
Burns, Downton, Hall, James, Jones, Keys, Nathan and Shurelds conspired together between November 2016 and the present to distribute large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. Downton and Hall are responsible for distributing at least five kilograms of cocaine, according to the 11-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court.
Burns, Downton, Hall, James, Keys, Nathan and Shurelds purchased cocaine from Demos Watkins. Watkins pleaded guilty to drug charges in federal court earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing.
Nathan converted the cocaine he bought from Watkins into crack cocaine which he sold to others himself or through intermediaries, including Jones, according to the federal indictment.
Watkins used a house on North McDonel Street to stash the drugs he sold to the defendants, according to the indictment.
“This is a network that sold large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in Lima,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “These indictments are a great example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: "These arrests demonstrate the collaborative efforts law enforcement engage in on a daily basis. In this case the sharing of information from a traffic stop where illegal narcotics were discovered led to a 19-month joint law enforcement investigation resulting in numerous arrests. The FBI will continue to devote all available resources to work collectively with our law enforcement partners to make sure those bringing poison to our streets are held accountable.”
Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia said: “The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force greatly appreciates the support it has received from state and federal investigators while conducting this multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction investigation. This long-term thorough investigation, which culminated in a well-executed criminal roundup this morning, is a great example of how interagency cooperation can significantly disrupt the drug trade in any community in this state. We look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the F.B.I. and Ohio B.C.I. until the day we have completely eliminated the drug epidemic in our community.”
Lima Police Chief Kevin J. Martin said: On behalf of the Lima Police Department, I would like to express our extreme gratitude for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the many other Criminal Justice Organizations that have worked together to help send a loud and clear message that illegal drug dealing will not be allowed in the Lima community.
“As part of the West Central Ohio Crimes Task Force, the Ohio National Guard is extremely honored to partner in support of Allen County residents and the statewide fight against illicit drugs,” said Lt. Col. Michael Flaherty, Ohio National Guard Counterdrug Task Force director. “Staff Sgt. Vanessa Gazarek, an Ohio National Guard CDTF criminal analyst, provided invaluable intelligence support to assist local and federal law enforcement during this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force and Delphos Police Department.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling and Thomas P. Weldon.
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.
Hundreds arrested, dozens of firearms seized, 60 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin seized as part of "Operation We Are CLE"Read the Press Release
The U.S. Marshals Service and Drug Enforcement Administration, working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, recently completed the first phase of “Operation We Are CLE,” resulting in the arrests of more than 200 people, confiscation of 36 firearms and seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine and nearly five kilograms of heroin in Cleveland.
“This operation embodies the best of Project Safe Neighborhoods – working with federal and state agencies and local police to tailor a strategy that makes the most sense for specific areas,” d U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman said. “This operation got a lot of dangerous people, firearms and dangerous drugs off the streets of Cleveland.”
U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio Peter J. Elliott said: “The US Marshals have a long history of working with Cleveland Police and other agencies to address our community’s most pressing crime issues. We are glad we were able to hold dozens of known fugitives accountable as summer starts and people go out to enjoy their city.”
From April 23 through May 18, law enforcement conducted coordinated activities focused on specific neighborhoods in Cleveland. Activities included searches for people with outstanding warrants, particularly post-release control violators, vice operations, vehicle checkpoints, traffic enforcement, and other tactics.
During that time period, firearms arrests were up 175 percent over the same period last year in a targeted police district in Cleveland. Homicides were down 20 percent citywide during the first phase of Operation We Are CLE.
It is anticipated that many of these arrests and seizures of drugs and firearms will result in charges being filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.
The Marshals Service, working with Cleveland police, targeted and arrested violent fugitives. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department did address checks on registered sex offenders. The FBI and Cleveland Division of Police worked together to identify and target criminals involved in firearms violence. The DEA seized 60 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 4.7 kilograms of heroin, 100 grams of a fentanyl/carfentanil mixture, seven firearms and $271,000 in cash.
Participating agencies include: the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
The second phase of the operation is currently underway.
Jury convicts Rocky River business executive of embezzlement, tax crimesRead the Press Release
A jury convicted Rocky River business executive C. David Snyder 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, is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 9. He was convicted on one count of embezzling from an employee pension fund and five counts of failure to pay over taxes. He was acquitted on two tax charges.
Snyder 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.
U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said: “A jury found this defendant embezzled money from his employees. He also took taxes out of their paychecks, but instead of paying the taxes of the IRS, he used the stolen money to pay for his vacation home, pool renovation and otherwise fund his own lavish lifestyle.”
“Business owners have a responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner. “The failure to pay over withheld taxes results in the loss of tax revenue to the United States government and the loss of future Social Security or Medicare benefits for employees.”
“Charles Snyder embezzled retirement savings from his employees’ 401(k) accounts, and used the money for his personal benefit. We will continue to work with our law enforcement and other partners to protect 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 Michael L. Collyer and Megan R. Miller.
Toledo man indicted for selling heroin that resulted in fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted in federal court for selling heroin that resulted in a fatal overdose last year, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Harold Sasse, 41, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death.
Sasse sold heroin on March 29, 2017 to two people, identified in court documents as E.M. and T.W. Sometime between that day and March 30, 2017, E.M. ingested the heroin and died, according to the indictment.
“Every death represents someone’s son or daughter, friend or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will seek prison sentences for those who profit off this epidemic while working to prevent future tragedies and getting help for those who want treatment.”
"Overdoses have killed far too many Americans,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato. “The FBI, in collaboration with the Toledo Police Department, is avidly committed to holding those like Harold Sasse accountable for selling the deadly drugs which are killing our fellow citizens."
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 violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Cleveland men indicted for using firearms to rob MetroPCS stores and shoot at off-duty police officerRead the Press Release
An 11-count indictment was filed in U.S. District Court charging two Cleveland men were for brandishing firearms while robbing four MetroPCS stores and shooting at an off-duty Cleveland police officer.
Shawn Ford, 19, and Charles Rogers, 23, were each charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and four counts each of Hobbs Act robbery.
Ford was charged with three counts of brandishing or using a firearm during a crime of violence. Rogers was charged with one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of aiding or abetting the use or brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.
“These are dangerous individuals who used firearms to rob people going about their day, as well as shooting at an off-duty Cleveland police officer,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Cleveland is safer with these two off the streets.”
Ford and Rogers are accused of robbing the MetroPCS store at 10959 Kinsman Road on March 21, at 11100 Lorain Ave. on March 25, at 14701 Kinsman Road on March 27 and at 5853 Broadway Ave., also on March 27.
Ford and Rogers fled from the store on Broadway after taking more than $1,000 from the register. An off-duty Cleveland police officer, who was a customer in the store, followed them out of the store. He identified himself as a police officer and ordered them to stop. One of the suspects began shooting at the officer and 15 spent 9 mm shell casings were recovered nearby, according to court documents.
About 30 minutes later, an officer saw a vehicle that matched the description of the car the suspects got into after shooting at the officer. The car was pulled over with Ford and Rogers inside. Inside the car was a spent 9 mm round, blue latex gloves and clothing that matched clothing worn by suspects in other MetroPCS robberies, according to court documents.
Rogers was wearing an electronic monitoring device with GPS capabilities on March 21, the date of the first MetroPCS robbery. The GPS placed Rogers one-tenth of a mile from the Kinsman Road store a few minutes before the robbery. Sometime later the GPS device was tampered with or taken off Rogers, according to court documents.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.
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 a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Toledo man indicted for selling carfentanil, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaineRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was charged in a 14-count federal indictment with conspiring to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl and heroin.
Antoine Neal, aka Antoinne Neal, 40, conspired with others and sold fentanyl, heroin, carfentanil and crack cocaine between June and October 2017, according to the indictment.
Neal sold more than 26 grams of carfentanil over 10 days in 2017, according to the indictment.
“This defendant sold enough carfentanil to kill thousands of people, not to mention the other deadly drugs he sold,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated jointly by members of the Toledo Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.
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 his role in three armed bank robberiesRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for his role in three armed bank robberies.
Aaron Nickerson, 22, was indicted on three counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Nickerson was involved with others in the armed robberies of the U.S. Bank on Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights on Jan 18; the Ohio Savings Bank on Richmond Road in Richmond Heights on Feb. 6 and the US Bank on Forest Hills Boulevard in East Cleveland on Feb. 20, according to the indictment.
“This defendant put countless lives at risk when he and his associates used firearms to rob banks,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prioritize violent crime and prosecute those who harm our community.”
“This individual engaged in violent bank robberies that threatened the lives of bank customers, employees, and our citizens,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The Cleveland FBI, in partnership with East Cleveland Police Department, Warrensville Heights Police Department, Richmond Heights Police Department and Euclid Police Department, are committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who commit such dangerous acts.”
This case were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the police departments of Warrensville Heights, Euclid, Richmond Heights and East Cleveland, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The 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 armed robbery of bank on Puritas AvenueRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for his role in an armed bank robbery.
Devon Hawkins-Walker, 22, was indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Hawkins-Walker was involved with others in the armed robbery of the Citizens Bank on Puritas Avenue in Cleveland on Jan. 31, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The 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 convicted of domestic violence indicted in federal court for having a firearmRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man previously convicted of domestic violence was indicted in federal court for having a firearm, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Elijah Harder, 23, was indicted on one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Harder possessed a Derringer Corp. GE, Model CB9, pistol on May 8 after having been convicted in 2015 in Cleveland Municipal Court of domestic violence.
“People convicted of domestic violence are prohibited by law from having a firearm,” Herdman said. “We know those who have hit a loved one are more likely to use a firearm against that person or against law enforcement. We will continue to work with local police and prosecutors are get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.