Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Akron man faces at least 20 years in prison after being convicted of selling fentanyl and heroin that killed Akron womanRead the Press Release
An Akron man faces at least 20 years in prison after a jury convicted him of selling fentanyl and heroin that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old Akron woman.
Ryan Sumlin, 29, is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 3. A jury convicted Sumlin on all three counts – distribution of fentanyl and heroin that resulted in death, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
“This defendant put profits ahead of all else, willingly selling drugs that he knew could – and did -- kill his customers,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will prosecute those who profit from this epidemic to the fullest extent of the law, while working to help those who want treatment to find it.”
Sumlin sold a mix of fentanyl and heroin to Carrie Dobbins on March 28, 2015. Sumlin mixed fentanyl – which is far more powerful – with heroin but did not tell his customers. The fentanyl he obtained originally came from China, according to court documents and trial testimony.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Barr and Elliott Morrison. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department and the Fairlawn Police Department.
Kent State professor Julio Pino pleaded guilty to lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
A Kent State University professor pleaded guilty in federal court to lying to the FBI.
Julio Pino, 57, of Kent, is scheduled be sentenced Aug. 23 at noon. He was charged via a criminal information with one count of making a false statement to law enforcement earlier this week.
The charge was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
According to the criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland:
Pino was a Facebook friend of a St. Louis resident identified in the information at J.E. Pino posted numerous statements and images on social media regarding J.E. and J.E.’s child custody issues between May 2015 and January 2016.
Among these conversations, on or about September 11, 2015, Defendant and J.E. had the following communications:
J.E. wrote, “I’m playing the game backwards. and winning! . . . I will kill 100s of people if they take my rights as a father away!”
Pino stated, “Yes, in military terms this is known as ‘the Parthian shot’.”
J.E. wrote, “hell, 10000’s! . . . It’;s [sic] time for Men to act like men again. . . . See the thing I’ve got on my side is God. That allows me certain rights. One of those rights is to strike down evil with furious vengeance! . . . People don’t even know how crazy I am yet! That’s because no ones ever tried to take my [relative]. They’re about to meet to [the] Monster they’ve created.”
Pino responded, “Devour them, [J.E.].”
J.E. wrote, “Thank You! I will! :)
J.E. wrote on his Facebook wall a series of threatening communications in December 2015 through January 2016 directed against a St. Louis Family Court Judge adjudicating J.E.’s child custody case. On Jan. 11, 2016, J.E. also wrote on his own Facebook wall, “I (expletive) love Julio Pino, even if he does eventually do something that most consider horrible, I’ll still love him because I know him in a deeper way than most of you even could.”
Law enforcement authorities in St. Louis arrested J.E. on Jan. 11, 2016, for making threatening communications against the judge.
The FBI was involved in investigating J.E.’s threats against the judge. FBI agents on Jan. 18, 2016, interviewed Pino in Miami about his social media posts and comments concerning his interactions with J.E. and discussions with J.E. about J.E.’s child custody issues. The FBI agents recorded this interview in connection with an ongoing investigation concerning, among other things, Pino’s interactions with J.E. as described above.
Federal grand jury subpoenas from the Northern District of Ohio were issued during the course of that investigation. In response to questions from FBI agents concerning whether he ever had conversations with J.E. on the social media accounts, Pino, knowing full well the content of his social media interactions with J.E., stated he “never heard of [J.E. or] maybe I heard of him through the news,” he did not recall conversations with J.E. and that his conversations with J.E. were “invented conversation[s].” When asked again if he remembered the conversation with J.E., Pino responded, “I never heard of him, well maybe I heard of him through the news,” and then later stated, “the other way around it is certainly possible that he could have heard of me and made up this conversation, invented it.”
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Michelle Baeppler.
Saturday is National Take Back Day -- a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugsRead the Press Release
On Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. State and local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 15th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to any participating precinct, office or department. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”
Last fall Americans turned in 456 tons (912,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,300 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 14 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 9 million pounds—more than 4,500 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, disposal locations or about the April 28 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
Kent State University professor charged with making false statements to law enforcementRead the Press Release
A Kent State University professor was charged in federal court with lying to the FBI.
Julio Pino, 57, of Kent, was charged via a criminal information with one count of making a false statement to law enforcement.
The charge was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
According to the criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland:
Pino was a Facebook friend of a St. Louis resident identified in the information at J.E. Pino posted numerous statements and images on social media regarding J.E. and J.E.’s child custody issues between May 2015 and January 2016.
Among these conversations, on or about September 11, 2015, Defendant and J.E. had the following communications:
J.E. wrote, “I’m playing the game backwards. and winning! . . . I will kill 100s of people if they take my rights as a father away!”
Pino stated, “Yes, in military terms this is known as ‘the Parthian shot’.”
J.E. wrote, “hell, 10000’s! . . . It’;s [sic] time for Men to act like men again. . . . See the thing I’ve got on my side is God. That allows me certain rights. One of those rights is to strike down evil with furious vengeance! . . . People don’t even know how crazy I am yet! That’s because no ones ever tried to take my [relative]. They’re about to meet to [the] Monster they’ve created.”
Pino responded, “Devour them, [J.E.].”
J.E. wrote, “Thank You! I will! :)
J.E. wrote on his Facebook wall a series of threatening communications in December 2015 through January 2016 directed against a St. Louis Family Court Judge adjudicating J.E.’s child custody case. On Jan. 11, 2016, J.E. also wrote on his own Facebook wall, “I (expletive) love Julio Pino, even if he does eventually do something that most consider horrible, I’ll still love him because I know him in a deeper way than most of you even could.”
Law enforcement authorities in St. Louis arrested J.E. on Jan. 11, 2016, for making threatening communications against the judge.
The FBI was involved in investigating J.E.’s threats against the judge. FBI agents on Jan. 18, 2016, interviewed Pino in Miami about his social media posts and comments concerning his interactions with J.E. and discussions with J.E. about J.E.’s child custody issues. The FBI agents recorded this interview in connection with an ongoing investigation concerning, among other things, Pino’s interactions with J.E. as described above.
Federal grand jury subpoenas from the Northern District of Ohio were issued during the course of that investigation. In response to questions from FBI agents concerning whether he ever had conversations with J.E. on the social media accounts, Pino, knowing full well the content of his social media interactions with J.E., stated he “never heard of [J.E. or] maybe I heard of him through the news,” he did not recall conversations with J.E. and that his conversations with J.E. were “invented conversation[s].” When asked again if he remembered the conversation with J.E., Pino responded, “I never heard of him, well maybe I heard of him through the news,” and then later stated, “the other way around it is certainly possible that he could have heard of me and made up this conversation, invented it.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Michelle Baeppler.
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.
U.S. Attorney's Office hosts roundtable on sexual harassment in housingRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division hosted a roundtable with community partners to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in housing, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman announced.
The event included nearly 50 local law enforcement agencies, fair housing organizations, transitional housing providers and social service providers. Each organization was invited because they often work with vulnerable populations who are most likely to become victims of sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is often underreported, but it is an egregious violation of a person’s right to fair housing,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Landlords or superintendents using the power they have over tenants to extort sexual favors, or even commit assaults, is intolerable. Our office is dedicated to uncovering such violations where they exist and vigorously enforcing the law.”
A similar meeting will take place next week in Toledo.
The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.
In October 2017, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing. The Justice Department’s initiative seeks to identify barriers to reporting sexual harassment in housing, increase awareness of the Justice Department’s enforcement efforts – both among survivors and those they may report to – and collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to increase reporting and help survivors quickly and easily connect with federal resources.
The U.S. Attorney’s is working closely with the Civil Rights Division to spread the word in Northeast Ohio about options to help victims experiencing sexual harassment or who experienced sexual harassment in housing in the past. Roundtable discussions like the one that the office hosted today are one way to increase awareness and build strong partnerships in the community to combat this problem together.
Community partners, such as local law enforcement, legal aid offices, fair housing organizations, shelters, and transitional housing providers can identify the misconduct and recommend that victims report sexual harassment to the Civil Rights Division. Not only should victims of sexual harassment be aware of the Justice Department’s enforcement efforts, but people or organizations they may tell about the sexual harassment should also be aware where to refer them to report the misconduct. Local police departments or legal aid offices may be able to help victims, if the behavior is a crime or if there is an imminent eviction. In addition, organizations should recommend that the victim report the harassment to the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
While most people are familiar with the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, harassment also occurs in housing, and the Fair Housing Act prohibits it. The Justice Department brings cases each year involving egregious conduct, including allegations that defendants have exposed themselves sexually to current or prospective tenants, requested sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures.
Many instances of sexual harassment in housing continue to go unreported. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years or decades and identify numerous victims who never reported the conduct to federal authorities.
The Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact it by calling 1-(844) 380-6178 or emailing [email protected]. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at: 216-622-3932 or by emailing: [email protected]
Four people operating out of Cleveland and Maple Heights indicted for preparing hundreds of false tax returnsRead the Press Release
Four people from Ohio were named in a 31-count indictment for their roles in a conspiracy in which they filed more than 800 tax returns annually between 2012 and 2015 resulting in approximately $15 million in refunds being issued, a portion of which neither they nor their clients were entitled.
Indicted are: Keith Jeffries, 44, of Maple Heights; Brian Peacock, 33, of Sandusky; Linnette Coleman, 44, of Cleveland; and Nicole Pugh, 31, of Cleveland. All four are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. All four face additional counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns.
Jeffries operated a tax preparation business under the name Krew Time, LLC. Jeffries, Peacock, Coleman and Pugh all prepared returns for Krew Time clients. The company operated out of three locations – from Jeffries’ residence on Friend Avenue in Maple Heights, from the back offices of a MetroPCS store on East 71st Street in Cleveland and from a commercial building on East 140th Street in Cleveland, according to the indictment.
The defendants filed false, fictitious and fraudulent tax returns in the name of Krew Time clients. The clients received the majority of the refunds with the defendants receiving a portion of the refund as their tax preparation fee, according to the indictment.
They did this by filing false itemized deductions, business income expenses, tax credit information, medical expenses, false filing status and other information to obtain income tax refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled. This took place between 2011 and 2016, according to the indictment.
“This group spent years trying to rip off the federal government by filing hundreds of fake tax returns,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These defendants took advantage of programs designed to help sick people or struggling students and instead used them to enrich themselves.”
“These defendants wreaked havoc on the IRS by misusing their Electronic Filing Identification Number and Preparer Tax Identification Number to electronically file fraudulent income tax returns for their clients that generated inflated false income tax refunds,” stated Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
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. Attorneys Carmen Henderson and Alejandro Abreu.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron man and Barberton woman charged for defrauding insurance companyRead the Press Release
Two people were charged in federal court with mail fraud for defrauding an insurance company.
Kifiyun Daniels, 32, of Akron, and Jessie Banks, 25, of Barberton, were both charged with one count of mail fraud.
Daniels made fraudulent claims to Asurion Insurance for the replacement of approximately 261 cellular phones between August 2015 and December 2017. Asurion sustained a loss of approximately $130,717, according to the information.
Banks made fraudulent claims to Asurion Insurance for the replacement of approximately 179 cellular phones between Novermber 2015 and May 2017. Asurion sustained a loss of approximately $110,174, according to the information.
Jody Foster, of Ravenna, was charged last week with one count of mail fraud for defrauding Asurioan out of $94,000.
Foster defrauded Asurion Insurance between 2012 and 2016 through the submission of fraudulent insurance claims to obtain money and property from Asurion. He paid individuals, known and unknown, to purchase new cellular telephones and enroll in cellular telephones service plans which included insurance coverage with multiple cellular telephone service providers. Then these individuals provided the newly purchased cellular telephones to Foster, according to the criminal information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison for firing shotgun during carjackingRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to nearly 16 years in federal prison for firing a shotgun during a carjacking in Euclid.
Cody M. Coats, 25, was found guilty of carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver sentenced Coats to 191 months in prison.
Coats used an Itahca short-barreled shotgun when he carjacked someone and stole their 2005 Chrysler Crossfire outside a Euclid bar on Aug. 14, 2017. He crashed the car on East 222nd Street near Lakeshore Boulevard following a police chase and was arrested, according to court documents.
“The defendant earned this sentence when he fired a shotgun while carjacking the victim,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Those who use firearms to commit crimes put us all at risk. The Euclid Police Department and ATF did a tremendous job bringing this person to justice.”
“ATF is committed to combating gun violence in our communities,” said Trevor Velinor, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the Euclid Police Department, to arrest violent criminals and make our communities safer.”
“We are pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopted this case,” Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said. “The officers and detectives of the Euclid Police Department did an outstanding job with the apprehension and investigation. We must all work together to send the message that violent crime will not be tolerated in our communities.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and Euclid Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Robert J. Patton.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Strongsville man charged with selling anabolic steroidsRead the Press Release
A Strongsville man was charged in federal court for selling anabolic steroids, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
George Najjar, 57, was charged in a criminal information with one count of possession with intent to distribute steroids. Najjar did knowingly and intentionally manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute and distributed anabolic steroids from 2013 through December 3, 2014, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Ravenna man charged for defrauding insurance company out of $94,000 through phone schemeRead the Press Release
A Ravenna man was charged in federal court after defrauding an insurance company out of approximately $94,000.
Jody Foster was charged with one count of mail fraud.
Foster defrauded Asurion Insurance company between 2012 and 2016 through the submission of fraudulent insurance claims to obtain money and property from Asurion. He paid individuals, known and unknown, to purchase new cellular telephones and enroll in cellular telephones service plans which included insurance coverage with multiple cellular telephone service providers. Then these individuals provided the newly purchased cellular telephones to Foster, according to the criminal information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
Mexican citizen living in Indiana indicted for traveling to Ohio to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen living in Indiana was indicted for traveling to Brook Park, Ohio, to have sex with what he believed was a 14-year-old.
Isidro Lara-Sosa, 32, of Seymour, Indiana, was indicted on charges of enticement, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and transfer of obscene material to minors.
Lara-Sosa contacted an undercover law enforcement agent in April 2017. When Lara-Sosa asked the undercover agent’s age, the agent replied she was 14 years old. Lara-Sosa repeatedly stated he’d like to travel to Ohio to have sex with the underage girl and repeatedly sent nude images of himself, according to court documents.
Lara-Sosa stated on March 16, 2018 that he was traveling to Ohio to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 14-year-old. He arrived at the designed location to meet and was arrested, according to court documents.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes against Children Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations Customs Enforcement.
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.
Cleveland man charged with armed robbery of Cleveland bankRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for the armed robbery on a bank on Chester Avenue last year.
Joshua Gilchrist, 35, was indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Gilchrist used a firearm when he robbed the Key Bank on Chester Avenue in Cleveland on Dec. 8, 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three people indicted for illegally reentering the U.S. after multiple deportationsRead the Press Release
Three people were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after multiple deportations.
Misael De Jesus Constanza Hernandez, 29, a citizen of El Salvador, was found in Ohio last month after having previously been deported three times, according to the indictment.
Victor Guadalupe Gonzales, 46, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Ohio last month after having been previously deported twice, according to the indictment.
Rafael Eustate-Santos, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was found in Ohio last month after having been previously deported twice, according to the indictment.
The cases were investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Andrachick, Brian Deckert and Danielle Angeli.
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.
Three men plead guilty to concealing sending money to Anwar Al-AwlakiRead the Press Release
Three men pleaded guilty to their roles in concealing the provision of thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
The guilty pleas were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 38; Asif Ahmed Salim, 37; and Sultane Room Salim, 43, each pleaded guilty this week to one count of concealment of financing of terrorism. They are expected to be sentenced later this year.
“These defendants provided thousands of dollars to finance terrorism, then used every effort to conceal their activity from law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “This case demonstrates that we will work around the clock and across the globe to ensure that anyone who seeks to do our nation harm, whether on the battlefield or through the banking system, will be held accountable.”
“These three individuals have now accepted responsibility for taking steps to conceal that they gave funds to a known terrorist,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The identification of the provision of these funds to a dangerous terrorist and the subsequent investigation demonstrates how members of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force worked with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate threats in order to protect our citizens.”
A fourth defendant, Yahya Farooq Mohammad, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support or resources to terrorists and one count of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Farooq Mohammed admitted to conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars, equipment, and other assistance to Al-Awlaki. He also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI employee posing as a hitman to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. He was sentenced to 27 ½ years in prison last year.
Ibrahim Mohammad, was an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005. In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen. He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.
Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005. He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus area, according to court documents.
The three defendants who pleaded guilty this week acted to conceal supplying funds to Anwar Al-Awlaki in 2009. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, advocated violence against the United States and supported and was involved in attempted terrorist attacks against civilians, according to court documents.
Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen in 2009 to meet Awlaki. They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates. Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki, according to court documents. The money Farooq Mohammad provided included approximately $17,000 that had been provided by Asif and Sultane Salim in the United States. Ibrahim Mohammad facilitated the transfer of the money to Farooq Mohammad overseas for him to take to Awlaki in Yemen.
After law enforcement began investigating the financial transactions involved in the funds provided to Awlaki, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim, and Sultane Salim attempted to conceal the source of the funds provided to Awlaki by lying to investigators and deleting emails from their accounts that were related to the transactions.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Michael J. Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys David Smith and Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Concealing Sending Funds to Anwar Al-AwlakiRead the Press Release
Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 38; Asif Ahmed Salim, 38; and Sultane Room Salim, 43, pleaded guilty this week to one count of concealment of financing of terrorism, for their roles in concealing the provision of thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division announced the pleas.
A fourth defendant, Yahya Farooq Mohammad, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support or resources to terrorists and one count of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Farooq Mohammed admitted to conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars, equipment and other assistance to Al-Awlaki. He also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI employee posing as a hitman to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. He was sentenced to 27 ½ years in prison last year.
Ibrahim Mohammad, an Indian citizen, studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005. In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen. He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.
Asif Salim, a U.S. citizen, studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005. He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus area, according to court documents.
The three defendants who pleaded guilty this week acted to conceal supplying funds to Anwar Al-Awlaki in 2009. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, advocated violence against the United States and supported and was involved in attempted terrorist attacks against civilians, according to court documents.
Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen in 2009 to meet Awlaki. They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates. Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki, according to court documents. The money Farooq Mohammad provided included approximately $17,000 that had been provided by Asif and Sultane Salim in the United States. Ibrahim Mohammad facilitated the transfer of the money to Farooq Mohammad overseas for him to take to Awlaki in Yemen.
After law enforcement began investigating the financial transactions involved in the funds provided to Awlaki, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim attempted to conceal the source of the funds provided to Awlaki by lying to investigators and deleting emails from their accounts that were related to the transactions.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Michael J. Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys David Smith and Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Northfield man charged with stealing $684,000 after still working while collecting disability benefits for back injuryRead the Press Release
A Northfield man was charged today with stealing more than $684,000 after still working while collecting disability benefits, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Thomas H. Cannell, 62, was charged via criminal information with one count of theft of government funds and one count of wire fraud.
Cannell fraudulently collected benefits from Social Security and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for beginning in 1980, when he developed lower back pain at work. Cannell had been entitled to disability payments from a work-related injury in 1982. However, Cannell was required to report to both agencies whether he returned to work, which would terminate his ability to receive continued payments from both agencies, according to a criminal information.
Cannell developed a scheme where he could conceal his income as a fireplace salesman by not being paid directly from his employers. This scheme continued for decades until investigators uncovered Cannell working in 2016, according to court documents.
Special Agents James Altman from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Alec Gilchrist from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Special Investigations Department, conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lima woman was indicted for stealing $45,000 from Social Security after falsely claiming her disabled daughter lived with herRead the Press Release
A Lima woman was indicted for stealing $45,000 from Social Security by falsely claiming her disabled daughter lived with her, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Stacie D. Williams, 43, was indicted for theft of government funds and making false statements to the Social Security Administration.
Williams fraudulently converted for her own use the Supplemental Security Income payments intended for her disabled daughter. For several years, Williams falsely informed Social Security that her daughter lived with her and that she used the funds for her daughter’s benefit. Records showed, however, that Williams did not have custody of her daughter, who has been living with her father since 2009.
Manuel Muniz from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four people indicted for marijuana grow operation in Geauga and Ashtabula counties; nearly 1,600 plants and 20 firearms were seizedRead the Press Release
Four people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a marijuana grow and distribution ring in which nearly 1,600 plants and numerous firearms were seized.
Named in the six-count indictment are: James Nagy, 37, of Willoughby; Kenneth Sovaca, 27, of Geneva; Bridget Gregori, 27, of Richmond Heights, and Robert Weikart, 37, of Wickliffe.
Nagy, Sovaca and Weikert are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Weikart is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
All four defendants are charged with maintaining a drug house from an address on Ledge Road in Thompson Township. Nagy and Weikart are charged with maintaining a drug house related to an address on Clay Street in Ashtabula County.
Investigators seized approximately 1,580 plants from two locations on Nov. 7, 2017. They also seized $107,822 in cash and approximately 20 firearms, according to court documents.
“We have seen time and again that guns are unfortunately present in every large drug operation,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This was a large marijuana trafficking organization that, not surprisingly, included an AK-47 and other firearms as part of its illegal enterprise. This is but one example of what we see in law enforcement operations all the time – where there are large amounts of drugs and cash, violence and firearms are almost always present as well.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said: “Drug trafficking and violence are synonymous. The arrest and prosecution of these gun-toting marijuana dealers contributes to the safety of the Geauga and Ashtabula community.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Willoughby Police Department, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, Ashtabula Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Lake County Narcotics Agency and Ohio BCI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa T. Darden and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce of the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office.
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. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fostoria man indicted for recording himself sexually assaulting young boys and having more than 1,000 images of child pornographyRead the Press Release
A Fostoria man was indicted for recording himself sexually assaulting young boys and having more than 1,000 images of child pornography, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Charles Brian O’Neill, 58, was indicted for production of child pornography and receipt and distribution of child pornography.
Investigators responded to O’Neill’s house based upon a tip that he had numerous images of nude boys between the ages of 2 and 17. Investigators located child pornography on O’Neill’s phone and arrested him. A subsequent search of O’Neill’s barn on Bairdstown Road in Wood County contained sexual paraphernalia, condoms and sex toys, as well as children’s costumes, according to court documents.
A review of a computer in the barn showed a video of O’Neill performing sex acts on a prepubescent male. Another video shows O’Neill performing sex acts on a prepubescent male inside a bedroom, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fostoria Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
East Cleveland man indicted for a carjacking in Cleveland Heights and an armed bank robbery in Richmond HeightsRead the Press Release
An East Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for a carjacking in Cleveland Heights and an armed bank robbery in Richmond Heights.
Lashawn Davis, 18, was indicted on two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of carjacking and one count of armed bank robbery.
Davis brandished a firearm on Feb. 4 when he took a 2016 Hyundai Elantra from someone on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights.
He also brandished a firearm on Feb. 17 when he robbed the Dollar Bank on Wilson Mills Road in Richmond Heights, according to the indictment.
Davis posted a photo of himself to Instagram that was taken on Jan. 3 showing himself holding two new Glock pistol boxes. A victim of the bank robbery described the weapon used as having two circles in the area of the muzzle. An employee of the bank heard a robber yell: “you got five seconds or I’m going to (expletive) kill you,” according to court documents.
A bank employee captured the license plate of the getaway vehicle. It was the same license plate as the vehicle that was carjacked in Cleveland Heights 13 days earlier, according to court documents.
Agents searching Davis’ residence at 1835 Penrose Ave. found a revolver and a Glock 27 pistol with an attached red laser sight. Together, the muzzle and the laser sight appeared as circles. A fresh stack of $2 bills were also found in his bedroom. A new stack of $2 bills were taken during the bank robbery, according to court documents.
“If you point a firearm at someone while robbing them, we will work to send you to prison for as long as the law allows,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to get a dangerous criminal off the streets.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “The FBI Violent Crime Task Force will continue working with our law enforcement partners to rid our streets of violent criminals like this one. This individual terrorized the driver of the car he carjacked and the folks present in the bank that he robbed. Davis is being held accountable for the illegal actions he chose to engage in.”
“This was good work done by law enforcement – we got a dangerous person off our streets,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “This collaboration between CPD, ATF, FBI and my office’s Crime Strategies Unit means the U.S. Attorney’s Office is getting a stronger case for prosecution, sending a loud signal that if you break the law you will be caught and harshly prosecuted.”
The case remains under investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cleveland Heights Police Department and the Richmond Heights Police Department, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Zarzycki and Robert J. Patton.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man indicted for selling fentanyl and other drugsRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for selling fentanyl and other drugs.
Hamilton Greathouse, 36, was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Greathouse had 52 grams of fentanyl and 154 grams of N-Ethylpentylone on Dec. 15, 2017, according to the indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney is prosecuting the case following in investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force and U.S. Pretrial Services
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 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 having a firearm after numerous violent felony convictionsRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted on federal firearms charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Demetrius Hansbro, 39, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hansbro possessed a Glock 19, Model GEN 4, 9mm caliber pistol and ammunition, despite numerous prior felony convictions that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, including robbery, assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, child endangering and drug offenses, according to the indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Euclid Police Department 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.
Ashland County man indicted for sexually exploiting five childrenRead the Press Release
An Ashland County man was indicted after having at least five children send him nude images of themselves, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Michael D. Nixon, 55, of Perrysville, was indicted on five counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Nixon coereced five minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct from June 1, 2017 through Nov. 29, 2017, according to the indictment
The parents of a 10-year-old girl contacted authorities after someone, later determined to be Nixon, contacted the girl and, posing as a young girl himself, requested her to send nude images. Nixon, posing as a young girl, sent images of a girl in her underwear and then images of nude girl, and asked the victim to reciprocate. The victim girl sent a nude photo, according to court documents.
When Nixon asked for more nude images, the victim replied she did feel comfortable and attempted to discontinue contact. Nixon said he’d be willing to discontinue contact only if the victim provided names, phone numbers and school information of her friends. Nixon then said if the victim did not comply, he would send the images to the victim’s school, according to court documents.
Terrified, the victim reported the incident to her mother, according to court documents.
Nixon also knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files that contained child pornography. Nixon also possessed two Samsung Gusto 3 cellular phones that contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case was investigated by TFO Bryan Allen, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Task Force, and Edward Moschella, FBI, District of Columbia. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.
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 men indicted for using firearms while trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
Two Akron men were indicted for using firearms as part of a conspiracy to sell large amounts of methamphetamine.
Jonathan S. Wilt, 24, and Johnny R. Rollyson, 27, were both indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Both were also indicted on charges of possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and being felons in possession of firearms.
Wilt on March 12 had a Kahr Arms 9mm pistol, despite convictions for felonious assault and attempted felonious assault that made it illegal for him to have a firearm. Rollyson on the same date had a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, despite convictions for burglary that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment.
They had those firearms in relation to drug trafficking. Both men attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 12, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
Owner of payroll company in Delphos indicted for stealing $914,000 from clientsRead the Press Release
A Putnam County woman was indicted on seven counts of bank fraud after she stole more than $900,000 from her clients, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Jennifer Edelbrock, 51, of Kalida, operated Edelbrock Enterprises LLC, which also did business as Edelbrock-Reitz LLC in Delphos. The company provided payroll and accounting services for companies in Northwest and Central Ohio. Those services included issuing payroll checks, including withholding federal and states taxes and making quarterly payments from money provided by the clients, according to the indictment.
Edelbrock fraudulently obtained at least $914,000 and used the money for her own personal enrichment, transferring the funds from clients’ bank accounts to the account of All Seasons Lawn and Recreation LLC, which was owned by her husband, according to the indictment.
Edelbrock used her position with her clients to obtain money and funds from financial institutions that she was supposed to hold in trust to pay her clients’ payroll expenses, including federal, state and local tax obligations. She concealed the late payment of taxes because notices of delinquencies and penalties often went only to Edelbrock, according to the indictment.
She also manipulated her clients’ payroll obligations by adding certain amounts (sometimes $25 to $90 per pay period) to the employer responsibility for taxes above and beyond what the employer actually owed. Edelbrock then used the amount she overcharged for her own personal enrichment, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Hood.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Geauga County man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for sharing videos of children being raped and sexually assaultedRead the Press Release
A Geauga County man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for possessing videos of children being raped and sexually assaulted.
John S. Mobasseri, 40, of Novelty, was sentenced to 136 months in prison after previously being found guilty of distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography.
“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”
Mobasseri last year had two USB storage devices, 14 computer disks and a computer that contained images of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Mobasseri received and distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between 2009 and 2017, according to court documents.
The files include titles such as “10Yo Preteen Raped (Incest).mpeg” and images such as children being blindfolded and sexually assaulted, as well as children being bound and masked while being sexually assaulted, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Canfield man indicted for having unregistered machine gun and ammunition despite felony convictionRead the Press Release
A Canfield man was arrested today after being indicted on firearms violations, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Michael G. Malvasi, 55, was indicted on one count of possessing a firearm not registered to him in the national firearms registration and transfer record and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Malvasi on Aug. 2, 2017 possessed an Interdynamic 9 mm machinegun that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He was also prohibited from having the firearm and ammunition because of a 2011 conviction for tax evasion, according to court documents.
The investigation was conducted by the Canfield Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron man faces at least 20 years in prison after jury convicts him of selling fentanyl that killed Akron womanRead the Press Release
A jury convicted an Akron man of selling fentanyl that caused the death of an Akron woman, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Jurmaine A. Jeffries, 29, was convicted of distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following a two-week trial. The jury found Jeffries sold the fentanyl that resulted in the death of an Akron woman on Sept. 16, 2015 inside a home on Goodyear Avenue.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial showed the woman called and texted Jeffries repeatedly on the day she died asking to buy heroin. He replied “B right there” and records from cell phone towers put Jeffries near the woman’s house on the day she died.
After she was found dead, Akron police detectives posed as the woman and texted Jeffries from her phone, asking for more drugs. Jeffries again replied that he would be right there. Police arrested him when he arrived and found him with 38 grams of fentanyl, according to trial testimony and evidence.
Jeffries will be sentenced later this year. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
“We will prosecute those who sell fentanyl and other drugs that kill our friends and neighbors,” Herdman said. “This defendant drove around Akron delivering poison for profit. The Akron Police Department and all our law enforcement partners did a tremendous job bringing this man to justice.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Teresa Riley and Megan Miller following an investigation by the Akron Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.
North Royalton man indicted for conspiring to distribute controlled substance analogues commonly sold as MollyRead the Press Release
A North Royalton man was indicted in federal court for conspiring to distribute controlled substance analogues commonly sold on the street as Molly.
Robert Przybylski, 37, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of controlled substances to intent to distribute and two counts of attempted possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
Przbylski conspired with others from September 2016 to the present to possess N-ethyl Pentylone and N-ethyl Norpentylone, Schedule I analogue drugs often sold as the street drug Molly, according to the indictment.
Przbylski possessed 46 grams of N-ethyl Norpentylone in October 2016. He attempted to possess a kilogram of N-ethyl Norpentylone on Oct. 4, 2016 and tried to possess N-ethyl Pentylone on July 10, 2017, according to the indictment.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Medina County Drug Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin.
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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man and two Mexican nationals charged in federal court after agents seize 140 pound of methamphetamine; bust comes days after seizure of 44 pounds of heroin in AkronRead the Press Release
Two Mexican nationals and a Cleveland man were charged in federal court after law enforcement agents seized more than 140 pounds of methamphetamine, believed to be the largest seizure of meth in Ohio history.
Tyrone Rogers, 36, Hector Manuel Ramos-Nevarez, 26, and Gilbert Treviso-Garcia, 24, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
They were arrested after DEA agents seized approximately 82 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from 7592 Olde Eight Road in Hudson. They also seized an additional 60 pounds of liquid meth from the same warehouse.
The seizure of crystal methamphetamine came the same week another Mexican national was arrested with approximately 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of heroin on State Route 8 in Akron. Octavio Barragan-Manzo, 54, was indicted Tuesday on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
“Although we in Northeast Ohio are far from the border, these cases demonstrate that the threat posed by Mexican criminal organizations to our region is very real,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “International drug trafficking organizations are active right here in our backyard and they seek to profit from the misery of our friends and neighbors struggling with addiction. The destruction caused by heroin and fentanyl is well documented, and now we are seeing an influx of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine. Law enforcement will work vigilantly to choke off the supply of these deadly drugs here in Ohio, and we need to come together as a community to reduce the demand.”
“These seizures are yet another example of the prevalence of drugs and the demand for drugs in the Cleveland area and surrounding communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. “The DEA continues our efforts to target drug traffickers especially those contributing to the opioid epidemic in America.”
Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “This case represents a win for law enforcement and our citizens. It reflects the dedication of our investigators and strength of partnering organizations that join with us to make our communities safer. Unfortunately, it also represents that the threat of illegal drug activities remain formidable. I look forward to a sentencing that will properly protect us from these drug trafficking predators.”
"Law enforcement in Ohio is working every day to stop those bringing these deadly drugs into our state," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "Task forces operating as part of my office's Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission will continue to work in partnership with state, local, and federal authorities to intercept drugs before they can be abused."
Rogers traveled from Cleveland to the La Quinta Inn in Macedonia last month, where he picked up two men later identified as Ramos-Nevarez and Treviso-Garcia. Together, they traveled to a residence at 226 Barrington Place East in Aurora. Rogers drove the two men between Barrington Place East and the location on Olde Eight Road several times, according to court documents.
Investigators executed a delayed-notice search warrant at 7592 Olde Eight Road on March 24, where they seized approximately 82 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. The location appeared to be a crystal methamphetamine processing facility used to make, package and distribute the drug, according to court documents.
Since it was a delayed-notice warrant, no notification was left at Olde Eight Road. Investigators listened to several conversations about who had “broken into” the location. Rogers and others believed it was an inside person who robbed them, according to court documents.
Investigators intercepted telephone calls in which Rogers got the “green light” (believed to be from his Mexican supplier) to kill the person Rogers believed stole his drugs. Rogers said people were going to “knock his head in,” according to court documents.
Investigators arrested Rogers, Ramos-Nevarez and Treviso-Garcia on March 24, believing they were going to kill the person they incorrectly believed took the 82 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from 7592 Olde Eight Road. Investigators found an additional 60 pounds of liquid meth during another search of that location. Another search of other locations associated with Rogers resulted in the seizure of four firearms, according to court documents.
In the heroin case, Barragan-Manzo was arrested on March 21 after he was found with 20 kilogram-sized packages containing heroin. Barragan-Manzo was stopped driving on State Route 8 in Akron, according to court documents.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol canine positively alerted to the presence of drugs. Law enforcement officers then located 20 brick-shaped objects which later tested positive for heroin. A subsequent search of a location in Akron resulted in the seizure of three pistols, a rifle and a shotgun, according to court documents.
The Barragan-Manzo case was investigated by the DEA, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
The methamphetamine case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation led by the Cleveland DEA Task Force, which includes representatives from the Lake County Narcotics Agency, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Euclid Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Boston Heights Police Department, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cleveland Division of Police, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio BCI and U.S. Border Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa T. Darden.
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.
Youngstown man charged for sharing images of young children being sexually assaultedRead the Press Release
A Youngstown man was charged in federal court for sharing images of young children being sexually assaulted.
Daniel B. Fleischer, 36, was charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
Fleischer used his Kik account, accessed by his cell phone, to receive, distribute and possess child pornography, including images of young children being raped and sexually assaulted, according to court documents.
Law enforcement officials searched Fleischer’s home on Weston Avenue on March 28. Fleischer told police he viewed “hundreds of child pornography images” that depicted “young” boys and girls, according to court documents.
“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI, Ohio BCI and the Youngstown Police Department. 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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Medina County man indicted for armed robbery of bank in GraftonRead the Press Release
A Medina County man was indicted for the armed robbery of a bank in Grafton.
Matthew J. Kroffke, 37, brandished a firearm when he robbed the Chemical Bank located at 351 North Main Street on Feb. 23, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Garfield Heights man indicted for using a firearm while dealing carfentanil and heroinRead the Press Release
A Garfield Heights man was indicted in federal court for using a firearm while dealing carfentanil and heroin, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Delamar D. Williams, 36, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and carfentanil, one count of using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Williams had 55.2 grams of a mixture of carfentanil and heroin on Oct. 19, 2017, as well as a 9 mm SCCY CPX-2 pistol. Williams possessed the firearm in relation to his drug trafficking and was also forbidden from having it because of numerous prior convictions for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the firearm as well as $81,587 in cash seized as part of the investigation.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force, which is made up of officers from Bedford, Bedford Heights, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Solon, Oakwood and Walton Hills Police Departments. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke.
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 man sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for using firearms while trafficking crack cocaineRead the Press Release
A Canton man was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for drug and firearms crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Jack D. Wise, 40, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. He was previously found guilty of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Wise had 28 grams of crack cocaine, a handgun, a shotgun and more than 170 rounds ammunition when he was arrested on March 9, 2017, despite a previous conviction in Stark County Common Pleas Court for trafficking in LSD, according to the court documents.
“People who use firearms as a tool of their drug trafficking doubly put the community at risk,” Herdman said. “The ATF, Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office did a tremendous job and have made our community safer.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the ATF, Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
Toledo man indicted for having methamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted in federal court for distribution of methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Darren F. Fenner, 63, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Fenner and others conspired to possess 15 grams of methamphetamine between November and December 2017, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke.
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.
Euclid man arrested and charged in federal court after ordering large amounts of fentanyl from China, then selling the drugs domesticallyRead the Press Release
A Euclid man was arrested and charged in federal court after ordering shipments of suspected fentanyl and several other opioid analogues from China and selling the drugs domestically.
Antoin Austin, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
Austin used the online moniker “DARKKING22” on the Dark Web. As of this month, DARKKING22 advertised some of the following items for sale: “Fentanyl Pure HCL, Methozymethylfentanyl ‘30490’, molly, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product.” Methozymethylfentanyl, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product are known to be various types of fentanyl analogues.
Undercover law enforcement agents made multiple purchases of opioids from DARKKING22 on the Dark Web in 2018. The purchases were made using bitcoins and the shipments indicated the letters carrying the drugs originated in the Cleveland area.
Law enforcement this month tracked the shipment of a drug package sent by DARKKING22 to the Wickliffe Post Office on Lloyd Road. Surveillance groups this week observed Austin travel from his home in Euclid to the Wickliffe Post Office, where he attempted to mail packages using false return addresses.
Law enforcement in October 2017 seized a package being shipped to Austin from a known Chinese fentanyl distributor. The parcel was opened and found to contain 10 grams of fentanyl.
“This defendant ordered thousands of deadly doses of fentanyl from China, brought it to a residential neighborhood in Euclid and then mailed the dangerous drugs all over Ohio and across the country,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Drug traffickers like this have enriched themselves while causing so much pain in our community.”
Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato said: “Opioids have killed thousands of our friends and neighbors. The FBI will continue to work with all our partners to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin.
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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
East Cleveland man convicted of manslaughter indicted for having a firearmRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury indicted an East Cleveland man for using a firearm while trafficking marijuana, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Keli Dunnican, 42, was indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Dunnican possessed a Ruger, Model P95 9mm handgun and marijuana that was intended for distribution on November 8, 2017. Dunnican is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions for involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault, according to the indictment.
The case was investigated by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the East Cleveland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Lewis is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the 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.
Convicted child rapist from Cleveland man sentenced to 24 years in prison for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
A convicted child rapist from Cleveland man was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for child pornography crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Roland A. Wolfe, 53, was sentenced to 293 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in federal court to receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and having a computer that contained images of child sexual abuse.
“This case is a testament to the hard work of the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, ICAC and the Cleveland State police,” Herdman said. “They each worked to make our community safer.”
Wolfe was at Cleveland State University using the school’s free wi-fi to view images of child pornography and child sexual abuse on his personal laptop in 2016. He was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and obstructing official business, according to court documents.
A subsequent investigation tracked him to a Cleveland homeless shelter, where Wolfe possessed a Dell laptop computer and five USB storage devices, each of which contained child pornography, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Kathryn Andrachik following an investigation by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Cleveland State University Police Department.
Akron man pleads guilty to using a firearm while having nearly a half-pound of carfentanilRead the Press Release
An Akron man will likely be sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to using a firearm while having nearly a half-pound of carfentanil, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdmanand Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball.
Da’Nico D. Geter, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of carfentanil and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Geter possessed 201.5 grams of carfentanil and a Springfield Armory .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol on Sept. 7, 2017, according to court documents.
“This amount of carfentanil is staggering, and having that much is like walking around Akron with a bomb,” Herdman said. “That fact, combined with him using a firearm as part of his drug trafficking, demonstrates the community is safer with this defendant behind bars. Akron police did a tremendous job.”
Police Chief Ball said: “More than 300 people have died as a result of drug overdose in Akron since the start of 2016. Drug dealers like Da'Nico Geter are largely responsible. Almost 3,000 others have suffered through non-fatal overdoses. For each victim, many family members and loved ones are victimized too. In this case, Akron Narcotics Unit members are responsible for a thorough and professional investigation that will rid our community of a major contributor of the collective suffering. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has once again ensured that the sentence meets up with the seriousness of the offense.”
This case was investigated by the Akron Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Riley.
Three from Houston area charged in federal court for having more than three pounds of fentanyl in ToledoRead the Press Release
Three people from the Houston area were charged in federal court after authorities arrested them in Toledo with what is believed to be more than three pounds of fentanyl.
Anthony Robinson, 32, Barbera Wilson, 21, and Darrius Lewis, 29, were each charged with conspiracy possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
On Tuesday night, Robinson and Wilson traveled from a Red Roof Inn to the United States Post Office on Bancroft in Toledo, where Robinson and Wilson attempted to mail one kilogram of suspected fentanyl. The drugs were wrapped in multiple layers of heat-sealed plastic bags. The drugs field tested positive for fentanyl, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.
Agents then obtained search warrants for the Red Roof Inn rooms where the defendants were staying. All three were arrested at the motel and a search of their rooms discovered an additional half-kilogram of suspected fentanyl, as well as approximately $8,018 in cash, according to the affidavit.
“The fentanyl seized last night is enough to kill everyone in Toledo several times over," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "This is a great example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer."
“Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid with deadly consequences for users and those in law enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “This significant seizure clearly demonstrates HSI’s resolve to combatting the ongoing epidemic affecting Ohio, which we redoubled last week by pledging increased resources in the state.”
“Individuals from out of state who think they can come into Ohio to traffic drugs undetected should know that we have task forces like this one across the state whose mission is to find you, seize your drugs, and stop you from profiting off of Ohioans who are suffering from addiction," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "It took this task force less than a day and a half to identify these suspects and intercept the package of deadly fentanyl before it left the post office. I commend task force members for their swift work."
“This arrest should show that the Toledo Police Department, with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently and aggressively to keep Toledo’s streets free from this poison,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “I commend those dedicated investigators who were involved in this large seizure and arrests. God only knows how many lives have been saved, and subsidiary crimes avoided, because of these dedicated men and women. I sincerely hope anyone considering committing illegal activity in Toledo will reconsider doing so.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling following an investigation by the the Toledo Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, which consists of representatives of the Toledo Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Mexican citizens charged for illegally reentering the U.S. after deportationRead the Press Release
Two Mexican citizens were charged with illegally reentering the United States after multiple deportations, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Joel Tovar-Leon, 36, was previously deported four times when he was found in Ohio on Feb. 26, according to the indictment.
Rogelio Cervantes-Huezo, 45, was found in Ohio on Feb. 26 after having been previously deported, 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 cases were investigated by the United States Border Patrol and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Solon accountant charged with defrauding the IRSRead the Press Release
A two-count criminal information was filed today charging a Solon accountant with conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.
Patrick DiPietro, 51, conspired with two other people and a company owned by the other people between 2007 and 2012 to impede the lawful function of the IRS in the assessment and collection of revenue, while enriching themselves with the tax savings.
The scheme involved checks being written from the company’s bank account payable to another entity controlled by DiPietro, purportedly as payments for rent and other business expenses. DiPietro deposited the checks into an account he controlled and then wrote checks back to the two individuals for approximately 90 percent of the amounts received, with DiPietro keeping approximately 10 percent as his “fee” for conducting the transactions, according to the information.
DiPietro also prepared federal income tax returns for the individuals and their business for 2007 through 2011 which falsely understated taxable income and overstated business deductions, according to the information.
During the IRS criminal investigation, DiPietro provided various fraudulent documents to the investigating agents in an attempt to legitimize or explain the checks written to his business entity from the other individuals’ business, including a commercial lease, a stock option agreements, a promissory note. None of the documents were, in fact, legitimate or had ever been executed by the parties, according to the information.
“This defendant enriched himself by taking money that should have been going into the U.S. Treasury,” Herdman said.
“Conspiring to impede the IRS by creating business checks for expenses not actually incurred and receiving a ‘kickback’ from those fraudulent business checks is not tax savings, but rather a recipe for criminal prosecution,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Kern following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An 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.
North Carolina Man Convicted of Attempting and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Erick Jamal Hendricks, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was convicted today by a jury in Akron, Ohio, of attempting and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The guilty verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams.
“Hendricks used social media to recruit others to plan and carry out attacks on our homeland in the name of ISIS, with the goal of creating a sleeper cell on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, Hendricks’ plan was thwarted, and with today’s verdict he is being held accountable for his terrorist activities.”
“This defendant recruited and directed people here in the United States to launch attacks against our citizens, and attempted to recruit others to engage in similar attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “Protecting our citizens from terrorist attacks remains our priority and our community will be safer with this defendant behind bars.”
“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily – a US citizen that becomes radicalized online and attempts to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while on American soil,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups. The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.
Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the U.S.
Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony
Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise). Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.
Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail. This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.” Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the U.S. He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.
On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland. Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi. Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media, communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland, and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest. Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.” He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?” Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.
Al-Ghazi previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms. He is awaiting sentencing.
Hendricks’ sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former physician Richard Rydze sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing anabolic steroids, HGH, oxycodone and OxyContinRead the Press Release
Former physician Richard Rydze was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, who oversees the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
A jury last year convicted Rydze, 68, on all 180 charged counts, including conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.
“Rydze violated his legal, professional and ethical obligations,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “He flooded Pennsylvania with dangerous painkillers and prescribed steroids to enrich himself.”
“Greed and power often drives criminal activity as evidenced by this indictment, where a physician decided to abuse his medical privileges in order to line his pockets,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue doctors who illegally divert prescription medications.”
U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti also sentenced Rydze to pay $32,390 in restitution and $18,300 in special assessments.
Various conduct detailed in the months-long trial spanned from 2005 through 2012.
Rydze was the sole owner of Optimal Health Center LLC (OHC), located at 425 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, which opened in 2007. Prior to OHC, Rydze was involved with other physicians in a joint medical practice known as Diagnostic Medical Associates.
James Hatzimbes and William Sadowksi previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the case. Hatzimbes owned and operated HSE Salon and Wellness Center, aka HSE Anti-Aging & Wellness Center (HSE), formerly located in a strip mall at 2851 Saw Mill Run, Pittsburgh. It was located in the same strip mall where Hatzimbes owned and operated Hatz’s Solar Eclipse Tanning. Sadowski operated a Pittsburgh pharamacy called ANEWrx, according to court documents.
Together, they facilitated the conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and, in the case of Sadowski, knowingly facilitated a kickback scheme from which Rydze directly benefitted.
Rydze conspired with others to distribute anabolic steroids, including Stanozolol, Nandrolone Decanoate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate, Oxandrolone and testosterone. He unjustly enriched himself by causing the distribution of the steroids for unauthorized uses such as bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement, according to trial testimony and court documents.
Rydze and Hatzimbes scheduled “steroid clinics” at HSE nearly every other Saturday. Frequently, Rydze would falsely diagnose clients as having hormone imbalance or other conditions, and then knowingly prescribe steroids and human growth hormone, according to court documents.
Rydze and Hatzimbes had a financial relationship in which Rydze charged clients $75 for each visit at HSE, which Rydze and Hatzimbes split equally. Additionally, Hatzimbes received prescriptions for anabolic steroids and human growth hormone from Rydze on numerous occasions, which were filled at ANEWrx, despite no corresponding office appointments, notations or diagnosis to justify the prescriptions, according to court documents and trial testimony.
In early 2007, Rydze met with Sadowski, the co-owner of ANEWrx, and they agreed Rydze would be paid a commission on every prescription for human growth hormone, anabolic steroids and other specific medications filled at ANEWrx. Sadowski then provided Rydze with a list of ANEWrx’s price for each prescription. They agreed to mark up the price for Rydze’s patients, with Sadowski then kicking back additional money to Rydze, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Commission reports prepared by ANEWrx show that between August 2007 and January 2011, Rydze received $301,407 in commission payments. For commissions paid on mark-ups for Rydze’s patients, ANEWrx wrote one check to Rydze for $6,845 and three to OHC for $25,395. Additionally, ANEWrx made 14 deposits into OHC’s account totaling $146,465, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Rydze was also convicted of multiple counts of distribution of anabolic steroids, conspiracy to distribute human growth hormone, distribution of human growth hormone, distribution of controlled substances, obstruction of justice.
Rydze conspired with others to distribute controlled substances, including Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Oxycontin and Opana, according to court documents.
Beginning in 2007, Rydze prescribed the painkillers to Williams Zipf. Later that year, Zipf requested Rydze put the prescriptions in the names of other people, including Zipf’s relatives. At times, Zipf requested Rydze write two prescriptions for him at the same time and leave the date blank on one so Zipf could fill it in later. Zipf took the prescriptions to numerous different pharmacies in order to avoid detection, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Zipf has pleaded guilty to crimes for his role in the case.
From 2005 through 2011, Rydze obtained more than 21,000 pills of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, commonly referred to as “Vicodin ES,” by calling in more than 200 prescriptions to Pittsburgh-area pharmacies. He did so by fraudulently and without lawful authority using a DEA registration number that was issued to another physician, and did so without the consent or knowledge of that physician, according to court documents and trial testimony.
The jury also found Rydze corruptly attempted to obstruct justice by calling his brother and asking his brother to lie to federal law enforcement by declaring that some of the diverted opioid prescriptions found in Rydze’s control during the execution of a search warrant were written to the brother. In fact, according to trial testimony and other evidence, the prescription was illegally written to Rydze’s deceased father. His brother refused and testified during the trial of this matter.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Brian McDonough following an investigation by the FBI.
Akron jury convicts North Carolina man of conspiring to support ISISRead the Press Release
A Charlotte, North Carolina, man was convicted by a jury in Akron, Ohio, of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Erick Jamal Hendricks, 37, will be sentenced at a date to be determined. The guilty verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams.
“Hendricks used social media to recruit others to plan and carry out attacks on our homeland in the name of ISIS, with the goal of creating a sleeper cell on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, Hendricks’ plan was thwarted, and with today’s verdict he is being held accountable for his terrorist activities.”
“This defendant recruited and directed people here in the United States to launch attacks against our citizens, and attempted to recruit others to engage in similar attacks,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Protecting our citizens from terrorist attacks remains our priority and our community will be safer with this defendant behind bars.”
“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily -- a US citizen that becomes radicalized online and attempts to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while on American soil,” Special Agent in Charge Anthony said. “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups. The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.
Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the United States.
Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony
Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise). Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.
Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail. This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.” Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the United States. He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.
On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland. Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi. Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media; communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland; and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest. Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.” He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?” Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.
Al-Ghazi previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms. He is awaiting sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Justice Department Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone. This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, North Carolina, with assistance the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.
Westlake woman charged with defrauding Social Security by cashing deceased father-in-law's checksRead the Press Release
A Westlake woman was charged today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Rimjhim Gupta, 40, fraudulently converted to her own use her father-in-law’s Title II Retirement Insurance benefits after her father-in-law died. The Social Security Administration was not made aware of the death and continued to pay benefits to a checking account held by Gupta’s father-in-law. Over the course of several years, Rimjhim Gupta accessed her father-in-law’s account and withdrew over $38,000 in federal benefits which she was not entitled.
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.
Four from the Mahoning Valley indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Four people from the Mahoning Valley were indicted in federal court on firearms charges, and, in some cases, drug trafficking charges.
Named in separate indictments are: Daylen Harris, 39, of Youngstown; Marvin Howell, Jr., 39, of Boardman; Antonio Dukes, 30, of Warren, and Donald Sims, 36, of Warren.
“These indictments demonstrate our commitment to prosecute people who carry firearms when they are not allowed by law to have them,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Not surprisingly, several of these defendants were also involved in the sale of fentanyl, heroin and other deadly drugs, and using firearms as part of their drug trafficking.”
“These cases are the result of great collaboration from all the agencies involved, local and federal,” said Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force Commander Larry McLaughlin.
“There is no place in our community for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” said Trevor A. Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice and make the Mahoning Valley area safer for all of its residents.”
Harris was indicted on charges of trafficking crack cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Harris repeatedly sold crack cocaine in May and June 2017. He used a several firearms in connection with his drug trafficking, including a Norinco SKS 7.62 mm rifle, a Plainfield Machine model M1 .30 rifle, a Russian SKS-45 7.62 mm rifle, a Taurus 9 mm pistol and a Taurus .380 pistol. Harris was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a previous conviction for possession of cocaine, according to the indictment.
Howell was indicted on charges of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Howell possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug on Nov. 16, 2017, as well firearms related to his drug trafficking activities, including a Glock 9 mm pistol, an RG Industries .22 revolver, a Smith & Wesson .40 pistol and ammunition. Howell was prohibited from possessing these firearms and ammunition because of a prior conviction for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Dukes was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dukes has prior convictions for possession of heroin and assault on a law enforcement officer, but on Dec. 21, 2017, he was in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.
Sims was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He possessed a Star, model PS, .45 caliber pistol and ammunition, after having been previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following investigations by the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Warren Police Department.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Two indicted for illegally reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Two men were indicted for illegally reentering the United States.
Ignacio Alvarez-Perez, 25, a citizen of Guatemala, was found in Stark County after having been previously deported, according to the indictment.
Raul Fernando Dominguez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Salem, Ohio after having been previously deported, according to the indictment.
Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik is prosecuting the cases following investigations by the Bureau of 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.
Former police chief of village in Mahoning County pleaded guilty to child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
The police chief of a village in Mahoning County pleaded guilty to child pornography crimes, law enforcement officials said.
Andrew M. Soloman, 36, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28.
He pleaded guilty 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.
Three men indicted for conspiracy involving passing $20,000 worth of counterfeit $50 bills at dozens of stores across Northeast OhioRead the Press Release
Three men were indicted in federal court for their roles in a counterfeiting conspiracy in which they passed more than $20,000 in counterfeit currency in nearly three dozen stores throughout Northeast Ohio, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Named in the eight-count indictment are Labrawn Revelle Gullatt, Jr., 23, of Euclid; Yul Ardon Martin, Jr., 39 and Meco L. Shaw, 22, both of Cleveland.
“These defendants are accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from stores across Northeast Ohio,” Herdman said. “Whether it was buying merchandise from large stores, making relatively small purchases in an effort to get change or buy debit cards with fake cash, they broke the law and will now be held accountable for their actions.”
Gullat, Martin and Shaw conspired together between April 2017 through February 2018 to use counterfeit $50 bills to purchase merchandise from locations including Walmart in Sandusky, Mansfield and Cleveland, Home Depots in Highland Heights, Mentor and Euclid and Babies R Us in Mentor, according to the indictment.
They also made or attempted to make relatively small purchases with the counterfeit $50 bills, including a milkshake from Arby’s in Mentor and a sandwich from Chick-fil-A in Willoughy, according to the indictment.
They also made purchases in January 2018 with the counterfeit $50 bills from several stores in Aurora, including Adidas, Calvin Klein and Home Depot, a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bainbridge. They also purchased or attempted to purchase several Master Card and American Express gift cards and debit cards using the counterfeit $50 bills, according to the indictment.
Keith Abrams, 42, of Cleveland, was indicted for passing $1,000 worth of counterfeit $50 bills at a Gap Store in Westlake on Nov. 21, 2017, according to the indictment
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the 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.