Northern District of Ohio

A Canadian man arrested last summer at a park in Rocky River was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for production of child pornography.

Joseph B. Haggerty, 50, was sentenced to 182 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Texas received a tip last August that Haggerty had been soliciting nude images from a 13-year-old. Haggerty flew Cleveland from Toronto. HSI agents in Cleveland followed him upon his arrival in Ohio to Linden Park in Rocky River, where he met another minor female, according to court documents.

Haggerty had a reservation at the Days Inn on Lake Avenue in Lakewood. He was carrying a bag with clothing, 12 condoms, a stuffed animal and a package of baby pacifiers, according to court documents.

The minor he met in Rocky River told agents she met Haggerty on Kik in December 2016 and they subsequently communicated via Skype. She said the calls would last hours and Haggerty would direct her to strip naked and engage in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents.

The girl told her relatives she was going on a camping trip for the weekend but actually planned to go the Lakewood hotel with Haggerty, according to court documents.

HSI agents contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, which executed search warrants at Haggerty’s home. They found nude images of the Ohio minor, contact information for the child in Texas, as well as evidence of other potential victims.

“This defendant preyed on young girls, emotionally and verbally abusing them and coercing them into sending nude images of themselves,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case is a stark reminder to parents and guardians that they need to know who their children are communicating with online.”

“Through our partnerships with state, local, federal and international law enforcement agencies, HSI will continue to vigorously investigate child exploitation cases like this one to ensure that special agents continue to serve as a powerful barrier between predators and children," said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Detroit Office, which includes Ohio.

This case was investigated by HSI’s Cleveland and Austin offices, with assistance from the Rocky River Police Department and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.

A Warren man was sentenced to six months of house arrested and ordered to repay $82,428 to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Dean Nikolaides, 64, was also fined $5,000 and placed on probation for three year. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.

Nikolaides fraudulently received $82,428 in benefits over 14 years from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to which he knew he was not entitled. The PBGC is a federal agency that protects the retirement incomes of American workers in private-sector defined benefit pension plans, according to court documents.

Special Agents Adelle Harris and Conrad Quarles from the PBGC conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian prosecuted the case.

A mail carrier from Broadview Heights was sentenced to three months of incarceration for stealing packages containing marijuana.

Thomas N. Schaefer, 44, previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail.

Schaefer was assigned to the Newburg Post Office, zip code 44127 in Cleveland, when he stole two parcels in 2017 which contained more than 10 pounds of marijuana, according to court documents.

On March 22, 2017, Schaefer took a parcel addressed to a house on Dolloff Road in Cleveland. He suspected it contained marijuana. He opened it and found four vacuum-sealed one-pound bags of marijuana, according to court documents.

Schaefer took a parcel addressed to an address on Melgrove Avenue in Garfield Heights on Aug. 4 and kept it for himself. The parcel contained 6.7 pounds of marijuana, according to court documents.

U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, said: “The jail sentence in this case should send a message to those postal employees who decide to go into the drug dealing business for themselves by stealing drug parcels from the mail. When they are caught by Special Agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Postal Inspectors, they lose their career, benefits, retirement, and, in this case, their freedom. They also put their fellow employees at risk. This investigation was initiated when Schaefer’s supervisor was assaulted by drug dealers looking for a drug parcel Schaefer may very well have stolen. Postal employees should be advised that USPS OIG special agents make these types of investigations a top priority. To report criminal activity or serious misconduct committed by postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”

Assistant United States Attorney Elliot Morrison prosecuted the case following an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for selling a mixture of fentanyl and heroin that resulted in the death of a Cleveland Heights man.

Michael Cleveland, 35, was sentenced 135 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl and heroin resulting in death.

Cleveland sold a mixture of fentanyl and heroin to a 46-year-old Cleveland Heights man that resulted in that man’s overdose death on Aug. 3, 2016, according to court documents.

“This defendant sold drugs that directly resulted in a death,” Herdman said. “We will continue to seek long prison sentences for drug dealers who kill and injure our friends and neighbors.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Cleveland Heights Police Department and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa T. Darden.

An Akron man was arrested this morning and charged in federal court for launching denial of service attacks that shut down web sites for the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department.

James Robinson, 32, was charged with one count of knowingly causing the transmission of a program, information, code and command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causing damage to a protected computer.

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

Servers hosting web sites belonging to the city of Akron were victims of an active distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on Aug. 1, 2017. Two website domains appeared to be the target of the attacks: akronohio.gov and akroncops.org.

The DDoS attack ultimately overwhelmed the web sites with network traffic and rendered them unavailable to users.

A tweet that same day from @AkronPhoenix420 took credit for targeting the Akron web sites, including a link to a youtube video and a screenshot showing akronohio.gov was not accessible. The tweet included hashtags #Anonymous and #TangoDown.

The video showed a static image of an individual in a Guy Fawkes mask making statements including “it’s time we teach the law a lesson,” “Akron PD abuses the law” and “this week the city of Akron experienced system failures on multiple domains including their emergency TCP ports.”

The subsequent investigation identified attacks coming from an Internet connection registered to James Robinson and that Robinson’s phone was associated with the Twitter account @AkronPhoenix420.

@AkronPhoenix420 also claimed credit for many other DDoS attacks including many in 2018 that bore similar characteristics to the Akron attacks. Targets of those attacks web site domains and servers hosted by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Information Security Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury and others. Multiple DDoS attacks have been claimed by AkronPhoenix420, including many in 2018.

Law enforcement authorities on May 9 got a search warrant for Robinson’s house on Edison Avenue in Akron. Agents located a Guy Fawkes mask and a cell phone with a cracked screen similar to a phone seen in tweets by @AkronPhoenix420. Robinson stated he was responsible for the DDoS attacks against the Department of Defense, city of Akron and others, according to the affidavit.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Treasury. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Daniel J. Riedl.

“As evidenced by this individual living in Akron, Ohio, cyber attackers can be anywhere and reach anyone via a computer,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “It is imperative that law enforcement and the public join forces to protect ourselves, our institutions, and our businesses.  Working together, we must continue to combat and thwart these cyber criminals.”

“This defendant illegally shut down government web sites to serve his own agenda,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. "We will work with our partners in the private and public sector to help strengthen their cyber defense systems and prosecute those who launch attacks against our community, regardless of their motivation.”

“This arrest underscores DCIS resolve and the ongoing joint efforts among international law enforcement to stop cyber criminals. DCIS Special Agents will use every tool at their disposal to hunt down and bring to justice those that attack and endanger the Department of Defense," said Jeffery Thorpe, Special Agent in Charge, Cyber Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

“Convenient access to city services and information is essential to the proper functioning of local government,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “We take any attacks or attempted attacks on our web site seriously, and will continue to do all we can to ensure the perpetrator of this malicious incident is brought to justice.”

Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “The Akron Police Department is very appreciative for the partnerships that were involved in this case.  This shows a strong positive resolution by all the public and private partners.  Hopefully this sends a strong message to any others that may think they can bully law 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.

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.

A Richmond Heights man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for receiving more than four pounds of methamphetamine from California, and a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for diverting packages of drugs and delivering them to him.

Devon Williams, 24, of Richmond Heights, was sentenced to 180 months in prison. Marquacia Deshawn Morris, 27, of Woodmere, was sentenced to 97 months in prison. Kevin Williams, 24, of Richmond Heights and Devon Williams’ twin brother, was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

Devon Williams and Morris previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. Kevin Williams pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

A package containing more than a kilogram of methamphetamine was mailed from California to Beachwood on Sept. 7, 2017. Four days later, Morris, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, accepted the package and began her daily assigned mail route, according to court documents.

She traveled to Beachwood on Sept. 11, where she met Devon Williams. He accepted the package and transported it to 440 Richmond Park East in Richmond Heights, according to court documents.

Investigators believe the methamphetamine was supplied by a Mexican drug cartel. Morris abused her position with the Postal Service to divert and deliver approximately 15 packages for the drug traffickers, according to court documents and statements.

“We increasingly see drug traffickers attempting to utilize whatever transportation method they can to get their drugs into the country, including the mail and private carriers,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “The Postal Service’s investigators and all in law enforcement are working to stop the flow of drugs before they reach our streets.”

U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, said: “Postal employees are paid to deliver mail, not drugs. The vast majority of the Postal Service's 600,000 employees are hard-working, trustworthy individuals. Unfortunately, a few of them decide to engage in criminal conduct, as in this case. When postal employees decide to risk their job, benefits, retirement, and freedom to get involved with drug trafficking, Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will work with Postal Inspectors and the U.S. Attorney's Office to put them all in federal prison. To report criminal activity or serious misconduct by postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Willoughby Hills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.

Two Cleveland men were charged in federal court for brandishing firearms while robbing four MetroPCS stores and shooting at an off-duty Cleveland police officer.

Shawn Ford, 19, and Charles Rogers, 23, were each charged with Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing firearms during a crime of violence. The investigation is ongoing.

Ford and Rogers are accused of robbing the MetroPCS story at 10959 Kinsman Road on March 21, at 11100 Lorain Ave. on March 25, at 14701 Kinsman Road on March 27 and at 5853 Broadway Ave., also on March 25.

Ford and Rogers fled from the store on Broadway after taking more than $1,000 from the register. An off-duty Cleveland police officer, who was a customer in the store, followed them out of the store. He identified himself as a police officer and ordered them to stop. One of the suspects began shooting at the officer and 15 spent 9 mm shell casings were recovered nearby, according to court documents.

About 30 minutes later, an officer saw a vehicle that matched the description of the car the suspects got into after shooting at the officer. The car was pulled over with Ford and Rogers inside. Inside the car was a spent 9 mm round, blue latex gloves and clothing that matched clothing worn by suspects in other MetroPCS robberies, according to court documents.

Rogers was wearing an electronic monitoring device with GPS capabilities on March 21, the date of the first MetroPCS robbery. The GPS placed Rogers one-tenth of a mile from the Kinsman Road store a few minutes before the robbery. Sometime later the GPS device was tampered with or taken off Rogers, according to court documents.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

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.

A Lorain man and an inmate at a federal prison in New Jersey were convicted by a jury for their conspiracy to commit murder for hire and to distribute cocaine.

Eduardo Rios Velasquez, 37, of Lorain, and Angel Cordero, 37, an inmate at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 18. They were both convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Velasquez and Cordero had previously been incarcerated together. Cordero was in contact with Velasquez in the summer of 2017 through a contraband cellular phone that had been smuggled into Fort Dix, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Cordero put Velasquez in contact with another inmate. Velasquez offered to pay the other inmate money if he could provide Velasquez with the address for a woman identified in court documents as T.G. Cordero told the inmate that Velasquez had been hired to kill T.G, according to court documents.

Additionally, another person supplied Velasquez with large shipments of cocaine, with Cordero serving as the broker in the deals. Federal law enforcement authorities intercepted a kilogram of cocaine in July that was being shipped to Velasquez, according to court documents and trial testimony.

“This case was an outstanding effort by investigators and prosecutors from multiple states and jurisdictions who came together to avert a tragedy,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

“This case shows that no one is out of reach from being charged and prosecuted when a crime is committed. Even when serving a sentence, Cordero continued his criminal activity with little regard of the consequences,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York.  “Now he and Valasquez were found guilty of their actions and will now face whatever sentence issued because of their reprehensible actions.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt stated: “It is not uncommon for our investigations to unveil drug-related murders; but this significant murder-for-hire plot paved a twisted path from New York City to Lorain, Ohio.  Law enforcement collaboration helped prevent another murder from occurring.  I commend the dedicated and talented team of agents, detectives, investigators and prosecutors who worked on this investigation.” 

“The FBI is pleased with the jury's verdict. Velasquez will spend significant time behind bars for his ruthless willingness to kill someone for money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The FBI Cleveland Division commends the collaboration between the law enforcement agencies involved in disrupting and prosecuting this murder for hire.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough, Brad Beeson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hiral Mehta following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s New York office, the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force – which is comprised of agents, detectives and investigators of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York City Police Department and the New York State Police -- and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

A jury convicted two Cleveland men for their roles in armed robberies of Dollar Tree stores in Cleveland in May and June 2016.

Williams Holmes, 22, and Demon Carter, 25, are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15.

Holmes was convicted of brandishing a firearm during robberies of the Dollar Tree store at 12900 Miles Road on June 4 and at 2892 East 116th Street on June 19, as well as robbing the Miles Road store on May 14.

Carter was convicted of violating the Hobbs Act by robbing the stores with Holmes on the May 14 and June 4. Carter is a former Dollar Tree employee.

Holmes entered the Miles Road store on the evening of June 4, 2016, held a handgun to an employee’s head and told the employee to disarm the alarm. Holmes took approximately $1,500 from the store, according to court documents and trial testimony

One day after that robbery, Holmes posted a photo of himself on Facebook holding a stack of money in one hand and a handgun in the other. The next day he posted a photograph of several stacks of money, a black pistol and candy laying on a table. Holmes captioned the photo: “Money guns n snacks is life,” according to court documents and trial testimony.

U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said: “People who use firearms to rob others who are shopping or working belong in prison. We will continue to target these violent predators and work together to make our community a safer place to live, work and play.

“ATF and CPD are laser-focused on removing violent criminals from the streets of Cleveland,” said Trevor Velinor, ATF’s Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division.  “These individuals used firearms to threaten innocent employees and steal from people who worked long hours.  ATF, CPD, and all of our law enforcement partners are united in sending a clear message that our community is tired of firearms violence.”

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said: “Once again, a partnered effort between local and federal law enforcement and the federal justice system has resulted in the successful conviction of violent offenders.  It is my hope that this sets an example for other young people in our communities considering committing offenses like these, as there are severe consequences for these actions.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Megan Miller following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police.

Ohio saw a 13 percent increase in medication collected during Drug Take Back Day last month.

Appoximately 40,509 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription pills were turned in in Ohio on April 28. That’s an increase from 35,797 pounds collected last fall.

Americans nationwide did their part to drop off a record number of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications during the DEA’s 15th event National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, at close to 6,000 sites across the country. Together with a record-setting amount of local, state and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed close to one million pounds—nearly 475 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, making it the most successful event in DEA history.

This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,964,714 pounds, or 4,982 tons.

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a day for every American, in every community across the country, to come together and do his or her part to fight the opioid crisis – simply by disposing of unwanted prescription medications from their medicine cabinets,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “This event – our 15th – brings us together with local, state and federal partners to fight the abuse of prescription drugs that is fueling the nation’s opioid epidemic.”

“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”

Now in its 9th year, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

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. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—posed potential safety and health hazards.

Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.

Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at www.deatakeback.com. DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 27, 2018.

A Lorain man faces at least 20 years in prison after a jury convicted him of selling fentanyl that killed a 23-year-old Lorain man in 2016.

Russell Davis, 51, is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29. The jury convicted him on one count of distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death.

Davis sold fentanyl to Jacob Castro-White that resulted in Castro-White fatally overdosing on March 7, 2016, according to trial testimony and court records.

“Aggressively prosecuting people who profit from selling the drugs killing our friends and neighbors is a crucial component to overcoming the opioid epidemic,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The Lorain Police Department, FBI, the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office are all to be commended for their diligence in this case.”

“It is almost a daily occurrence to hear of a death due to heroin or fentanyl,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “Law enforcement will continue to work collaboratively to hold accountable those that bring this poison and destruction to our communities.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the FBI and Lorain Police Department, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office.

Three people from Summit County were indicted in federal court after they were arrested with 1,500 pills stamped to look like Oxycodone but which were actually pills of fentanyl.

Gerald Bowerman, 36, of Cuyahoga Falls, Emmett Nelson, 34, of Akron, and Cortney Williams, 22, of Cuyahoga Falls, were each indicted on one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

“This case is another stark reminder that drugs bought on the street don’t come with a verified list of ingredients and people have no idea what they are putting into their body,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Those who make the mistake of trying these drugs can be making the last mistake of their lives. These arrests helped save at least 1,500 lives.”

Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “The battle against the opioid crisis takes many shapes and impacts a widely diverse group.  In this instance, criminal predators were willing to put so many at great risk by poisoning prescription drugs with fentanyl.  Communities and families continue to suffer significantly because of acts like this.  Fortunately law enforcement continues to work together to hold these despicable lawbreakers accountable.”

Bowerman, Nelson and Williams on April 17 traveled from 789 Upson Street in Akron to a residence at 1523 S. Chapel Street in Louisville, then back to the Akron residence. Bowerman carried a package with him as he entered the Akron home, according to court documents.

All three were detained later that day. Williams possessed 260 pills stamped as Oxycodone 30 milligrams, as well as a drug ledger that contained the amounts of pills Williams was selling and delivering. Agents and officers found approximately 1,000 pills on the kitchen counter next to an empty U.S. Postal package, according to court documents.

Nelson stated the package they picked up in Louisville was supposed to contain 1,500 pills and he was in the process of counting the pills when law enforcement entered the home, according to court documents.

While the pills were stamped as Oxycodone, a subsequent test revealed the pills were made up of fentanyl and cutting agents.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court later this week.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Summit County Drug Unit and Akron Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vasile Katsaros and 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 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.

A Portage County man was sentenced to more than 33 years in prison for videotaping children using the restroom and for having multiple videos of children being raped and sexually assaulted.

Thomas D. Brown, 41, was sentenced to 405 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of distributing child pornography and one count of 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.”

Brown secretly videotaped acquaintances using the restroom in apartments where he lived. This took place from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2015, and again from June 1, 2016, through May 22, 2017, according to court documents.

Brown knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files of toddlers and young children being sexually abused. Brown possessed a computer, a Lexar flash drive and an SD card in May 2017, each of which contained child pornography, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.

A former attorney from Hiram was indicted for failing to report nearly $400,000 that he used to pay personal expenses.

Robert J. Andrews, Jr., 75, was indicted on two counts of making and filing false tax returns.

Andrews opened several bank accounts in the names of businesses he controlled or was involved with, including Ace Demo, Gem Collar LLC, Rocky Mountain Logging Company LLC and Falcon LLC, according to the indictment.

Andrews diverted money from corporate accounts for his own personal benefit and failed to report those transfers of money – which he used for personal expenses -- as income. Andrews failed to report approximately $396,617 as taxable income in 2012 and 2013, according to the indictment.

"Robert Andrews, Jr., a once trusted attorney, is now facing criminal tax charges for failing to report more than $396,000 of income on his tax returns,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Patton.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than 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.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney Dennis Watkins have cross-designated members of their respective offices to work together prosecuting drug trafficking cases, including those involving fatal overdoses.

Trumbull County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Gina Buccino-Arnaut was sworn in as a Special Assistant United State Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer was sworn in as a Trumbull County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

The cross designation will allow both offices to better share information and work on each other’s cases, allowing for more effective and efficient prosecutions of drug traffickers.

Herdman has made combating opioids and other drugs in Trumbull County a priority, providing additional resources to help analyze drug trafficking patterns in the region. The office can also seek additional penalties in federal court in cases where it can prove the sale of a specific drug resulted in the death of another person.

“This continuing partnership will allow our offices to work together to help make Trumbull County safer,” Herdman said. “We look forward to continuing to work with all our law enforcement partners in the region.”

A Toledo man and a man from Texas were each indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute at least 11 pounds of cocaine.

John Anthony Rivas, 31, of Mission, Texas, and Charles Warren Tobias, 33, of Toledo, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine. Rivas faces additional federal firearms charges, including use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.

Rivas and Tobias conspired to distribute the drugs between 2016 and April 2018, according to the indictment.

Rivas on April 4 had a Savage Arms 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun and a Hermann Weihrauch .357-caliber revolver that he used in relation to the cocaine conspiracy. Rivas was prohibited from having firearms because of several prior convictions, according to the indictment

If convicted, the defendants' sentences will be be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants' prior criminal record, if any, the defendants' role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigating agency in this case are the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.       

A Maple Heights man was indicted for robbing a Cleveland bank day one day after being released from prison for previously robbing the same bank, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Markiko Sonnie Lewis, 40, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Lewis robbed the Key Bank at 15000 St. Clair Ave. on April 12. Lewis robbed the bank of approximately $1,044, according to the indictment.

Court records indicate Lewis was released from prison the day before the robbery. Lewis was incarcerated for previously robbing the same bank, according to court records.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Cleveland Police Department.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The former comptroller of a Toledo company was indicted embezzling nearly $500,000 from his employer, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Thomas Paul Mangotic, 30, Whitehouse, was indicted on one count of wire fraud.

Mangotic worked for Richland Industries d/b/a Tools Unlimited in Toledo from 2013 through 2016. Magnotic served as accounts payable manager and then, in 2015, he became Richland’s comptroller, overseeing the company’s financial accounts, according to the indictment.

Mangotic in 2014 began defrauding the company, embezzling fund through a variety of ways, including overpaying his own salary without authorization to do so, using company checking accounts to pay his own personal credit card accounts (including more than $150,000 for his personal American Express bills), and using company credit cards to pay his own personal expenses, including high-end clothing and payments to Microsoft Xbox Live and Apple iTunes, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigating agency in this case is the United States Secret Service.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Jody L. King. 

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.

A Bedford man was sentenced to more than six years in prison for defrauding banks by creating counterfeit checks.

Jasaun R. Mattice, 35, was sentenced to 79 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent. Mattice pleaded guilty earlier this year to 44 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, bank fraud and other crimes.

Mattice defrauded several banks out of more than $40,000 by obtaining check routing numbers from various businesses and individual bank accounts without their permission. He used this information to create fraudulent or counterfeit checks, which he made payable to himself or to businesses he controlled.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and James Lewis following an investigation by FBI.

A Youngstown man was indicted in federal court that he took still images of himself sexually assaulting a young girl, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Daniel B. Fleischer, 36, was charged with sexual exploitation of children, receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography.

Fleischer sexually assaulted a minor in June 2011 and produced a visual depiction of the act, according to the indictment.

Fleischer also received and distributed multiple images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between Dec. 18, 2017 and March 27, 2018, on which date Fleischer possessed one Samsung Galaxy S8 phone, one SanDisk Cruzer thumb drive and one SanDisk Ultra USB thumb drive that contained child pornorgraphy, 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 Task Force Officer Brenda Golec of the FBI Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.

Two Mexican citizens previously deported multiple times were charged with illegally reentering the United States.

Ricardo Veloz-Alonzo, 34, was found in Painesville after having previously been deported three times, according to the indictment.

Flor Martinez-Gonzalez, 45, was found in Toledo after having previously been deported four times, according to the indictment.

The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn G. Andrachik (Alonzo) and Tracey Ballard Tangeman (Gonzales).

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 were indicted on for federal firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

Indicted are: Jeremy Pleasant, 35, of Massillon; Zachary Eversole, 39, of Ravenna and Terrance Craig, 27, of Youngstown. All three are charged with being felons in possession of firearms. Their cases are not otherwise related.

Pleasant possessed a Ruger 9 mm handgun on March 24, despite two previous convictions for felonious assault with a firearm. Pleasant was found with the firearm in his pants pocket after attempted to run for

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers after a traffic stop, according to court documents.

Eversole possessed a Walther .22-caliber pistol on Feb. 22, despite prior convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine and cocaine trafficking, according to the indictment.

Craig possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol on Nov. 26, 2017, despite a prior conviction for aggravated robbery, according to the indictment.

The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol (Pleasant), Portage County Sheriff’s Office (Eversole), and Youngstown Police Department (Craig). The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Toepfer and Aaron Howell.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is 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.

A Ravenna man was indicted for using a firearm while selling fentanyl and cocaine, as well as making a straw purchase of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

Josiah Jackson, 25, was indicted on one count of making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana.

Jackson on March 28, 2018, possessed a Springfield 9 mm pistol, a Glock 9 mm pistol, a FN 28-caliber pistol and a Glock 40-caliber pistol, as well as ammunition. He also possessed fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, according to the indictment.

Jackson also purchased a Taurus 9 mm pistol from On Target Firearms LLC in Parma on July 31, 2015. Jackson stated he was the actual buyer of the firearm when, in fact, he was not the actual buyer, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and the Cleveland Divisions of Police.  This case 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.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Parma man and woman were indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and theft of government property, Social Security fraud, and obstruction of justice, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

David Fievet, 51, and Gerolyn Fievet, 52, conspired to steal $47,556 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by concealing David Fievet’s presence in the family home, according to the indictment.

The SSI program is administered by the Social Security Administration. It pays monthly cash benefits to those found to be disabled and in financial need, based on the beneficiary’s income, living arrangements and other circumstances. A representative payee is approved to managed the beneficiary’s funds and ensure their basic human needs are met, such as food, clothing and shelter, according to the indictment.

Gerolyn Fievet applied for SSI benefits on behalf of her son around September 2006. She applied to serve as representative payee for her son and reported that her husband (and her son’s father) did not live in the household. SSA informed Fievet that she was required to promptly notify SSA if anyone moved into or out of the house. SSA issued SSI benefit checks directly to Fievet, according to the indictment.

In truth, David Fievet lived with Gerolyn Fievet and their son – a fact they did not disclose to the SSA, according to the indictment.

Special Agent Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.  In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An 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.

A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for possessing a firearm while dealing crack cocaine, United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

An indictment was filed charging Michael Townsend, 35, with two counts of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

On March 2, 2018, Townsend possessed with intent to distribute 32.17 grams of cocaine base, and possessed a Century Arms, Model RAS47, semiautomatic rifle, and ammunition.  Townsend has prior convictions that prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition, including convictions for drug trafficking and assault on a peace officer, according to the indictment. 

On March 14, 2018, Townsend possessed a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol, and ammunition, according to the indictment.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli is prosecuting the case following investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Cleveland Division of Police.

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.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.