Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Munroe Falls man indicted after receiving shipments of fentanyl analogue from ChinaRead the Press Release
A Munroe Falls man was indicted in federal court after receiving shipments of a fentanyl analogue from China, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Don A. Maigari, 36, was indicted on one count of attempt to possess and distribute methoxyacetylfentanyl.
Maigari was arrested on a federal criminal complaint after receiving shipments of the drug from China last month. Packages containing the drugs were shipped to an apartment in Akron. Maigari retrieved the package on Oct. 13, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Medina man indicted for trying to induce minor to engage in sex, sending lewd images of himselfRead the Press Release
A Medina man was indicted in federal court trying to induce a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activities with him and sending images of himself engaged in sexual activities, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Jason M. Sasso, 43, was named in the six-count indictment, with charges including enticement, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, receiving visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and transferring obscenity to a minor.
Sasso, via cell phoned, attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce what he believed were two girls who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. This took place from Aug. 25 through Oct. 15, 2017, and again Oct. 11 through Oct. 24, 2017, according to the indictment.
Sasso also used a cell phone to transfer digital files with images of himself engaged in sexual activity to a law enforcement officer he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He also attempted to persuade minor girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing a visual depiction of the conduct, according to the indictment.
He also received numerous images of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct or being sexually abused, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron man indicted on explosives and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted for possession of a sawed-off shotgun, transportation of explosive materials, and possession of a destructive device, law enforcement officials said.
Elijah B. Blankenship, 27, possessed a sawed-off 12-gauge Iver Johnson shotgun on Feb. 17, according to the indictment.
On Aug. 16, he possessed a pipe bomb. He knowingly transported explosive materials on the same date, according to the indictment.
In the early evening of August 16, 2017, Akron Police officers began speaking with Elijah Blankenship in the area of Druid Walk in Akron. Through the discussion with Blankenship it was determined that Blankenship possessed a folding knife in his waistband. An Ohio State Highway Patrol K-9 Officer and his partner approached the scene and alerted to Blankenship's vehicle. Two packages of unknown powder substances, gunpowder and a pipe bomb were discovered during the probable cause search of the vehicle. Blankenship was placed in custody by law enforcement, according to court documents.
All items were collected for laboratory analysis and evidence. The disassembly of the suspected pipe bomb and pyrotechnic aerial shell revealed PVC components containing metal screws, nuts, and bolts as well as an unknown powder. A test burn was conducted of the unknown powder. The powder burned in a manner consistent with an energetic pyrotechnic powder, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Riley following an investigation the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Akron Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
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.
Justice Department awards nearly $2 million to hire police officers in Canton, Lima, East Cleveland and DennisonRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced $98,495,397 in grant funding through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The Attorney General announced funding awards to 179 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 802 additional full-time law enforcement officers.
The Justice Department has awarded nearly $2 million over three years to hire 14 officers in the Northern District of Ohio. Municipalities receiving funding are: Canton (eight officers), Lima (three officers), East Cleveland (two officers) and Dennison Village (one officer).
“Cities and states that cooperate with federal law enforcement make all of us safer by helping remove dangerous criminals from our communities,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Today, the Justice Department announced that 80 percent of this year’s COPS Hiring Program grantees have agreed to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in their detention facilities. I applaud their commitment to the rule of law and to ending violent crime, including violent crime stemming from illegal immigration. I continue to encourage every jurisdiction in America to collaborate with federal law enforcement and help us make this country safer.”
“I’m gratified we are able to continue to support the good police work taking place all across the District,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This money will help reduce violent crime, enhance data-driven policing and support law enforcement on the front lines of the opioid crisis.”
CHP provides grant funding directly to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to support hiring additional law enforcement officers for three years to address specific crime problems through community policing strategies.
In September, the Justice Department announced additional priority consideration criteria for FY2017 COPS Office grants. Applicants were notified that their application would receive additional points in the application scoring process by certifying their willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities within their detention facilities. Cooperation may include providing access to detention facilities for an interview of aliens in the jurisdiction’s custody and providing advance notice of an alien’s release from custody upon request. 143 of the 179 (80 percent) awarded agencies received additional points based on their certifications of willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The complete list of award recipients can be found here.
The COPS Office awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.
Jordanian national living in Youngstown charged with making false claims related to firearms purchaseRead the Press Release
A one-count information was filed charging a Jordanian citizen living in Youngstown with making a false claim of citizenship related to the purchase a firearm, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Abdul Maola Alabadi, 35, falsely and willfully represented himself to be a citizen of the United States on Aug. 30, 2017, according to the information.
The manager at Fin Fur Feather in Boardman called the ATF on Sept. 2 after he stopped the purchase of a rifle by Alabadi based on comments made by Alabadi. The manager told agents that Alabadi purchased a 9 mm pistol the previous week, according to the court documents.
Alabadi told a sales associate he wanted to purchase a “sniper rifle for training.” The manager estimated Alabadi was in the store for two to three hours and at one point had someone come to translate and attempt to straw purchase a firearm for him, according to court documents.
During the previous purchase of the 9 mm, Alabadi checked a box indicating he was a U.S. citizen. Alabadi is not a U.S. citizen, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the information was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
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.
Cuyahoga Falls man charged after making threats to shoot up church and casinoRead the Press Release
The Cleveland Division of the FBI, The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District and the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department announce the arrest of a Cuyahoga Falls man charged with interstate threatening communications and destruction of evidence.
Wei Li, 28, texted his estranged wife on November 6, 2017 multiple times threatening to kill her and to shoot up a Las Vegas hotel and casino. Li also referenced conducting a mass shooting at a church with at least 1,000 people in attendance. Li indicated in the text messaging that the killing he planned to commit would go down in history and that he would blame his wife for all the deaths. Li’s wife was employed at a Las Vegas casino at the time of the text.
On November 10, 2017, during a joint interview with FBI agents and Cuyahoga Falls Police Detectives, Li was asked to unlock his phone. He complied but proceeded to delete a string of text messages. Li was immediately arrested and placed in local custody.
This morning, Li was transferred into federal custody. He will have his initial appearance in U.S. Magistrate Judge George Limbert’s courtroom today, Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 9a.m.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man sentenced to 20 years in prison after trying to film people showering at Geneva State ParkRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he was arrested trying to film people showering at Geneva State Park, law enforcement officials said.
James D. Sullivan, 60, was found guilty of child pornography crimes.
Law enforcement received a complaint of someone attempting to record people while they were showering at the Geneva State Park’s campground restroom on July 18, 2015, according to court documents.
The restroom has drop ceilings. An Ohio State trooper found an ajar ceiling tile and entered the space, where he found a blanket, a bottle of lotion and bodily fluid on a ceiling tile. The bodily fluid was tested and was a DNA match for Sullivan, according to court documents.
A subsequent search of his Cleveland apartment revealed Sullivan had a Dell laptop computer containing nearly 100 images of children being sexually assaulted.
Sullivan was previously convicted of attempted rape, burglary and gross sexual imposition, according to court documents.
“This defendant has preyed upon people for years, whether abusing people here in Cleveland or trading in images of children being victimized,” U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This prison sentence makes our community safer.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Secret Service.
Canadian man arrested in Orlando, Florida, after attempting to meet Ohio child for sexRead the Press Release
A Toronto resident was arrested in Orlando, Florida, this morning based on federal charges filed in the Northern District of Ohio for coercion and enticement, and transfer of obscene material to minors.
Daniel Jason Wnek, 27, was placed in custody without incident by law enforcement this morning.
On November 3, 2017, FBI Cleveland Division, Lima Resident Agency, was notified by Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of an adult male attempting to set up a meeting with a juvenile for the purpose of committing a sex act with the juvenile. The adult male was ultimately identified as Daniel Wnek.
Wnek initially portrayed himself as a fellow teen, describing himself as a 14-year-old as he interacted with what he believed to be a 14-year-old female. The underage female was actually an 11-year-old female. Numerous sexually graphic conversations occurred between Wnek and the underage female via two different platforms online. Wnek acknowledged during the conversations his intent to have sex with the underage female, and potentially her friends.
Wnek entered the United States with his destination being Orlando, Florida on November 13, 2017. FBI agents from the FBI Lima Resident Agency traveled to Orlando, Florida, and assisted in executing the arrest of Wnek this morning, Thursday, at approximately 8 a.m. at an area hotel. Wnek will have an initial appearance in United States Middle District of Florida court.
This investigation was a collaborative effort with special thanks to the following agencies: FBI, Tampa Division; United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio and Middle District of Florida; Toronto Police Service and the United States Customs and Border Protection.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lima man indicted for child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
A Lima man was indicted on child pornography charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Mason Shepherd, 28, knowingly received and distributed numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between 2013 and 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.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant United States 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.
Lake County woman indicted for failing to register as sex offenderRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging April Baxley-Humbert, 48, of Lake County, with failure to register as a sex offender, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott.
The indictment charges that beginning on or about Jan. 9, 2015, through Oct. 18, 2017, Baxley-Humbert failed to register, or update a registration, as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), after having traveled in interstate commerce.
Humbert was convicted in 2002 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, of indecent assault and corruption of minors, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Angeli and Michael Sullivan.
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.
Third Toledo man indicted on federal charges including sex trafficking of minorsRead the Press Release
A third Toledo man has been indicted on federal charges including sex trafficking of minors, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said.
Kenneth Butler, 37, Cordell Jenkins, 47, and Anthony Haynes, 38, are all charged with conspiracy to sex traffic children as part of an 11-count superseding indictment.
Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014 through 2017, according to court documents.
The girl was 14 when the conduct began and she was in the custody of Hayne. Some of this conduct took place at Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo, where Haynes was pastor at the time. Haynes used his cellular telephone to record these sexual assaults, according to court documents.
Haynes routinely gave the victim money after the acts and told her not to say anything. He told her that if she said anything, it would ruin his family and his church, according to court documents.
Haynes also facilitated the victim being sexually exploited by several other men, including Jenkins, according to court documents.
Jenkins repeatedly sexually exploited the minor at his home on Barrington Drive, at his office at Abundant Life Ministries and at a motel in Toledo. He paid her and referred to the payment as “hush money.” He often recorded these interactions with his cellular telephone, according to court documents.
Jenkins also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, according to the indictment
Butler also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts from 2015 through 2017, according to indictment.
“These three men violated the trust of these children and the communities they purported to serve,” Herdman said. “We are grateful for the courage of the victims and the dedication of our law enforcement personnel in bringing these men to justice.”
“Adults in a position of trust taking advantage of children for their own sexual gratification is beyond reprehensible,” Anthony said. “These defendants are a stark reminder that human trafficking can be hidden in plain view. Law enforcement, in partnership with our communities, must remain vigilant in protecting our children.”
The investigation is ongoing.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Alissa Sterling following an investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman appointed to Attorney General's Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of nine new U.S. Attorneys to serve two-year terms on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). The AGAC was created in 1973 and reports to the Attorney General through the Deputy Attorney General. AGAC represents the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys.
The new appointees include: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Richard Moore; U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah John W. Huber; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu; U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert Higdon; U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Robert Trent Shores; U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Joshua Minkler; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Jeff Jensen; and Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska Bryan Schroder.
U.S. Attorney Richard Moore will serve as the Chair of AGAC, and U.S. Attorney John W. Huber will serve as the Vice Chair.
“I am pleased to announce the first members of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee under this administration. These U.S. Attorneys will play an important role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission to reduce violent crime, combat transnational criminal organizations, secure our southern border, end the devastating opioid crisis, and return to the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions.
“I am honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and believe that our office’s experience dealing with the threats posed by violent crime, the opioid epidemic, national security and other priority issues will be valuable to our Justice Department leadership,” Herdman said.
A brief bio on each nominee is below:
Richard Moore (Chair)
The Senate confirmed Richard Moore’s appointment as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama in September 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Moore served as the Inspector General for the Tennessee Valley Authority. From May 2009 to March 2011, Mr. Moore was the Chairman of the Investigations Committee for the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. Prior to this position, Mr. Moore served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama from 1985 to 2003. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Moore was an Atlantic Fellow in Public Policy at Oxford University in England. Mr. Moore received his B.S., summa cum laude, from Spring Hill College and his J.D. from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law.
John W. Huber (Vice Chair)
Since June 2015, John Huber has served as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah, and in August 2017, the Senate again confirmed his appointment. Prior to being United States Attorney, Mr. Huber served as an Assistant United States Attorney for thirteen years. Mr. Huber began his prosecutorial career in the Weber County (Utah) Attorney’s Office, and later served as the Chief Prosecutor for West Valley City, Utah, before joining the United States Attorney’s Office in 2002. Mr. Huber received his B.A. from the University of Utah and his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law.
Justin E. Herdman
The Senate confirmed Justin Herdman’s appointment as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio in August 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Herdman was a partner at Jones Day and an Assistant United States Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Herdman previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City from 2001 to 2005 and as an associate at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP. He is currently a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force Reserve. Mr. Herdman received his B.A. from Ohio University, his Master of Philosophy from the University of Glasgow and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Robert Higdon
The Senate confirmed Robert Higdon to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina in October 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Higdon was a partner at the law firm of Williams Mullen. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in both the Western and Eastern Districts of North Carolina. In the Eastern District U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Higdon served as Chief of the Criminal Division for more than 11 years. Mr. Higdon also served as senior trial counsel in the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice. He received his B.A., cum laude, from Wake Forest University and his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law.
Jeff Jensen
The Senate confirmed Jeff Jensen to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri in October 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Jensen was a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Missouri starting in 1999, and was Executive United States Attorney from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Jensen was an FBI Special Agent from 1989 to 1999. While working at the FBI, Mr. Jensen attended St. Louis University School of Law at night, graduating magna cum laude. He also received his B.A., cum laude, from Indiana University School of Business.
Jessie K. Liu
The Senate confirmed Jessie Liu to be United States Attorney for the District of Columbia in September 2017. Ms. Liu was previously Deputy General Counsel for the United States Department of the Treasury and a partner at the law firms of Morrison & Foerster LLP and Jenner & Block LLP. In addition, she has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and in several senior positions in the United States Department of Justice, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division, counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, and deputy chief of staff for the National Security Division. Ms. Liu clerked for then-Chief Judge Carolyn Dineen King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her J.D. from Yale Law School.
Joshua Minkler
The Senate confirmed Joshua Minkler to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana in October 2017. Since June 2015, Mr. Minkler had served as the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Prior to that position, he served for 21 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana. Before he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Minkler served for five years as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Office of the Kent County Michigan Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Minkler received his B.A. from Wabash College, and his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Bryan Schroder
Bryan Schroder’s nomination to be United States Attorney for the District of Alaska is pending in the Senate. Mr. Schroder is currently the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Alaska, and previously served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and Criminal Chief. Mr. Schroder has served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more than 11 years. Mr. Schroder is a retired Captain in the U.S. Coast Guard, having served for 24 years. Mr. Schroder graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the University of Washington School of Law.
Robert Trent Shores
The Senate confirmed Robert Trent Shores to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma in September 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Shores was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Mr. Shores previously served as First Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma and deputy director for the Department of Justice’s Office of Tribal Justice, where he developed initiatives to promote public safety in Indian Country. Mr. Shores received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Two charged in federal court for attempted armed robbery of Willoughby credit unionRead the Press Release
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Willoughby Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office announce the arrest of two individuals responsible for the October 11 robbery of the Willoughby Eastlake Credit Union.
Arvis Williams, Jr., 22, and Melvin Hill, IV, 21, were placed in federal custody this morning. Williams and Hill are charged attempted bank robbery and brandishing a weapon during a crime of violence. A third suspect identified as a juvenile is not being charged federally.
On October 11, at approximately 9:55a.m., an off-duty uniformed Willoughby Police Officer was working as security at the Willoughby Eastlake Credit Union, located at 38024 Second Street in Willoughby. The off-duty police officer reported an attempted bank robbery by two male suspects wearing hoodies that entered the credit union. The suspects observed the uniformed officer, dropped their loaded Smith and Wesson MP-15 assault rifle at the credit union entrance and fled.
Additional marked and unmarked units responded to the area to assist in locating the suspects. Two suspects were apprehended, Arvis Williams, Jr. and the second suspect was identified as a juvenile.
A short time later a patrol officer observed a possible additional suspect, after questioning, this individual was identified as Melvin Hill, the getaway driver.
The suspects were taken into custody and charged locally. Today, Williams and Hill were transported to federal custody.
Additional federal charges are anticipated as these two are suspected of being responsible for several credit union robberies.
Ravenna man indicted for selling carfentanil, heroin, fentanyl and illegally having a firearmRead the Press Release
A Ravenna man was indicted for selling carfentanil, heroin, fentanyl and illegally having a firearm, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
A grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Deangelo Frost, 28, with distributing narcotics and with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Frost sold carfentanil and fentanyl on May 3, 2017. He sold synthetic cannabinoids in April 2017 and sold heroin on multiple dates in October 2015, according to the indictment.
Frost also possessed a Deutsche Werke, 7.65 mm pistol in October 2015 despite previous convictions for attempted witness intimidation and possession of cocaine, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force and the Portage County Drug Task Force. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former bank vice president charged with bank fraud and demanding bribes in return for loan approvalsRead the Press Release
The former vice president of a bank in Kent was charged with defrauding his employer out of at least $160,000 and demanding bribes in return for approving loans, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner.
Steven P. McDonald, 43, of Kent, was charged in an 18-count criminal information with bank fraud, receipt of a bribe by a bank official, filing false tax returns and other charges.
McDonald was employed as a commercial loan officer and then vice president of commercial lending at Hometown Bank.
McDonald, in 2011, submitted an application for a $225,000 loan in the name of a friend, without that friend’s knowledge. McDonald directed the statements to be mailed to a post office box he controlled and withdrew approximately $223,000 to pay personal debts, according to the information.
McDonald made some payments on the loan but Hometown sustained a loss of approximately $160,000 from his conduct, according to the information.
McDonald also corruptly solicited and demanded bribes in return for approving loans for bank customers. These bribes came in the form of cashier’s checks totaling approximately $80,000 and a personal loan from a bank customer to McDonald in the amount of $165,000, according to the information.
McDonald also falsified bank records and failed to pay taxes on the income he derived from the fraud scheme, according to the 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 record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the FBI and IRS.
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.
Five people indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Five people were indicted for firearms crimes and, in some cases, related violations, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
Indicted are: Joey D. Wiseman, Jr., 36, of Elyria; Ryan D. Drummond, 30, of Warren; Dijoun Reed, 25, of Akron; Calvin Jones, Jr., 26, of Cleveland; Jean Claude Phillip McKenzie, 34, a citizen of Jamaica.
Wiseman on Aug. 4 had a Lorcin 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and ammunition, despite numerous previous convictions that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, including possession of cocaine, having weapons while under disability, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and drug trafficking. Wiseman also sold cocaine on the same day, according to the indictment.
Drummond possessed a Smith and Wesson, model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol, a Smith and Wesson, model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol, a Remington, model 870 Express Magnum, 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition on Aug. 21, after previous convictions for possession of cocaine with a firearms specification and trafficking in cocaine, according to the indictment.
Reed on Oct. 24 possessed a Smith & Wesson, M&P, 40-caliber pistol, and ammunition despite prior convictions for tampering with evidence and having weapons while under disability that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment.
Jones was found on Sept. 27 to have a Colt .25-caliber handgun despite prior convictions for aggravated assault and attempted felonious assault that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment
McKenzie was found on Oct. 1 in possession of a SCCY 9 mm pistol in Cleveland after having been deported from the United States in 2012, McKenzie was also indicted for illegally reentering the United States.
The Wiseman case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Pinjuh following an investigation by the Elyria Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The Drummond case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following an investigation by the ATF, the Warren Police Department and the Adult Parole Authority.
The Reed case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the ATF and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.
The Jones case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Angeli following an investigation by the Shaker Heights Police Department and the ATF.
The McKenzie case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karrie D. Howard following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement and the Cleveland Division of Police.
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.
Cleveland man indicted for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was charged with child pornography crimes, said U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthiony.
Anthony Gore, 24, was indicted on one count of receipt of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Gore received numbers computer files with contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between February and April 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by Task Force Officer Joanna Nagy Unger, with the FBI Violent Crime/Child Exploitation Task Force.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron women indicted for defrauding Department of Education out of $1.8 million through financial aid schemeRead the Press Release
A 23-count indictment was filed charging three Akron women with defrauding the U.S. Department of Education out of $1.8 million through a scheme where they enrolled inmates and people whose identities they stole in an Arizona community college in order to obtain financial aid, law enforcement officials said.
Janice M. Shufford, 53, Bridgid D. Sommerville, 47, and Christine M. Robinson, 38, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
“These defendants lied on applications or used stolen identities to steal money that otherwise would have gone to deserving students,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Our office will continue to prosecute those who defraud the federal government.”
“These individuals engaged in fraud that resulted in over a million dollars lining their greedy pockets and not going to deserving, eligible students in need,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The FBI will continue efforts to bring self-serving fraudsters to justice."
Financial aid is sometimes provided to eligible students by the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for college. This money can include living expenses, beyond the cost of tuition, that is sometimes disbursed via bank debit cards. In this case, those refunds were sent to addresses or bank accounts controlled by the defendants, according to the indictment.
The defendants conspired to obtain federal student financial aid money to which the recipients were neither eligible nor entitled. For example, people who are incarcerated, or have not received a high school diploma or GED are not entitled to receive federal financial aid, according to the indictment.
The defendants fraudulently enrolled hundreds of people at Maricopa Community College in Arizona between 2011 and 2015, according to the indictment.
As a result of the conspiracy, the Department of Education was defrauded and sustained a total loss of at least $1,826,064, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough following an investigation by Special Agents of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Ohioans turn in nearly 18 tons of pills on Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
Americans nationwide did their part to reduce the opioid crisis by bringing the DEA and its more than 4,200 local and tribal law enforcement partners a record-setting 912,305 pounds—456 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at more than 5,300 collection sites. That is almost six tons more than was collected at last spring’s event. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,015,668 pounds, or 4,508 tons.
In Ohio, nearly 18 tons – 35,797 pounds – of unused pills were collected.
Now in its 8th year, this event continues 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. The DEA action comes just days after President Donald J. Trump announced the mobilization of his entire Administration to address drug addiction and opioid abuse by directing the declaration of a Nationwide Public Health Emergency to address the opioids crisis.
“More people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs than any other substance. The abuse of these prescription drugs has fueled the nation’s opioid epidemic, which has led to the highest rate of overdose deaths this country has ever seen,” said Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “This is a crisis that must be addressed from multiple angles. Educating the public and removing these medications from households across the Unites States prevents misuse where it often starts.”
“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”
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 April 28, 2018.
Former postal supervisor from Akron sentenced to three years in prison for stealing a kilo of methamphetamine out of the mailRead the Press Release
Two former U.S. Postal employees were sentenced to prison for stealing packages containing marijuana from the U.S. mail and then selling the drugs, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Rabih Kairouz, 29, of Akron, was sentenced to 37 months in prison.
Scott Gay, Jr., 33, of Canton, was sentenced to six months incarceration followed by six months of
house arrest.
Corey Turnbull, 26, of Ravenna, was sentenced to probation.
Anton D. Easter, Jr., 27, of Akron is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Kairouz, Gay and Turnbull worked for the U.S. Postal Service. Kairouz and Turnbull worked as a supervisor at the Five Points station in Akron while Gay was a manager at the North Hill station, according to court documents.
Together, intercepted suspected drug parcels at U.S. Post Offices in Akron, opened the parcels, removed marijuana contained inside, sold the marijuana to Easter and shared the profits. This took place between February and May 2017, according to court documents.
Kairouz also had a kilogram of methamphetamine that he stole from the mail, according to court documents.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Akron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Teresa L. Riley.
Akron man charged with illegally transporting explosive devicesRead the Press Release
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Akron Police Department, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announce Elijah Blankenship has been federally charged with transporting explosive materials, a violation of Title 18, Section 842(a)(3). Blankenship will have an initial appearance in U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Burke’s courtroom today at 10am.
In the early evening of August 16, 2017, Akron Police officers began speaking with Elijah Blankenship in the area of Druid Walk in Akron. Through the discussion with Blankenship it was determined that Blankenship possessed a folding knife in his waistband. An Ohio State Highway Patrol K-9 Officer and his partner approached the scene and alerted to Blankenship's vehicle. Two packages of unknown powder substances, gunpowder and a pipe bomb were discovered during the probable cause search of the vehicle. Blankenship was placed in custody by law enforcement.
All items were collected for laboratory analysis and evidence. The disassembly of the suspected pipe bomb and pyrotechnic aerial shell revealed PVC components containing metal screws, nuts, and bolts as well as an unknown powder. A test burn was conducted of the unknown powder. The powder burned in a manner consistent with an energetic pyrotechnic powder.
Today, November 7, 2017, Elijah Blankenship was charged in federal court with possession of an explosive device without a license.
Stephen Anthony, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation said: “Officers on scene are commended for their swift and thorough response to the dangerous situation they encountered. The FBI will continue to work collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies in order to ensure our community and our citizens are kept safe.”
“Law enforcement did an outstanding job identifying this defendant and finding the explosive he possessed,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Collaborative efforts such as this are crucial to keeping our nation and community safe.”
“Our officers did a great job being vigilant and proactive in stopping Elijah Blankenship. We are and will continue to work with our federal partners to bring this case to justice,” said Chief Kenneth Ball, Akron Police Department.
“ATF maintains a wealth of expertise in the areas of firearms and explosives,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “This case would not have been possible without the continued professionalism of our partners in the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Bomb Squad. We are committed to working with them and all of our law enforcement partners and to use our expertise to remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation is ongoing, therefore information, other than the unsealed complaint, cannot be provided.
Man sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for conspiring to provide support to terrorists and soliciting the murder of a federal judgeRead the Press Release
Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 39, was sentenced today to 27 ½ years in prison for 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.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman, Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Division, and U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan supervised the prosecution of the solicitation to commit a crime of violence charge
“As part of his conspiracy, the defendant provided thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad. Once detained, the defendant also solicited the murder of the federal judge presiding over his case. With this prison sentence, he is now being held accountable for his crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who provide material support to terrorists and those who seek to harm members of our judiciary.”
“For those who wish to harm the United States and support terrorists, whether in Yemen or right here in Toledo, these decades of prison serve as an important reminder that America’s law enforcement will pursue justice across the globe,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “He threatened the safety of our citizens, a judge and the independent judiciary. Now he is being held accountable.”
“The FBI is pleased that this individual will be spending a lengthy sentence behind bars for his support of terrorism and a plot to commit murder,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI will continue working daily to identify and bring to justice those that want to harm the individuals that protect our country or a judge that is upholding the law.”
“Protecting the federal judiciary is our highest priority,” said U.S. Marshal Elliott. “This is an example where we were able to work with our law enforcement partners to protect a judge and bring charges against a dangerous individual.”
Mohammad is an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004. He married a U.S. citizen in 2008. He and three other defendants – his brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Room Salim – were indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2015. The case against the remaining three defendants is pending. They have pleaded not guilty.
Mohammad admitted to conspiring with his co-defendants to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars, equipment, and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki, in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. Al-Awlaki was later designated as a global terrorist in 2010 and identified as a “key leader” of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula, according to court documents.
On July 22, 2009, Mohammad travelled with two associates to Yemen to meet Awlaki and deliver the $22,000 that they had raised. Although they were unable to meet Awlaki in person, Mohammad and his associates did ensure that Awlaki received the money through a courier.
In addition to pleading guilty to conspiring to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, Mohammad also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI employee (UCE), posing as a “hitman,” to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. In or about April 2016 – while the terrorism case was pending and assigned to Judge Zouhary – Mohammad told another inmate in the Lucas County Corrections Center in Toledo, Ohio that he wanted Zouhary kidnapped and murdered and that he was willing to pay $15,000 to have this carried out. The inmate provided Mohammad with the contact information for the UCE and stated that the UCE would need a $1,000 down payment before the murder could occur. The inmate also provided Mohammad with an agreed upon code to use when discussing the planned murder over the jail telephone.
On or about April 26, 2016, Mohammad called the UCE from the Lucas County Corrections Center. Using the agreed-upon code, Mohammad told the UCE he wanted to have Judge Zouhary killed. Mohammad agreed to provide the $1,000 down payment. When asked when he wanted the murder committed, Mohammad stated, “The sooner would be good, you know.” Over the ensuing days, Mohammad arranged to have a family member provide the $1,000 in cash to the UCE. On May 5, 2016, that family member met with the UCE and provided the UCE with $1,000 in cash. Mohammad later informed the inmate that the rest of the money for the murder was coming, according to court documents.
Mohammad will be deported from the U.S. upon completion of his sentence, under the terms of his plea agreement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Matthew Shepherd of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys Gregory Gonzalez and David Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, following an investigation by the FBI.
Man Sentenced to over 27 Years for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists and Soliciting the Murder of a Federal JudgeRead the Press Release
Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 39, was sentenced today to 27 ½ years in prison for 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.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman, Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Division, and U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan supervised the prosecution of the solicitation to commit a crime of violence charge
“As part of his conspiracy, the defendant provided thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad. Once detained, the defendant also solicited the murder of the federal judge presiding over his case. With this prison sentence, he is now being held accountable for his crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who provide material support to terrorists and those who seek to harm members of our judiciary.”
“For those who wish to harm the United States and support terrorists, whether in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, or right here in Toledo, these decades of prison serve as an important reminder that America’s law enforcement will pursue justice across the globe,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “He threatened the safety of our citizens, a judge and the independent judiciary. Now he is being held accountable.”
“The FBI is pleased that this individual will be spending a lengthy sentence behind bars for his support of terrorism and a plot to commit murder,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI will continue working daily to identify and bring to justice those that want to harm the individuals that protect our country or a judge that is upholding the law.”
“Protecting the federal judiciary is our highest priority,” said U.S. Marshal Elliott. “This is an example where we were able to work with our law enforcement partners to protect a judge and bring charges against a dangerous individual.”
Mohammad is an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004. He married a U.S. citizen in 2008. He and three other defendants – his brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Ahmed Salim, and Sultane Room Salim – were indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2015. The case against the remaining three defendants is pending. They have pleaded not guilty.
Mohammad admitted to conspiring with his co-defendants to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars, equipment, and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki, in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. Al-Awlaki was later designated as a global terrorist in 2010 and identified as a “key leader” of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula, according to court documents.
On July 22, 2009, Mohammad travelled with two associates to Yemen to meet Awlaki and deliver the $22,000 that they had raised. Although they were unable to meet Awlaki in person, Mohammad and his associates did ensure that Awlaki received the money through a courier.
In addition to pleading guilty to conspiring to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, Mohammad also admitted to soliciting an undercover FBI employee (UCE), posing as a “hitman,” to kidnap and murder U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. In or about April 2016 – while the terrorism case was pending and assigned to Judge Zouhary – Mohammad told another inmate in the Lucas County Corrections Center in Toledo, Ohio that he wanted Zouhary kidnapped and murdered and that he was willing to pay $15,000 to have this carried out. The inmate provided Mohammad with the contact information for the UCE and stated that the UCE would need a $1,000 down payment before the murder could occur. The inmate also provided Mohammad with an agreed upon code to use when discussing the planned murder over the jail telephone.
On or about April 26, 2016, Mohammad called the UCE from the Lucas County Corrections Center. Using the agreed-upon code, Mohammad told the UCE he wanted to have Judge Zouhary killed. Mohammad agreed to provide the $1,000 down payment. When asked when he wanted the murder committed, Mohammad stated, “The sooner would be good, you know.” Over the ensuing days, Mohammad arranged to have a family member provide the $1,000 in cash to the UCE. On May 5, 2016, that family member met with the UCE and provided the UCE with $1,000 in cash. Mohammad later informed the inmate that the rest of the money for the murder was coming, according to court documents.
Mohammad will be deported from the U.S. upon completion of his sentence, under the terms of his plea agreement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman, Matthew Shepherd and Christos N. Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys Gregory Gonzalez and David Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, following an investigation by the FBI.
Norwalk man indicted for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors and fraudRead the Press Release
A Norwalk man was indicted on multiple charges after fraudulently inducing teen girls into engaging in sexually explicit conduct and recording the conduct under the false promise that he was producing a pornographic film, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Charles Thomas Barbarotta, 32, was indicted on two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of wire fraud.
Barbarotta used fraud to cause two minors to engage in commercial sex acts in December 2016. He also induced two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct, according to the indictment.
Barbarotta also used a scheme to induce the two minor victims into performing sex acts with him for what he fraudulently purported would be a pornographic film he would produce or direct, according to the indictment.
Barbarotta is suspected of engaging in similar conduct with other victims. Anyone with information about him is encouraged to call the FBI at 419-243-6122.
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 and the Ottawa, Huron and Erie County Sheriff’s Offices. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lima man indicted for selling fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin and cocaine, including fentanyl analogue that resulted in overdoseRead the Press Release
A Lima man was indicted for selling fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin and cocaine, including a fentanyl analogue that resulted in an overdose, law enforcement officials said.
Lloyd T. Turks, Jr., 23, was named in five-count federal indictment. He was indicted on one count of distribution of fentanyl, methylfentanyl, heroin and cocaine; one count of distribution of methylfentanyl; one count of distribution of cocaine and two counts of distribution of U47700, a fentanyl analogue.
One of the distribution of U47700 counts carries a sentencing enhancement for causing serious physical harm, which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. That charge alleges that on Aug. 23, Turks sold U47700 in Lima that resulted in someone overdosing.
The indictment further alleges that Turks sold drugs on several occasions between February and August 2017.
"The opioid epidemic has ravaged every corner of our state, and we will continue to pursue comprehensive solutions to turning the tide," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. "One tool we will use is the aggressive prosecution of those who sell the opioids that kill or injure our neighbors, friends and relatives."
"This is another example of an individual willing to distribute deadly drugs into our neighborhoods," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. "Law enforcement will continue to partner with the community in an effort to bring those that deal poison to justice."
"With Ohio being at the epicenter of the heroin epidemic killing thousands, it is only by working together that a difference can be made," said West Central Ohio Crime Task Force Commander Kevin Litsley. "The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force works closely with its counterparts at the local, state and federal levels. It is this collaboration that sends a strong message to drug dealers, who continue to illegally traffic the substances that ruin people's lives across the nation."
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 and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Four charged with illegally reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Four people were indicted for illegally reentering the United States, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Perfecto Tehuacatl-Cuaquehua, 29, of Mexico, illegally reentered the U.S. on October 17, 2017, according to the indictment.
Alberto Orlando Hinojosa-Anguiano, 23, of Mexico, illegally reentered the U.S. on Oct. 5, 2017, according to the indictment
Bernabel Basurto-Anastacio, 28, of Mexico, illegally reentered the U.S. on October 20, 2017, according to the indictment.
Emilio Rivera-Portillo, 32, of Honduras, illegally reentered the U.S. following a previous deportation in 2003, according to the indictment.
The cases were investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneyd Thomas P. Weldon, Michael J. Freeman, Noah P. Hood and Alissa M. Sterling.
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.
Former union official in Findlay charged with embezzling from United SteelworkersRead the Press Release
The former financial secretary of United Steelworkers Local 207-L in Findlay was indicted for embezzling more than $30,000 from the union, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Ronald G. Coldren, 55, of Findlay, was indicted on one count of embezzlement from a labor organization.
Coldren served as financial secretary for the union from 2006 through 2016. Coldren embezzled approxmimately $30,639 from the union between 2012 and 2016, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Weldon
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Six indicted for conspiracy to mail a ton of marijuana to Northeast Ohio from West Coast and launder the profitsRead the Press Release
Six people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to ship at a ton of marijuana to Ohio from Hawaii, California and Oregon, and then launder the drug profits, law enforcement officials said.
Named in the two-count indictment are: William B. Murphy, 37, of Kealakekua, Hawaii; Michael W. Spellman, 59, of Kealakekua, Hawaii; Peter Reichert, 30, of Lyndhurst; Dustin Robinson, of East Liverpool; Young Hee Park, of Broadview Heights, and So Young Park, of Kealakekua, Hawaii.
All the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Murphy, Spellman and the Parks are charged with conspiracy to launder money.
According to the indictment:
Murphy grew marijuana in Hawaii and procured marijuana in Hawaii, California and Oregon and had it shipped to people in Ohio.
Spellman packaged the marijuana inside five-pound foil coffee bags, which also contained loose coffee beans, and mailed them to various addresses in Northeast Ohio, including a location in Shaker Heights. Murphy paid Spellman $100 for each package he mailed.
Reichert received packages of marijuana in Northeast Ohio, including in Chester Township, mailed from Hawaii, California and Oregon, for further distribution. Robinson received packages of marijuana in Pennsylvania mailed from Hawaii and California.
Robinson also mailed bulk cash to Spellman from East Liverpool. Murphy and Spellman had drug profits mailed to them at several post office boxes in Hawaii and California.
Young Hee Park received cash payments in Ohio from various marijuana customers and then mailed the cash to Murphy in Hawaii. Park mailed the packages containing cash from 25 different post offices in Northeast Ohio to avoid suspicion.
Spellman opened a bank account at Fifth Third Bank in Mentor. He and Murphy directed people in Ohio to deposit cash into the account from at least 15 different bank branches, in order to avoid detection. They used a similar arrangement with accounts opened at PNC Bank.
The defendants deposited at least $348,000 in cash into the accounts between 2014 and 2016. They used the accounts to pay for living expenses and other purchases, including airline tickets from flights between Cleveland and Hawaii totaling $40,959; drones from Drones, Inc. totaling $13,062; a greenhouse in Hawaii for $10,632; a Honda ATV for $11,170, and other purchases.
Overall, Murphy, Spellman and the other conspirators caused approximately 1,113 packages containing marijuana to be shipped to Northeast Ohio between 2014 and 2016. Additionally, they caused approximately 965 packages containing bulk cash to be mailed from Ohio to Hawaii, California and Oregon.
“This group mailed thousands of pounds of marijuana to Greater Cleveland from the West Coast and then laundered nearly $350,000 in drug profits,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The leaders of this conspiracy paid for a lavish lifestyle with drug money, but now it will cost them federal prison.”
“From coast to coast the IRS will take every step to ferret out those who attempt to launder the proceeds of illegal drug profits,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations.”
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Lake County Narcotics Agency.
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.
Highland Heights man sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling furanyl fentanyl that killed Cleveland teenRead the Press Release
A Highland Heights man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling furanyl fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a Cleveland teen, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams.
Alec J. Steinberger, 22, was also ordered to pay $10,548 to the family of the deceased to pay for his funeral expenses.
Steinberger previously pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance the resulted in death, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug offense.
“This case is another example of one of our neighbors dying from opioids coming to Northeast Ohio from China,” Herdman said. “We will continue to seek long prison sentences for those who sell drugs in our community.”
“Investigators of the Heroin Death Investigation Team are trained to investigate heroin overdose cases and link the victims back to the dealers,” Williams said. “It is through the combined efforts of law enforcement, at the local, state and federal levels, and prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office that these indictments are secured and convictions are won. It is the hope that these examples will deter others from continuing this deadly cycle.”
Beginning on Jan. 30, 2016, Steinberger received Alprazolam (also known as Xanax) and furanyl fentanyl for distribution. Furanyl fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. These drugs came to Steinberger through the mail, according to court documents.
On Feb. 23, 2016, Steinberger texted an associated: “I just got a pack bro.” He then informed several people that he had drugs for sale, including Laith Hudson.
Steinberger texted Hudson repeatedly the next day. Messages included: “bro I did it last night any my pupils got so small they disappeared and then I was nodding for 18 hrs,” “Bro this is uncut from the road” and “this is uncut from china,” according to court documents.
Steinberger then repeatedly texted Hudson if he knew anyone that could cut or dilute the drugs and repackage it for sale. Steinberger texted: “We gonna chill tmr” “and go to the hood and give samples” and “try and find out how to cut and re rock,” according to court documents.
Shortly after midnight on Feb. 25, Steinberger texted Hudson.: “Find me customers and tell them you’re the plug and I’ll get it to you and then sell it and cut u in a tiny bit and throw u a free (Klonopin) and dope,” according to court documents.
On Feb. 25, Hudson fatally overdosed on furanyl fentanyl he bought from Steinberger, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Cleveland Division of Police.
Two Wooster men indicted for selling heroin and cocaine that resulted in fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
Two Wooster men were indicted for distributing heroin and cocaine that resulted in the fatal overdose of a Wayne County woman, law enforcement officials said.
Jamie Curtis, 36, and Theodore Alleman, 28, were both indicted on one count of distribution of heroin and cocaine. The charge carries a potential sentencing enhancement because the drugs they distributed resulted in a death.
Curtis is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Curtis had a Witness 9 mm firearm with an obliterated serial number, and ammunition, despite a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking in Wayne County Common Pleas Court.
Curtis sold heroin and cocaine to Alleman from June 2016 through January 2017, according to the indictment.
Alleman, on Nov. 12, 2016, contacted a Wayne County woman identified in the indictment as H.C. H.C. was a recovering drug addict. Alleman repeatedly attempted to persuade H.C. to inject heroin with him, but she refused, according to the indictment.
Alleman purchased drinks for H.C. throughout the evening at a local pub and continued to ask her to inject heroin with him. In the early morning hours of Nov. 13, H.C. agreed. Alleman went to an ATM to get money and texted Curtis “I need a g” (gram of heroin), according to the indictment.
A friend identified in the indictment as G.C. fought with Alleman and H.C. about getting heroin. C.G. was forcefully removed from the vehicle. Alleman and H.C. met with Curtis and purchased heroin and cocaine, according to the indictment.
On Nov. 13, Alleman prepared a mixture of heroin and cocaine that he and H.C. injected. H.C. then overdosed and died, according to the indictment.
“These men sold drugs that directly resulted in the death of a young woman,” Herdman said. “We will continue to seek long prison sentences for drug dealers who kill and injure our friends and neighbors.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon said: “Identifying and bringing to justice the individuals that distribute drugs that lead to overdose death is a top priority of DEA. Today’s charges send the message to all drug dealers that they will be held accountable for bringing that poison into the community, and their deadly results.”
“The continued collaborative efforts of the Medway Drug Task Force and the Cleveland DEA to investigate these opiate overdoses, truly sends a message to our community that people will be held accountable,” said MEDWAY Director Don Hall.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the DEA, ATF, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency, Wooster Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Wayne County Coroner's Office and Ohio BCI.
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 Cleveland residents sentenced to prison after stealing identities to defraud bank out of $76,000Read the Press Release
Two Cleveland residents were sentenced to prison for defrauding a bank out of at least $76,000 by using fake identities, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Delon Roberson, 26, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison while Shameka Roberson, 27, was sentenced to more than three years in prison. Both were ordered to pay $765,399 in restitution to Key Bank.
Both were previously found guilty of one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Delon Roberson used the social media site Facebook to recruit numerous local individuals to open accounts or turn over their bank ATM or debit cards and PINs. Delon Roberson and Shameka Roberson then caused the deposit of at least 138 fraudulent checks totaling more than $159,000 into the bank accounts of the recruited individuals. Approximately $76,399 was later withdrawn from the accounts through ATM transactions and debit card purchases between May 2015 and April 2016, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert W. Kern and Megan R. Miller following and investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Task Force. This case specifically involved the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, the Cleveland Heights Police Department and the Cleveland Division of Police.
Streetsboro man indicted for child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
Lawrence Michael Lynde, 49, of Streetsboro, was indicted on charges of with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possessing child pornography, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
The conduct took place between October 2014 and December 2015, 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and Danielle Angeli following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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.
Rootstown man charged with child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
Christopher T. Fowler, 47, of Rootstown Township, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Fowler knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between June and December 2016, according to the indictment
Fowler also possessed three micro-SD cards, each of which contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Euclid man indicted for having more than 200 grams of carfentanilRead the Press Release
A Euclid man was indicted for having cocaine and more than 200 grams of carfentanil, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.
Troy Baker, 37, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute carfentanil and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Baker had approximately 218 grams of carfentanil, as well as cocaine, on June 27, according to the indictment.
“This amount of carfentanil could kill tens of thousands of people,” Herdman said. “This is an example of a tip from a citizen resulting in police action and a safer community.”
“This investigation, conducted by members of the Euclid Police Department -- Narcotics and Vice Unit, shows the power and importance of tips from the public,” Meyer said. “These tips can be provided anonymously. It is the responsibility of all to combat this opiate epidemic. We are very pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adopted this case for prosecution.”
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the Euclid Police Department and Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland men indicted for using firearms to rob bank on Shaker BoulevardRead the Press Release
Two Cleveland men were indicted for the armed robbery of a bank on Shaker Boulevard, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Maurice Montgomery, Jr., 20, and Jeremiah A. Johnson, 19, were each indicted on one count of bank robbery. They are accused of robbing the U.S. Bank on Shaker Boulevard in Cleveland on Aug. 26.
Both are also indicted on one count of using or brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
“We will seek long prison sentences for those who use firearms to commit crimes and prey upon others,” Herdman said.
"These two individuals put Saturday morning bank customers and employees at risk with the dangerous, gun-wielding robbery they committed,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The FBI will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners and the public in getting every bank robber identified, in custody, and prosecuted -- just like these two.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Pinjuh following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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.
Bucyrus man indicted for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
Wesley A. Muchow, 51, of Bucyrus, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Muchow knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place from Aug. 10, 2015, through Feb. 23, 2017, according to the indictment.
Muchow possessed an eMachine computer and a Dell computer, each of which contained child pornography, on Feb. 23, 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mansfield Police Department and the Canton Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Thirty-nine people indicted for trafficking heroin in MansfieldRead the Press Release
Thirty-nine people were indicted in federal court for their roles in two separate conspiracies to obtain large amounts of heroin, and in some cases, other drugs, from out of state and sell the drugs in Mansfield, law enforcement officials said.
Eighteen people are charged in a 41-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. The defendants are all from the Mansfield area unless otherwise noted. They are: Lennon Hayes, 44; Roberto Calderon, 36, of Chicago; Demond Steele, 45; Tara Jones, 29; Edward Jones, 39, of Chicago; Mazzarney Hardy, 39, of Maywood, Illinois; Michael Ginn, 28; Steve Hollins, 42; Cupree Howard, 39; Marcus Garmon, 32; Ashley Kriedman-Crider, 28; Rickell Fields, 24; Marrico King, 40; Terrance Jones, 27; Natasha Brookins, 34; James Alexander, 32; Vanness Oliver, 39, and Jacquis Mordica, 26.
In a different case, 21 people are charged in a 33-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana. The defendants are all from the Mansfield area unless otherwise noted. They are: Kevin Burton, 41; Antoine Jefferson, 39; Damon Slaughter, 41, of Westerville; Lewis Pinkston, Jr., 40; Brian Nowell, 44; Dorthea Burton, 34; Larry Ferguson, 41, of Louisville, Kentucky; Ericka Fortner, 27; Shadawn Smith, 25; Corey Motley, 36; Bronson Jones, 43; Deon Gamble, 34; Willie Feagin, 62; Jon Martel Jefferson, 30; Keith Maddox, 36; Amanda Huffman, 28; Michael Sloan, 60; Shantia Crawford, 27; Cardoves Haslett, 34; Shakela Williams, 23, and Joe Ware, 20.
In one conspiracy, Lennon Hayes and Edward Jones obtained large amounts of heroin from Roberto Calderon in Chicago and then sold it in the Mansfield area. This took place between June 2015 and the present, according to the indictment.
Hayes and Jones sold the heroin to other dealers, including Demond Steele, Tara Jones, Mazzzarney Hardy, Michael Ginn, Steve Hollins, Cupree Howard, Marcus Garmon, Ashley Kriedman-Crider, Rickell Fields, Marrico King, Terrance Jones, Natasha Brookins, James Alexander, Vanness Oliver and Jaquis Mordica, according to the indictment.
Members of the conspiracy used their residences in Mansfield for the purposes of storing and selling the heroin, including: 575 Crescent Ave. (Hayes and Tara Jones), 278 South Main Street (Hardy), 371 2nd Ave. and 743 Bowman Ave. (Edward Jones) and 204 Linden Road (Hollins and Cupree), according to the indictment.
Hayes, Jones and others used firearms and other weapons to protect their drug trafficking activities, according to the indictment.
In a different conspiracy, heroin, cocaine and marijuana was obtained from suppliers in Columbus and California, then resold in Mansfield and Louisville, Kentucky.
Kevin Burton obtained large amounts of cocaine from Antoine Jefferson. Burton sold the cocaine and also cooked some of it into crack cocaine. Burton and Lewis Pinkston also obtained large amounts of heroin from Damon Slaughter in Columbus, according to the indictment.
Burton sold the drugs to other dealers in the Mansfield area, including Pinkston, Brian Nowell, Dorthea Burton, Larry Ferguson, Corey Motley, Bronson Jones, Deon Gamble, Willie Feagin, Jon Martel Jefferson, Keith Maddox, Amanda Huffman, Michael Sloan, Rochelle Arrington, Shantia Crawford, Cardoves Haslett, Shakela Williams and Joe Ware, according to the indictment.
Some of the heroin and cocaine was later transported to Louisville and sold by Dorthea Burton and Larry Feguson, according to the indictment.
Members of the conspiracy used their residences in Mansfield for the purposes of storing and selling the drugs, including: 160 Reba Ave. (Burton and Fortner), 642 Johns Ave. and 461 Busch Ave. (Maddox), 708 Carol Lane (Jones), 1520 Silver Lane (Jefferson) and 35 West Arch Street (Motley), according to the indictment.
Burton, Maddox, Jefferson, Ware and others used firearms to protect their drug trafficking activities, according to the indictment.
“These groups brought heroin into Mansfield from out of state, sold it from houses in neighborhoods with families and used firearms to protect their operations,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement did a tremendous job in dismantling these organizations.”
“These 39 individuals were involved in a violent drug trafficking organization right here in middle America -- Mansfield, Ohio,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “Law enforcement will continue to work together and use every tool in our tool bag to rid our communities of dangerous drugs, and firearms, and hold these criminals accountable.”
Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon said: “Federal and local law enforcement are working together to combat the opioid epidemic in Richland County from many fronts. This investigation focused on the ones distributing heroin and drugs which are killing people in our community.”
“The collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and our federal partners has made a significant impact on drug trafficking within our communities,” said Mansfield Police Chief Kenneth Coontz. “We plan to continue this effort by targeting more dealers polluting our community. I would also like to thank the many law enforcement agencies that assisted METRICH and the FBI in order to make this a successful operation.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said: “Putting a stop to the efforts of this dangerous group, that was distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine into the community, is a victory for the residents of Mansfield. In DEA, we understand the importance that drug prevention and drug treatment, play in fighting the current opioid epidemic, but we also recognize that putting a permanent dent into the supply of these poisons will help to reduce addiction rates and ultimately overdose deaths.”
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.
These indictments are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, METRICH Enforcement Task Force, Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshal Service, with assistance from the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros is prosecuting the cases.
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.
Employee at FCI Elkton charged with attempting to provide cigarettes to inmateRead the Press Release
A one-count information was filed charging a federal prison employee with providing a prohibited object to an inmate, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Keith Stokes, 48, of Lisbon, Ohio, attempted to provide cigarettes to an inmate on Sept. 25, 2016. Stokes was employed by FCI Elkton at the time, according to the 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 record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the information was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.
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.
Community partners and DEA in Ohio hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day this SaturdayRead the Press Release
This Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its local law enforcement, community and tribal partners will give the public its 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Individuals can take pills and other solid forms of medication to one of almost 5,000 collection sites nationwide, and 235 sites in Kentucky, manned by more than 4,000 partners nationwide. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.) They can find nearby collection sites at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
“Disposing of leftover painkillers or other addictive medicines in the house is one of the best ways to prevent a member of your family from becoming a victim of the opioid epidemic,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “More people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs than any other substance. The abuse of these prescription drugs has fueled the nation’s opioid epidemic, which has led to the largest rate of overdose deaths this country has ever seen.”
“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.”
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.
Last April the public turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills.
Warren man indicted for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
A Warren man was indicted in federal court for heroin trafficking, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Shawn L. Price, 37, knowingly distributed heroin on Aug. 10 and 24, 2016, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Westlake man arrested following indictment for defrauding the Cleveland Clinic out of $2.8 millionRead the Press Release
A Westlake man was indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to defraud the Cleveland Clinic out of at least $2.8 million, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Wisam Rizk was charged in a 29-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud, 27 counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice. He was arrested Thursday evening.
Rizk worked as Chief Technology Officer at Interactive Visual Health Records, a company formed by Cleveland Clinic Innovations to develop a visual medical charting concept of certain Clinic physicians into a functioning, marketable product, according to the indictment.
Rizk was hired at IVHR by Gary Fingerhut, the former executive director at Cleveland Clinic Innovations. Fingerhut has pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Rizk and Fingerhut, as a condition of their employment, were prohibited from receiving any financial benefit or having any personal or familial financial interests in companies the Clinic did business with, unless they were expressly disclosed to, and approved by, the Clinic.
Rizk and others caused to be incorporated a shell company known as iStarFZE LLC (ISTAR) that did not actually perform or provide any goods or services. It was established in the name of a nominee owner. Rizk caused ISTAR to establish a web site and email addresses and a mailing address in New York City to create the false impression it was an operational business, according to the indictment.
Rizk caused ISTAR to submit a bid to the Clinic to develop and design IVHR’s software and to increase the price the Clinic paid for the software design and development, all without disclosing his financial interest in ISTAR, according to the indictment.
Rizk periodically paid Fingerhut a “referral” or “commission” fee in return for Fingerhut not disclosing the fraud scheme, according to the indictment.
“This defendant was hired to help develop advanced medical technology and instead defrauded the Cleveland Clinic out of millions of dollars,” Herdman said. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute corruption and self-dealing.”
“Rizk utilized the trust that had been placed in him and his immense technical and organizational skill as weapons against the very company and associates who had entrusted him for the purpose of stealing close to $3 million,” Anthony said.
The investigation is ongoing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two from Cleveland indicted for straw purchase of a firearm for a felonRead the Press Release
Two people from Cleveland were indicted for a case involving the straw purchase of a firearm for a felon, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor.
Indicted are Tremaine Jackson, 28, and Valerie Woods, 29.
Jackson was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jackson had a FN Herstal .57-caliber pistol and ammunition on Nov. 25, 2016, despite previous convictions that prohibited him from having a firearms, including drug trafficking, carrying a concealed weapon and having a weapon while under disability.
Woods was indicted on one count of making false statements to a firearms dealer. She purchased the FN Herstal .57-caliber pistol on Oct. 28, 2016 at Stonewall Range in Broadview Heights. She represented to the dealer that she was the actual buyer of the firearm when she was not, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Galvin following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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.
Ravenna man convicted of domestic violence indicted for having eight firearms and 1,300 rounds of ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Ravenna man previously convicted of domestic violence was indicted for having eight firearms and and more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Seth Alan Powers, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person.
The indictment alleges that on March 13, 2017, Powers possessed the following firearms and ammunition, after having been convicted of domestic violence in the Portage County Municipal Court in 2005: Bersa, model Thunder 45, .45 caliber pistol, serial number A59814; Keltec, model PF-9, 9mm pistol, serial number SP089; Ruger, model SR-22, .22 caliber pistol, serial number 365-33720; Walther, model HK416D, .22 caliber pistol, serial number WH013613; Mossberg, model 500A, 12 gauge shotgun, serial number R657562; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 caliber rifle, serial number 5JS244294; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 caliber rifle, serial number 5JS244352; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 rifle caliber, serial number 5JS244203; seven rounds of Hornady ammunition, .45 caliber; seven rounds other ammunition, 9 mm; nine rounds Remington ammunition, .22 caliber; two rounds assorted ammunition, 12 gauge; 1,050 rounds assorted ammunition, unknown caliber; 279 rounds assorted ammunition, unknown caliber.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Portage County Drug Task Force. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice to be honored with Attorney General's Award for labor trafficking prosecutionRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea S. Rice has been selected to receive the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest honors the Justice Department bestows upon its employees.
Rice and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser are being honored for their work in United States v. Castillo-Serrano et. al., a case in which the defendants engaged in a human trafficking conspiracy, forcing undocumented minors to work at an Ohio chicken farm for little or no pay.
The award will be presented by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Oct. 25 in Washington, D.C.
“The work of Chelsea, and everyone involved in this case, was nothing short of heroic,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “The leaders of the smuggling ring were sent to prison and the victims are on the road to recovery. This case demonstrates the horrors of human trafficking but also provides a blueprint for how law enforcement can combat the crime.”
Federal agents were alerted in late 2014 that adults and some children as young as 14 years old were being smuggled into the country and forced to work in deplorable conditions on an Ohio farm.
With the promise that their children would receive an education, parents in Guatemala surrendered custody and control of their children to Aroldo Roberto Castillo-Serrano, who then assumed the deed to the parents’ Guatemalan property as collateral for their smuggling fee.
These children, along with the adults with whom they were smuggled, were then routed through the United States to Ohio, where they were forced to live in trailers, some of which lacked water, electricity, heat and even windows, and work up to 12 hours a day on the egg farm. The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, debeaking chickens and vaccinating chickens.
With the coordination and cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, the victims of this forced labor scheme were recovered, received necessary medication attention and were granted continued presence status so that they could cooperate in the prosecution of Castillo-Serrano and his accomplices, Angelica Pedro-Juan, Pablo Duran, Jr., Conrado Selgado Soto, Conrado Selgado Borbon and Bartolo Dominguez.
Prosecutors and federal agents traveled to Guatemala. They worked with social service providers and non-government organizations to ensure the victims received the support and services they needed. They also, over time, gained the trust of the victims, some of whom eventually confronted the defendants in court.
All six defendants pleaded guilty. Ringleader Castillo-Serrano recruited the victims, smuggled them into the United States, oversaw money transfers and issued threats to ensure compliance. He received a prison sentenced of more than 15 years. Pedro-Juan falsely represented herself to government officials as a family friend of the minor victims in order to have them released to her custody. She also oversaw the trailers where the victims were housed and arranged for their wages to be transferred to co-conspirators in Guatemala and elsewhere. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Rice joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010. She is a graduate of Santa Clara University and the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Two mail carriers charged with stealing packagesRead the Press Release
Two mail carriers were indicted for stealing packages from the mail while working for the U.S. Postal Service.
Brandon L. Mitchell, 32, of North Olmsted, is accused of stealing a parcel on Aug. 4 that was addressed to a location on Melgove Avenue in Garfield Heights, according to the indictment.
Thomas N. Schaefer, 43, of Broadview Heights, is accused of stealing a parcel on Aug. 3 that was addressed to a location on McBride Avenue in Cleveland, according to the indictment.
Assistant United States Attorney Elliot Morrison is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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.
Toledo woman sentenced to prison for theftRead the Press Release
Marita Holland, 32, of Toledo, was sentenced to a year in prison for theft of government funds, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.
Holland, in 2012, illegally received two checks from the U.S. Treasury totaling approximately $16,793, according to court documents.
Holland was ordered to pay $119,081 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gene Crawford.
Cleveland Heights woman sentenced to more than three years in prison for tax fraudRead the Press Release
A Cleveland Heights woman was sentenced to more than three years in prison for fraudulently claiming false tax refunds for more than $700,000, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.
Janice Parks, 57, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government. U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi sentenced Parks to 41 months in prison and ordered her to pay $701,052 in restitution.
Parks represented herself as a tax preparer, first as the operator of J & H Professional Tax Services, which she operated from her home, then as the operator of Cleveland-based Jantaxx.
Parks and others falsely claimed tax credits on behalf of people who were not entitled to the credits. She directed others, including her incarcerated sons, to recruit people whose identities she could use to file fraudulent tax returns, according to court documents.
In many instances, Parks requested that portions of the refunds be directed to various bank accounts that she used for her personal gain, according to court documents.
Parks filed returns claiming nearly $1.5 million in fraudulent tax returns. The IRS paid refunds totaling approximately $700,000, according to court documents.
“This defendant stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from taxpayers and earned this prison sentence,” Herdman said.
“This defendant stole $700,000 in fraudulent income tax refunds and today’s sentencing proves that stealing from the government is a serious crime,” Korner said.
Helen Wynder, 55, of Cleveland, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the crime. She was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay $701,052 in restitution.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen E. Henderson and Ranya Elzein following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.
Twelve people indicted installing credit-card skimmers on gas pumps in five states and stealing account information from thousandsRead the Press Release
Twelve people were charged in a 26-count indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to install credit-card skimmers on gas pumps in at least five states, including several locations in Northeast Ohio, and steal credit-card account information from thousands of people.
Named in the indictment are: Ranset Rodriguez, 40, of Miami; Yaniris Alfonso, 31, of Miami; Jose Manuel Iglesias, 51, of West New York, New Jersey.; Juan Carlos Banos, 58, of Parma, Ohio; Carlos Rodriguez Martinez, 42, of Aurora, Colorado; Lester Enrique Castaneda, 39, of Hialeah, Florida; Edelberto Hernandez, 46, of Kiowa, Colorado; Eddy Pimentel-Vila, 45, of Jersey City, New Jersey; Luis Enrique Jimenez Gonzales, 27, of Hialeah, Florida; Yonasky Rosa, 34, of Tampa; Yadian Quesada-Hernandez, 31, of Tampa and Alejandro Moises, 52, of Miami.
The indictment charges that the defendants conspired to install skimmers on point-of-sale terminals inside of gas pumps located in Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Utah and elsewhere between August 2014 and July 2017.
The defendants then re-encoded the stolen credit/debit card account information, including the actual account holders’ names, onto counterfeit credit cards, which were used to fraudulently purchase gift cards, merchandise, goods and services in Ohio and elsewhere, according to the indictment.
The defendants traveled from Florida to install the skimmers and worked together to distract gas station employees and/or obstruct their view while the skimmers were covertly installed. Skimmers were discovered on gas pumps in Rocky River, Solon, Stow, Hudson, Fairview Park, Medina, Cleveland, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Norton, Austintown and elsewhere, according to the indictment.
“This group stole credit card information from thousands of people all over Northeast Ohio just looking to fill up their gas tanks and continue on their way,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Instead, these victims had their personal information taken and used to make fraudulent credit cards, which this group in turn used to steal merchandise.”
“This sophisticated, multistate criminal enterprise stole credit card numbers from innocent folks putting gas in their cars,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “These individuals, now in custody, caused financial difficulties for numerous everyday citizens, and for this, they will be held accountable.”
“This case is a complex investigation that involves suspects from multiple states that targeted innocent people from Northern Ohio and around the country stealing their personal and financial information,” said Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Schuck. “The success of today’s arrests are due to the great collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies working together.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan R. Miller and Robert W. Kern are prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service and the Boulder County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offenses, 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.
Painesville man indicted for having 109 grams of fentanylRead the Press Release
A Painesville man was indicted for having more than 100 grams of fentanyl, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Maxwell T. Klyn, 25, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Klyn had approximately 109 grams of fentanyl on April 14, 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Sweeney and Ranya Elzein following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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.
Williams County man indicted on heroin and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Williams County man was indicted on fireams and heroin charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Zachary Thomas McCauley, 27, of Edgerton, was indicted on one count each of being felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
McCauley possessed 61 grams of heroin and a Beretta 40-caliber pistol and a Walther 22-caliber pistol between March 29-31, 2017. McCauley has previous convictions for felonious assault and aggravated assault which preclude him from possessing a firearm, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Toledo. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.