Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Youngstown man faces firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Wallace A. Lewis, Sr., 26, of Youngstown, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that on or about January 5, 2016, Lewis possessed a Charter Arms, .22 caliber revolver, and ammunition, after having been previously convicted of felonious assault with a firearm specification, in Case Number 09CR1304, in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.
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 Youngstown Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
Rittman man faces child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
Bryan Blankenship, 24, of Rittman, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about July 22, 2015, through on or about January 11, 2016, in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Blankenship knowingly received and distributed, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and which files had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. The indictment also charges that on March 24, 2016, Blankenship possessed a computer and a hard drive, each of which contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
The case was investigated by the Canton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Ravenna man indicted for child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
Frank J. Richards, 53, of Ravenna, Ohio, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The Indictment charges that from on or about January 13, 2014, through on or about January 14, 2014, and again on July 22, 2015, Frank J. Richards, did knowingly receive and distribute in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on January 27, 2011, March 5, 2015, and April 5, 2016, Frank J. Richards did knowingly possess computers and computer media that contained child pornography
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Cleveland Office.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mogadore woman accused of collecting deceased mother's Social Security benefitsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury indicted Barbara J. Gable, 50, of Mogadore, for theft of public money, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Gable fraudulently converted to her own use her mother’s Social Security retirement and survivor’s benefits after her mother died in June 2009. The SSA did not learn of her mother’s death until December 2013. Gable’s theft resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of approximately $62,509, according to the indictment.
The United States Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti.
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.
Elyria man indicted for child pornography violationRead the Press Release
Brian C. Sanner, 25, of Elyria, was charged with receiving visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that on or about April 22, 2015, through on or about August 27, 2015, in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Sanner did knowingly receive in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Cleveland Office.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Elyria man charged for having child pornographyRead the Press Release
David H. Six, 56, of Elyria, was charged with possessing child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The Indictment charges that on or about August 27, 2015, images of child pornography were found on a PNY thumb drive in Six’s possession.
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 United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Cleveland Office.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man indicted for three bank robberiesRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Omar A. Hasan, 55, of Cleveland, with three counts of bank robbery, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that on November 6, 2015, Hasan robbed the KeyBank, 3110 West 117th Street, of $2,369. On December 11, 2015, Hasan robbed the Ohio Savings Bank, 1866 West 25th Street, of $3,938. On March 21, 2016, Hasan robbed the US Bank, 1958 West 25th Street, of $4,543. All three banks were located in Cleveland and all were federally insured financial institutions at the time of each robbery.
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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benedict S. Gullo. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cleveland Division of Police.
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.
Elyria man sentenced to nine years in prison, latest effort between Lorain County and federal law enforcementRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to more than nine years in prison for a firearms violation, said Acting U.S. States Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely.
Steve Hamilton, 24, was sentenced to 110 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hamilton pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon, specifically a Heritage MFG “Rough Rider” .22 Caliber revolver. Hamilton had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition, according to court documents.
Hamilton used the firearm and a knife to threaten his then-girlfriend in Elyria. When Elyria police officers arrived at the scene, Hamilton did not immediately comply with their commands and ultimately the knife and the firearm were found concealed on him. Hamilton stated to the arresting officers that he “...should have shot it out with you guys”. Hamilton later said that he should have choked out the police officers and identified himself as a Heartless Felon and should have shot it out with the officers. He continued and stated: "I’m a threat and you . . . better watch out when I get out . . . I’m going to shoot one of you in the head,” according to court documents
This prosecution of a violent felon possessing a firearm is just one of multiple prosecutions the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is engaged in with local Lorain County law enforcement. These prosecutions represent a coordinated effort on behalf of the federal and state partners to hold accountable these individuals who all have significant prior firearm and or drug charges and have continued to possess firearms and/or sell drugs in Lorain County.
Recent cases from Lorain County prosecuted in federal court include the following:
Jason Vasquez, 37 of Lorain, was indicted by the grand jury in a multiple count federal conspiracy indictment for the distribution of heroin in Lorain County. He was also charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition after being previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm. Vasquez was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. Vasquez was believed to be a major source of heroin and fentanyl in the Lorain County area. Vazquez has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on May 27, 2016. He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison
Anetaeus Spencer, 33, of Lorain, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and several firearms, namely: a Rohm Arms 7.62 x 39 mm. rifle, a Taurus “Judge” .45LC/410GA revolve, a Smith and Wesson pistol, a Keltec .380 handgun, and a Mossberg 12 gage shotgun. Spencer had been previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Spencer also sold quantities of crack and heroin, and had several thousand dollars on his person at the time of his arrest, according to court documents. Spencer was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. He has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on June 2, 2016. He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Calvin L. Williams, 32, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon, namely a Glock 9 mm. handgun. Williams also has pending state drug cases and was previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Williams was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas at the time of the most recent offense. Williams has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on June 2, 2016.
Octavious Smith, 37, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of possessing a 9 mm. firearm and distributing quantities of heroin and crack cocaine in Lorain County. Smith had been previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Smith was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. This case is pending
Each defendant had at least one previous felony conviction, rendering them ineligible to possess a firearm.
In prior cases the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted multiple Lorain County residents who ran afoul of gun and drug laws in cooperation with local law enforcement.
These previous cases include but are not limited to the following:
Jeremy Mack, 38, of Elyria, human trafficking, drug crimes and obstruction of justice after forcing four females, including a 16-year-old girl, to have sex for money. Mack was sentenced to life in prison.
Siarres Noble, 29, of Elyria was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl, including fentanyl that caused the death of an Elyria resident last year.
Anthony Paul Montoy, 40, of Elyria and Fred Alston, 60, of Elyria were convicted of conspiracy to distribute kilograms of cocaine in the Lorain County area. Montoy was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and Alston was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Attorney's Office observes Reentry WeekRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is observing National Reentry Week with a variety of activities designed to remove barriers for those returning to society after prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday participated in the announcement that the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will be awarded $100,000 to address re-entry barriers for CMHA residents with criminal convictions.
The office also participated earlier this month in the Northeast Ohio Reentry Business Summit, an event that focused on the opportunities available for businesses to participate in reentry. The summit provided guidance, as well as legal advice, tax credit information and real-life examples of the rewards, both personal and professional, in hiring our returning citizens and building stronger neighborhoods.
The Office also participated in Reentry Courts in all four of our courthouses – Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown.
“Too often, justice-involved individuals who have paid their debt to society confront daunting obstacles to good jobs, decent housing, adequate health care, quality education, and even the right to vote,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “National Reentry Week highlights the many ways that the Department of Justice – and the entire Obama Administration – is working to tear down the barriers that stand between returning citizens and a meaningful second chance – leading to brighter futures, stronger communities, and a more just and equal nation for all.”
“We have long seen having meaningful re-entry activities as being just as important as aggressive law enforcement and crime-prevention activities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon. “The public expects us to not only be tough on crime, but also smart on crime. Condemning someone who has paid their debt to society to a life of joblessness is not good for anyone – the returning citizen, the community or law enforcement.”
Monday’s announcement is part of the Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program (JRAP), funded through DOJ’s Second Chance Act funds. The Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development are teaming up to help young Americans who’ve paid their debt to society rehabilitate and reintegrate back into their communities. JRAP funding was awarded to Public Housing Agencies who have a partnership with a nonprofit legal service organization with experience providing legal services to juveniles.
Having a juvenile or a criminal record can severely limit a person’s ability to seek higher education, find good employment or secure affordable housing. Today, there are nearly 55,000 individuals under age 21 in juvenile justice facilities, and approximately 185,000 young adults aged 18 to 24 in state and federal prisons. These collateral consequences create unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity and productivity.
To help alleviate collateral consequences associated with a juvenile or criminal record, JRAP assists young people up to age 24 residing in public housing, or who would be residing in public housing but for their record, by:
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Expunging, sealing, and/or correcting juvenile or adult records; as permitted by state law;
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Assisting targeted youth in mitigating/preventing collateral consequences such as reinstating revoked or suspended drivers’ licenses;
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Counseling regarding legal rights and obligations in searching for employment;
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Providing guidance for readmission to school; and
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Creating or modifying child support orders and other family law services, and more.
As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, the Department of Justice designated the week of April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week.
The Obama Administration has taken major steps to make our criminal justice system fairer, more efficient and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities. Removing barriers to successful reentry helps formerly incarcerated individuals compete for jobs, attain stable housing, and support their families. An important part of that commitment is preparing those who have paid their debt to society for substantive opportunities beyond the prison gates, and addressing collateral consequences to successful reentry that too many returning citizens encounter.
National Reentry Week events are being planned in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. U.S. Attorney’s Offices alone are hosting over 200 events and BOP facilities are holding over 370 events.
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Cleveland dentist charged for billing $407,000 for work never done, such as fillings on patients with denturesRead the Press Release
A Cleveland dentist was charged with one count of health care fraud after billing Medicaid for more than $407,000 in work that not authorized or never done, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Robert Rouzaud, 59, operated Five Points Dental Centre on East 152nd Street. Rouzaud submitted claims on behalf of Medicaid recipients for services that were not pre-authorized, as required, and/or not provided. This took place between 2009 and 2015, according to the criminal information.
For example, Rouzaud billed for an excessive number of fillings on the same teeth, when he had not done fillings, filed claims for fillings on teeth that had been previously extracted, and submitted claims for fillings on patients who had dentures, according to the information.
Rouzaud submitted false claims totaling $407,982 for services he did not provide between 2009 and 2015. He was paid more than $343,000 for these services, according to the information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, his role in the offense and the characteristics of the criminal conduct. 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 Collyer following an investigation by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
North Canton man charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bankruptcy fraudRead the Press Release
A two-count criminal information was filed against James W. Wallace, of North Canton, charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio,and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland Office.
Aged Shelf Corporation Scheme
The information alleges that Wallace, and Joseph Beck of Allentown, Pennsylvania, acting together and with others, from approximately January 2009 through December 2012, engaged in a scheme to defraud at least fifteen small business owners of at least $1,500,000 through an investment and loan scam. Wallace and Beck, acting through their companies Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity, fraudulently induced individuals to purchase “aged shelf corporations,” which served no legitimate business purpose other than to funnel money back to Wallace and Beck for their personal use. Wallace and Beck told potential buyers, who were individuals who often could not get funding from traditional financial institutions, that they could get them loans substantially greater than any available to them from commercial institutions through the purchase of an “aged shelf corporation” through Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity.
“Aged shelf corporations” were corporations that had been created some years before, but had never engaged in any business and were corporations on paper only. Wallace and Beck allegedly induced the would-be borrowers to believe that with the purchase of these previously created but dormant corporations they would qualify for private loans, credit cards with high credit limits, and other credit opportunities in amounts greater than were otherwise available to them from financial institutions. It is further alleged that Wallace and Beck misinformed buyers by telling them that they had “private lenders” waiting to lend money to the owners of these “aged shelf corporations” when they knew that no such private lenders existed. Wallace and Beck allegedly also falsely told would-be borrowers that other individuals had successfully obtained funding, but shrouded the details of their prior “successes” as well as the identities of their “private lenders” under a veil of mystery, citing proprietary and trade secrets, when no customers in fact received any private funding.
The information further alleges that Wallace and Beck fraudulently misrepresented that the money that customers paid to Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity for aged shelf corporations was used to obtain trade references, gain high PAYDEX scores (credit scores for corporations), and effect private placement of the loans. Wallace and Beck falsely told customers that their profit in the transaction would come later, after loans had been funded, from a percentage of the loans they succeeded in acquiring. Meanwhile, Wallace and Beck allegedly used a substantial share of the money to pay for personal expenses including strip clubs, jewelry, tattoo salons, meals at restaurants and bars, vacations and resort hotels, testosterone supplements, luxury products, sports equipment, tanning salons, payments on personal loans and mortgages, cash withdrawals, and transfers to personal accounts.
Bankruptcy Fraud
The information also alleges that, after agents with the FBI executed a search warrant on Beck’s residence and offices in Pennsylvania, and after former Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity customers filed civil lawsuits against Wallace, that he filed a false bankruptcy petition, under penalty of perjury, in the Northern District of Ohio. It is alleged that in the bankruptcy petition, titled In re: James Wallace, Case No. 12-61185, Wallace falsely withheld information regarding: his involvement with Beck and Washington Integrity; the number and amounts of creditors and debts owed by Wallace and his companies; bank accounts he possessed; his interests in executory contracts in the forms of the aged shelf corporation agreements he held with customers of Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity; and by falsely claiming a negative gross income for the two years preceding his bankruptcy filing.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, his role in the offense and the characteristics of the criminal conduct. 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 Om Kakani, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Puerto Rico resident charged with assaulting federal officers, failing to register as sex offender and firearms offensesRead the Press Release
A four-count indictment was filed in federal court charging a Puerto Rican man with assaulting federal officers and failing to register as a sex offender, as well as firearms offenses, law enforcement officials said.
Luis Cruz-Ramos, 30, was indicted on one count each of assaulting federal officers, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crime of violence, failing to register as a sex offender, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
“This defendant is a threat and does not belong in society,” said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
“The U.S. Marshals Service and the members of our task force will not rest when it comes to dangerous fugitives like Cruz-Ramos,” said U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott. “We, along with local police departments and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will make sure that Cruz-Ramos will answer for his heinous charges in Puerto Rico and to the U.S. government for crimes he committed while on the run.”
Ramos was wanted on an arrest warrant when he was assaulted two special deputy U.S. Marshals on April 1, and brandished a firearm to do so, according to the indictment.
Ramos also failed to register as a sex offender between 2013 and 2016 after traveling to Ohio. He also possessed ammunition on April 1, despite a prior conviction for sexual assault that precluded him from having ammunition, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio man indicted on firearms charge, failing to register as sex offenderRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Joseph W. Basham, Jr., 32, of Rome, Ohio, with being a felon in possession of firearms and failing to register as a sex offender, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Basham possessed a Winchester, model 50, 12 gauge shotgun in June 2015 after having been convicted of multiple felonies between 2007 and 2012. He also traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register or update a registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Service. The case 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.
Former East Cleveland detective sentenced to nearly six years in prison, last of three corrupt officers sent to prisonRead the Press Release
A former East Cleveland police detective was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy in which he kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, law enforcement officials said.
Antonio Malone, 34, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $23,000 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy.
Malone is the last of three former East Cleveland police officers sent to prison for their roles in the conspiracy.
Torris Moore, of South Euclid, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Eric Jones, of Cleveland Heights, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy.
“These three officers are a disgrace to the badge they wore and the community they swore to protect,” said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “They personally profited from the drug trade that has ravaged East Cleveland. They deserve to be sent to prison for their extensive crimes, which undercut the credibility of law enforcement and the court system.”
“These officers acted like cunning criminals rather than honorable public servants who swore to protect and serve,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “They are now all behind bars for their reprehensible, unlawful conduct.”
“When detectives target and rob a drug dealer and then create false evidence to cover up their own crimes, those officers are Benedict Arnolds,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty said. “They have betrayed all the dedicated law enforcement officers, alive and dead, who gave their lives upholding the law and protecting our communities. So this officer now deserves to switch places with the drug dealer whose conviction we had to vacate and who has been released from prison.”
Moore was a sergeant at the East Cleveland Police Department, where she supervised the Street Crimes Unit. Malone and Jones were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. The defendants were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.
From 2014 through June 2014, they conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.
These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.
The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.
For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.
On June 20, 2013, SCU officers, including Moore, searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.
On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Lakewood man writes off expenses, including use of yacht and luxury world travel, to underreport income by $2 millionRead the Press Release
A Lakewood man was charged in federal court for taking improper write-offs and not reporting more than $2 million in taxable income, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Thomas G. Klocker, 47, was charged via criminal information with four counts of tax evasion. The counts cover the tax years 2007 through 2010.
“Nobody likes paying taxes, but we all have to pay our fair share, which includes being honest about deductions and expenses,” Rendon said. “Those who underreport their income and take improper deductions will be held accountable.”
“As this tax filling season comes to a close, we are reminded of our collective duty to accurately file and pay our taxes,” Enstrom said. “Those who willfully abscond from this duty will be pursued and brought to justice.”
Klocker was the sole shareholder and operator of All Metal Sales (AMS) in Westlake. He also operated TT Charter Leasing, which was in the business of chartering the luxury yacht “Tommy Time”, according to the information.
Klocker diverted corporate funds from AMS for his own use to benefit his personal lifestyle and avoid personal income liabilities between 2007 and 2010, according to the information.
For example, Klocker diverted funds from AMS to construct a waterfront residence in Lakewood and to maintain his 68’ Sunseeker yacht, as well as to pay for luxury travel and to make cash withdrawals. He reported substantial business losses arising from the operating costs and expenses arising from the personal use of the TT Charter Leasing yacht, according to the information.
He also misrepresented his personal expenses entered into AMS’ books and records by falsely describing them as legitimate business expenses. Klocker also provided false information to his tax-return preparers about expenses he described as business-related which were, in fact, personal in nature – including luxury travel with his family, according to the information.
Klocker underreported his taxable income by more than $2 million during tax years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. He owes at least an additional $611,000 in taxes for that period, 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.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Field Office.
Former Army recruiter charged with theft of public moneyRead the Press Release
A former Army recruiter was charged with theft of public money, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.
Robert L. Lucks, 51, of Warsaw, was charged via a criminal information. On or about April 17, 2009, Lucks, a former Disabled Veteran Outreach Representative with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), used his former position to obtain personal identification information of a spouse of an ODJFS customer, to steal $1,000 of Department of Defense funds, according to the information.
To aid the military in its recruiting efforts, the Army National Guard established the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP). The program was designed to offer monetary recruiting incentives to part-time soldiers to identify and encourage individuals to serve in the Army National Guard and other military branches.
Lucks fraudulently submitted the personal information of a potential soldier through his online G-RAP account. The potential soldier did not provide her information to Lucks to be used for G-RAP. Lucks submitted fabricated details of his relationship with the potential soldier, in order to receive recruiting incentives to which he was not entitled. Because of the inappropriately procured personal information and fabricated relationship details Lucks submitted, he received $1,000 in money belonging to the United States to which he was not entitled, according to the information.
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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karrie Howard following an investigation by Major Procurement Fraud Unit, US Army CID.
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.
Youngstown man charged with transportation of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activityRead the Press Release
On April 11, 2016 an arrest warrant for David Guevara, Sr., 35, of Youngstown, was executed. Guevara was being held in the Mahoning County Jail on state charges at the time of this federal arrest. Guevara has been charged in federal court with attempted transportation and transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, law enforcement officials said.
Guevara met a 15-year old girl in July 2015 and began a sexual relationship with her. Initially, Guevara would have sex with the minor in a tent under a Youngstown bridge. On July 31, 2015, Guevara purchased travel arrangements to move them to Philadelphia. During their trip and once they arrived in Philadelphia, Guevara Sr. continued to engage in sexual intercourse with the minor, according to the complaint.
Guevara was originally interviewed by local law enforcement on December 14, 2015. He admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with the minor and traveling with her to Philadelphia, even though he knew that she was just 15 years old. Guevara also stated that it was his intent to have a child with the minor and to move her and the baby to Mexico, according to the complaint.
A detention hearing has been set for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 10a.m. in Magistrate Limbert’s court room in Youngstown, Ohio.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Youngstown Resident Agency, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, and the Youngstown Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benedict S. Gullo.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland Heights woman charged with welfare fraudRead the Press Release
Loretta Irby, 63, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has been charged with theft of government property, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Irby stole approximately $33,963 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she was not entitled. Irby defrauded the Social Security Administration by concealing her true marital status and living arrangements with her husband. The concealment deprived SSA of the ability to properly administer the SSI program, and caused SSA to pay her benefits when she was not eligible for those benefits. Irby concealed these material facts knowing that it would affect her right to SSI benefits.The scheme lasted approximately 10 years, beginning in or around July 2005, through in or around April 2015, according to court documents.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
If convicted, the court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Richfield man guilty of illegally dealing firearms after he sold 300 firearms over three yearsRead the Press Release
A Richfield Township man pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally dealing firearms after he sold approximately 300 firearms over a three-year period, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Donald J. Soranno, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division.
Timothy J. Cassinger, 48, is scheduled to be sentenced July 13.
Cassinger was not a licensed firearms dealer but sold approximately 300 firearms between June 2012 and October 2015. Many of the weapons were purchased from federal firearms licensees and then resold by Cassinger at gun shows or online, according to court documents.
Eleven firearms originally purchased by Cassinger were intercepted by Spanish authorities in September 2014, on a ship destined for Beirut, Lebanon . Other firearms purchased by Cassinger were later recovered in Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, New York City and other cities, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Galvin following an investigation by the ATF.
Former East Cleveland police officer sentenced to nearly four years in prisonRead the Press Release
A former East Cleveland police officer was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role in a conspiracy in which he kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Eric Jones pleaded previously guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy
Malone, of Cleveland, and Antonio Jones, of Cleveland Heights, were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. They were supervised by Sgt. Torris Moore. The unit, including Moore, Malone and Jones, were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.
From 2014 through June 2014, the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.
These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports, which Moore reviewed, knew was incorrect, but she failed to correct the inaccuracies. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.
The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.
For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.
On June 20, 2013, SCU officers searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.
On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.
Torris Moore pleaded guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. She was sentenced to nine years in prison
Officers Antonio Malone pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy. His sentencing is pending.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Two men sent to prison for role in forced-labor scheme that exploited Guatemalan minors at Ohio egg farmRead the Press Release
Conrado Salgado Soto, 53, of Mexico, was sentenced to 51 months in prison today in the Northern District of Ohio for his role in luring Guatemalan minors and adults into the United States on false pretenses, then using threats of physical harm to compel their labor at egg farms in Ohio.
The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Salgado Soto pleaded guilty to the labor-trafficking conspiracy in August 2015.
According to the indictment, which was unsealed on July 2, 2015, members of the labor-trafficking conspiracy recruited workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States. Salgado’s co-conspirators then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where he and his co-conspirators ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day for minimal amounts of money. The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens. Eight minors and two adults were identified in the indictment as victims of the forced labor scheme.
Another co-defendant, Pablo Duran Jr., was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for alien harboring. Duran Jr. pleaded guilty in December 2015.
“The defendants operated a criminal enterprise that exploited the hopes and dreams of young people eager to make better lives for themselves here in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute and hold accountable those who target innocent men, women and children for trafficking and threaten violence to assert their illegal control.”
“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children with false promises of a better life and instead forced them into manual labor in horrific conditions on an egg farm for little or no pay,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rendon. “We will continue to prosecute human traffickers, whether they force children into the commercial sex industry or enslave them in rural parts of our district. Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities will always remain a top priority.”
“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children and families,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “This investigation revealed how they used threats, humiliation, deprivation and other means to keep these minors working and enriching the defendants.”
Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, 33, led the conspiracy and pleaded guilty in December 2015 to the labor-trafficking conspiracy, forced labor, witness tampering and alien harboring. He will be sentenced on June 27, 2016. Ana Angelica Pedro Juan, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to the trafficking conspiracy and her sentencing hearing is set for June 27. Pedro Juan’s role in the scheme included falsely representing herself to government officials as a family friend of the minor victims in order to have them released to her custody, as well as overseeing the trailers where the victims were housed and arranging for their wages to be transferred to co-conspirators in Guatemala and elsewhere.
Two other co-defendants, Conrado Salgado-Borbon and Bartolo Dominguez, pleaded guilty to immigration offenses in connection with this case and were sentenced to six and 12 months, respectively.
The investigation is ongoing. The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Mansfield Resident Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sherriff’s Office. The case is being jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio.
Two Defendants Sentenced for Role in Forced Labor Scheme that Exploited Guatemalan Minors at Ohio Egg FarmsRead the Press Release
Conrado Salgado Soto, 53, of Mexico, was sentenced to 51 months in prison today in the Northern District of Ohio for his role in luring Guatemalan minors and adults into the United States on false pretenses, then using threats of physical harm to compel their labor at egg farms in Ohio.
The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Salgado Soto pleaded guilty to the labor-trafficking conspiracy in August 2015.
According to the indictment, which was unsealed on July 2, 2015, members of the labor-trafficking conspiracy recruited workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States. Salgado’s co-conspirators then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where he and his co-conspirators ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day for minimal amounts of money. The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens. Eight minors and two adults were identified in the indictment as victims of the forced labor scheme.
Another co-defendant, Pablo Duran Jr., was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for alien harboring. Duran Jr. pleaded guilty in December 2015.
“The defendants operated a criminal enterprise that exploited the hopes and dreams of young people eager to make better lives for themselves here in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute and hold accountable those who target innocent men, women and children for trafficking and threaten violence to assert their illegal control.”
“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children with false promises of a better life and instead forced them into manual labor in horrific conditions on an egg farm for little or no pay,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rendon. “We will continue to prosecute human traffickers, whether they force children into the commercial sex industry or enslave them in rural parts of our district. Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities will always remain a top priority.”
“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children and families,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “This investigation revealed how they used threats, humiliation, deprivation and other means to keep these minors working and enriching the defendants.”
Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, 33, led the conspiracy and pleaded guilty in December 2015 to the labor-trafficking conspiracy, forced labor, witness tampering and alien harboring. He will be sentenced on June 27, 2016. Ana Angelica Pedro Juan, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to the trafficking conspiracy and her sentencing hearing is set for June 27. Pedro Juan’s role in the scheme included falsely representing herself to government officials as a family friend of the minor victims in order to have them released to her custody, as well as overseeing the trailers where the victims were housed and arranging for their wages to be transferred to co-conspirators in Guatemala and elsewhere.
Two other co-defendants, Conrado Salgado-Borbon and Bartolo Dominguez, pleaded guilty to immigration offenses in connection with this case and were sentenced to six and 12 months, respectively.
The investigation is ongoing. The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Mansfield Resident Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sherriff’s Office. The case is being jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio.
Richfield man sentenced to prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
A Richfield man was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon said.
Khalid Farmer Black was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of receipt of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI
Two from Youngstown area charged with firearms violations in 18-count indictmentRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging Tamyra Gudzinas, 74, of Hubbard, Ohio, and Elie J. Faraj, 31, of Youngstown, with various firearms violations, law enforcement officials said.
Thirteen counts of the indictment allege that on various dates beginning in August 2015 until on or about December 8, 2015, Gudzinas, aided and abetted by Faraj, made false and fictitious written statements to federally licensed firearm dealers, stating that she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when she was purchasing the firearms for another individual. The dates and locations of these purchases are as follows:
Date
Firearm Dealer
Firearm
8/24/15
Gander Mountain, Warren, OH
Sig Sauer P238, .380 caliber pistol
10/13/15
Miller Road and Gun
Youngstown, OH
Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol
10/14/15
Buckeye Firearms
Austintown, OH
Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol
10/16/15
Miller Road and Gun
Youngstown, OH
Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol
10/24/15
Stocker’s Shop
Warren, OH
Kahr, model CT380, .380 caliber pistol, and a
Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol
10/25/15
J&D Firearms
Warren, OH
Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol, and a
Taurus Millennium, 9mm pistol
11/13/15
Stocker’s Shop
Warren, OH
Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol
11/23/15
Miller Road and Gun
Youngstown, OH
Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol
11/23/15
Buckeye Firearms
Austintown, OH
Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol, and a
Kahr .380 caliber
11/24/15
Buckeye Firearms
Austintown, OH
Smith and Wesson, model MNP15, 5.56 caliber rifle
11/26/15
Tactical Firearms
Youngstown, OH
Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol and a
Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol
12/4/15
Tactical Firearms
Youngstown, OH
Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol;
Smith and Wesson M360, .38 caliber rifle;
Sig Sauer, model P938, 9mm pistol; and an
Anderson Mfg., model AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle
12/8/15
Buckeye Firearms
Austintown, OH
Sig Sauer, model P239, .40 caliber pistol
Four counts of the indictment allege Faraj, having been previously convicted of possession of cocaine in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas in 2012, illegally possessed the following firearms on the following dates:
Dates
Firearms
10/24/15
Kahr, model CT380, .380 caliber pistol
11/23/15
Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol
12/4/15
Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol
12/4-12/11/15
Sig Sauer, model P938, 9mm pistol, and an
Anderson Mfg. AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle12/8-12/11/15
Sig Sauer, model P239, .40 caliber pistol
“We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to prosecute those people who get firearms despite prohibitions against them – and those who illegally help them get the guns,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.
“This case demonstrates one avenue by which firearms end up in the hands of violent criminals,” said Donald J. Soranno, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to close off these illegal transfers and keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm and intimidate others.”
“These suspects facilitated arming individuals that were attempting to conceal their possession and use of firearms,” said Steven D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI and its partners will continue efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms to the criminal element.”
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.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Violent Crimes 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.
Ten indicted for bringing crystal methamphetamine to Ohio from CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Ten people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that brought large shipments of crystal methamphetamine to Ohio from California, law enforcement officials said.
Named in the 20-count indictment are: Hector Sabino Gonzales, 36, of Los Angeles; Carlos Elias, 33, and Lisa Elias, 36, both of Massillon; Jance Randolph, 33, of Canton; Michael Mack, 39, of Akron; Nikki Greenwood, 37, of New Philadelphia; Richard Stewart, 57, of Akron; Robert Willham, 45, of Medina; Steven Petit, 35, of Akron, and Wilmer Martinez, 25, of Painesville.
The Elias’s also face charges for distribution of heroin. Stewart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Carlos Elias received large shipments of methamphetamine from Gonzales and others in California, usually via FedEx or UPS, from June 2015 through March 2016. Court documents detail shipments of methamphetamine to homes in Akron, New Philadelphia and Painesville, among others. The Elias’s sent cash via FedEx, UPS and the U.S. mail to Gonzales to pay for the drugs, according to the indictment.
The Elias’s provided methamphetamine to Martinez, Mack, Greenwood, Willham, Stewart, Randolph and others for distribution. Mack supplied methamphetamine to Petit for distribution, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stark County Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the police departments of Canton, Jackson Township, Alliance, Louisville and Ohio Adult Parole Authority.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Maple Heights man indicted for selling heroinRead the Press Release
A three-count indictment was filed charging a Maple Heights man with distributing heroin, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.
Rodney A. Haynes, 34, sold heroin on three occasions in the fall of 2015, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors are seeking to seize more than $12,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Darden and Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Toledo man indicted for sexually exploiting minor girls, including some as young as 8 years oldRead the Press Release
A 14-count indictment was filed charging a Toledo man for sexually exploiting minors, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Steven Calmes, 37, was charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, five counts of coercion and enticement and one count of receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Calmes targeted several girls between the ages of 10 and 14 over the internet and convinced them to send nude picture of themselves to him, or appear naked on a web camera for him. This took place numerous times between 2012 and 2014, according to court documents.
An examination of electronic devices seized during a search revealed 70 videos that constituted child pornography. Calmes used real-time text messages to direct the minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents.
Several minor victims have been identified, including females as young as eight years old, including victims in Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, according to court documents.
Calmes interacted with another child victim who he tried to convince to meet him in person for “more fun.” In another video, Calmes convicted another victim to become fully naked on the web chat. Calmes created a plan to meet this victim at her school, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the Toledo Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.
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.
Toledo man charged with sex trafficking of a minorRead the Press Release
A criminal information was filed charging Trashon Autman, 19, of Toledo, with transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An information 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.
Traveling minister convicted on all counts for his role in a $4.8 million tax refund scamRead the Press Release
A jury convicted a traveling minister from Arkansas on all 14 counts for his role in a $4.8 million tax refund scam, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Allen D. Miles, 58, of Little Rock, Arkansas, is scheduled to be sentenced June 13. He was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
Miles, acting with Zinara Highsmith, engaged in a false tax refund scheme in which approximately 2,750 false income tax returns were filed, claiming false income tax refunds of approximately $4.8 million.
Miles obtained personal identification information from congregants and others by telling them that he could help them obtain money from an alleged government stimulus fund program. Miles did not tell congregants that income tax returns were going to be filed on their behalf. After he obtained the information, Miles forwarded it to Highsmith, and then Highsmith and others created the false income tax returns that generated refunds based on certain credits for which the taxpayers did not qualify, like the American Opportunity Credit, Making Work Pay Credit, and Earned Income Credit, according to trial testimony and court documents.
For each refund, Miles collected a $125 commission and Highsmith received $275; the taxpayers received the balance. Miles received approximately $300,000 for his efforts in the refund scam, which operated between March and July 2011, according to trial testiony and court records.
"This defendant traveled the country defrauding people and the goverment," Rendon said. "He took advantage of their religious faith and their faith in the government to enrich himself."
"Misusing his position of trust as a minister, Mr. Miles perpetuated an elaborate scheme driven by insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on innocent victims. The jurors have spoken and Mr. Miles is being held accountable for his criminal actions," Enstrom said. "Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS Criminal Investigation, along with the United States Attorney's Office, remain vigilant in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the United States Treasury and blatantly disregard the victims of their schemes."
Highsmith has pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Carmen Henderson, following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Four indicted for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 20 pounds of marijuana and nearly 20 pounds of MDMARead the Press Release
Four people were indicted in federal court on charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 20 pounds of marijuana and nearly 20 pounds of MDMA, law enforcement officials said.
Indicted are: Rinald Turhani, 37, of Macomb, Mich.; Denisa Alicka, 26, of Rocky River; Jonida Alicka, 28, of Rocky River, and Leka Konini, 46, of Canton, Mich.
The indictments follow a joint investigation of multiple sales of MDMA and marijuana by the Alicka sisters from their residences and vehicles between September 2014 and March 2016. Investigators determined the Alickas obtained MDMA and marijuana through Turhani and Konini. Jonida Alicka also obtained MDMA from her boyfriend who resides in Canada, according to court documents.
Denisa Alicka travelled to Michigan on several occasions to pick up the narcotics and transport them back to Ohio. Jonida Alicka, a reserve police officer with the Linndale Police Department, traveled to New York to pick up MDMA and transport it back to Ohio. Denisa and Jonida Alicka distributed the narcotics throughout the Northern District of Ohio, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Corts, Marissa Darden and Antoinette T. Bacon following an investigation by the FBI, Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio HIDTA, Parma Police Department, Rocky River Police Department and US Border Patrol.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former East Cleveland police sergeant sentenced to nine years in prisonRead the Press Release
A former East Cleveland police sergeant was sentenced to nine years in prison for her role in a conspiracy in which she kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Torris Moore pleaded guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Officers Antonio Malone and Eric Jones both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy. They are scheduled to be sentenced Monday.
“This police supervisor betrayed her badge and her community,” Rendon said. “She profited from the drug trade that has devastated the city she swore to protect. She has earned every day of this prison sentence through her criminal behavior.”
“Torris Moore acted like a cunning criminal rather than an honorable public servant who swore to protect and serve,” Anthony said. “She will now serve time behind bars for her reprehensible, unlawful conduct.”
Moore, of South Euclid, was a sergeant at the East Cleveland Police Department, where he supervised the Street Crimes Unit. Malone, of Cleveland, and Jones, of Cleveland Heights, were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. The unit, including Moore, Malone and Jones, were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.
From 2012 through June 2014, the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.
These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports, which Moore reviewed, knew was incorrect, but she failed to correct the inaccuracies. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.
The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.
For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.
On June 20, 2013, SCU officers, including Moore, searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.
On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Warren man indicted for mailing letter containing white powderRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned an indictment charging Anthony J. Natale, 37, of Warren, with one count of conveying false information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Natale mailed an envelope containing white powder via the United States Postal Service to American Business Center, at 7677 South Avenue, Youngstown, on November 10, 2014. This was done with the intent to convey false and misleading information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction, according to the indictment.
Natale formerly worked at American Business Center. He was terminated on Oct. 6, 2014, according to court documents
“This defendant scared employees at his former workplace who opened an envelope containing white powder that they thought was a toxin,” Rendon said. “He caused panic, fire, police and HazMat units were forced to respond, and his former employer was forced to close their operations for more than two days. Mr. Natale will be held accountable for his actions.”
“There are appropriate, lawful avenues to express your displeasure at work, and inducing panic by sending what is believed to be a weapon of mass destruction is not one of them,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue efforts to identify and protect the public from threats such as the one perpetrated by Mr. Natale.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to his case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mahoning County Sheriff's Office.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Virginia executive sentenced to prison for bribes involving VA hospitalsRead the Press Release
A Virginia executive was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for providing things of value to the former director of the Cleveland and Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in exchange for confidential information about VA construction projects, law enforcement officials said.
Mark S. Farmer, 55, of Arlington, Virginia, was convicted by a jury last year on one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the Hobbs Act, two counts of wire fraud, six counts of mail fraud and four counts of theft of government property.
U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi sentenced Farmer to 33 months in prison and fined him $12,500.
Farmer was employed at CannonDesign, an integrated design firm headquartered in Buffalo, New York, that performed work for the VA. He worked in several different capacities, including associate principal.
Farmer and CannonDesign received VA records and things of value, including non-public information concerning the VA and streamlined access to public information concerning the VA, which William Montague had embezzled and stolen without authority from the VA. This was done to give Farmer and CannonDesign an advantage over other companies in the awarding and administration of VA business, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Montague, the former director of the Cleveland and Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, previously pleaded guilty to 64 counts related to his role in the conspiracy.
“Bribing a public official to obtain internal government documents and information for a competitive business advantage is illegal,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI will continue to root out corruption at all levels.”
“This prison sentence shows VA contractors will be held accountable for defrauding our nation’s veterans,” said Gavin McClaren, U.S. VA OIG, Resident Agent in Charge, Cleveland.
Farmer asked Montague to obtain information concerning VA contracts and business, including VA records. Montague used his power and influence at the VA to gain access to VA employees in ways that Farmer could not. Montague gave false and misleading information to VA employees about Montague’s reasons for requesting VA records and information, according to court records and trial testimony.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Paul Flannery following an investigation by the FBI and United States Department of Veterans Affairs—Office of Inspector General.
Federal inmate charged with possession of a controlled substanceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Terrance Bonner, 44, with possession of a prohibited object by a federal inmate, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that on or about October 5, 2014, Bonner, an inmate in the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution, possessed AB-FUBINACA, a controlled substance.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution. 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.
Cleveland man sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraudRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to three years in prison for fraudulently claiming nearly $140,000 in tax refunds, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Gerald D. Dotson, 45, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of making false claims.
Dotson filed a series of false tax returns during 2011, 2012 and 2013 claiming falsified wage income and tax credit information for individuals resulting in at least $139,675 in fraudulent refunds.
"As the tax-filing deadline approaches, this sentence should serve as a reminder that all of us are obligated to pay our fair share and not defraud the government," Rendon said.
“The nation’s tax system should not be seen as a free standing ATM for criminals to ransack at will for personal enrichment,” Enstrom said. “Honest taxpayers are the real victims with these schemes and IRS-CI will ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
Dotson was ordered to pay $139,675 in restitution.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Cleveland man faces additonal charge related to sex trafficking of childrenRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned a three-count superseding indictment charging Ronnie L. Pratt, Jr., 20, with three counts of sex trafficking children, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Pratt utilized the website backpage.com to advertise and traffic three minor girls, one of whom was under the age of 14 at the conduct began, according to court documents.
The conduct took place between July and November 2015, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Carmen Henderson following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two from Marion guilty of dealing "blue drop heroin" that resulted in fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
Two Marion men pleaded guilty to selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death last year, law enforcement officials said.
Eric Creagh, 32, and Rashawn D. Thomas, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of drug trafficking that resulted in death.
Creagh sold Thomas “blue drop heroin” -- a mixture of heroin and fentanyl that had been dyed blue -- on May 22, 215. Later that day, Thomas sold a portion of the “blue drop heroin” to Christopher Wolford, who used the drug at his home, which ultimately caused him to overdose and die, according to court documents.
Creagh and Thomas are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Under the terms of their guilty pleas, Creagh is expected to be sentenced to nearly 16 years in federal prison, while Thomas is expected to be sentenced to nine years in federal prison.
“Heroin and fentanyl abuse has caused on unprecedented wave of overdose deaths in our community over the past year,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “The only way we can stem this tide is with a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, treatment, prescribing practices and enforcement. Those who sell fentanyl and heroin that kills people deserve to go to prison.”
“On May 28, 2015 the City of Marion reached out to our federal and state partners asking for assistance with a Blue Drop Heroin overdose epidemic,” Marion Police Chief William Collins said. “Through combined efforts of our local drug task force, MARMET/METRICH, DEA, BCI and the US Attorney’s Office, an unprecedented 14-day investigation took place and resulted the arrests of Eric Creagh and Rashawn Thomas. These individuals were charged at the federal level in hopes that they would receive the kind of prison sentence that would fit the criminal offense, today we see our hopes fulfilled in that they will serve 16 years and 9 years respectively for their crimes against this community. Marion Law Enforcement will continue to seek harsh prison sentences for those whom seek to destroy our community.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon said: “DEA and our law enforcement partners have made it a priority to investigate the distribution of drugs that result in death. The efficiency in which this investigation was conducted, taking dangerous drug dealers off of the street, demonstrates the strong level of cooperation among all of our partners. We are focused on bringing to justice those individuals that are responsible for the increasing heroin problem in Ohio and across the United States.”
“I commend the work of the local, state, and federal authorities who worked so aggressively to get the supplier of this so-called ‘blue drop’ heroin off the streets,” said Attorney General DeWine. “Drugs like heroin and fentanyl are devastating lives and tearing families apart every day in this state. Traffickers must be held responsible, and investigators with my office’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation are available to work with local authorities anywhere in Ohio to help make that happen.”
Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Marion Metro Drug Enforcement Unit (MARMET), the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at two homes owned by Creagh on June 10. Creagh was arrested and law enforcement agents recovered approximately one kilogram of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, blue fabric dye, a face mask with a filtration system and rubber gloves, two hydraulic presses and approximately $60,000 in cash, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Thomas Weldon following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, MARMET, the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U.S. Attorney's Office indicted 126 people for firearms violations last yearRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio indicted 126 people on firearms charges last year.
Broken down by geography in the district, the most people indicted came out of the Cleveland office, with 66. That was followed by the Youngstown office (23), Toledo office (19) and Akron office (18).
“Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work collaboratively to target the worst of the worst,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon. “These include people who carry firearms, ammunition and sometimes body armor despite prior felony convictions, or those who help prohibited people to obtain firearms.”
“ATF’s mission is to protect the public and serve our nation by combating violent crime,” said Donald J. Soranno, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus Field Division. “We will continue our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and local partners to strive to make our communities safer through the reduction of gun violence.”
Details of selected cases:
U.S. v. Jackson et. al.: Five men were indicted in federal court for a series of carjackings in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, Kenneth Jackson, Jr., 19, of Cleveland; Tervon’tae Taylor, 22, of Cleveland Heights; D’wan Dillard, Jr., 19, of Cleveland; Antowine Palmer, 23, of Cleveland, and Calvin Rembert, 22, of Cleveland, face charges including carjacking and multiple counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Palmer is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Conduct alleged in the indictment includes six different armed robberies that took place in July and August 2015. Their case is pending.
U.S. v. Jackson: Akira Jackson, of Boardman, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and body armor. Jackson was arrested in March 2015 after police found a .40 caliber pistol, ammunition and body armor in Jackson’s possession. He was forbidden by law to carry a weapon following multiple prior convictions, including conspiracy to commit manslaughter.
U.S. v. Lumpkin: A former police officer was sentenced to five years in prison after a jury convicted him of illegally selling firearms to people he knew were felons. Kevin R. Lumpkin, of North Olmsted, sold a Hi-Point .45-caliber rifle and a Ruger .380-caliber pistol on different occasions to people he knew were convicted of felonies and therefore forbidden from possessing a firearm. These sales took place between 2011 and 2013, when Lumpkin was a North Randall police officer.
U.S. v. Brooks: James E. Brooks, of Roaming Shores, was indicted on firearms and drug charges for possessing Walther, model P22, .22 Caliber Pistol; a Winchester, model 50, 12 gauge shotgun; and a Winchester, model 120, 12 gauge shotgun in August 2015. Brooks was forbidden from having firearms because of previous felony convictions including drug abuse, burglary, aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, felonious assault, escape, and felonious assault with a firearm specification. He is also charged with distributing crack cocaine and heroin. He is detained while his case is pending.
Operation Brownstone: Four people from the Cleveland area were indicted for federal firearms violations and 30 firearms seized as part of a long-term undercover investigation targeting gun and drug trafficking in Cleveland’s 4th Police District, on the city’s southeast side.
Firearm prosecution statistics for previous years:
2002: 117 indictments
2003: 155 indictments
2004: 184 indictments
2005: 220 indictments
2006: 187 indictments
2007: 191 indictments
2008: 157 indictments
2009: 156 indictments
2010: 166 indictments
2011: 218 indictments
2012: 176 indictments
2013: 207 indictments
2014: 167 indictments
Co-owner of Orange Village company pleads guilty to tax chargesRead the Press Release
The co-owner of a sewage and plumbing business in Oakwood Village pleaded guilty this week to tax charges, law enforcement officials said.
Remo DiFranco is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16. He pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
DiFranco, along with two other people and the company where he worked, conspired between 2007 and 2012. DiFranco and other employees prepared checks to a company for specific amounts and falsely classified the payments as rent and material expenses. DiFranco and another executive signed and filed tax returns for years 2007 through 2011 knowing the tax returns understated the company’s income and overstated its expenses, according to court documents.
“Conspiring to impede the IRS by creating business checks for expenses that were not incurred and receiving a kickback from those fraudulent business checks is not tax savings, but rather a recipe for criminal prosecution,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Antoinette Bacon following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Two men charged with using firearms to rob Cleveland bankRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury indicted James J. Stites-Bray, 23, and Darnell E. Cosper, Jr., 18, both of Cleveland, for the armed robbery of a bank, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that on November 16, 2015, Stites-Bray and Cosper entered the Fifth Third Bank located at 972 East 185 Street in Cleveland, and robbed the bank of $5,983. Both men carried a handgun, which they brandished and used in furtherance of the bank robbery, accordign to the indictment.
Additionally, the indictment further alleges that on November 25, 2016, Stites-Bray was arrested with a .380 caliber pistol, which he could not legally possess due to a prior felony conviction.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Cleveland Division of Police, the Lakewood Police Department and the RTA Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin R. Filiatraut.
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 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.
Thirty-two people indicted for $2 million food stamp fraud conspiracy in YoungstownRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury indicted 32 people for their roles in a $2 million food-stamp fraud conspiracy, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.
Count 1 of the indictment alleges that beginning in or around June 2010 and continuing to October 2014, the following individuals knowingly conspired to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, specifically the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. The objects of the conspiracy was to defraud SNAP by converting illegally obtained SNAP benefits into money that the defendants, their co-conspirators, and designees could use for any purpose and to enrich the defendants. Indicted are:
George Rafidi
Age: 61
Warren, OH
Charles R. Thomas
Age: 45
Youngstown, OH
Vincent E. Poyssick, Sr.
Age: 67
Youngstown, OH
Alecia D. Gayles
Age: 33
Youngstown, OH
Sophia L. Hendrix
Age: 37
Campbell, OH
Tashauna J. Grissett
Age: 27
Youngstown, OH
Donna S. Hendrix
Age: 42
Youngstown, OH
Katrina M. Haskins
Age: 32
Youngstown, OH
Deidra Wilson
Age: 29
Youngstown, OH
Faydra Spikes-Hill
Age: 36
Austintown, OH
Jennifer A. Lee
Age: 29
Youngstown, OH
Cheryle O’Neal
Age: 23
Warren, OH
Torrie L. Crump
Age: 40
Youngstown, OH
Yoletta S. Alvarado
Age: 39
Youngstown, OH
Tracey M. Eley
Age: 53
Youngstown, OH
Latise Mahinparvar
Age: 27
Youngstown, OH
Allison Harris
Age: 28
Youngstown, OH
Brittany N. Littlejohn
Age: 26
Youngstown, OH
Tshombe P. Miller
Age: 32
Youngstown, OH
Monique D. Sutton
Age: 32
Youngstown, OH
Lisa West
Age: 33
Youngstown, OH
Telisha Stanford
Age: 34
Youngstown, OH
Joann Averette
Age: 55
Youngstown, OH
Floyayeshia Robinson
Age: 25
Youngstown, OH
Herman L. Taylor, Jr.
Age: 46
Campbell, OH
Earlene Williams
Age: 41
Youngstown, OH
Doreen Mayberry
Age: 49
Youngstown, OH
Jessica Dickerson
Age: 28
Youngstown
Tiffany Williams
Age: 39
Boardman, OH
Harriett Randolph
Age: 49
Youngstown, OH
Jamalia Abrams
Age: 25
Unknown, OH
Tearra Dates
Age: 32
Boardman, OH
On or about March 18, 2010, George Rafidi filed articles of incorporation for Ghazy, LLC, doing business as Breaden Market, a convenience store located in Youngstown. On March 31, 2010, Rafidi completed and submitted a SNAP application for stores, for Breaden Market to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Breaden Market then began operating in or about April 2010, according to the indictment.
It was part of the conspiracy that SNAP beneficiaries went to Breaden Market and obtained cash and prohibited items, such as alcohol and tobacco, in exchange for their SNAP benefits. Rafidi fraudulently redeemed SNAP benefits and caused money to be deposited into Breaden Market’s bank accounts, according to the indictment.
During the course of the conspiracy, Rafidi and Breaden Market submitted claims for more than $2 million in fraudulently obtained SNAP benefits, according to the indictment.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges the above-named defendants knowingly acquired USDA FNS SNAP benefits through the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in exchange for U.S. currency and other ineligible items.
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.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David M. Toepfer and Benedict Gullo.
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 making threats against the President and a candidateRead the Press Release
A two-count indictment was filed in federal court charging a Cleveland man with making threats against the President and a presidential candidate, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.
Jonathan W. Smead, 35, did knowingly and willingly make a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon and against the President of the United States on Feb. 28. Smead also knowingly and willingly made a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon Hillary Clinton on Feb. 28, according to the indictment.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the case:
On Feb. 28 at approximately 10:16 CST, the U.S. Secret Service, Chicago Field Office received a call, which was forwarded to the Secret Service’s Cleveland Office. The caller stated “I want to kill President Obama.” The caller continued to speak about past assassins including John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald. The caller then stated he “wants to kill Hillary Clinton.” The caller then identified himself as Jonathan Smead and provided is Social Security number, date of birth, and said he is living with his grandmother on Spring Road in Cleveland. Finally, Smead stated he “wants federal charges, not little state charges.”
Smead was interviewed on Feb. 29. He admitted to making the phone call and said he had been drinking alcohol prior to making the call. He said he does not wish harm on the President or Clinton. He stated he had recently been watching the television show “The West Wing” and he is very interested in past presidents, specifically Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. He stated he visited the Texas Book Depository years ago as a tourist. During a consensual search, agents located two books in Smead’s bedroom related to the Kennedy assassination.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Filiatraut.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and 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 distributing fentanyl that killed womanRead the Press Release
A two-count indictment was filed in federal court charging a Cleveland man with distributing fentanyl that killed a woman last year, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Robert J. Johnson, 26, was indicted on two counts of distribution of fentanyl. The charges stem from sales of fentanyl that took place on Aug. 25 and 27, 2015. The Aug. 25 sale resulted in the death of another person, according to the indictment.
That count carries a sentencing enhancement that can result in a 20-year mandatory minimum penalty.
“Fentanyl abuse has caused on unprecedented wave of overdose deaths in our community over the past few weeks,” Rendon said. “The only way we can stem this tide is with a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, treatment, prescribing practices and enforcement. And on the enforcement side, we will continue to aggressively prosecute those who continue to peddle this poison in our community.”
“The heroin epidemic affects not only those who fall victim to drug abuse, but family members, friends, and the community as a whole,” Cleveland Police Commander Gary Gingell said. “Now more than ever it is imperative that those trafficking in heroin are held accountable for their actions as they are responsible for not only promoting drug use, but for the deaths of these victims. I am proud to say that the Cleveland Division of Police partners with the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure that these cases are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Virginia man charged with enticement of a minor and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conductRead the Press Release
A Virginia man was charged in federal court with enticement of a minor and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, law enforcement officials said.
David Lee Boesen, 33, of Hampton, Virginia, was arrested last week at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport after he traveled to Cleveland in order to meet and engage in sexual activity with what he believed to be a 14-year old girl.
From September 2015 through March 2016, Boesen engaged in dozens of sexually explicit conversations over Facebook messaging and through phone conversations with what he believed to be a female child, according to court documents.
Boesen sent numerous images of pornography, and mailed several gifts, including panties, marshmallow hearts, Skittles, cash, a pink stuffed bear holding a heart with the word “Princess” and more candy. He also repeatedly asked what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl (and later, a 14-year-old) to send him explicit images of herself and to promise to engage in sexual conduct with him, according to court documents.
On March 6, Boesen indicated his mother was concerned about him going to Ohio to meet a girl because he had previously been in trouble for meeting an underage girl. The undercover agent suggested that maybe they should not meet if Boesen had concerns. He responded that he was not scared and that he would be together with her forever, according to court documents.
A public records search revealed Boesen’s address and that he is a registered sex offender, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations.
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 charges is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two plead guilty to defrauding banks of $2.5 million through fraudulent short sales of gas stations in Youngstown areaRead the Press Release
A man from Warren, Ohio, and an Indiana man pleaded guilty to defrauding banks out of approximately $2.5 million through fraudulent short sales of gas stations in the Youngstown area and by other means, law enforcement officials said.
Shaukat Sindhu, 56, of Warren, and Tahir Iqbal, 48, of Crown Point, Indiana, are scheduled to be sentenced June 21.
Iqbal pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of bank fraud. Sindhu pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue Service, and one count of marriage fraud.
“These defendants took advantage of a program designed to help troubled property owners and instead gamed it to enrich themselves,” Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon said. “They will deservedly be trading their mansion for a prison cell.”
"These two defendants have accepted responsibility for structuring real estate transactions that defrauded banks out of millions of dollars and lined their personal pockets," said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland Office. "The FBI will continue to hold fraudsters like these accountable for their criminal actions."
“Attempting to skirt your income tax obligations by using multiple Social Security numbers, dealing in cash, and concealing income and assets in the names of nominees is a recipe for criminal prosecution,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Sindhu owned several gas stations and other commercial property, but at times failed to make mortgage payments on these properties. Sindhu, Iqbal and others defrauded First Midwest and Consumers National banks by making false and misleading omission and representations about ownership of the properties between 2008 and 2014. Iqbal acted as a straw buyer for Sindhu in a short sale, enriching Sindhu by reducing or eliminating the principle owned on the properties, according to court documents.
Iqbal also served as a straw buyer for Sindhu for a 16,800-square foot, nine-bedroom, 13-bathroom home in Oak Brook, Illinois. That home will be forfeited as part of the plea agreement.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea Rice, Adam Hollingsworth and James Morford following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
Virginia man sentenced to life in prison for crossing state lines to have sex with underage girlRead the Press Release
A Virginia man was sentenced to life in prison for traveling across state lines to engage in sexual conduct with an underage girl, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
David W. Vickers, 42, of Leesburg, Virginia, was convicted last year on three counts: receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, enticement, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Vickers communicated online with what he believed to be a 29-year-old Ohio woman and her 13-year-old daughter. In fact, Vickers was communicating with law enforcement investigators. Vickers sent 20 child pornography videos, 11 bestiality videos and discussed how he liked to drug and tie up children. In January 2015, he travelled to Ohio for the purposes of having sex with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and was arrested, according to court documents.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Kevin Filiatraut following an investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the United States Secret Service.
Sheffield Lake man pleads guilty to providing support to ISIL and firearms violationsRead the Press Release
A Sheffield Lake man pleaded guilty to providing material support to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as firearms violations.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division made the announcement.
Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, 39, also known as Robert C. McCollum, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23.
“This case is a stark reminder that ISIL does not present an abstract threat,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rendon said. “Through social media and other means, ISIL and groups like it seek to radicalize people of all backgrounds into its world of violence.”
“This case demonstrates law enforcement’s number one priority -- to keep our communities and our nation safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “It is clear that no area is immune from the influence of ISIL and its supporters. We hope this case will serve as a strong message to others who may consider providing support to terrorists. The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners are committed to identifying and stopping these individuals.”
Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum last year, pledged his support to ISIL and Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014. From July 2014 to June 2015, Al-Ghazi made multiple statements trying to persuade others to join ISIL. He also expressed his own desire to perpetrate an attack on the United States and had attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle. Al-Ghazi has communicated with individuals he believed to be members of ISIL in the Middle East and took steps to create propaganda videos for ISIL, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos N. Georgalis following an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL and Possessing Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
A Sheffield Lake, Ohio, man pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as firearms violations.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division made the announcement.
Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, 39, also known as Robert C. McCollum, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIL and two counts of possessing firearms as a felon.
Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum last year, pledged his support to ISIL and Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014. From July 2014 to June 2015, Al-Ghazi made multiple statements trying to persuade others to join ISIL. He also expressed his own desire to perpetrate an attack on the United States and attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle. Al-Ghazi has communicated with individuals he believed to be members of ISIL in the Middle East and took steps to create propaganda videos for ISIL, according to court documents.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2016.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos N. Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Lebanese student charged with possessing firearmRead the Press Release
A criminal information was filed charging Hassan Ajram, 29, of Lebanon, with being an alien in possession of a firearm that traveled in interstate or foreign commerce, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Ajram, who was admitted to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, possessed a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol on Feb. 10, according to the information.
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. Border Patrol and Department of Homeland Security. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An information 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.
The Mental Health Response Advisory Committee launches public survey and community input sessions to gather information for Cleveland Police policy recommendationsRead the Press Release
The Mental Health Response Advisory Committee (MHRAC) announced that it is seeking input from the public on “crisis situations” that involve the Cleveland Police to gather information that will be used to help develop police policies. The MHRAC, in partnership with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Division of Police and the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County, launched an online survey and has organized three “community input sessions” open to all members of the public. The settlement agreement that the City signed with the Department of Justice describes “crisis situations” as incidents that involve mental illness, addiction, substance abuse, developmental disabilities or some other overwhelming personal crisis.
“We want people to tell us about their experiences that involved both the Cleveland Police and a mental health, addiction or some other personal crisis,” explained William M. Denihan, Chair of the MHRAC and Chief Executive Officer of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County. “Learning from these experiences will help our committee craft and recommend police policies that will help to make our communities safer for everyone.”
“Using an online survey and hosting these three events gives everyone an opportunity to participate in the Committee’s work,” noted Edward Eckart, Jr., Vice-chair of the MHRAC and Assistant Director of Public Safety for the City of Cleveland.
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams joined Mr. Denihan, and Mr. Eckart in encouraging the public to complete the survey and join these community input sessions. “Cleveland Police support and welcome every opportunity to strengthen this committee’s work with public input and guidance,” he said. “We want to improve the way that our officers respond to crisis situations, and that means learning from the people who have been involved in those situations in the past.”
"The Justice Department encourages anyone who lives or works in Cleveland to participate in this open process," Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon said. “The City and the Cleveland Police are building the foundations of trust and dialogue with the people they serve. It requires an honest conversation about these types of crisis situations.”
Online Survey:
The online survey can be accessed by visiting http://bit.ly/CLECrisisResponseSurvey. It will be open through Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
Hard Copies of the Survey:
People can download and print the survey by visiting http://bit.ly/print_CLECrisisResponseSurvey. Completed surveys must be mailed or returned by Wednesday, March 23, 2016, to:
ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
c/o MHRAC Survey2012 West 25th Street, 6th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Three Community Input Sessions:
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Southeast Side: Wednesday, March 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Community Assessment & Treatment Services (CATS), 8411 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland OH 44105.
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Northeast / Central: Saturday, March 19th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Tri-C Jerry Sue Thornton Center (formerly the Visiting Nurses Association), 2500 East 22nd Street, Cleveland OH 44115.
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West Side: Wednesday, March 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Stella Maris, 1320 Washington Avenue, Cleveland OH 44113
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