Northern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Elyria Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to life in prison after forcing four females, including a 16-year-old girl, to have sex for money, law enforcement officials said.
Jeremy Mack, 38, of Elyria, was found guilty by a jury in February on nine counts, including human trafficking, drug crimes and obstruction of justice following a trial before U.S. District Court Judge Sara Lioi.
“Jeremy Mack preyed upon vulnerable women and held them in conditions akin to modern-day slavery,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “His conduct was offensive to everything this community and this country stand for, but his victims persevered, survived and exposed his twisted world of forced sex, violence and drug trafficking. Jeremy Mack earned every day of this sentence.”
“Preying on, coercing and forcing children into a world of drugs and sex is simply despicable and will not be tolerated,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office. “This sentence clearly demonstrates that law enforcement and the courts will work together to ensure those responsible for such horrific crimes pay for their actions.
“This is an example of local police and federal law enforcement working together to make our community safer,” Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said.
Ashley Onysko, 24, of Avon Lake, previously pleaded guilty to charges related to her role in the conspiracy. She was sentenced to 30 months in prison earlier this week.
Between December 2012 and April 9, 2013, Mack and Onysko conspired together to provide heroin or cocaine to four females and then, after the victims incurred drug debts, used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel them to engage in commercial sex acts.
They did this, in part, by posting photographs of the females on backpage.com on a user account that Mack and Onysko created, according to the indictment.
In March 2013, Victim 2, a 16-year-old minor, went to Mack’s residence in Elyria after school, at which time Mack gave her cocaine. Mack later told and caused others to tell Victim 2 that she needed to engage in commercial sex acts. She did, after which she turned over all proceeds to Mack, according to the indictment.
From March through April 9, 2013, Mack brandished a firearm in front of three of the females. He choked and threatened to kill one of the female victims, according to the indictment.
Count 1 charged Mack with conspiring with Onysko to force the four victims to engage in commercial sex acts by using force, threats of force, fraud and coercion
Counts 2 through 5 charged Mack with forcing each of the four victims to engage in commercial sex acts by using force, threats of force, fraud and coercion.
Count 6 and 7 charged Mack with distribution of heroin and cocaine, respectively.
Count 8 and 9 charged Mack with obstruction of justice. Count 8 charged Mack with advising his son, identified only as T.L., to “stick with the script” when testifying before the Federal Grand Jury. Count 9 charged Mack with providing money to Onysko in May 2013 to purchase personal items for Victim 4 and to advise the victim not to “flip”. He also told the victim not to speak with FBI agents attempting to contact her and advising her not to make incriminating statements against Mack, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Carole Skutnik following an investigation by the FBI and Elyria Police Department.
Canton Man Charged with Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
A five-count criminal information was filed charging a Canton man with attempting to evade nearly $200,000 in taxes by making false statements to the Internal Revenue Service and paying creditors other than IRS, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS' Cincinnati Field Office.
Frederick C. Berndt, 39, attempted to evade the payment of a large part of income tax due for calendar years 2003, 2004 and 2006, in the amount of approximately $193,359, according to the information.
“The privilege of living well in the United States carries certain responsibilities, one of which is the voluntary payment of taxes,” Enstrom said. “IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously investigate those individuals who knowingly and willfully evade their tax obligation.”
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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Roberts following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.
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.
Youngstown Man Sentenced to 90 Years in Prison for Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
A Youngstown man was sentenced to 90 years in prison for exploiting children and distributing visual depictions of minors in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Christopher Cavna, 27, had children engage in sexually explicit conduct in 2013 and then distributed images of that conduct.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.
Five Men Indicted for Roles in Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a 52-count superseding indictment against Mark O. Wittenmyer, age 54, of Holland, Ohio; Robert Milam, age 64, of League City, Texas; Lonny Remmers, age 56, of Corona, California; Mark Aller, age 50, of Birmingham, Michigan; and Douglas Boyce, age 56, of Maumee, Ohio. The indictment includes multiple charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, and access device fraud.
The indictment was announced by Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Cleveland Division, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
The indictment charges that from in or around January 2003, and continuing through May 2014, Wittenmyer, Milam, Remmers, Aller, Boyce, and others, conspired to solicit and collect investments, expenses, consulting fees, salaries and other payments in connection with investment and financing transactions induced by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The conspirators used several business entities to promote and induce investments, including Spring Valley Marketing Group, Community ISP, Momentum Management, OnLetterhead, bSecured Solutions, New Dimension Fund, and RM Capital.
False statements were made to investors, lenders, and other participants regarding past successes in arranging investments transactions for the purpose of inducing investments. Wittenmyer used the participation, and purported participation, of attorneys and other professionals to confer an aura of legitimacy to potential investors. Wittenmyer often fraudulently requested that investors and lenders advance funds for travel, legal fees, and other various expenses, which the conspirators then used for personal living expenses, according to the indictment.
In addition to each defendant being charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Wittenmyer is charged with eight counts of wire fraud, 32 counts of money laundering, six counts of securities fraud and two counts of access device fraud.
Milam is also charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
Remmers is also charged with two counts of wire fraud.
Aller is also charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, and Boyce is charged with one count of money laundering.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including any prior criminal record, respective roles 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 investing public needs to watch for fraudsters and scam artists who promise the moon and sun, but deliver only pain and deceit. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Dettelbach said.
“These individuals enriched themselves with hundreds of thousands of ill-gotten dollars by creating and carrying out various fraudulent schemes. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those that steal the hard earned money of others,” Anthony said.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, both of Toledo, Ohio. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gene Crawford and James V. Moroney.
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 Faces Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced an indictment was filed against Michael J. McDuffey, age 31, of Toledo, Ohio.
The indictment charges McDuffey with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm on April 4, 2014. The indictment also charges McDuffey with three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance on April 1, 2014 and April 4, 2014.
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, and 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Toledo, Ohio, and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Hood.
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 Faces Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed charging Jason H. Quinney age 39, of Toledo, Ohio, with receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States 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 agency in this case is the United States Secret Service, Toledo, Ohio. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
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.
Strongsville Pharmacist Charged with Illegally Selling OpioidsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a 53-count criminal indictment yesterday charging pharmacist Osama Salouha, age 41, his wife Samah Salouha, age 36, both of Strongsville, Ohio, and pharmacist Sbeih Sbeih, age 45, of North Olmsted, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Osama Salouha was charged with using his pharmacies, Southside Pharmacy in Lorain and Medicine Center Pharmacy in Elyria, to sell opioids and opiates illicitly.
Osama Salouha, a pharmacist, was charged with 16 counts related to the dispensation of controlled substances, as well as two money laundering counts, six tax counts, 12 structuring counts and two counts of making false statements to law enforcement.
Samah Salouha was charged with one count each of structuring and false statements.
Sbeih Sbeih, a pharmacist, was charged with one money laundering count and four tax counts.
“The opioid and heroin epidemic in this state is fueled by drug dealers out to make money,” Dettelbach said. “Whether the evidence leads to a cartel, a stash house or behind a pharmacy counter, we will follow it, and we will hold these profiteers accountable.”
“Hiding income, structuring financial transactions to avoid currency requirements and filing false returns is not tax planning; it’s tax fraud. It’s a felony offense that carries severe consequences,” said Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “The IRS stands ready to partner with all law enforcement agencies to pursue individuals who commit these types of crimes that damage our community and the integrity of our tax system.”
The indictment alleges that Osama Salouha used his pharmacist’s license to illegally distribute Schedule II controlled substances like oxycodone and oxymorphone to customers at Southside Pharmacy in Lorain, Ohio, and Medicine Center Pharmacy in Elyria, Ohio. Mr. Salouha also made false statements to law enforcement about his prescription drug distribution.
“Pharmacists are licensed to dispense controlled substances to real patients with legitimate prescriptions," said Denise Foster, Group Supervisor DEA Cleveland Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad. "It is alleged that these individuals abused their positions of trust and endangered the lives of countless people by illegally distributing opiate painkillers throughout Northeastern Ohio. Despite their professional status, these individuals elected to use their pharmaceutical training to feed the habits of drug abusers and acted just like the street corner drug dealers."
Osama Salouha and his co-owner of Southside Pharmacy, Sbeih Sbeih, also engaged in a conspiracy to launder money to conceal the proceeds to avoid transaction reporting requirements. And Osama Salouha committed international money laundering through wire transfers to bank accounts overseas.
Osama Salouha and Sbeih conspired to defraud the IRS by concealing their income on their corporate and individual income tax returns, which understated the amount of income that Southside Pharmacy was earning. Mr. Salouha made false statements to law enforcement about his income tax.
Osama and Samah Salouha engaged in structuring cash deposits to bank accounts to avoid the generation of currency transaction reports, and Mrs. Salouha made false statements to law enforcement about her efforts to structure the deposit of cash.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Akron Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Drug Task Force, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Lorain County Drug Task Force, Strongsville Police Department, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Cleveland Heights Police Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Collyer and Linda Barr.
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.
Solon Couple Sentenced to Prison for Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
A Solon couple that owned an ambulette company was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitutuion for defrauding Ohio Medicaid, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
Temeca Hamilton was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to nine counts of health care fraud and one count of witness tampering. Antwain Hamilton was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to nine counts of health care fraud.
The court ordered both defendants to pay $823,283 in restitution.
The Hamiltons, both 37, operated their business Star Medical out of Maple Heights, Ohio.
“The punishment in this case reflects the brazen fraud in which these defendants engaged. Even after they knew they were under investigation, they kept defrauding the Medicaid program. Now, it is the defendants who must pay for their corrupt actions,” Dettelbach said.
“In some cases, our investigation found that this couple billed for ambulette runs that they claimed they made at the same time that they were vacationing out of state,” said Attorney General DeWine. “These individuals took lavish trips with the money that they weren’t entitled to and didn’t work for, and now they must pay the price by repaying those funds and serving jail time.”
Ambulette services contract with the Ohio Medicaid program to transport patients in vehicles known as ambulettes. An ambulette is a specially equipped van designed for wheelchair passengers. Medicaid pays ambulette operators for driving Medicaid patients to and from Medicaid-covered appointments, so long as: (1) the patient rides in a wheelchair; (2) a medical doctor certifies the need for the wheelchair and ambulette; and (3) the ambulette itself otherwise meets safety specifications.
The defendants were convicted of illegally charging Medicaid for rides of patients who did not use or need wheelchairs and for billing Medicaid for ambulette attendants, when no such attendants were used by Star Transport. The defendants also billed Medicaid for transports that never occurred, including instances when the defendants were taking Caribbean cruises and vacationing in Hawaii, Cancun, Mexico, and Las Vegas. Both defendants also continued to submit fraudulent billing after Medicaid suspended payments and after the U.S. Attorney’s Office sent them a letter informing them that they were targets of a federal criminal investigation. Temeca Hamilton tampered with a witness, a Medicaid recipient, by asking the witness to tell law enforcement that she been receiving transportation services from Star Transport for the last five years, which was false.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Nearhood, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio, after an investigation by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Office of the Inspector General, United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Anyone suspecting health care fraud, waste or abuse can report it by calling the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General at 800-447-8477. To learn more about health care fraud prevention and enforcement go to www.medicare.gov
Mexican Nationals Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Two Mexican nationals were indicted on charges of unlawful reentry to the United States, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Juan Ramon Valadez-Lara, age 26, is accused of unlawfully reentering the United States on May 12, 2014.
Joel Noe Fabian-Vazquez, age 27, of Mexico, , is accused of unlawfully reentering the United States on May 21, 2014.
The cases are not related.
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, and 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 these cases is the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Port Clinton, Ohio. They are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Hood.
Boardman Corrections Worker Charged with AbuseRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Nicole White, age 34, of Boardman, Ohio, with sexual abuse of a ward, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that on or about October 2013, White, who was a correctional counselor at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, engaged and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a federal inmate at the facility.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Bureau of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron Man Convicted of Possessing Ricin for Use as A WeaponRead the Press Release
Jeff Boyd Levenderis, age 58, of Akron, was convicted after a four-day jury trial in United States District Court in Cleveland, Ohio, of possessing the biological toxin ricin for use as a weapon, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Cleveland office.
Levenderis was also convicted of one count of possessing ricin and two counts of making false statements to FBI agents.
The evidence and testimony introduced at trial showed that Levenderis produced ricin, a deadly biological toxin, at his home in Akron, sometime after 2000 and kept it in his freezer until it was recovered by FBI agents in January 2011.
The evidence showed that Levenderis intended to make a “weaponized” form of ricin. The evidence also showed that Levenderis planned to use the ricin against his stepfather and against first responders who might respond to a fire Levenderis planned to set at his house as part of an elaborate suicide plan.
Testimony at trial confirmed that the substance Levenderis manufactured contained active ricin and that it contained hundreds of lethal doses if inhaled or injected. Based on all of the evidence presented at trial, the jury found that Levenderis possessed the ricin for use as a weapon.
Additionally, the jury convicted Levenderis of possessing ricin of an unauthorized type or quantity without justification and with lying to FBI agents on two occasions when Levenderis denied making ricin, claiming it was only ant poison.
“The jury’s verdict confirms the danger posed by Jeff Levenderis in our community," Dettelbach said. "Levenderis produced a dangerous biological weapon that could have been used in multiple ways to harm or kill innocent people. Ricin is a significant threat and the evidence showed the defendant meant to use it. As a result of this conviction, our community is safer.”
“Levenderis brought extreme danger to our community by producing and weaponizing this deadly substance. The jury did an outstanding job handing down these much deserved guilty verdicts,” said Anthony.
Levenderis will be sentenced on a date yet to be scheduled.
The was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Om Kakani and Erin Creegan, Trial Attorney with the National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice. The conviction resulted from an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Michigan Woman Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A criminal information was filed charging Kimberly Meridieth, 45, of Temperance, Michigan, with wire fraud, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Meridieth fraudulently obtained a mortgage loan in the amount of $239,112 in 2009, 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 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ava Dustin.
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.
Holland, Ohio, Man Charged with Transporting Minor Across State Lines to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed charging Robert Pollard, 23, of Holland, Ohio, with transportation of a minor across a state line with intent to engage in prostitution or illegal sexual activity on April 16, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States 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 agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
Four from Northeast Ohio Indicted for $2 Million Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Four people from Northeast Ohio were indicted for a conspiracy to use false identities, including those of people incarcerated, to file nearly $2 million worth of false tax claims, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Named in the 11-count indictment are: Kenneth A. White, 47, Gwendolyn N. White, 31, Lacardaire M. Thedford, 47, all of Cleveland, and Lavelle G. Green, age unavailable, of Bedford Heights, Ohio.
“These defendants are charged with attempting to defraud the U.S. Treasury,” Dettelbach said. “They tried to take advantage of others to enrich themselves.”
“These individuals thought they had figured out a clever scheme to thwart the IRS and steal from the American taxpayers,” Enstrom said. “IRS will continue to vigorously pursue those who unjustly enrich themselves by preparing false claims for refunds. Protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take very seriously.”
Kenneth White recruited people to use as claimants on some false tax returns, often with the promise of substantial refunds. White and Green also obtained names, Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers of other people to use as claimants, including people in prison or jail. In some cases, this was done without the knowledge or consent of these other people, according to the indictment.
Gwendolyn N. White, at the direction of Kenneth White and for a fee, prepared and electronically filed 10 false income tax returns for the year 2008 in the name of the claimants. The total amount claimed in the returns was approximately $1,995,687, according to the indictment.
Greene and Thedford knew false returns were filed on their behalf, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
If convicted, the defendant’s 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.
Parma Couple Indicted for Distributing Heroin and Operating A Drug HouseRead the Press Release
A five-count indictment was filed today charging a Parma couple with running a heroin distribution operation from an apartment on West 50th Street, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Michael A. Austin, 34, and Chavone Burnett, 32, both of Parma, were charged with conspiracy, multiple counts of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and maintaining one or more properties for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing and using heroin.
Austin, with the assistance of Burnett, obtained Apartment 3305 at 5556 Broadview Road (Midtown Tower Apartments) in Parma, to list as his residence with Austin’s U.S. Probation Officer. With Burnett’s assistance, he also obtained another residence at 5223 West 50th Street, Parma, for the purpose of storing and distributing heroin, as well as paraphernalia such as scales and baggies, according to the indictment.
Austin and Burnett obtained heroin from various distributors throughout Cleveland with intent to distribute the heroin at various dates in April 2014, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit $11,243 in cash seized from the two Parma addresses.
The indictment results from an investigation conducted by the Parma Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was presented for indictment by Assistant United States Attorneys Christian Stickan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Tomaro, of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
If convicted, the defendants’ 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.
New York Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison, Ordered to Repay $1.5 Million After Skimming from Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
A New York man was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.5 million in restitution for his role in a conspiracy that skimmed more than $1.7 million from trucking companies, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Marlon Miller, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio.
Dilshod Sidikov, aka “Dema”, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced to 37 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
“Criminal enterprises are constantly coming up with new ways to rip off companies, consumers and customers,” Dettelbach said. “This group tried to turn truck stops into their own personal ATMs. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to stamp out these schemes.”
“Criminal groups are under the false impression that money-transfer scams crimes are low risk and high reward,” said Miller. “Today’s significant sentencing and subsequent fines underscore the very real consequences that await those who participate in these types of schemes.”
Twenty-six people have been found guilty of crimes related to the conspiracy.
Sidikov and other conspirators obtained account numbers and codes used by independent trucking companies to wire money to the companies’ drivers from February 2011through November 2012. They accomplished the objectives of the conspiracy and wire fraud as set forth below:
Electronic fund processing companies (EFP) such as Fleet One, Comdata, and TCH are used by trucking companies to electronically transfer funds to truck drivers at truck stops and other locations throughout the country. Drivers typically obtain the money by providing information to a customer service representative at a participating truck stop. That information is then relayed via wire to an EFP processing center. Once the EFP has authorized the request for money, the truck stop will issue a check to the driver who then cashes it.
From the above period of time, known and unknown individuals obtained account numbers and codes used by trucking companies to issue checks through EFPs. These account numbers and codes were obtained without the knowledge or consent of the trucking companies. The known and unknown individuals then provided the stolen account numbers and codes via telephone calls or text messages to the defendants, according to the indictment.
The defendants traveled to truck stops in the Northern District of Ohio and elsewhere. Once at the truck stops, they posed as truck drivers, approached customer service counters, presented the stolen account numbers and codes, and requested checks from EFPs such as Comdata, Fleet One and TCH, according to the indictment.
Customer service representatives at the truck stops then processed the requests by sending the account numbers and codes via wire to EFP processing centers located outside the Northern District of Ohio. The EFPs then authorized the requests and authorized the truck stop customer service representatives, via wire, to print checks for the defendants. They then endorsed the checks and cashed them at the truck stops, according to the indictment.
In total, the defendants fraudulently obtained a gross amount of more than $1.7 million, according to court documents.
From about February 2011, and continuing to on or about November 2012, Sidikov and other defendants conspired to launder money by transferring the proceeds of this scheme overseas and then back to the United States, according to the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The matter was presented to the grand jury and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
Lakewood Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison, Ordered to Pay $7 Million for Defrauding Euclid Credit UnionRead the Press Release
A Lakewood man was sentenced to more than seven years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $7 million in restitution for embezzling from a Euclid credit union and using the money to pay his personal credit card accounts, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.
William J. Memmer, 63, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of embezzlement and one count of making false entries in credit union records and reports.
“This defendant betrayed the trust of the credit union’s members and his employer,” Dettelbach said. “He simply took other people’s money to pay his debts. Now he’ll pay his debt to society.”
“This lengthy sentence is reflective of the magnitude of Mr. Memmer’s embezzlement and fraud he orchestrated for numerous years,” Anthony said. “Citizens should have a sense of trust that their investments are safe and the FBI will continue efforts to root out greedy fraudsters like Mr. Memmer.”
Memmer was employed as Assistant Manager/Treasurer of the GIC Federal Credit Union (GIC), which maintained an office at 26255 Euclid Avenue, in Euclid, Ohio.
From as early as 2006, Memmer maintained approximately 15 credit card accounts. He took blank GIC checks and drafted them payable to the credit card companies in payment of his personal obligation, then concealed the taking of the checks and embezzlement of the GIC funds. These actions caused a loss to the credit union of at least $1,843,007, according to the information.
As early as 2003, Memmer falsified quarterly financial reports to hide operating losses. He is also alleged to have falsified confirmations of GIC assets by as much as $5.7 million, according to the information.
Upon discovery of the fraud, the National Credit Union Administration closed GIC, and began the liquidation process.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James V. Moroney, following investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office.
Child Pornography Charges Filed Against Perrysburg ManRead the Press Release
A Perrysburg man was indicted on four counts related to child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Andrew B. Palm, age 34, engaged in the conduct between October 2012 and April 2013, according to the indictment. The charges relate to production, advertising, receipt and possession of child pornography.
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 Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Two Men Convicted in Fraudulent $24 Million Scheme Involving Sale of Iraqi CurrencyRead the Press Release
Two men from the Toledo area were convicted for their roles in the operation of a $24 million fraud scheme involving the sale of Iraqi dinar currency and non-existent hedge funds, and falsely representing that a member of their organization was a decorated Marine who was wounded in combat, announced Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Bradford L. Huebner, 66, of Ottawa Hills, Ohio and Charles N. Emmenecker, 67, of Sylvania, Ohio, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud following a two-week trial in U.S. District Court in Toledo. Huebner was also convicted on 40 additional counts of money laundering and structuring.
A third defendant, Michael L. Teadt, 67, of Maumee, Ohio, was convicted on one count of mail fraud.
The men are expected to be sentenced in October.Investors lost approximately $23.8 million from dinar sales and more than $700,000 from the sale of non-existent hedge fund “seats” and “placements” as a result of the defendants’ conduct, according to court documents and trial testimony.
“The trial evidence showed that these defendants swindled many people out of their hard-earned money with grandiose fraud claims and offensive lies,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “From misrepresenting U.S. and global fiscal realities to lying about a defendant's military record, these defendants' conduct not only broke the law, but offended basic concepts of decency.”
“When you knowingly mix deceit and trickery into the financial well-being of individuals, you create a recipe for devastation that could last a lifetime,” said Special Agent in Charge Enstrom. “Today’s verdict reinforces our commitment to every taxpayer that we will identify and prosecute those who promote illegal financial transactions.”
Rudolph M. Coenen, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to his role in the conspiracy.
Beginning about August 2010, Huebner, Coenen, and Emmenecker conspired to operate the “BH Group” in Toledo and “Bayshore Capital Investments” in Jacksonville in order to defraud investors through investments in the Iraqi dinar currency and two non-existent hedge funds.
The conspirators promoted the dinar and non-existent hedge funds through the dissemination of a series of material falsehoods conveyed primarily through weekly interstate conference calls and through the conspirators’ web site, according to court documents and trial testimony.
False claims included statements about the U.S. Treasury Department’s holdings of dinar and involvement in the Iraqi dinar investment market, according to court documents.
Additional material false statements made by the defendants include, but are not limited to, the portrayal of Coenen as a former vice president at JP Morgan Chase and a former Marine who was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Coenen worked for JP Morgan Chase for one day as an account executive/loan officer. He never served in the first Gulf War, was never wounded in combat and never received a Purple Heart, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Matthew W. Shepherd following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Strasburg Man Faces Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Ricky Merritt, 46, of Strasburg, Ohio, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about August 19, 2013, through on or about February 3, 2014, Merritt knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On April 17, 2014, images of child pornography were also found on his HP Compaq desktop computer.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton 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.
Sheffield Lake Woman Faces Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Megan A. Boyer, 22, of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, was charged with producing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from in or about February 27, 2013, through on or about February 13, 2014, Boyer did use, persuade, induce, entice and coerce a two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and such visual depiction was produced or transmitted using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
Boyer is further charged with possessing a Verizon HTC cell phone, a removable secure digital card (SD card), and several Polaroid photographs that contained child pornography on February 13, 2014, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Elyria 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.
Salem Man Charged with Passing Counterfeit $100 BillsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Chad M. Collins, age 28, of Salem, Ohio, with counterfeiting, forging and passing U.S. obligations and securities, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that beginning on or about January 26, 2014, Collins passed several counterfeit securities in the Columbiana and Mahoning County areas. Specifically, he passed at least $1,800 in counterfeit $100 bills, 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 United States Secret Service, the Perry Township Police Department in Salem, Ohio and the Boardman Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Dirksen.
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.
Man Charged with Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards and DocumentsRead the Press Release
A federal Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment charging Sergei Davidoff, aka Sergiu Davidov, aka Sammy Davidoff, aka Sergio Da Vido, 53, with fraudulent use of credit cards and identification documents, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that Davidoff fraudulently used credit cards to purchase merchandise and services valued over $1,000. It further alleges that the defendant acquired and produced counterfeit identification cards as part of his scheme.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Medina Police Department.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against State of Ohio to End Unlawful Seclusion of Youth in Juvenile Correctional FacilitiesRead the Press Release
The United States and private plaintiffs announced today that it has reached an agreement with the state of Ohio, under which the State Department of Youth Services (DYS) will dramatically reduce, and eventually eliminate, its use of seclusion on young people in its custody. DYS will also ensure that young people in its juvenile facilities receive individualized mental health treatment to prevent and address the conditions and behaviors that led to seclusion. The order resolves allegations that the state subjects young people with mental health needs in its custody to harmful seclusion and withholds treatment and programming, in violation of their constitutional rights.
“Overreliance on solitary confinement for young people, particularly those with disabilities, is unsafe and counterproductive,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “This agreement will help ensure that incarceration in Ohio's state facilities is humane and that appropriate treatment is provided for young people with mental illness. The Justice Department will continue to evaluate the use of solitary confinement so that it does not become a new normal for incarcerated juveniles.”
The department first investigated conditions at Ohio juvenile correctional facilities in 2007 and found constitutional deficiencies in the state’s use of physical force, mental health care, grievance investigation and processing and use of seclusion. The department entered into a consent decree with the state in June 2008 to remedy these violations at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility and the since-closed Marion Juvenile Correctional Facility. Simultaneously, private plaintiffs in the case S.H. v. Reed entered into a consent decree with the state regarding similar deficiencies at all of the state’s juvenile correctional facilities. However, between November 2013 and January 2014, data from the monitoring of both consent decrees revealed that Ohio had continued to use unlawful seclusion on youth at Scioto and in the other facilities.On March 12, 2014, the department moved to supplement its original complaint by including the state’s use of unlawful seclusion at all of its juvenile correctional facilities. The court granted the motion on March 28, 2014, and the department filed the supplemental complaint on March 31, 2014. The department also sought a temporary restraining order requiring immediate measures to curb the state’s excessive seclusion of youth with mental health disorders. The agreed order resolves the United States’ claims in its motion for a temporary restraining order, as well as a motion for specific performance filed by the S.H. plaintiffs.
As an interim measure prior to the elimination of disciplinary seclusion for youth, the state will dramatically reduce the conditions under which seclusion is allowed and the duration of seclusion. The state will also reduce the potential harms caused by seclusion by increasing access to therapeutic, educational and recreational services while a young person is in seclusion.
The order requires the state to implement quality assurance measures to verify mental health treatment integrity, develop comprehensive assessments of youth, eliminate the use of disciplinary seclusion on youth with mental health needs, except for the most serious offenses, limit the amount and duration of disciplinary seclusion in the limited circumstances when it is permissible, conduct regular checks on youth who are secluded for safety concerns in order to release youth as soon as possible and perform individualized treatment plan reviews and modifications to address violent behaviors. The order includes performance standards to measure compliance with these requirements, which will be jointly overseen by the monitors in the existing United States and S.H. consent decrees.
Because the order also reflects the state’s commitment to eliminate all disciplinary seclusion, the department agreed to withdraw its remaining claims regarding the state’s seclusion of youth who do not have an identified mental health disorder. The department can renew those claims later if the state makes insufficient progress in eliminating all forms of disciplinary seclusion.
“The state of Ohio, the administrators of the Department of Youth Services and their counsel are to be commended for their commitment to reforming Ohio’s juvenile correctional facilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “Ohio’s commitments in this agreement will go a long way toward reducing the harm young people are experiencing in the state’s juvenile correctional facilities, especially young people with mental health needs.”
“This agreement will provide significant relief to youth in DYS custody by ensuring they receive appropriate mental health treatment and are not subject to excessive seclusion,” said U.S. Attorney Carter Stewart for the Southern District of Ohio. “Today, the state has taken an important step in rectifying the unconstitutional conditions in its juvenile correctional facilities.”
“We applaud the state for its commitment to rectifying the overuse of seclusion on youth in its custody,” stated U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach for the Northern District of Ohio. “The agreement we are announcing today – which is the result of the collective efforts of the Justice Department, the private plaintiffs and the state of Ohio – will put in place reforms that will drastically improve outcomes for these youth.”
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 authorizes the department to seek a remedy for a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional or federal statutory rights of youth in juvenile justice institutions. Please visit the division website to learn more about this act and other laws enforced by the Civil Rights Division.
This agreement is due to the efforts of the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. This agreement is also due to the work of plaintiffs’ counsel in S.H., Alphonse Gerhardstein of Gerhardstein & Branch Co. LPA, and Kim Tandy of the Children’s Law Center Inc., and to the leadership of the Ohio DYS.
U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach Honored for Efforts to Combat HeroinRead the Press Release
“The compassionate work of the individuals and programs we honor are truly inspiring,” remarked Harvey A. Snider, Esq., Board Chair, as nearly 350 guests witnessed the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County present awards during its Annual Meeting on Monday, May 19, 2014. “Their extraordinary contributions are helping children and adults with mental illness and addictions on their path to recovery.”
William M. Denihan, Chief Executive Officer, noted that “The actions of each of our recipients are helping to alleviate the stigma that is still too often associated with mental illness and addictions. Their achievements embody what community treatment and support is all about.”
The award recipients are:
Addiction Treatment Professional of the Year – Dennis Madden, Chief Executive Officer of Stella Maris for melding his human services, advocacy and leadership experience to help people living with heroin and other substance abuse issues, playing a significant role in the discussion to bring more sober beds to Cuyahoga County and for helping Stella Maris achieve yet another level of excellence.
Mental Health Professional of the Year - Barb Obiaya, Director of Family Support Services at the Achievement Centers for Children to honor her 38 years of experience assisting children and families cope and recover from mental illness, recognizing the importance of intervening as early as possible to take advantage of the critical developmental stages of children and educating others on the importance of this vulnerable age group.
Community Partner Collaboration Awards – Steven Dettelbach, US Attorney General for the Northern District of Ohio for his remarkable leadership and partnership with public systems to serve the community to end the heroin epidemic in Northeast Ohio by ensuring that there is a balance between the judicial system and the treatment system so that people abusing heroin will get the help they need, and that people selling this deadly drug will be taken off of the streets and for protecting children from the effects of violence through the Defending Childhood project.
Wally Clevenger for the tremendous amount of volunteer work he has exhibited in bringing young people who are in recovery from heroin addiction together to support one another and to share their stories with thousands of high school students about the consequences of heroin.
Rev. Dr. Howard Pippin, Jr., the pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church for making it clear that activities supportive of mental health and substance abuse recovery are welcome, striving to erase the stigma of mental health and addiction issues in the community and for promoting the relationship between spirituality and the recovery process.
Consumer/Client Involvement Award - Urban Goodness – a collaborative program of Connections; Health, Wellness, Advocacy that is a therapeutic community farming project operated by 20 people living with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues.
Family Involvement Award - Rob Brandt of Robby’s Voice for developing a prevention program to honor his son who died by heroin overdose and sharing their personal family story with the world in order to help others to not experience the same tragedy.
Legislator of the Year: Local Level – Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman for his willingness to publically share his family’s story of dealing with his mother’s bi-polar disorder and how it affected his family to help others understand the importance of treatment and support services.
Legislator of the Year Award: State Level – State Representative Nickie Antonio for her concern with the quality of life for all people, working for human rights and equality and advocating for mental health and addiction issues in the State Budget Mid-biennium Review.
Contract Agency Collaboration - Seasons of Hope operated by Hitchcock Center for Woman for its uniqueness in offering a place where women with alcohol or drug-addiction who are in distress can go for help without feeling ashamed or alienated, and receive information about treatment when they are ready and serving over 400 individual women through 640 visits.
Media Award - Rita Andolsen, Director of Advocacy & Community Initiatives, WKYC TV3 for taking on the Heroin epidemic as one of the stations advocacy efforts and for organizing the “Heroin Epidemic, The Next Step” meeting consisting of representatives from the provider community, justice system and elected officials to discuss a strategy to combat heroin and for sitting on the Juvenile Safe Surrender planning committee.
Toledo Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking involving children, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Cleveland Office.
Brady Jackson, 28, was convicted last year on two counts of sex trafficking of children following a jury trial.
“Human trafficking is a despicable crime,” Dettelbach said. “This defendant targeted vulnerable people for the sole purpose of profiting off them in the commercial sex industry.”
Anthony said: “The sexual human trafficking of minors for profit is an injustice that will not be tolerated. The FBI continues to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who violate the rights of our most vulnerable of the community.”
Jackson advertised on backpage.com in in Septmber 2011 that the two girls, ages 16 and 15, were available for prostitution. Jackson told the girls that he would take all the money they would make from prostitution but that he would take them shopping and get their hair and nails done, according to court records.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Ava Dustin following an investigation by the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force (NWOVCACTF).
The NWOVCACTF, directed by the FBI Resident Agency in Toledo, Ohio, includes special agents of the FBI, and agents and officers from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, Ohio Highway Patrol, Toledo Police Department, Lima Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff's Office and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. Toledo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Brunswick Man Convicted of Illegally Receiving $3 Million in Credit Union CollapseRead the Press Release
A Brunswick man was convicted of 14 counts related to illegally receiving more than $3 million from the St. Paul Croatian Federal Credit Union in exchange for cash payments to the credit union’s chief operating officer, law enforcement officials said.
Svetislav Vujovic, 41, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19.
Following a weeklong trial in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, a jury convicted Vujovic on all 14 counts – 10 counts of making false statements to a federal credit union, two counts of money laundering and one count each of financial institution fraud and giving gifts for procuring loans.
The credit union was closed and then liquidated in 2010 after sustaining losses of approximately $170 million, making it one of the largest credit union failures in American history. Nearly 20 people have been convicted of crimes related to fraudulent lending that resulted in the credit union’s failure.
“The failure of the credit union was a tragedy for this community,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “We will make sure all those responsible for its failure will be held accountable.”
Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office, said: “The St. Paul Federal Credit Union collapse resulted in one of the largest credit union failures ever investigated in U.S. history. This complex, large-scale investigation transcended international borders and will continue until all those involved are brought to justice.”
“Honest and law-abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” said Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Let this conviction stand as a warning to those who victimize the public that whether you are the main perpetrator of a fraud, or assist in its facilitation, the law will hold all guilty parties accountable.”
Vujovic, aided and abetted by Anthony Raguz, the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastlake-based St. Paul Croatian Federal Credit Union, received numerous fraudulently obtained loans totaling approximately $3 million from the credit union between 2004 and 2008, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Vujovic obtained these loans by making false representations and promises, and he received many of those loans after having already defaulted on previous loans issued to him by the credit union. These loans were obtained in the names Cleveland Comfort Corp; SND, Inc.; Balkan Contracting; GBRS Properties, LLC; and Balkan Enterprise, Inc. The credit union lost approximately $3 million as a result of Vujovic’s fraudulent conduct.
Vujovic corruptly gave Raguz cash payments totaling approximately $20,000 to induce and reward Raguz for approving and facilitating the approval of the fraudulent loans to Vujovic, , according to court documents and trial testimony.
Raguz is currently serving a 14-year federal prison sentence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan and United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach following an investigation by the Cleveland Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
Akron Men Indicted for Counterfeiting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A three-count indictment was unsealed charging Jerry Reynolds, 44, and Marvin Reynolds, 34, both of Akron, Ohio, with one count of conspiracy to possess and utter counterfeit checks, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced.
The grand jury also charged both with two counts of possessing and uttering counterfeit checks, or causing another to possess and utter a counterfeit check, on July 13, 2013.
According to the indictment, Jerry Reynolds and Marvin Reynolds knowingly and intentionally recruited individuals to possess and utter counterfeited and forged checks of an organization, which activities affected interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted, the sentences of the defendants will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offenses and the unique 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 is being conducted by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the Norton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Kevin Culum, Special Assistant United States Attorney.
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.
Michigan Man Indicted for Three Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed chagring Jason Radigan, age 39, of Northville, Michigan, with robbing three banks, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges Radigan with robbery of Charter One Bank, located at 5150 North Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio, on January 30, 2014; Huntington Bank, located at 5201 North Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio, on March 4, 2014; and State Bank & Trust, located at 610 East South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio on April 9, 2014.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Task Force, the Toledo Police Department, and the City of Perrysburg, Ohio Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ava Dustin.
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.
Mexican Man Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed charging Salvador Soto-Gomez, age 63, of Mexico, with with unlawful reentry into the United States on April 2, 2014, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States 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 agency in this case is the United States Department of Homeland Security, Cleveland, Ohio. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
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.
Cuyahoga Falls Man Faces Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Kenneth L. Durbin, a 73 year-old male from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was charged with distributing a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The information charges that from on or about September 1, 2011, through on or about November 1, 2011, Durbin knowingly distributed in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, a computer file which contained a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Canton office of 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 guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Youngstown Man Indicted on Heroin and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A six-count indictment was filed charging a Youngtown man with distributing heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Dorian Christian, age 38, distributed heroin on or about March 19; March 20; March 26; April 3; and April 11, 2014, according to the indictment.
The indictment also charges that on or about April 14, 2014, Christian possessed a Smith & Wesson, model SW40VE, .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition, despite having been previously convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Youngstown Man Faces Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Nickie Thomas Gray, Jr., 43, of Youngstown, Ohio, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about February 14, 2013, through on or about April 1, 2014, Gray knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On April 17, 2014, images of child pornography were also found on his Gateway computer and Western Digital hard drive, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Youngstown 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.
Painesville Man Indicted for Robbing Bank in Warrensville HeightsRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Edward Robert Hudson, 51, of Painesville, with one count of bank robbery, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that Hudson robbed the First Merit Bank, 4834 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, a federally insured financial institution, on April 21, 2014.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Warrensville Heights Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron Woman Indicted for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Nikki Ann Nazarian, 40, of Akron, Ohio, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for failure to register and update registration as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The United States Marshals Service in Akron, Ohio, conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.
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.
Dover Man Fined for Dumping Drilling Waste into Chagrin River TributaryRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was fined $2,000 and put on probation for two years after discharging well drilling waste into Beecher Brook, a tributary of the Chagrin River, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
James L. Hidey, 45, of Dover, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making unpermitted discharges.
Hidey worked for Great Plains Exploration, an oil and gas well drilling company based in Northeast Ohio. On two separate occasions in 2008, he directed the discharge of brine into a stormwater sewer after the completion of gas wells in Mayfield Heights and Highland Heights. The brine flowed from the stormwater sewers into Beecher Brook and eventually into the Chargrin River, according to the information.
Brine is water with a high quantity of salt dissolved into it and is used during the drilling phase of the well installation. It must be handled and disposed of properly because of the toxicity of brine.
“Clean, fresh water is our greatest resource in Northern Ohio,” Dettelbach said. “We will aggressively investigate and prosecute cases in which people pollute Ohio’s streams, rivers and lakes.”
“Individuals who deliberately violate environmental protection laws and jeopardize the health and safety of Ohio families and wildlife must be held accountable for their crimes. I am glad to see that justice is being served in this case,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
“Knowingly discharging harmful waste byproducts from drilling operations has serious consequences for natural resources and local communities,” said Randall Ashe, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Ohio. “On several occasions, the defendant instructed his workers to dispose of drilling waste into storm sewer catch basins that ultimately flow into rivers and streams, putting human health, wildlife and the environment at serious risk.”
“We will not tolerate the criminal dumping of brine and those who do will be held accountable,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler. “I’m proud of Ohio EPA’s Office of Special Investigations for the work they’ve done in partnership with the members of the Northeast Ohio Environmental Crimes Task Force, including the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.”
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brad J. Beeson, following an investigation by the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, all members of the Northeast Ohio Environmental Crimes Task Force.
Mayfield Rheumatologist Pleads Guilty to Importing Medications Not Approved by the FDARead the Press Release
A Mayfield Village rheumatologist pleaded guilty to importing medications that had not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Dr. David Mandel, 65, admitted causing the shipment of misbranded drugs, a misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
“This doctor used drugs that had not been approved by the FDA,” Dettelbach said. “Our office is committed to working with our partners to make sure patients are getting medicine that has been properly inspected.”
“FDA’s regulatory standards are designed to ensure the safety and quality of the medical devices and drugs distributed to American consumers,” said Antoinette V. Henry, Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “We will continue to work to investigate all persons, including medical professionals, who disregard regulatory requirements and jeopardize the public health by participating in the distribution of misbranded products.”
“Acquiring and prescribing prescription medications that have not met regulatory standards puts the safety and well-being of patients at risk,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that medical professionals who choose to evade these standards are held accountable.”
Dr. Mandel obtained Boniva, Aclasta, Prolia, Euflexa and Orthovisc, from outside the United States, where the drugs are not approved by the FDA, according to the charges.
A drug may be considered misbranded even if it is identical in composition to an FDA-approved drug (that is, a drug labeled and packaged in compliance with the FDA’s standards) and even if it was made by the same manufacturer in the same facility as the FDA-approved version.
Dr. Mandel faces up to one year in prison and fines up to $100,000. His sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer following investigations by the FDA – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.
Anyone suspecting health care fraud, waste or abuse can report it by calling the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General at 800-447-8477. To learn more about health care fraud prevention and enforcement go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov
A charge is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mansfield Man Indicted on Multiple ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Kisling, 24, of Mansfield, Ohio, was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and identity theft, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about November 1, 2010, through on or about November 22, 2010, Kisling used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor, that is, a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing that such visual depictions would be transported using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, and such visual depictions were actually transported using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.
The indictment also charges that on or about November 22, 2010, and again on or about April 4, 2013, Kisling knowingly distributed, using any means of interstate and foreign commerce and in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of a real minor, that is, a 14-year-old girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment also charges that on or about April 4, 2013, Kisling knowingly used, without lawful authority, in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, a means of identification of another person, with the intent to commit a violation of federal law.
The indictment also charges that on or about December 23, 2013, Kisling knowingly possessed several printed pages that contained visual depictions of a real minor, that is, a 14-year-old girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which visual depictions had been shipped and transported using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce and in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. The indictment also charges that on or about January 28, 2013, through on or about December 10, 2013, Kisling knowingly received in interstate and foreign commerce, numerous digital files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Canton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eau Claire County, Wisconsin 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.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 17 1/2 Years in Prison for Illicit Sexual Conduct with A MinorRead the Press Release
An Indiana man was sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison for crimes involving illicit sexual conduct with a minor, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office.
James W. McCormick, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick. McCormick previously pleaded guilty to four counts of travelling in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and one count of transportation with the intent of criminal sexual activity.
McCormick travelled across state lines for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor between July and August 2013, according to court documents.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling following an investigation by the FBI (both Toledo and Fort Wayne offices), the Northwest Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Maumee Police Department.
New Jersey Doctors Sentenced to Five Years in Prison in Online Pill Mill CaseRead the Press Release
A New Jersey doctor was sentenced to five years in prison for this role in a multi-state drug conspiracy that sent millions of dollars of highly addictive prescription painkillers across the country, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver sentenced Dr. Terence Sasaki to 60 months in prison and ordered him to pay $59,133 in restitution. Sasaki was convicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to launder money.
Thirteen people have now been sentenced for their roles in the drug conspiracy, including doctors, pharmacists, a call-center manager and others.
“This is one of the more egregious pill mill cases we have ever come across,” Dettelbach said. “Prescription drug abuse is a major problem. Whether it is an Internet-based pill mill or a local dentist handing out prescriptions, we are committed to stopping those who illegally distribute drugs.”
Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation said: “This is an important victory for the citizens of Northern Ohio. These individuals not only fueled the prescription drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country. As a result of this joint investigative effort, not only are numerous criminals in prison for their crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture.”
Pharmacist Vinesh Darji was sentenced last year to nearly five years in prison for his conviction on conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Audrey Barbara Rovedo was sentenced last year to more than six years in prison for convictions on conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to launder money.
Rovedo, a manager at Delta Health, is 65 and lived in Jacksonville, Fla. Sasaki, 42, lives in Jersey City, N.J. and Darji, 43, lived in Tampa, Fla., according to public records.
James Hazelwood in 2012 was sentenced to more than eight years in prison and ordered to pay $3.8 million in restitution.
Hazelwood, 44, of Cumming, Ga., previously pleaded guilty to engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise for his role in operating a company that illegally distributed millions of pills of prescription painkillers, including hydrocodone and alprazolam, to drug addicts and recreational drug users who had no medical reason for receiving the pills.
Hazelwood operated USMeds, LLC and later, American Health Alternatives. Hazelwood, through both companies, worked with pharmacists and pharmacies who supplied drugs to the organization, which Hazelwood then distributed to people who contacted him through the companies’ web sites or call centers, according to court documents.
Hazelwood controlled most aspects of the drug trafficking organization. He set up and maintained web sites, including usmedsovernight.com, verybestmeds.com and mydoctorconsultonline.com, to solicit customers to buy hydrocodone and other pills without valid prescriptions, according to court documents.
The transactions were nothing more than illegal customer-dictated drug orders that bore the electronic or handwritten signature and DEA registration number of a doctor. Customer, not doctors, selected the type of controlled substance, quantity and strength to be “prescribed.” Customers paid for their “consultation” and pills up front, via credit card, and medical insurance was not accepted. Doctors signing the drug orders did not physically examine customers or even meet them face-to-face. Instead, after selecting the drug he or she wanted, the customer filled out a brief online questionnaire, the customer had a short “telephone consultation” and the prescription was issued. The conspiring pharmacies then shipped the drugs via FedEx to thousands of customers across the country, according to court records.
In addition to soliciting customers via its web site, Hazelwood’s organization also advertised on billboards in bathroom stalls at bars and nightclubs, at a music festival in Miami and internet banner ads, among other means, according to court documents.
Because of the makeup of his customer base, the Hazelwood drug trafficking organization charged its customers a price that was multiple times higher than the retail cost of the drugs it provided. The group generally charged $300 for 90 tablets of hydrocodone, plus a $55 “consult” fee, according to court documents.
The activity took place between 2005 and 2009, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Lutzko and Edward Feran following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Medina County Drug Enforcement Task Force.
The cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s offices in Jacksonville, Florida; Tampa, Florida, Atlanta; Puerto Rico, New Orleans and New York City was instrumental in the arrests, searches and initial court appearances in this case.
Hartville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Enticement and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Mark A. Steffee, 43, of Hartville, Ohio, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after previously being found guilty of enticement and possession of child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Steffee used a computer connected to the Internet to attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a 14-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. This took place from September 2005 through December 1, 2005, and again from on or about March 5, 2013, through on or about March 27, 2013, according to court documents.
Steffee also possessed a computer that contained child pornography, according to court documements.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A Sullivan following an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Hartville Police Department.
Elyria Man Faces Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A seven-count indictment was filed charging an Elyria man with federal narcotics and firearms violations, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Jerry L. Wells, Jr., 33, faces four counts of distribution of heroin, one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and MDMA, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Wells distributed heroin on four occassions in February. He also possessed 30 grams of MDMA and 60 marijuana plants on Feb. 21, according to the indictment.
On that same date, Wells possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol despite several previous convictions in Lorain County Common Pleas Court, including heroin trafficking, cocaine trafficking and burglary, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Corts following an investigation by the Elyria Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ashland Woman Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison in Forced-Labor CaseRead the Press Release
An Ashland woman was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for her role in a conspiracy in which a cognitively disabled woman and her child were held against their will and forced to perform manual labor, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Antony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office.
U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson sentenced Dezerah L. Silsby to 45 months in prison. Silsby, 22, pleaded guilty last year to two counts: conspiracy to commit an offense or defraud the United States, and acquiring controlled substances by deception.
“This defendant physically hurt another person as a way to get drugs and played a role in denying the victim and her daughter freedom,” Dettelbach said. “The conduct in this case is profoundly disturbing.”
“Dezerah L. Silsby admittedly inflicted pain and stole from a person being held against her will in order to feed her own drug habit,” Anthony said. “This sentence is well deserved for these cruel acts.”
Daniel J. Brown, 34, is currently serving five years in prison for his role in the crimes. Jordie L. Callahan, 27, and Jessica L. Hunt, 32, both of Ashland, were convicted following a jury trial this year and are scheduled to be sentenced July 22.
The victims in this case are identified only as S.E. and her juvenile child. S.E. suffered from a cognitive disability and received monthly public assistance payments, according to court documents.
Callahan and Hunt recruited S.E. and her child to live with them in their two-bedroom apartment in Ashland in 2011. Hunt’s four juvenile sons also lived at the house, along with numerous pit bull dogs, large snakes and other reptiles, according to court documents.
Callahan and Hunt monitored S.E. and her child’s activities with a baby monitor, according court documents.
Callahan and Hunt forced S.E. to clean the house, do laundry, walk to the store to do their shopping and care for their numerous pit bulls and reptiles. S.E. was timed when she went to the store and was not allowed to bring her child with her, according to court documents.
Callahan and Hunt beat S.E. and her child, threatened their lives, denied them food and threatened them with the pit bulls and reptiles, according to court documents.
At various points, Callahan threated S.E. with a gun. S.E. and her child initially were forced to sleep on a cement floor in the basement with no mattress. Later they were moved to a room upstairs, again with no bed or mattress. The child was kept in the room all day and at night the room was padlocked to keep S.E. and her child from escaping, according to court documents.
In August 2011, Callahan had the idea to smash S.E.’s hand and then send her to the emergency room to get pain medication that would be shared by Callahan, Hunt and Silsby. Silsby slammed S.E.’s hand with a rock and then took S.E. to the emergency room and returned with a prescription for pain medication, according to court documents.
In December 2011, Callahan and Hunt injured S.E.’s back and then forced her to turn over the prescription for Vicodin she received for her back injury, according to court documents.
On another occasion, Callahan kicked S.E. in the hip, and then he and Hunt forced S.E.to turn over the prescription for Vicodin she received for her hip injury, according to court documents.
When S.E. attempted to flee the apartment, Brown and Silsby deceived S.E. into accompanying them in their vehicle and returned her to Callahan and Hunt’s apartment, according to court documents.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Rice and Thomas E. Getz following an investigation by the FBI and Ashland Police Department and assistance from the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Seville Man Charged with Mail Fraud Related to $185,000 SchemeRead the Press Release
David A. Riedel, age 53, of Seville, Ohio, is accused of committing mail fraud as part of a $185,000 scheme, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The one-count criminal information filed today alleges that on approximately 53 occasions, from September 2010 to July 2012, Riedel, for the purpose of executing a scheme to defraud, Riedel caused checks to be sent and delivered by the United States Postal Service. Specifically, the information alleges that while Riedel was employed by Avanti Trucking, he applied for a United States Post Office Box and falsely identified it as the address for a company that provided hauling services to Avanti Trucking. Riedel submitted approximately 50 fraudulent invoices to Avanti Trucking, claiming that the company had performed work for Avanti Trucking. In fact, and as Riedel then well knew, that company had stopped providing hauling services for Avanti Trucking in April 2010.
According to the information, Riedel received approximately $185,000 from Avanti Trucking through his fraudulent scheme. Due to the losses caused by Riedel’s conduct, Avanti Trucking was forced to liquidate its assets in 2013 and is no longer in operation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea S. Rice following an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
A criminal information is a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Perrysburg Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
A Perrysburg man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for child pornography crimes, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Andrew B. Palm, 34, was found guilty last year of one count each of receit of child pornography and production of child pornography.
The defendant's Sandalwood Road home is also subject to forfeiture.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Guillermo J. Rojas following an investigation by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Perrysburg Police Department.
North Canton Man Faces Gambling-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced the filing of a two-count Information charging Joseph Udeck, age 70, of North Canton, Ohio, with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and the transmission of wagering information.
Count 1 of the information alleges that from at least as early as January 1, 2000, and continuing up to and including May 1, 2011, Joseph Udeck conspired to launder money generated from an illegal sports bookmaking operation.
Count 2 of the information alleges that Joseph Udeck engaged in the business of betting and wagering and with using one or more wire communication facilities for the transmission and interstate commerce of bets and wagers and information assisting in the placing of bets and wagers on one or more sporting events and contests.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including a defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, a defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the information was conducted by the United States Secret Service and its Money Laundering Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Bulford and Robert J. Patton.
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.
Columbiana Man Faces Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Brent See, age 37, of Columbiana, Ohio, with possession of unregistered firearms and being in the business of manufacturing firearms, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Count 1 of the indictment charges that on or about July, 2013 through January, 2014, See was engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in silencer firearms, without a license.
Counts 2 through 4 of the indictment charge that See was in possession of a silencer, not registered to him, on or about September 3 and December 13, 2013, and January 10, 2014.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Barberton Woman Indicted for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Susan L. Kathan, aka Susan Dent, aka Susan Shover, aka Susan Davis, 57, of Barberton, Ohio, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for failure to register and update registration as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The United States Marshals Service in Cleveland, Ohio conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.
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.
Two Men Indicted for Dealing Methamphetamine and Marijuana in Ravenna; Federal Firearms Charges Also FiledRead the Press Release
A seven-count indictment was filed charging Dustin Shepherd, aka “Rev,” age 31, of Ravenna, Ohio, and Christopher Ferry, aka “Skinny,” age 21, of Newton Falls, Ohio, with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, and firearms violations, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Count 1 of the indictment charges that from in or about October 2013 through March 2014, Shepherd and Ferry conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana in the Ravenna, Ohio, area and elsewhere. It was part of the conspiracy that Shepherd supplied marijuana and methamphetamine to Ferry for distribution in and around Ravenna, Ohio, according to the indictment.
Count 3 of the indictment charges that on or about March 14, 2014, Ferry possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Counts 4 and 5 of the indictment charge that on or about March 28, 2014, Shepherd possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Counts 2 and 6 of the indictment charge that on or about February 27 and March 28, 2014, Shepherd possessed more than 50 various firearms and more than 24,000 rounds of ammunition, despite having been previously convicted of commercial burglary and possession for sale of a controlled substance, in the Tehama County Superior Court of California.
Count 7 of the indictment charges that on or about March 28, 2014 Shepherd possessed a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime, that is, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.
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 with the combined efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Illinois State Police; Portage County Drug Task Force, and the Akron City Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Toledo Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Involving A MinorRead the Press Release
A Toledo woman was sentenced to three years in prison for interstate sex trafficking involving a minor, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office.
Amber Ginter, aka Amber Mendoza, age 36, transported a minor from Ohio to Michigan in December 2009 with the purpose that the minor engage in commercial sexual activity, according to the court documents.
“This case is another stark reminder that human trafficking exists in our district and in our collective back yard,” Dettelbach said. “It’s a reminder that we need to be better neighbors and ask questions if something looks suspicious.”
Anthony said, “The sexual human trafficking of minors for profit is an injustice that will not be tolerated. The FBI continues to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who violate the rights of our most vulnerable of the community.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James V. Moroney, following an investigation by the Toledo Resident Agency of the FBI and the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The task force is made up of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.