Southern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
CFO of Local Drywall Company Pleads Guilty in Employment Tax Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shannon C. Boston, 44, of Sunbury, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District court today to one count of failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, James Vanderberg, Special Agent in Charge, the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, Brad Geary, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, announced the guilty plea entered into before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
According to court documents, in 2013, Boston was the Chief Financial Officer of Porter Drywall, Inc. Boston submitted employer’s quarterly income tax returns for the company but failed to pay over their employees’ federal withholdings and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) – which includes Social Security and Medicare withholdings amounts – for the fourth quarter of 2013, totaling $120,406.
The company’s Vice President, Robert Porter, 52, of Westerville, Ohio, was also charged in relation to this case when a federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 14 for five counts of willfully filing a false income tax return with the IRS, and one count of making a false statement.
The indictment alleges that Porter filed false personal income tax returns with the IRS for the 2009 through 2013 income tax years in which he omitted $236,064 in income, and that between June 2011 and December 2011 Porter, as a contractor for a HUD project, made false statements and representations relative to the filing of 29 false U.S. Department of Labor Forms.
"IRS Criminal Investigation realizes the detrimental consequences of employment tax evasion. It results in the loss of tax revenue to the United States government and the loss of future social security or Medicare benefits for the employees," stated Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Failing to account for and pay over employment taxes with the IRS is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the IRS, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Homeland Security Investigations, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Brown, who is prosecuting the case.
West Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography After Having Been Convicted of Prior Sex OffenseRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Ronald Scott Gibson, 46, of West Manchester, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to distributing child pornography after having been convicted of a prior related state sex offense.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Walter H. Rice.
According to court documents, Gibson’s illegal activity was discovered when the Swiss Federal Criminal Police conducted an investigation to identify those possessing and sharing child pornography through an online file sharing program. A search warrant of Gibson’s computers uncovered hundreds of files of child pornography. Gibson was previously convicted of Gross Sexual Imposition in Preble County Common Pleas Court in 1998.
Distributing child pornography after being convicted of a prior offense related to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor is a crime punishable by at least 15 years up to 40 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hunt, who is representing the United States in this case.
Cincinnati-Area Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Attempting Terrorism Plot to Kill Government EmployeesRead the Press Release
Christopher Lee Cornell, 22, of Green Township, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for plotting, planning and attempting an attack on government officials during the State of the Union Address in 2015 in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division made the announcement. Cornell pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 and was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith of the Southern District of Ohio, who also ordered Cornell to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.
“With this sentence, Christopher Lee Cornell is being held accountable for plotting to kill federal officials in the name of ISIL,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Counterterrorism remains our highest priority and we will continue to identify and hold accountable those who seek to commit acts of terrorism within our borders.”
“The seriousness of this crime is apparent,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “Cornell plotted to commit violence as a symbolic attack on the United States as a whole. An attempt to murder another individual is horrific enough and justifies a significant sentence. But this was more than that. Cornell wanted to inflict pain on the spirit of the entire country, and terrorize its leadership. Today’s sentence appropriately holds him accountable for that.”
According to the plea agreement, from on or about August 2014 through January 2015, Cornell plotted, planned and attempted to travel to Washington, D.C., in order to attack the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union Address on Jan. 20, 2015.
Cornell admitted that he conducted online research of weapons, the construction of bombs, the U.S. Capitol and other potential targets in the Washington, D.C., area. He intended to kill officers and employees of the United States, and possessed two semi-automatic rifles and approximately 600 rounds of ammunition.
In addition, Cornell admitted that his planned attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attempt to provide material support and resources – both personnel and services – to ISIL.
Cornell was arrested on Jan. 14, 2015, by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). After his arrest, he posted statements online that included a call for others to join him in violent jihad against the United States and its citizens on behalf of ISIL, according to admissions made in connection with the plea agreement.
The JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the Cincinnati Police Department; Colerain, Ohio, Police Department; Dayton Ohio, Police Department; Ohio State Highway Patrol; University of Cincinnati Police Department; U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations; FBI; U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; West Chester, Ohio, Police Department; and Xenia, Ohio, Police Department.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the JTTF for its investigation of this case. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan of the Southern District of Ohio.
Cincinnati-Area Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Attempting Terrorism Plot to Kill Government EmployeesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Christopher Lee Cornell, 22, of Green Township, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for plotting, planning and attempting an attack on government officials during the State of the Union Address in 2015 in the name of ISIL.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division announced the sentence handed down today by Senior U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith.
According to court documents, from on or about August 2014 through January 2015, Cornell plotted, planned and attempted to travel to Washington, D.C., in order to attack the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union Address on January 20, 2015.
Cornell conducted online research of weapons, the construction of bombs, the U.S. Capitol and other potential targets in the Washington, D.C., area. He intended to kill officers and employees of the United States, and possessed two semi-automatic rifles and approximately 600 rounds of ammunition.
The defendant admitted that his planned attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attempt to provide material support and resources – both personnel and services – to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Cornell was arrested on Jan. 14, 2015, by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). After his arrest, he posted statements online that included a call for others to join him in violent jihad against the United States and its citizens on behalf of ISIL.
“One would think that the shock of being arrested for these offenses would have an immediate and sobering effect on a young man’s psyche. But that is not what happened,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan wrote in this case’s sentencing memorandum. “Cornell became even more proud of and obstinate regarding his attack plans and allegiance to ISIL, calling himself a prisoner of war. He remained determined to cause harm and tried (in multiple ways) to rally others to violence…instead of recognizing his own fault.”
Cornell was originally charged by an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Jan. 21, 2015. On May 7, 2015, Cornell was additionally charged by superseding indictment. He pleaded guilty on August 1 to one count of attempting to kill government employees, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“The seriousness of this crime is apparent,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Cornell plotted to commit violence as a symbolic attack on the United States as a whole. An attempt to murder another individual is horrific enough and justifies a significant sentence. But this was more than that. Cornell wanted to inflict pain on the spirit of the entire country, and terrorize its leadership. Today’s sentence appropriately holds him accountable for that.”
The JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the Cincinnati Police Department, Colerain, Police Department, Dayton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, University of Cincinnati Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, FBI, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, West Chester Police Department and Xenia Police Department.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the JTTF for its investigation of this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Local Employee Pleads Guilty to ExtortionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI –Carlos Ruiz-Rodriguez, 25, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to extortion against a Cincinnati-based company. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in August.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
Ruiz-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to intruding computers and stealing proprietary information from the company he worked for.
He had been employed at the company for approximately two years as a call center employee. In his role, he had access to the company’s customer service portal and personally identifiable information for certain clients.
Ruiz-Rodriguez sent multiple extortion emails to the company between November 2015 and January 2016 via the internet showing proof of compromise of the company’s data. He stated that if the company did not pay a Bitcoin ransom, then the company schematics and client data would be released to the public.
Ruiz-Rodriguez then posted the company’s data on an internet “dark web” forum and received two separate ransom payments from his employer totaling approximately $15,000.
Extortion is a crime punishable by up to two years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Tim Mangan, who is prosecuting the case.
West Chester Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Plot to Attack U.S. Government OfficersRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Munir Abdulkader, 22, of West Chester, Ohio, was sentenced to 240 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for plotting to murder a military base employee and attack a Cincinnati area police station in the name of ISIL.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division, West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Paul A. Pride and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
Abdulkader previously pleaded guilty to attempting to kill officers and employees of the United States, material support of a foreign terrorist organization and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The plan was for Abdulkader to murder a specific employee of a military base at the employee’s home. He planned to videotape the murder so that it could be used in an ISIL propaganda video to further ISIL’s cause. Following the murder, Abdulkader would then launch a violent attack on a police station in the Cincinnati area.
In preparation for the attacks, Abdulkader conducted surveillance of the police station, received a targeting package about the victim, went to a shooting range, learned how to operate certain firearms, and practiced shooting the firearms. He also bought an AK-47 assault rifle for the attack.
According to the statement of facts admitted by Adbulkader at the plea hearing, beginning in at least July 2014 and continuing into 2015, Abdulkader expressed his support for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (“ISIL”) on Twitter accounts. From approximately March 2015 to mid-April 2015, Abdulkader began speaking with a Confidential Human Source (CHS) about his desire and intention to travel to Syria in order to join ISIL as a fighter.
During that same time, Abdulkader made plans and preparations to travel to Syria to join ISIL as a fighter. Namely, he secured a passport, saved money for the trip and researched the logistical details of traveling to Syria and joining ISIL. In late April, though, Abdulkader expressed concerns about the ability to travel and postponed his original departure date of May 2, 2015.
During May 2015, Abdulkader was in electronic communication with one or more individuals located overseas who he understood were members of ISIL. One of those individuals was a member of ISIL identified as Junaid Hussein. Through their communications, Junaid Hussein directed and encouraged Abdulkader to plan and execute a violent attack within the United States.
Abdulkader communicated with Junaid Hussein and the CHS about a plan to kill an identified military employee on account of his position with the United States government. The plan included abducting the employee at the employee’s home and filming the execution of the employee.
After killing the employee, Abdulkader planned to execute a violent attack on a police station in the Southern District of Ohio using firearms and Molotov cocktails.
Adbulkader was arrested on May 21, 2015 by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), after a controlled purchase and possession of the AK-47 assault rifle.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint on May 22, 2015 and a bill of information was filed on March 2, 2016. Abdulkader pleaded guilty to the three charges in the information on March 24, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Barrett. The court documents and proceedings were unsealed in July.
“Using social media to communicate with the now-deceased Syria-based ISIL terrorist Junaid Hussain, Abdulkader coordinated and planned violent murders of military members and police officers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Identifying and stopping such ISIL-directed and inspired plots is and will remain one of our highest priorities.”
“Abdulkader placed himself under the direction and control of an evil foreign terrorist organization and plotted with that organization to conduct multiple murderous attacks in the Cincinnati area,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “The sentence of twenty years in prison, followed by a lifetime of federal supervision, is fully warranted by the egregious facts of this case. It will protect the public from this defendant.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the JTTF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan and Michael Dittoe of the Justice Department’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section.
The JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the Cincinnati Police Department, Colerain Police Department, Dayton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, University of Cincinnati Police Department, United States Air Force OSI, FBI, United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, United States Internal Revenue Service, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, West Chester Police Department and Xenia Police Department.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government OfficersRead the Press Release
Munir Abdulkader, 22, of West Chester, Ohio, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised release, for plotting to murder a military base employee and attack a Cincinnati area police station in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Division, Police Chief Joel Herzog of the West Chester Police Department, Superintendent Colonel Paul A. Pride of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Police Chief Eliot Isaac of the Cincinnati Police Department announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
“Using social media to communicate with the now-deceased Syria-based ISIL terrorist Junaid Hussain, Abdulkader coordinated and planned violent murders of military members and police officers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Identifying and stopping such ISIL-directed and inspired plots is and will remain one of our highest priorities.”
“Abdulkader placed himself under the direction and control of an evil foreign terrorist organization and plotted with that organization to conduct multiple murderous attacks in the Cincinnati area,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman.
Abdulkader previously pleaded guilty to attempting to kill officers and U.S. government employees, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Abdulkader’s plan was to murder a specific employee of a military base at the employee’s home. He planned to videotape the murder so that it could be used in an ISIL propaganda video to further ISIL’s cause. Following the murder, Abdulkader would then launch a violent attack on a police station in the Cincinnati area.
In preparation for the attacks, Abdulkader conducted surveillance of the police station, received a targeting package about the victim, went to a shooting range, learned how to operate certain firearms and practiced shooting the firearms. He also bought an AK-47 assault rifle for the attack.
According to the statement of facts admitted by Abdulkader at the plea hearing, beginning in at least July 2014 and continuing into 2015, Abdulkader expressed his support for ISIL on Twitter accounts. From approximately March 2015 to mid-April 2015, Abdulkader began speaking with a Confidential Human Source (CHS) about his desire and intention to travel to Syria in order to join ISIL as a fighter.
During that same time, Abdulkader made plans and preparations to travel to Syria to join ISIL as a fighter. Namely, he secured a passport, saved money for the trip and researched the logistical details of traveling to Syria and joining ISIL. In late April, though, Abdulkader expressed concerns about the ability to travel and postponed his original departure date of May 2, 2015.
During May 2015, Abdulkader was in electronic communication with one or more individuals located overseas who he understood were members of ISIL. One of those individuals was a member of ISIL identified as Junaid Hussein. Through their communications, Junaid Hussein directed and encouraged Abdulkader to plan and execute a violent attack within the U.S.
Abdulkader communicated with Junaid Hussein and the CHS about a plan to kill an identified military employee on account of his position with the U.S. government. The plan included abducting the employee at the employee’s home and filming the execution of the employee.
After killing the employee, Abdulkader planned to execute a violent attack on a police station in the Southern District of Ohio using firearms and Molotov cocktails.
Abdulkader was arrested on May 21, 2015 by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), after a controlled purchase and possession of the AK-47 assault rifle.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint on May 22, 2015 and a bill of information was filed on March 2. Abdulkader pleaded guilty to the three charges in the information on March 24 before U.S. District Judge Barrett. The court documents and proceedings were unsealed in July.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the JTTF. The JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the Cincinnati Police Department; Colerain Police Department in Cincinnati; Dayton Police Department in Dayton, Ohio; Ohio State Highway Patrol; University of Cincinnati Police Department; U.S. Air Force OSI; FBI; U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; IRS; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; West Chester Police Department in West Chester, Ohio; and Xenia Police Department in Xenia, Ohio.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Duke Energy to Plead Guilty to Clean Water Act Crime and Pay $1M Fine for 2014 Oil SpillRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Representatives of Duke Energy Beckjord LLC agreed to plead guilty today in federal court to negligent discharge of oil, in violation of the Clean Water Act. The filed plea agreement includes a $1 million fine in addition to restitution.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, John K. Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criminal enforcement program, Craig W. Butler, Director, Ohio EPA, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Captain Michael B. Zamperini, Commander, Sector Ohio Valley, U.S. Coast Guard announced the plea and sentence to take place in U.S. District Court today.
According to court documents, on August 18, 2014, Duke Energy caused a spill of approximately 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel from its Walter C. Beckjord generating station facility in New Richmond, Ohio to the Ohio River. The oil sheen on the Ohio River from the discharge extended for approximately 15 miles.
A Duke Energy operator transferring fuel from three 705,000-gallon capacity tanks ran the forwarding pump too long and over-filled the two 30,000-gallon capacity above-ground fuel tanks. Diesel fuel spilled from the tank overfill vents into a concrete secondary containment area. A valve on the secondary containment area had been improperly left open by other Duke employees, causing the spilled diesel fuel to escape the containment area and enter directly into the Ohio River.
The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for residents of both Kentucky and Ohio. As a result of the spill, the Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati and Louisville water supply intakes were closed on August 19, 2014. Water intakes were reopened the next day, after water samples did not detect the diesel fuel in the drinking water.
Significant resources were expended by at least 35 government and private sector agencies in the emergency response and clean-up related to the discharge. Duke Energy’s prompt clean-up efforts resulted in the recovery of only a small portion of the discharged oil. To date, Duke Energy has reimbursed more than $1.2 million to those entities for costs incurred in connection with the spill. Further, Duke Energy has deconstructed the bulk fuel oil storage tanks involved in the spill and no longer stores bulk fuel oil at the Beckjord facility.
As part of the plea agreement, Duke Energy has agreed to also pay $100,000 to the Foundation for Ohio River Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural, ecological and economic value of the Ohio River through community education. Duke Energy will also issue a written public apology in an advertisement published in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“We will continue to take environmental violations seriously to ensure the safest living conditions for the residents of our District,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said.
“This case underscores the need for companies to have proper measures in place to prevent and respond to fuel spills so they don't impact our water resources," said John K. Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in Charge of EPA's criminal enforcement program in Ohio. "Had Duke Beckjord, LLC taken measures to ensure that valves were closed to contain fuel spills, this incident would not have occurred. Their lack of these measures resulted in a large fuel spill to the Ohio River which required substantial environmental response efforts.”
“This unfortunate incident risked the drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people. Simply following required procedures would have prevented this incident,” Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler said. “Today’s announcement should be a call to action for everyone along the river to be diligent about protecting this vital resource – the Ohio River.”
“This contribution will not only help get over 4,000 students on the Ohio River conducting water monitoring through our River REACH floating classroom program, but will also provide teachers hands-on training and materials that can be used in the classroom and at local streams,” said Heather Mayfield, Director of Foundation for Ohio River Education. “We are so glad that FORE can be a silver lining in this agreement and look forward to supporting Duke’s commitment to STEM education and water quality through our award-winning program.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Environmental Enforcement Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey who is representing the United States in this case.
Former Ohio Music Instructor Sentenced to 25 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Brian M. Sze, 36, of Seattle, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 25 years in prison for production of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs and members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents, the investigation began in July 2015 after a tip was reported to ICAC, which indicated that Sze had engaged in sexually suggestive communications with a minor. The investigation revealed that Sze had also engaged in illicit sexual contact with a minor and caused recordings of the child engaged in sexual activity to be recorded.
“The defendant was a teacher, entrusted with the care of countless students,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Mr. Sze’s abusive sexual acts with a child may forever distort the child’s understanding of healthy sexual relationships and sentence the child to a potential lifetime of distrust, anger and shame. Today’s sentence is reflective of the life-long damage his actions have caused.”
Sze pleaded guilty in March to one count of production of child pornography.
The Franklin County ICAC Task Force is a multi-agency effort dedicated to the fight against computer facilitated crimes against children. The following agencies are members:
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Ohio ICAC
Grove City Police Department
Columbus Police Department
Grandview Heights Police Department
Westerville Police Department
Hilliard Police Department
Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Ohio Attorney General’s Office (BCI)
The Ohio State University Police Department
Upper Arlington Police Department
Circleville Police Department
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the members of the ICAC Task Force for the cooperative investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Hill, who is representing the United States in this case.
Accountant Pleads Guilty to Embezzling more than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Deborah Yosick, 60, currently of Davenport, Florida, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to embezzling more than $1 million. She pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and income tax evasion.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS), and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Division, announced the plea entered into yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington.
According to court documents, Yosick embezzled money from her employer, Donald C. Wright Investments, LLC and its sister company Don Wright Realty, LLC. Don Wright’s businesses are family-owned and are based in Centerville, Ohio. Don Wright provided various commercial, industrial, and residential services in the Dayton, Ohio-area.
Between approximately 1985 and October 2015, Yosick was Don Wright's accountant and was principally responsible for handing its accounts payables and accounts receivables, including making journal entries relating to receivables, crediting tenant accounts as rents were received and preparing deposit slips and making deposits on behalf of Don Wright. Yosick was personally responsible for depositing rental receipts (whether they were cash or check) into the appropriate Don Wright bank account.
Between 2010 and approximately October 2015, Yosick devised a scheme to defraud and embezzle money from Don Wright by using rental payments to pay her personal American Express bill, by initiating ACH transfers from a Don Wright bank account. She used a portion of the cash she embezzled to purchase money orders from supermarkets, Wal-Mart and post offices and use the money orders to pay her personal American Express credit card bills.
Also, between March 2013 and approximately October 2015, Yosick embezzled funds from Don Wright by causing approximately 70 electronic transfers (ACH payments) from a company bank account to American Express in order to pay her personal credit card bill.
In total, between 2010 and approximately October 2015, Yosick embezzled $1,098,778.23 from Don Wright.
Additionally, Yosick committed income tax evasion by filing a false income tax return for the 2014 income tax year by underreporting her taxable income by approximately $303,808, which resulted in tax due and owing of approximately $94,601, which represented the embezzled funds from Don Wright.
In total, Yosick attempted to evade paying $255,571 in federal income taxes to the IRS for the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 income tax years.
Yosick agreed to pay restitution to Don Wright Realty LLC in the amount of $1,098,778.23 and to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $255,571.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, and income tax evasion is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
“Tax evasion and embezzlement schemes of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserves to be punished,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “The IRS, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office remain determined and vigilant in ferreting out such schemes to cheat the honest taxpayers.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative law enforcement investigation, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Alex R. Sistla, who is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts New Albany Man in Cocaine Traficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A U.S. District Court jury convicted Oscar Collado-Rivera, 32, of New Albany, Ohio of conspiring with others to distribute nearly 200 kilograms of cocaine involving at least $4 million in U.S. currency over a six-month period in 2015.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio, Timothy Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS), and agencies in a state and local task force announced the verdict reached yesterday following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
Evidence presented during the trial established that Collado-Rivera and others were responsible for arranging large shipments of cocaine from Mexico and Texas into the Columbus area.
“Collado-Rivera is the ninth defendant convicted out of 12 defendants charged in April,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Disrupting the networks that bring illegal drugs into central Ohio requires tremendous cooperation by federal, state and local agencies.” Glassman noted that the three remaining defendants are believed to have fled the United States.
The jury convicted Collado-Rivera of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, a crime punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life. Judge Watson will determine the sentence following a pre-sentence investigation by the court. Task Force officers arrested Collado-Rivera in December 2015 based on a federal criminal complaint. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Glassman commended Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the investigators with police departments in Pickerington, Upper Arlington and Westerville who conducted the investigation, as well as Deputy Criminal Chief Michael Hunter and Appellate Chief Mary Beth Young, who represent the United States in prosecuting the case.
New Carlisle Man Sentenced for Producing, Distributing Images of Child RapeRead the Press Release
DAYTON, OHIO – James Edward Risner, III, 34, of New Carlisle, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 480 months in prison for production and distribution of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, Clark County Sheriff Gene A. Kelly and Clark County Prosecutor D. Andrew Wilson announced the sentence handed down yesterday by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to the statement of facts in this case, Risner engaged in various sexual activities on multiple occasions with a 7-year-old female who was in his care. Risner photographed the sexual activities, ultimately creating nearly 70 digital pornographic photographs, and posted them online to at least one website.
Risner pleaded guilty on September 8 to one count of production and one count of distribution.
Risner was sentenced this morning to 15 years to life in prison on related child rape charges in Clark County Common Pleas Court. As part of his plea agreement, Risner will serve his local sentence concurrently with his federal one. He was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release.
“Actions like Risner’s extensive manipulation of this child victim result in lifelong and devastating physical, psychological, and emotional suffering,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller and Special Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith who are representing the United States in this case.
Columbus Man Indicted on Two Counts of Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment alleging that Aaron Travis Daniels, 20, aka Harun Muhammad, aka Abu Yusef of Columbus provided and attempted to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and agencies participating in the Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) announced the indictment returned today.
Count one of the indictment alleges that Daniels provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization by sending $250 in January 2016 to an ISIL operative. Count two alleges that Daniels attempted to provide material support and resources, himself, as personnel to ISIL. JTTF agents arrested Daniels on November 7 as he attempted to leave Columbus with an alleged eventual destination of Libya to join ISIL.
If convicted, Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count. Congress prescribes the maximum potential sentences and it is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. An indictment merely contains allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Daniels has been in custody since his arrest. Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr. will preside over the case.
The Southern Ohio JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, The Ohio State University Police Department, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the John Glenn International Airport Police Department, Westerville Police Department and Columbus Division of Fire.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica W. Knight, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Gibson with Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien’s Office and Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Taryn Meeks of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Columbus Man Indicted for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS – A federal grand jury indicted Ikechi W. Emeaghara, 27, of Columbus, charging him with armed bank robbery of a northwest Columbus bank on October 21, 2016.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Office, Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the indictment returned today.
According to public court documents, a man, later identified as Emeaghara, entered the Key Bank on Frantz Road about 10 a.m. brandishing what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded cash from the bank teller’s drawers.
He took the cash and fled the bank in a car. Columbus Police officers followed him. Emeaghara pulled into a business parking lot, got out of the car and pointed a gun at the officers. Officers shot and injured him, and arranged for him to be transported to a hospital for treatment. Task Force officers investigating a series of bank robberies filed a federal complaint charging Emeaghara with armed bank robbery on November 1.
Armed bank robbery is a crime punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Congress prescribes the maximum potential sentences and it is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. A federal indictment merely contains allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by Columbus Police, the FBI, and ATF, and indicated that the investigation is continuing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Salvador A. Dominguez and Deputy Criminal Chief Gary Spartis.
Seven-Year Sentence for Columbus Man Who Brandished Firearm During Whitehall Sandwich Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Timothy G. Rogan, 25, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to seven years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for robbing a sandwich shop with a rifle in Whitehall, Ohio on November 12, 2015. Store employees grabbed the rifle during the robbery and took it away from Rogan.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispin announced the sentence handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
Rogan pleaded guilty on June 14, 2016 to one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
An ATF agent testified during the plea hearing that Rogan entered the Subway restaurant brandishing a rifle and demanded money. The initial victim grabbed the weapon and began struggling with the suspect. During the struggle a second employee hit the suspect with a tray and took the weapon from Rogan.
Whitehall detectives took fingerprints and DNA swabs from the rifle and processed them through a database maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which matched the DNA to Rogan. Detectives arrested Rogan on January 5, 2016. He has been in custody since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by law enforcement, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard, who represented the United States in this case.
Ohio Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
Aaron Travis Daniels, aka Harun Muhammad, aka Abu Yusef, 20, of Columbus, Ohio, was arrested today for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The arrest was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division and agencies participating in the Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
JTTF agents arrested Daniels as he attempted to leave Columbus with an alleged eventual destination of Libya, for the purpose of joining ISIL. The criminal complaint against him also alleges that Daniels sent $250 in January 2016 to an ISIL operative and had communicated his commitment to violent overseas jihad.
The complaint alleges that Daniels set up email addresses and a social media account using aliases and expressed his interest in violent jihad and traveling overseas in various communications.
The complaint also alleges that Daniels wired money to an intermediary for Abu Isa Al-Amriki, a now-deceased ISIL member, recruiter and external attack planner. Daniels allegedly told an undercover FBI employee that he wanted to travel to Trinidad as the beginning of his trip to Libya, where Daniels said Al-Amriki had suggested he go to support jihad. On Nov. 5, Daniels bought an airline ticket to travel from Columbus to Houston, Texas, and on to Trinidad. The flight was scheduled to leave Columbus today.
JTTF officers arrested Daniels at the airport, before boarding his flight. Daniels appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp who ordered him held without bond.
If convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Congress prescribes the maximum potential sentences and it is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. A federal criminal complaint merely contains allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The Southern Ohio JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio State University Police Department, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the John Glenn International Airport Police Department, the Westerville Police Department and the Columbus Division of Fire.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the JTTF for its investigation of this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica W. Knight of the Southern District of Ohio, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Gibson of the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office, and Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Taryn M. Meeks of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Columbus Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Aaron Travis Daniels, 20, aka Harun Muhammad, aka Abu Yusef of Columbus was arrested today for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The arrest was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and agencies participating in the Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
JTTF agents arrested Daniels as he attempted to leave Columbus with an alleged eventual destination of Libya to join ISIL. The criminal complaint against him also alleges that Daniels sent $250 in January 2016 to an ISIL operative and had communicated his commitment to violent overseas jihad.
The complaint alleges that Daniels set up email addresses and a social media account using the aliases Muhammad and Yusuf. Daniels allegedly expressed his interest in violent jihad and travelling overseas in various communications.
The complaint also alleges that Daniels wired money to an intermediary for Abu Isa Al-Amriki, a now-deceased ISIL member, recruiter and external attack planner. Daniels allegedly told an undercover FBI employee that he wanted to travel to Trinidad as the beginning of his trip to travel to Libya. On November 5, Daniels bought an airline ticket to travel from Columbus to Houston, Texas and on to Trinidad. The flight was scheduled to leave Columbus today.
JTTF officers arrested Daniels at the airport, before boarding his flight. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp who ordered him held without bond. The case will be presented to a federal grand jury who has 30 days to weigh the evidence and decide whether or not to indict Daniels.
If convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Congress prescribes the maximum potential sentences and it is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. A federal criminal complaint merely contains allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The Southern Ohio JTTF is made up of officers and agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, The Ohio State University Police Department, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the John Glenn International Airport Police Department, Westerville Police Department and Columbus Division of Fire.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the JTTF for its investigation of this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica W. Knight, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Gibson with Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien’s Office and Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Taryn Meeks of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Fourth Member of Cincinnati Drug Trafficking Ring Receives Ten-Year SentenceRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Four defendants involved in a major cocaine and heroin trafficking ring in the Cincinnati area have been sentenced on related charges in U.S. District Court.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac, announced the sentences handed down by United States District Court Judge Timothy S. Black.
Christopher Whitfield, 42, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced today to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Tonia Whitfield, 41, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced on December 14, 2015 to 12 months and one day in prison on three counts of money laundering.
Steven Griffin, 41, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced on January 13, 2016 to 87 months in prison on one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin and a felon in possession of a firearm.
Icierra Martin, 39, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced on May 23, 2016 to three years of probation on two counts of money maundering.
A federal grand jury indicted the defendants in a 23-count indictment returned in April 2015. The indictment outlined that the group conspired to facilitate an illegal drug business, primarily cocaine and heroin.
As part of the conspiracy, the defendants operated “stash” houses to process, cut, package and store the drugs as well as firearms and money. In order to conceal the money generated from the drug sales, defendants would launder the profits by purchasing real and personal property and place assets in the names of other individuals.
Upon executing search warrants in this case, investigators seized more than $1 million in cash at the properties maintained by the narcotics trafficking organization.
Also included in forfeiture in this case are: seven firearms, three properties in Cincinnati, five vehicles including two luxury vehicles and a motorcycle, multiple pieces of jewelry, Gucci and Rolex watches, two ballistic vests, a number of “mink” fur coats and vests, 13 designer handbags and Beats headphones and ear buds.
“This is an important victory for the citizens of Cincinnati,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations. We are committed to taking the profit away from the drug traffickers and putting those individuals in jail.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by local and federal law enforcement, including the IRS, FBI and Cincinnati Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Karl Kadon and Jessica W. Knight, who represented the United States in this case.
Former Mount Vernon Police Officer Sentenced for ExtortionRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Matthew L. Dailey, 45, of Howard, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 72 months in prison for Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Mount Vernon Police Chief Roger A. Monroe, announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents, Dailey was a Detective Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department. He investigated general crimes and narcotics crimes. In September 2015, Dailey asked an individual who had served as an informant for Dailey for approximately seven years to sell drugs for him.
Dailey provided the individual with marijuana, methamphetamine, bath salts and ecstasy pills to sell and split the profits. A portion of the drugs came from the police department’s property room, which Dailey supervised in his role as evidence custodian.
Investigators also observed Dailey meeting with a second confidential informant who sold large quantities of oxycodone pills to Dailey approximately five days a week for seven months. The second confidential informant told investigators that Daily had asked him to sell marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine for him. The investigation revealed that Dailey possessed a firearm during the drug trafficking offenses.
Dailey was placed on administrative leave in September 2015. During an inventory of the property room, police discovered a kit used to teach drug awareness was missing crack and powder cocaine and ecstasy pills. The inventory analysis also revealed that the methamphetamine, bath salts and hundreds of oxycodone pills were missing from the property room.
Further investigation revealed that Dailey created forged and falsified Mount Vernon Police Department evidence destruction orders. Investigators found multiple copies of the falsified letterhead in Dailey’s desk drawer and filing cabinet. Investigators concluded that Dailey’s actions during his criminal scheme affected nearly forty cases.
Dailey pleaded guilty on December 21, 2015. He also agreed to pay restitution to the Mount Vernon Police Department, forfeit weapons, and a ban on future employment in any law enforcement capacity.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI, DEA, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Mount Vernon Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica H. Kim and Douglas W. Squires, who represented the United States in this case.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Dog-Fighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Charles A. Granberry, 40, of Columbus pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to participate in a dog-fighting ring in central Ohio, and to illegally possessing a firearm.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Anthony Mohatt, Special Agent in Charge, Midwest Region, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien, and Capital Area Humane Society Executive Director Rachel D.K. Finney announced the plea entered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Jolson.
According to court documents, an undercover law enforcement officer met with Granberry and others over a two-week period at two houses in Columbus in March 2016. The officer saw evidence indicating that the house was used to train, fight and sell dogs, including at least 20 fighting dogs in the rear yard of one house that were chained to heavy automobile axles buried in the ground.
Officers executed search warrants on April 5, 2016 at five Columbus houses. Agents seized evidence including more than 40 dogs along with cages, treadmills, heavy chains and collars and other items. Agents found canine blood on the floor and walls of the basement of one home indicating that the area was used as a dog fighting pit. Officers arrested Granberry and seized firearms and documents connected to the dog fighting operation. Granberry has been in custody since his arrest.
Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Granberry is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge James L. Graham will schedule a hearing to sentence Granberry.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the ongoing investigation by the USDA-OIG, Columbus Police and the Humane Society, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Michael Marous and Jessica Knight, and Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor Heather Robinson, who are representing the United States in this case.
Former CEO Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud Scheme Involving Red Light Camera ContractsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- A former CEO of a traffic light enforcement camera vendor was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for her role in a multi-year bribery and fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office.
Karen L. Finley, 57, of Cave Creek, Arizona, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson of the Southern District of Ohio. She pleaded guilty on June 19, 2015, to one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and honest services wire and mail fraud. Finley cooperated with the government’s investigation against John Raphael, an Ohio lobbyist, who pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Hobbs Act for his involvement in the scheme. On June 8, 2016, Raphael was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison.
From December 2005 to February 2013, Finley served as CEO of a red light camera enforcement company. During this time, she participated in a scheme in which the company made campaign contributions to elected public officials in the cities of Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati through Raphael, a consultant retained by the company. Finley and others, including another executive of the company, agreed to provide the conduit campaign contributions through Raphael with the understanding that the elected public officials would assist the company in obtaining or retaining municipal contracts, including a red light camera enforcement contract with the city of Columbus. Finley also admitted that she and her co-conspirators concealed the true nature and source of the payments by Raphael and the company’s payment of false invoices for “consulting services,” which funds Raphael then provided to the campaigns of the elected public officials.
The FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, Columbus Resident Agency, investigated the case with the assistance of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorney Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous of the Southern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant in $3.1 Million Credit Card Fraud Scheme SentencedRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The last of nine people who conspired to use stolen credit card numbers to commit $3,179,329.06 in fraud was sentenced in U.S. District Court today.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Mark Porter, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS), announced that Joey Westbrook, 21, of Columbus was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson today to serve 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Reynoldsburg resident Francois Toure, 26, obtained more than 4,700 stolen credit card numbers over the Internet between April 2012 and March 2015. He then re-encoded the magnetic strips of genuine prepaid or gift cards to reflect the stolen credit card numbers. Shoppers used the re-encoded cards to buy genuine gift cards, cigarettes, and other merchandise. Mohamed Mobarak, 27, and Ahmad Mobarak, 22, who operated Beechcroft Newsstand, used the Newsstand’s point-of-sale terminal to fraudulently redeem genuine gift cards purchased by the shoppers. Finally, Mohamed Mobarak filled privately owned ATMs with funds that were in part the proceeds of credit card fraud.
Investigators determined that the intended loss of the fraud scheme was $3,179,329.06. Judge Watson ordered restitution of $928,008.92 to be paid to victims. Investigators seized 46 ATMs, two vehicles, firearms and ammunition, electronic equipment and $599,962.82 in currency during the investigation.
All nine defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and received sentences ranging from 33 to 60 months. The others who pleaded guilty are Robert A. Kamara, 27, of Canal Winchester, Enouch J. Kermue, 27, of Columbus, Asher Merritt, 28, of Columbus, Diddier Mami, 28, of Inkster, Michigan, and Destani T. Cable, 28, of Columbus.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the Secret Service, the IRS, and agencies participating in the 65-member Southern District of Ohio Task Force on electronic crimes created in 2012 for their cooperative investigation, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Bosley and Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, who prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman Appoints District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS -- United States Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman announced today that he has designated Election Officers in each of the district’s three offices who will lead the efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections.
Glassman appointed:
Deputy Criminal Chief Gary Spartis in Columbus,
Deputy Criminal Chief Emily Glatfelter in Cincinnati,
Deputy Criminal Chief Laura Clemmens in Dayton.
As District Election Officers, they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Glassman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Glassman stated that the District Election Officers will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at 513 421-4310.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Glassman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Former CEO Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud Scheme Involving Red Light Camera Contracts in OhioRead the Press Release
A former CEO of a traffic light enforcement camera vendor was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for her role in a multi-year bribery and fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office.
Karen L. Finley, 57, of Cave Creek, Arizona, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson of the Southern District of Ohio. She pleaded guilty on June 19, 2015, to one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and honest services wire and mail fraud. Finley cooperated with the government’s investigation against John Raphael, an Ohio lobbyist, who pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Hobbs Act for his involvement in the scheme. On June 8, 2016, Raphael was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison.
From December 2005 to February 2013, Finley served as CEO of a red light camera enforcement company. During this time, she participated in a scheme in which the company made campaign contributions to elected public officials in the cities of Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati through Raphael, a consultant retained by the company. Finley and others, including another executive of the company, agreed to provide the conduit campaign contributions through Raphael with the understanding that the elected public officials would assist the company in obtaining or retaining municipal contracts, including a red light camera enforcement contract with the city of Columbus. Finley also admitted that she and her co-conspirators concealed the true nature and source of the payments by Raphael and the company’s payment of false invoices for “consulting services,” which funds Raphael then provided to the campaigns of the elected public officials.
The FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, Columbus Resident Agency, investigated the case with the assistance of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorney Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous of the Southern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
Central and Southern Ohio Heroin Trafficking Network DismantledRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The last of eight defendants guilty of distributing heroin, anabolic steroids and other drugs in central and southern Ohio has been sentenced in U.S. District Court, capping a two-year investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit Field Division, agencies participating in the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the sentences today. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson presided over the case.
The eight defendants who pleaded guilty to conspiracy are:
Mark Eubanks, 34, Columbus. Sentenced to 150 months in prison.
Donald Smith, 52, Columbus. 72 months.
Johnathan Nunez, 27, Wheelersburg, 41 months.
Gregory Workman, 51, Springfield. 36 months.
Timothy Mutter, 59, Franklin Furnace. 36 months.
Richard Glenn, 36, Portsmouth. 36 months.
Kent Whiteside, 32, Columbus. 18 months.
Trent Banks, 47, South Bloomfield. 36 months’ probation.
All except Banks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Banks pleaded guilty to trafficking anabolic steroids.
According to court documents, the FBI began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in central and southern Ohio in 2014. During the course of the investigation, agents identified Eubanks as a distributor of narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, MDMA and anabolic steroids. Eubanks used two residences and a storage unit in Columbus to conduct drug transactions and store narcotics, drug proceeds and firearms. As the investigation progressed, agents learned that Eubanks and his co-conspirators were distributing heroin and anabolic steroids in central and southern Ohio. Agents executed search warrants at various locations and seized quantities of heroin and MDMA, 200 vials of anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, ten firearms, ammunition, and more than $37,000 in cash.
A federal grand jury indicted the defendants in October, 2015.
Agencies in the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force include Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini, Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless and the police departments in Portsmouth, Jackson and Ironton.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the task force agencies, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Martinez and Deputy Criminal Chief Michael Hunter, who represented the United States in this case.
Member of Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to 108-Month Prison TermRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Josue Morales-Medina, 41, of Mexico was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 108 months in prison for his role in trafficking heroin laced with fentanyl in the Miami Valley.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, members of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel Paul A. Pride, announced the sentence handed down yesterday by U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.
According to court documents, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers stopped a vehicle in which Morales-Medina was a passenger on I-75 in Dayton in November 2015 for a traffic violation. Morales-Medina had approximately $298,000 in cash from trafficking drugs. Troopers contacted the Homeland Security Investigation’s Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force. Investigators went to a Dayton home used by Morales and others to store drugs. Inside the home, investigators found more than eight kilograms of fentanyl, nearly one kilogram of heroin and a firearm. They arrested Morales-Medina. He has been in custody since his arrest. He pleaded guilty on May 20, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Morales-Medina, an illegal alien from Mexico, faces deportation at the conclusion of his prison sentence.
United States Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by those involved in the HSI Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, along with State Highway Patrol officers and Montgomery County Sheriff deputies, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Hunt, who represented the United States in this case.
Grove City Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Roman Hernandez, 39, of Grove City, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possession with the intent to distribute heroin and to one count of money laundering. The plea agreement calls for a total custodial sentence of between 51 and 63 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott and other members of Central Ohio HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Drug Task Force announced the guilty plea entered before Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. The HIDTA Task Force is operated as part of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
According to court documents, this joint investigation revealed through surveillance, financial records, cooperating witnesses, and other investigative techniques, that between March 2013 and April 2013 Hernandez was involved in the sale of heroin.
On April 9, 2013 a search warrant was executed at 3260 Norwood Street, Columbus, Ohio. This was a home being rented by Hernandez and his girlfriend.
Before the search warrant was executed, Hernandez was observed driving away from the residence in his Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle was stopped by law enforcement and Hernandez admitted that between January 2013 and April 9, 2013 he had possessed with intent to distribute and distributed heroin. He acknowledged that proceeds from the sale of heroin would be located at his residence at 3260 Norwood Street, Columbus, Ohio.
During the course of the search warrant investigators seized in excess of $55,000 in U.S. currency. Investigators also found financial records and closing documents where Hernandez and his girlfriend had purchased a piece of real property located at 4870 Manitoba Road, Columbus, Ohio on April 2, 2013 for $70,000. The property had been purchased with cash.
Hernandez’s portion of the purchase price was $26,000. The funds had been withdrawn from his checking account in the form of a cashier’s check. The investigation documented that the funds used by Hernandez to purchase the property at 4870 Manitoba Road were proceeds he derived from sale of narcotics.
In addition, Hernandez agreed to forfeit a Cobra, Model M-11, 9mm handgun and a Sig Sauer, Model P250, 9mm handgun.
“The harm inflicted by heroin is matched only by the profit potential for those who sell it. Today’s guilty plea is the culmination of a lengthy effort in which IRS-CI worked with its law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of money -- the lifeblood that allows drug dealers to proliferate,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “This is an important victory for the citizens of Central Ohio. This individual not only fueled the drug problem in Central Ohio, but he supported addiction in several parts of the country.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Central Ohio HIDTA Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Prichard, who is prosecuting the case.
Miami University Agrees to Overhaul Critical Technologies to Settle Disability Discrimination LawsuitRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The U.S. Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve allegations that Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by using inaccessible classroom and other technologies.
Under the consent decree, which is pending court approval, Miami will make significant improvements to ensure that technologies across all its campuses are accessible to individuals with disabilities and will pay $25,000 to compensate individuals with disabilities. The agreement also requires reforms to Miami University’s technology procurement practices. These improvements will benefit all current and future Miami University students with disabilities.
As part of the consent decree, Miami University will, among other things:
- ensure that its web content and learning management systems conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 AA standards;
- meet with every student who has a disability for which he or she requires assistive technologies or curricular materials in alternate formats, and their instructors, every semester to develop an accessibility plan; and
- procure web technology or software that best meets various accessibility standards.
“Technology in the classroom and across campus provides the backbone for full and equal participation in college life,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement will ensure that students with disabilities can access and receive the full benefit of 21st century technology in higher education.”
“The courage of the students who participated in the United States’ investigation led to this broad agreement that touches the lives of all Miami students with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio. “This agreement between the Justice Department and Miami University will ensure full access to technology that is crucial to academic success.”
The Justice Department intervened in this case, Dudley v. Miami University, which was originally brought by a single student. The intervention expanded the case to ensure comprehensive relief under Title II of the ADA for all Miami University students with disabilities. In the complaint, the department alleged that Miami University uses technologies in its programs, services and activities that are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities, including current and former students who have vision, hearing or learning disabilities.
The department further alleged that Miami University failed to make these technologies accessible and otherwise failed to ensure that individuals with disabilities could interact with Miami University’s websites and access course assignments, textbooks and other materials on an equal basis with students who do not have disabilities. These failures deprived current and former students and others with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all of Miami University’s educational opportunities.
For more information or for a copy of the consent decree, please visit the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov. Those interested in finding out more about the ADA may also call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
Miami University Agrees to Overhaul Critical Technologies to Settle Disability Discrimination LawsuitRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve allegations that Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by using inaccessible classroom and other technologies.
Under the consent decree, which is pending court approval, Miami University will make significant improvements to ensure that technologies across all its campuses are accessible to individuals with disabilities and will pay $25,000 to compensate individuals with disabilities. The agreement also requires reforms to Miami University’s technology procurement practices. These improvements will benefit all current and future Miami University students with disabilities.
As part of the consent decree, Miami University will, among other things:
- ensure that its web content and learning management systems conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 AA standards;
- meet with every student who has a disability for which he or she requires assistive technologies or curricular materials in alternate formats, and their instructors, every semester to develop an accessibility plan; and
- procure web technology or software that best meets various accessibility standards.
“Technology in the classroom and across campus provides the backbone for full and equal participation in college life,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement will ensure that students with disabilities can access and receive the full benefit of 21st century technology in higher education.”
“The courage of the students who participated in the United States’ investigation led to this broad agreement that touches the lives of Miami University students with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio. “This agreement between the Justice Department and Miami University will ensure full access to technology that is crucial to academic success.”
The Justice Department intervened in this case, Dudley v. Miami University, which was originally brought by a single student. The intervention expanded the case to ensure comprehensive relief under Title II of the ADA for all Miami University students with disabilities. In the complaint, the department alleged that Miami University uses technologies in its programs, services and activities that are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities, including current and former students who have vision, hearing or learning disabilities.
The department further alleged that Miami University failed to make these technologies accessible and otherwise failed to ensure that individuals with disabilities could interact with Miami University’s websites and access course assignments, textbooks and other materials on an equal basis with students who do not have disabilities. These failures deprived current and former students and others with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all of Miami University’s educational opportunities.
For more information or for a copy of the consent decree, please visit the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov. Those interested in finding out more about the ADA may also call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
Miami University
Fraud Charges Filed Against Owner of Budget Finance CompanyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WV – A bill of information charging Donna S. Brown, 65, of Clarington, Ohio with wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering has been filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. Brown owns Budget Finance Company in New Martinsville, West Virginia.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Raymond P. Duda, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Pittsburgh Field Division; Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office; Tommy Coke, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia State Auditor and Securities Commissioner Lisa Hopkins; Commissioner Andrea Seidt of the Ohio Division of Securities; Acting Commissioner Dawn Holstein of the West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions; and Wetzel County Prosecutor Tim Haught announced the charges filed today.
The document charges Brown with one count each of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. Each crime is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release and restitution to the victims of the crimes.
The document alleges that Brown owned and operated Budget Finance company which was both a licensed consumer loan company and an unlicensed investment company. Between 2005 and 2015, she lured potential investors into investing funds with Budget Finance by promising annual returns of between 8 and 12 percent.
Brown mailed checks to investors who requested periodic payments and sent them fraudulent quarterly investment statements reflecting their account balances and interest paid. She also mailed investors IRS 1099 forms, but never sent those forms to the IRS.
“Because no substantial investment source existed to account for well over 800 investment accounts with investments exceeding $31 million, she used money from new investors to pay the existing ones,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “This type of scheme is known as a Ponzi scheme.”
Budget Finance closed suddenly in November 2015.
A plea agreement was filed along with the Bill of Information, indicating that Brown will admit to the crimes. The plea agreement says the loss in this case is more than $9.5 million and less than $25 million. The crimes resulted in substantial financial hardship to 25 or more victims.
“For years, Donna S. Brown preyed upon investors and defrauded them out of their hard-earned money in order to support her personal lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson, of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, “As a result of the scheme devised by Brown, many of the victims in this case lost everything, including their livelihoods and the retirement savings they worked throughout their lives to secure. The FBI is committed to pursuing financial predators like Donna Brown, and her conviction today reflects the resolve of the FBI; IRS-Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our partners in state and local government in pursuing those who commit financial crimes and steal from trusting individuals.”
“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 Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. "Ponzi schemes can thrive for a time on false claims but that time is gone. As today’s actions have shown, it's time for Donna Brown to be held responsible for her criminal actions. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to using our financial expertise to identify and trace laundered funds that are used to perpetuate these types of investor fraud schemes.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to strongly pursue its mission of investigating Mail Fraud crimes and protecting the US Postal Service and its customers,” said Tommy Coke, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Today’s challenging economy deems it critical that consumers guard against losing their hard-earned assets to fraud. Relying on the reputation of a financial advisor or their relationship with a friend or family member, is not enough. Investors must still verify information, especially if there are claims of outperforming the market.”
Glassman suggested victims monitor the progress of the case through the “Budget Finance Company, Inc.” tab on the home page of the U.S. Attorney’s Office website (www.justice.gov/usao/ohs), or call the hotline established for victims, 866-532-9098.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the agencies and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel A. Brown and Deputy Criminal Chief Brenda Shoemaker, who are representing the United States in this case.
Jury Convicts Man for Role in Transporting Heroin Hidden in Frame of CarRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A U.S. District Court jury convicted Carlos Pavon, 42, an illegal alien from Honduras, of conspiring with others to bring more than 2.5 kilograms of heroin hidden in the frame of a car into the Miami Valley.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and law enforcement agencies in the Homeland Security Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, announced the verdict returned late Friday, October 7 following a trial that began October 4 before U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
The jury convicted Pavon of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a crime punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison.
According to court testimony, task force officers investigating a lead provided by law enforcement officials in California questioned Pavon and two other men at a Dayton hotel in November 2014. After talking with the men, agents searched a car connected to them at the hotel. Officers found two loaded semi-automatic handguns and items often involved in weighing and repackaging heroin. A drug dog sniffed the car and indicated the presence of illegal drugs. Task force officers took the car to the Fairborn Police Department and found five bricks of heroin, a total of more than 2.5 kilograms, hidden in the frame of the car. Officers arrested the three men on a federal complaint. They have been in custody since their arrest.
“We continue to work with law enforcement agencies to reduce the supply of heroin in our region,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Hidden compartments or ‘traps’ are a common method used by drug traffickers and officers receive constant training on detecting these traps.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force led by Homeland Security Investigations include Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office, the Butler Township Police Department and the Miami Township Police Department.
"The number one way to target and dismantle a criminal group is to hit them where it hurts the most - in their wallets," said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge for HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. "This conviction and the guilty pleas of the other defendants are a testament to the immeasurable value of the Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force and the unique expertise and authorities each member agency brings to bear in these complex investigations."
A grand jury indicted Pavon along with Amilcar Antonio Cortez Grande, 32, an illegal alien from El Salvador, and Mario Felix, 45, Spring Valley, California in December 2014. Grande and Felix pleaded guilty before Judge Rice in May 2015 to conspiracy and firearms charges. Grande was sentenced in November 2015 to 90 months in prison. Sentencing is pending for Felix. Evidence showed that Felix had driven the car from California to Ohio to deliver the heroin to Pavon and Grande.
Judge Rice will schedule a sentencing hearing for Pavon. As an illegal alien, Pavon faces deportation after he serves time in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the federal, state and local agencies involved, and Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Healey and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vipal Patel, who are representing the United States in this case.
Columbus Division of Police Officers to Receive U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lawrence E. Geis and Scott B. Clinger with the Columbus Division of Police in Ohio will receive the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing for innovations in community policing.
Community Liaison Officers Clinger and Geis are being recognized for their work in innovations in community policing. The officers have worked diligently to address residents’ and business owners’ concerns regarding a rash of criminal activity and their success has led to an examination of several problem hotels and businesses in Columbus. The officers were instrumental in the adoption of a new city ordinance establishing safety rules for hotels and motels. As a result, crime and calls for service at hotels and motels have decreased significantly.
“The work by these two Columbus Police officers demonstrates the impact effective community policing can have on a community,” Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman said. “These officers are two of only 12 officers nationwide to receive this recognition from Attorney General Lynch.”
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing recognizes individual state, local, or tribal sworn police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in community policing. The winning officer(s) or deputy and/or deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: 1) Innovations in Community Policing; 2) Criminal Investigations; or 3) Field Operations. The ceremony will be livestreamed through the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov.
WHAT: U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing Awards Ceremony
WHO: Attorney General Loretta Lynch
WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2016
2:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: United States Department of Justice
Great Hall
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
Columbiana County man indicted for having unregistered silencersRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Brent See, 39, of East Palestine, with possession of unregistered firearms, said Carole S. Rendon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that beginning in June 2015 through on or about August 9, 2016, See knowingly possessed silencers not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
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 Probation 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.
Jury Convicts Northern Ohio Felon of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A U.S. District Court jury convicted Richard Jerel Doyle, 32, of Brooklyn, Ohio of illegally possessing a firearm when Columbus Police arrested him in March 2016.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Kimberley Jacobs announced the verdict returned September 27 following a two-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
A Columbus Police officer arrested Doyle on March 18, 2016 after a victim called police and said that Doyle drove up next to her while she was walking along Cleveland Avenue. The victim told officers that Doyle assaulted her with a loaded firearm and that she was able to run away from him. She telephoned 911 and reported the incident. An officer met with the victim and asked for a description of the man. According to testimony, the victim looked up, saw Doyle in his 1994 Cadillac Deville and said “That’s him! Oh my God.”
Doyle drove away and officers followed him before stopping him without incident along I-71. They searched his car and found a .380 caliber handgun and ammunition.
On July 27, 2016, a grand jury indicted Doyle, who had been convicted in Cuyahoga County in 2010 on charges of drug trafficking and drug possession and in 2005 on charges of sexual battery and robbery. Federal law prohibits people convicted of felonies from owning, possessing or controlling firearms. The same restrictions apply to ammunition.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Judge Sargus will schedule a sentencing hearing following a pre-sentence investigation by the court. Doyle has been in custody since his arrest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation by agencies on the ATF task force, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Salvador A. Dominguez and Jonathan J.C. Grey who represented the United States in this case.
Dealer of Herion/Fentanyl Mix Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – John Wade, 46, of Cincinnati has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl that led to the overdose death of a Clermont County man in 2015.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit Field Division, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, other members of the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force including the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification in Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office, and Union Township Police Chief Scott Gaviglia announced the sentence imposed September 26 by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents investigating the July 30, 2015 overdose death of the victim determined that he had purchased a heroin/fentanyl mixture from Wade that day. Investigators found drugs in a bag at the victim’s residence. Forensic examination found Wade’s DNA on the bag. Following additional investigation, task force officers arrested Wade on January 11, 2016. Wade pleaded guilty on May 23, 2016 to one count of distribution of a controlled substance (heroin and fentanyl).
“This case was the first case investigated by the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force,” Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “It demonstrates that cooperation between agencies produces significant results that help us track deadly drugs back to the source.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Oakley, who represented the United States in this case.
‘Rapper’ Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography as Music VideosRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Eric D. Chavis, 24, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 15 years in prison for directing and distributing music videos depicting child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and members of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, including Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, announced the plea entered into before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
Chavis pleaded guilty on June 7, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography. At the time of his plea, he admitted that he recorded sexually explicit video footage of three minor females and that he later edited that footage into “rap” videos. He admitted to posting the videos, as well as still images from the videos on numerous websites.
Judge Watson sentenced Chavis to remain under court supervision for ten years after he completes his prison term. While on supervised release, Chavis must register as a sex offender anywhere he lives, works or goes to school.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force – which was formed in 2012 and is part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and which also includes authorities from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Powell Police Department and the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office – as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and Jessica H. Kim, who represented the United States in this case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Results of Ongoing Efforts to Reduce Herion Trafficking in Southwestern OhioRead the Press Release
KETTERING, Ohio – In the past year, federal, state and local law enforcement partnerships in the southwestern Ohio have seized more than 35 kilograms of heroin and ten kilograms of fentanyl, and charged 96 people federally in 47 cases with trafficking heroin, including charging two people with providing the heroin that killed someone.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division,Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit Field Division, and members of the Montgomery County Drug Free Coalition announced the results today.
“We’ve opened a new federal case involving heroin trafficking roughly once every eight days,” Glassman said. “Unfortunately we’re still seeing a fatal heroin overdose in the region roughly once every two days. So we’re not announcing victory, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to continuing to fight the opioid problem in southwestern Ohio through enforcement, treatment and prevention.”
Investigators received almost $250,000 from the National Heroin Initiative in October 2015 to support officers and technology to investigate heroin and opiate trafficking crimes. Most of the cases are still working their way through the courts, but so far, 38 people have been convicted of heroin or opioid trafficking crimes during that period. Charges are pending against the remainder. Twenty-one have been sentenced to date with sentences ranging from one to five years. Trafficking heroin is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Two people face federal charges of providing a heroin/fentanyl mixture that resulted in the death of the victim, a crime punishable by at least 20 years and up to life in prison, if convicted.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to attempt to eradicate the supply of harmful drugs,” stated FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers. “We must also work with the community to try to prevent more people from becoming addicted to these substances. The Chasing the Dragon documentary is one good tool that can be used to better educate people about the dangers of heroin and other opiates.”
“A critical component to reducing the opiate and heroin abuse epidemic in this country is to continue to find effective ways to communicate the dangers of drug use. The ‘Chasing the Dragon’ documentary provides an up close look at the perils of abusing prescription painkillers and heroin, and should serve as a wakeup call for people to understand the danger and potential lethality of that behavior.”
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch designated the week of September 19-23 as National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week. Glassman made the announcement after a panel discussion with students at Fairmont High School in Kettering who had viewed the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict.”
“Because of the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin use among our young people in every community and every neighborhood across the U.S., we here in Kettering feel that it is imperative that schools step up and actively partner with law enforcement agencies and prevention and recovery agencies to educate our students about the dangers and life-changing consequences of opioid addiction,” said Scott Inskeep, Superintendent of Schools for the Kettering School District.
The FBI and DEA produced the video which is available for viewing at the FBI website, https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-chasing-the-dragon-the-life-of-an-opiate-addict/view, the DEA website, https://www.dea.gov/media/chasing-dragon.shtml, or on YouTube.
Former Frisch’s Employee Sentenced in SchemeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Michael Hudson, 53, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced in U.S. District Court today on one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relative to a scheme to defraud Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. (“Frisch’s”) by embezzling funds in excess of his authorized pay and compensation.
Hudson was sentenced to 60 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution to Frisch’s in the amount of $3,099,305.49, to Travelers Insurance in the amount of $505,000 and to the IRS in the amount of $969,697.81.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, announced the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
According to court documents, between 1992 and 2014 Hudson was employed at Frisch’s and between 2004 and December 2014 Hudson was the assistant treasurer for Frisch’s. While serving as assistant treasurer, Hudson made unauthorized wire or ACH transfers of funds from the Frisch’s bank accounts for his own benefit. For example, on one occasion, Hudson transferred money from Frisch’s bank account to a bank account in the name of WPMH Properties, LLC, which was a business owned and controlled by Hudson.
In total, between 2008 and 2014 Hudson embezzled $3,905,930.11 from Frisch’s as a result of this fraud scheme.
In addition, Hudson filed a false 2009 income tax return with the IRS. Specifically, Hudson embezzled $323,936.19 from Frisch’s in 2009, but failed to report it as income on his 2009 income tax return.
Also, for the 2010 through 2013 income tax years, Hudson failed to file an income tax return with the IRS in an effort to evade the payment of income taxes related to the embezzlement scheme.
The total amount of income taxes due and owing for the 2009 through 2013 income tax years was $969,697.81.
"The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel," said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "The federal tax laws are normally violated in these cases which can add to additional jail time. As we often see, the victims are not only the taxpayers, but also the individuals and entities who suffer the financial harm."
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan, who prosecuted the case.
Columbus Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Rackteering Conspiracy, Including Zanesville MurderRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Deshawn M. Smith, 29, of Columbus, Ohio pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to one count of racketeering conspiracy in connection with a case involving the organized criminal enterprise known as the Short North Posse. Smith’s trial was scheduled to begin on Monday, September 26.
As part of his plea, he took responsibility for one previously unsolved murder, Shane McCuen on March 11, 2008 in Zanesville.
Smith’s plea contains a sentencing range of at least 30 and up to 35 years in prison.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
A total of 20 individuals were indicted in the racketeering case with charges that included murders, attempted murders, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, witness tampering, extortion and robbery.
A United States District Court jury convicted five co-defendants of racketeering and murder in June. After a two-month trial, the group of defendants was convicted on all counts, which accounted for 10 of 14 previously unsolved murders. The trial for the final defendant is scheduled for November 28.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the two-year investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott’s Office, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien’s Office, Fairfield County Prosecutor Gregg Marx, Licking County Prosecutor Kenneth Oswalt, Muskingum County Prosecutor D. Michael Haddox, Ross County Prosecutor Matthew S. Schmidt, law enforcement leaders from those counties, officials of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys David DeVillers, Kevin Kelley and Brian Martinez, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Lowe of Franklin County Prosecutor O’Brien’s Office, who are representing the United States in the case.
Cincinnati Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Coercion and EnticementRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Martell A. Lowry, 27, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 144 months in prison for production of child pornography and coercion and enticement. The sentence also calls for him to be under court supervision for the rest of his life.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other members of the Regional Electronics and Computer Investigations Task Force (RECI) and Greater Cincinnati Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
Lowry used Facebook to contact young teenage boys for the purpose of soliciting sex from the juveniles. He offered to pay them to either let him perform oral sex on them or to send him nude photos of themselves.
The investigation identified more than 25 children as being victimized by Lowry. According to an indictment returned in April 2015, Lowry enticed and coerced at least 14 minors to engage in sexual activity.
Lowry pleaded guilty in July 2015 to coercion and enticement. While under court supervision, he will be required to register as a sex offender anywhere that he lives, works or goes to school.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, RECI and Greater Cincinnati ICAC, and Assistant United States Attorneys Christy L. Muncy and Timothy D. Oakley, who prosecuted the case.
Two Indicted for Dealing Herion Laced with CarentanilRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury today indicted two Cincinnati residents, alleging that they distributed heroin laced with carfentanil, a substance 10,000 times more powerful than morphine, causing serious physical harm to people who bought the drugs.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit Field Division, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, other members of the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force including the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification in Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office, and Springfield Township Police Department Chief Robert Browder announced the indictment.
The seven-count indictment alleges that Phillip Watkins, 31, and Jeanetta Crawford, 26, conspired in August 2016 to sell heroin from their residence in the Elmwood Place neighborhood of Cincinnati and that the drugs they sold resulted in serious physical harm including non-fatal overdoses to users.
Task force officers arrested Watkins and Crawford on a federal complaint on September 15 and brought them before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie K. Bowman, who ordered them held without bond.
“The indictment alleges that the defendants distributed heroin containing fentanyl and carfentanil,” Glassman said. “The indictment also charges the defendants with conspiracy and operating drug-involved premises. Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum 20-year sentence and up to life in prison if convicted of conspiring to deal drugs that resulted in serious physical injury.”
According to the DEA, carfentanil is an analogue of fentanyl and is 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Carfentanil is used in veterinary practice to immobilize large animals.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon stated, “As the DEA Special Agent in Charge of an area that incorporates Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, a week does not pass without me hearing from or about families who have been affected by the opioid epidemic. It is the job of the Drug Enforcement Administration to identify, target, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations at the local, state, and international level. The DEA is working hand in hand with our local partners in this ongoing fight. When a drug trafficking organization distributes opioid based drugs that result in an overdose or a death, the traffickers are drawing undue attention onto themselves. The DEA is prioritizing our resources to target these traffickers for the harm that they inflict on the people who are battling addiction.”
U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott will preside over the case and schedule the next court hearings. Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Oakley, who is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Third Man Sentenced in Altered Military ID ScamRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Michael Edwin Goins, 62, of Columbus was sentenced to 57 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to steal identities by using altered military identification cards at many “big-box” chain stores throughout Southern Ohio.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division and Reynoldsburg Police Chief Jim O’Neill announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District James L. Graham.
Goins, Harold Ross, 60, and Darrick Corley Hackney, 41, both also of Columbus, pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of conspiracy to commit identity fraud, aggravated identity theft and access device fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Ross was sentenced on August 29 to serve 71 months in prison and pay $152,719.18 in restitution. On June 17, Judge Graham sentenced Hackney to serve 27 months in prison and pay $24,250.07 in restitution.
In January 2015, Reynoldsburg police began investigating a series of six identity theft cases that appeared to be related. Each of the cases involved victims that had their personal identifying information used to open multiple credit card accounts at national retailers in Central Ohio. Most of the lines of credit used an altered United States Military Dependent ID card that had been stolen from a woman whose husband was serving out of the country.
To execute the scheme, Ross and Goins photographed other co-conspirators and gave them a fraudulent United States Military Dependent ID with the co-conspirator’s picture. The card would include some information of the true holder of the military ID, as well as the name and date of birth of the victim they were impersonating. Ross and Goins would often provide the co-conspirators with a list of items to purchase in the store once the line of credit was obtained. After the items were purchased, they would sell them on the street for half of the retail cost.
Upon executing search warrants, investigators found multiple documents containing personal identifying information of a number of victims, equipment used to produce ID cards and several appliances such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator, TVs, speakers and tablets that were typical of the fraudulent purchases.
The total loss between November 2015 and March 2016 is known to be more than $150,000, but the scheme included many more retailers who were unable to provide records.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and Reynoldsburg Police Department and Assistant United States Attorneys Deborah A. Solove and Jessica H. Kim, who represented the United States in this case.
Massage Parlor Owner Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hui Li, 47, of Columbus was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for promoting prostitution involving aliens unauthorized to work in the United States through massage parlors she owned in Columbus and Dublin, Ohio.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and members of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Documents filed with the court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office prior to sentencing say that Li used online classified ad websites to advertise massage parlors she owned. Li transported Asian female employees to and from her Columbus massage parlors on a daily basis. The employees worked for 11 to 12 hours per day, seven days a week. Interviews of the employees and online postings revealed that sexual favors were being performed at the massage parlors.
Li pleaded guilty on November 18, 2015 to one count of travelling in interstate commerce to promote unlawful business enterprise and one count of hiring aliens unauthorized to work in the United States.
Li, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was also sentenced to serve two years under court supervision after completing her prison term.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes authorities from the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Columbus Division of Police, the Powell Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office. He also commended Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Hill who represented the United States in this case.
Zanesville Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Porn via Video Game SystemRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio –Jordan M. Macenko, 21, of Zanesville, Ohio pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of receiving child pornography. He admitted to enticing an 11-year old victim in Columbus, Indiana to send an explicit photograph of himself using an online videogame system.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and agencies in the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael Watson.
According to court documents, in February 2016, the mother of an eleven-year-old boy in Columbus, Indiana called police regarding inappropriate photos of her son that she found in a PlayStation app on her phone, which was linked to her son’s account. Police interviewed the victim who told them that he had been communicating via his PlayStation system with a man who had offered him a $20 game card if he sent a photo of his genitalia. Investigators recovered evidence from the mother’s phone and the videogame system that led to Macenko.
A search of Macenko’s residence found evidence supporting the victim’s claims.
The plea agreement with Macenko includes a sentence of between 66 and 114 months in prison, followed by a period of time under court supervision to be determined by the judge. Judge Watson will schedule a date for sentencing.
“The key to this case is a vigilant parent who took action immediately when she found a threat to her child,” Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “We know that danger exists any time that anyone is online on any device.”
“As this case underscores, parents who are engaged with their children about safe online activities provide a critical barrier between young people and online predators,” said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. “Homeland Security Investigations will continue to aggressively target child predators, but parents, because of their proximity, and as this case clearly demonstrates, often act as the first line of defense.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the HSI, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Hill, who is prosecuting the case.
Clark County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – James Edward Risner III, 34, of New Carlisle, Ohio pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to producing and distributing child pornography involving a seven-year old victim.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly and Clark County Prosecuting Attorney D. Andrew Wilson announced the pleas entered Wednesday, September 14 before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington.
According to court documents, Risner engaged in various sexual activities with the victim at his home and business between July 2015 and November 2015, took pictures of the activities then shared the photos on various websites.
FBI agents and Clark County Sheriff’s deputies patrolling the Internet found the photos, traced them to Risner and arrested him in November 2015. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Risner’s plea agreement includes a sentencing range between 360 and 480 months in prison and a life term of supervised release following his prison term. U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black will determine whether or not to accept the terms of the plea agreement and if he does, will schedule a date for sentencing.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and Sheriff Kelly’s Office, Assistant United States Attorneys Dwight Keller and Sheila Lafferty, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Smith from the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office, who are representing the United States in this case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Chase A. Crump, 27, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 48 months in prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl, Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, who are all members of the Community Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence (CIRGV) announced the sentence handed down September 13 by U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
According to court documents, Dayton Police officers approached Crump as he was sitting in a parked car at 1819 West Third Street on March 2, 2016. The officers saw Crump holding a plastic bag containing illegal drugs. One of the officers saw a pistol protruding from between the driver’s seat and the middle console and told Crump he was under arrest. Crump fought with the officers, who subdued and arrested him. Officers seized a 9mm handgun, 53 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, five grams of cocaine, a scale, multiple cell phones and cash.
Crump’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions in Montgomery County Common Pleas court for trafficking in heroin, possession of heroin, and possession of cocaine. Crump was released from prison just a month before this offense.
Crump has been in custody since his arrest. He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2016 to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by those involved in the Community Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Hunt, who is representing the United States in this case.
Seventh Member of Oxycodone Money Laundering Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Tiauna Castro, 27, of Las Vegas pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to participating in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds from the illegal sale of Oxycodone in central Ohio.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Timothy Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Christopher White, Assistant Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
According to court documents, Castro deposited the proceeds from the illegal sale of Oxycodone to a bank account in Columbus that was held in the name of a front business. The account was actually controlled by someone Castro knew was trafficking illegally obtained pills from Las Vegas to Columbus.
Castro pleaded guilty to one count of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and agreed to forfeit $150,975.00 in currency.
Others convicted in the conspiracy include two people from Las Vegas, Danny R. Williams, 30, who was sentenced on July 28 to 90 months in prison, and Sukita M. Williams, 44, who is awaiting sentencing. Three people from Columbus have pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing, Rashod D. Todd, 29, Joquline D. Harris, 29, and Alfred David James Sr., 36. A fourth Columbus resident, Dontonyo Courtney, 22, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in August to 33 months imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the DEA, IRS, USPIS and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), as well as Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Hunter, Deputy Criminal Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, who is representing the United States in this case.
New York Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Role in Sales of Illegally Diverted Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Albert D. Nassar, 59, of New York City, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with the illegal sale of prescription drugs bearing false pedigrees that misrepresented the sources and origins of the drugs.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Antoinette Henry, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and Christopher White, Assistant Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sandra S. Beckwith.
Nassar pleaded guilty on April 21, 2015. According to court documents, Nassar, the owner of Worldwide Management Consultants, Inc., participated with others in a scheme between 2007 and 2009 to obtain prescription drugs from various illicit or unknown sources - known as diverted drugs - and then resell the drugs to unwitting wholesale drug companies using false pedigrees. The false pedigrees showed legitimate authorized distributors as the source of the drugs, when, the drugs were obtained outside lawful channels.
Other conspirators included Michael Schoenwald, 71, a Hollywood, Florida-based urologist, and Gregory Pfizenmayer, 46, the owner of G & D Enterprises in Foley, Alabama.
As part of the conspiracy, Schoenwald obtained Lupron, an injectable drug used to treat prostate cancer, from the manufacturer at discounted rates due to his status as a health care provider. Federal law prohibits the resale of such drugs by health care providers.
Nassar directed Schoenwald to ship the Lupron to Pfizenmayer, who in turn sold the drugs to wholesale drug companies, providing false pedigrees that concealed the illicit source of the drugs.
Other prescription drugs allegedly involved in the conspiracy included Procrit, used to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure, and Neulasta, used to prevent infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The drugs were shipped with the false pedigrees by mail to drug wholesalers in New Jersey, Mississippi and Ohio, and each conspirator received payments including by wire transfer.
Pfizenmayer pleaded guilty on February 2, 2011 and Schoenwald pleaded guilty on February 16, 2012. Both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and received sentences of one day in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FDA and Postal Inspectors, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Christy Muncy, who represented the United States in this case.
Former Police Officer Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Civil Rights Violations, Federal Program TheftRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former Reynoldsburg Police Officer Shane M. Mauger, 42, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 33 months in prison for using his position as a police officer to deprive people of their civil rights by falsifying search warrant affidavits and unlawfully seizing money and property during drug trafficking investigations.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, John F. Oleskowicz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Office, Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Judge Marbley also fined Mauger $40,000 and ordered him to remain under court supervision for two years after he completes his prison term. Mauger’s sentence includes a requirement that he perform four hours of community service per week while under court supervision.
According to a government document submitted to the court prior to today’s sentencing, Mauger engaged in systematic corruption in his roles as a police officer and as a supervisor. Mauger conspired with another police officer, Tye L. Downard, as far back as 2006 in a conspiracy that was both long-lasting and lucrative. Downard is deceased.
Mauger lied to judges in search warrant affidavits in support of drug trafficking investigations and admitted to stealing cash during and after police searches. The conspirators stole between $150,000 and $250,000 during the course of the conspiracy. Mauger removed some of the stolen cash from a safe when he found out that federal law enforcement agencies were investigating him.
On May 27, 2016, the court accepted Mauger’s guilty pleas to one count of conspiracy to deprive persons of civil rights and one count of federal program theft.
“Citizens rely on the truthfulness and integrity of law-enforcement officers,” Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “The overwhelming majority of the time, this faith is well-earned. But when someone breaks the laws he or she has sworn to uphold, the public trust is severely damaged.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Department of Justice OIG and DEA and Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Salvador A. Dominguez, and Jessica W. Knight, who represented the United States in this case.
Harrison County Man Pleads Guilty to Using Machine Gun During Robbery in Freeport, OhioRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nicholas T. Billman, 20, of Flushing, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to brandishing a machine gun while he robbed a general store in Freeport, Ohio on October 22, 2015.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Brad Earman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Harrison County Sheriff Ronald J. Myers announced the plea entered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp.
Billman pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of a business that is engaged in interstate commerce and one count of carrying and brandishing a machine gun during a crime of violence.
Testimony during the plea hearing confirmed that Billman entered the Hilltop General Store brandishing an AK-47 type rifle. Billman wore a handgun holstered on his right hip and a sheathed knife on his left hip. Billman robbed the store of cash and cigarettes then fled. A witness followed Billman but stopped after Billman fired three shots toward him.
Acting on information received from the public and other witnesses, investigators obtained a warrant and searched Billman’s residence two days later. They found an AK-47 similar to the one used in the robbery as well as other firearms and evidence indicating that Billman had committed the crimes. Forensic tests determined that the weapon was fully automatic. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Billman on state charges, then contacted ATF to pursue federal charges. A federal grand jury indicted Billman in February 2016. He has been in custody since sheriff’s deputies arrested him.
The plea agreement calls for a sentence of 25 years in prison, followed by five years of court supervision. Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham will review the terms of the plea agreement and schedule a date for sentencing, if the court accepts the terms.
“We appreciate the partnership with Harrison County law enforcement and the ATF agents who investigated this crime,” Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Violent crime touches all of the 48 counties in our district and we must be united to punish such crimes most effectively.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Prichard, who represents the U.S. in this case.