Eastern District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
United States and State of Wisconsin Secure False Claims Act Judgment of over $2.3 Million Against Substance Abuse Treatment ProviderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 2, 2023, United States District Judge Joseph P. Stadtmueller entered default judgment against Dr. Siamak Arassi and his clinic, Healing Corner, LLC, in the amount of $2,346,545.78 for violations of the False Claims Act.
As alleged in the United States and State of Wisconsin’s Joint Complaint in Intervention, Healing Corner and its sole practitioner, Dr. Arassi, caused the submission of false claims to the Wisconsin Medicaid Program by ordering excess Vivitrol, a medication used to treat alcohol dependance and prevent relapse to opioid dependance. Vivitrol is administered by a healthcare professional to patients monthly and reimbursed by Wisconsin Medicaid at approximately $1600 per injection. Despite prescribing, requesting refill, and receiving delivery of prescription Vivitrol from a specialty pharmacy, Healing Corner routinely did not administer the Vivitrol to the patient for whom it was prescribed, but instead, at the direction of Dr. Arassi, routinely ordered Vivitrol prescriptions in the name of former patients of Healing Corner, which were reimbursed by Wisconsin Medicaid. This practice generated a stockpile of excess Vivitrol, which Healing Corner administered to non-Medicaid patients for cash—often paying Healing Corner over $1000 out of pocket per month. Healing Corner also administered free samples of Vivitrol to Medicaid patients but still submitted claims to Medicaid for reimbursement.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes efforts to stop healthcare fraud and is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect health care program beneficiaries and the American taxpayers,” said U. S. Attorney Haanstad. “This judgment demonstrates our continuing efforts to combat violations of the False Claims Act.”
“Seeking reimbursement for medications that are not administered to the intended beneficiary for profit, undermines the integrity of medical professionals who we entrust to care for our most vulnerable populations,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue medical professionals and others who defraud our Federal health care programs.”
“Those who cheat the Medicaid system must be held accountable,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thank you to the investigators and prosecutors who have secured this significant judgment.”
The judgment includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Clarence Christiansen, the stepfather of a former Healing Corner patient. Healing Corner had ordered multiple Vivitrol prescriptions in the former patient’s name, which the former patient never requested and never received.
The resolution obtained in the matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Assistant United States Attorneys Maura Flaherty and Michael Carter represented the United States in this matter.
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Federal Jury Convicts Man of Voluntary Manslaughter and related charges on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 21, 2023, a federal jury in Green Bay convicted Duane A. Waupoose, Jr. (age: 28) of voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and use of a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of federal law. The offense related to an armed assault which resulted in the death of a man on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Waupoose and the victim were enrolled members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and formerly resided on the reservation.
The evidence presented at trial showed that around midnight on January 31, 2021, the defendant and others were approached by a group looking to fight another person. A fight broke out in the driveway of a home in the School View area of the Menominee Indian Reservation, and Waupoose received minor injuries after being shot. Waupoose then disarmed the man who shot him and pursued him down the driveway and into the street, striking him with the shotgun.
The evidence also showed that, after the man fled, Waupoose caught up with him approximately 40 yards down the road and repeatedly struck him on his face and head, causing multiple serious injuries which eventually resulted in his death.
“The jury’s verdict is the direct result of the collaborative effort and hard work of the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the FBI,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to working with its federal, state, local, and tribal partners to make all of our communities safer places in which to live and work.
Waupoose faces at least five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach on June 2, 2023.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, with assistance from the Menominee Indian Reservation Violent Crime/Safe Trails Task Force. The Safe Trails Task Force was formed in 2003 by the United States Attorney’s Office, Menominee Tribal Police, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Sheriff’s Departments and District Attorney’s Offices of the counties adjoining the reservation to investigate and prosecute violent crimes committed on tribal land.
Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Maier and Peter J. Smyczek prosecuted the case.
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Green Bay Man Sentenced to 10 years’ Imprisonment for Trafficking Fentanyl disguised as PercocetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 6, 2023, U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Bahron Berkley-Dolphin (age: 26) to a total sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and seven years’ supervised release after Berkley-Dolphin pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
In May 2022, investigators with the Brown County Drug Task Force stopped and arrested Berkley-Dolphin after he sold fentanyl pills to an informant. The fentanyl was in the form of counterfeit “Percocet” pills that Berkley-Dolphin obtained from illicit sources in Arizona. In all, the Arizona source shipped 4,000 fake Percocet pills to Berkley-Dolphin in Wisconsin. At the time Berkley-Dolphin delivered fentanyl, he was a convicted felon and possessed a loaded 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.
In sentencing Berkley-Dolphin, Judge Griesbach stressed that dealing fentanyl is dealing poison. The judge cited a recent report from the Drug Enforcement Administration that 6 in 10 pills tested at DEA Crime Labs contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. In 2021, DEA determined that 40% of pills were potentially lethal, but by 2022 the fatal dosage increased to 60% of tested pills.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Funnell.
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Federal Jury Convicts Two Green Bay Men of Trafficking Fentanyl disguised as PercocetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that February 16, 2023, a federal jury in Green Bay convicted Don A.K. James, Jr. (age: 24) and Frederick L. Brewer (age: 34) of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possessing Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute, and Distributing Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846.
The evidence presented at trial showed that in January and February 2022, Brewer sold fentanyl pills to an informant working with the Brown County Drug Task Force. The potentially lethal pills had been illicitly manufactured to resemble Percocet. After DTF arrested Brewer, they learned that James—Brewer’s brother—had negotiated with an Arizona-based source to buy thousands of counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl. James flew to Arizona in early January 2022 to buy at least 15,000 pills. While there, he sent a video to a large-scale buyer in the Green Bay area—the video showed that James had at least 19,000 pills to distribute.
The evidence also showed that James flew back to Wisconsin and boasted to the buyer that James now had 30,000 fentanyl pills and was ready to do business. Brewer conspired with and assisted James in the fentanyl-trafficking operation, including when James returned from Arizona with the “load” of pills. When James was arrested, he attempted to swallow a bag of 58 fentanyl pills. After a several-minute struggle, during which DTF investigators administered Narcan to protect James against a potential overdose, they forced James to spit out the still-intact bag. James feared that he had swallowed two pills and pleaded for additional medical help.
Investigators quickly summoned an ambulance, which transported James to the hospital for medical clearance. James later posted bail and was released, only to be re-arrested in June 2022 when he was found in possession of over 750 fentanyl pills with the intent to distribute.
“Across the country – including in the Eastern District of Wisconsin – fentanyl is cutting a deadly swath through families and communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The fact that traffickers like those convicted by the jury in this case are willing to increase the risk of overdoses by disguising this deadly substance as something less lethal is particularly disturbing. We are committed to working with all of our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to hold drug traffickers accountable for their actions.”
“I am appreciative of the ongoing collaboration between the Brown County Drug Task Force and our federal partners, specifically the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Wisconsin, to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations who poison our community by the distribution of fentanyl. We remain committed to keeping our community safe and holding drug dealers accountable for their illegal activities.“ Brown County Sheriff Todd J. Delain
Both defendants will be sentenced by Judge William C. Griesbach in May 2023.
James faces at least ten years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. James has multiple prior convictions, including a felony cocaine conviction that resulted in probation.
Brewer faces up to 30 years in prison. He has been previously convicted of multiple drug felonies, including possessing cocaine with intent to deliver in 2006, resulting in probation that was later revoked; two counts of delivering cocaine, one count of delivering fentanyl, and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to deliver, all in 2018, resulting in a four-year prison term. After Brewer was released early from prison in 2020, he committed the new offenses, resulting in another revocation and prison term that he is currently serving.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Funnell and Alex Duros.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Kenosha ArsonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 27, 2023, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Esmond King (age: 33) to 60 months in federal prison for arson of a building used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i). King, who entered a guilty plea to the offense last year, also will spend three years on supervised release following his prison term and will be required to pay over $271,000 in restitution related to the property damage caused by his offense.
According to court filings, King broke into Mary’s Beauty Salon in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the early morning of September 11, 2021. While inside, King used a combustible aerosol to ignite a fire inside the office within the salon. Officers arrested King as he exited the salon and brought him to the Kenosha Police Department for processing. The Kenosha Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. However, the fire and smoke had damaged not only significant portions of the salon but also businesses that shared the same building. While King was being taken into custody, he threatened to kill officers and their families.
“There is no excuse for the reckless and wanton destruction of property of innocent citizens and business owners,“ stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our law enforcement and community partners to protect all who live and work in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.”
“The investigation and prosecution of this individual as well as the sentence imposed illustrates the seriousness of this crime,” said Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Filed Division Jeffrey L. Matthews. “ATF stands shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s office to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) Chicago Field Division investigated the case, assisted by the Kenosha Police Department and Kenosha Fire Department and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.
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Four Individuals Indicted in Relation to Murder of Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 18, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against two Milwaukee men for their involvement in the murder of an on-duty United States Postal Service letter carrier on December 9, 2022, and against two Milwaukee women for providing false statements to law enforcement investigating that murder.
The indictment contains seven counts. Count One alleges that Kevin McCaa (age 36) and Charles Ducksworth Jr. (age 26) murdered or aided and abetted the murder of A.C., an employee of the United States Postal Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111, 1114, and 2(a). If convicted of Count One as charged, each individual would face a mandatory life sentence.
Count Two alleges that McCaa and Ducksworth Jr. discharged a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely First-Degree Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c) and 2(a). If convicted of Count Two, each individual would face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
Count Three alleges that on or about December 12, 2022, Shanelle McCoy (age 34) provided material false statements to law enforcement officers investigating the murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). The indictment alleges that McCoy falsely claimed to have been in possession of and using her vehicle for work on the day of the murder when, in fact, she had allowed McCaa to use her vehicle that day. If convicted of Count Three, McCoy faces up to five years in prison.
Count Four alleges that on or about December 27, 2022, McCaa unlawfully possessed ammunition after having been convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). On this count, McCaa faces up to 15 years in prison.
Count Five alleges that on or about December 27, 2022, Ducksworth Jr. possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute it, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D), a charge which carries up to a five-year prison sentence.
Count Six alleges that Ducksworth Jr. possessed a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), which triggers a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
Finally, Count Seven alleges that on or about December 28, 2022, and again on or about January 4, 2023, Lakisha Ducksworth (age 38) provided material false statements to law enforcement agents investigating the murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). The indictment alleges that Lakisha Ducksworth falsely stated that her residential surveillance equipment was not functioning and that she had not sent Ducksworth Jr. video footage from that system, when, in fact, the equipment was functioning, and she had sent Ducksworth Jr. video footage from her surveillance system (three days before the murder) showing A.C. delivering mail to her residence. If convicted, Lakisha Ducksworth faces up to five years in prison.
The defendants were indicted based on an investigation by the Milwaukee Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the Wauwatosa Police Department, and the Nevada Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Honrath and Abbey Marzick are prosecuting the case.
The public is cautioned that an indictment contains mere charges and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Jury Finds Milwaukee Man Guilty of Bank Robberies, Illegal Firearm Possession, and Conspiracy to Retaliate Against an InformantRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 11, 2023, a federal jury found Antoine L. Jackson (age 29) of Milwaukee guilty of all counts with which he was charged, including conspiracy to commit bank robbery, three bank robberies, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant.
The evidence presented at trial showed that between September 15, 2021, and December 23, 2021, the defendant was part of a robbery crew that committed multiple bank robberies in Milwaukee. The defendant was directly involved in three bank robberies, all at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7600 West Hampton Avenue. During the robberies, the defendant and his co-actors passed notes to tellers, threatening that unless they were given money, they would blow up the building or kill everyone inside the bank. Among other evidence, the government presented forensic evidence recovered from two of the crime scenes tying the defendant to the robberies.
The evidence also showed that the defendant possessed a firearm—and left his DNA on three parts of the firearm—when he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to having previously been convicted of a felony crime. Finally, the evidence also showed that after the defendant was arrested on January 26, 2022, he made calls from jail in which he provided instructions to have a suspected informant seriously injured.
Sentencing has been scheduled for April 13, 2023, before United States District Judge Lynn Adelman. At sentencing, Mr. Jackson faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the bank robberies, up to 20 years in prison for conspiring to retaliate against a suspected informant, up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and up to 5 years in prison for the overall conspiracy to commit bank robberies.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Margaret B. Honrath and Assistant United States Attorney Kate M. Biebel.
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Suamico and Kaukauna Car Dealer Sentenced on Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 5, 2023, John M. Solberg (age: 40) of Suamico, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, Solberg established “Backwoods Bargains,” a used car dealership located in Suamico, Wisconsin, in 2012. Ultimately, the dealership was renamed “Standard Pre-Owned,” and Solberg opened a second location in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, also named “Standard Pre-Owned.” While operating his dealerships, Solberg developed a scheme to defraud individuals that listed their vehicles for sale on Craigslist. Solberg would contact these individuals and offer to sell their vehicles on consignment from his car lots. Court records indicate that Solberg then would sell the consignment cars without paying the owners of the vehicle and would provide fraudulent vehicle titles to the purchasers.
At sentencing, Senior Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of Solberg’s scheme based on the emotional and financial toll he imposed on his victims. He also questioned whether Solberg truly accepted responsibility for his criminal acts. Though Solberg requested a sentence of probation, the judge determined that a 30-month term in federal prison was required to address the magnitude of the crime and to send a message to Solberg and others that taking advantage of people will result in serious consequences. After serving his prison sentence, Solberg will spend three years on supervised release. The Court also ordered Solberg to pay approximately $290,000 in restitution to his victims.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Kaukauna Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Julie F. Stewart.
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Kenosha Man Sentenced for Injuring Police Officer During August 2020 Kenosha RiotsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 5, 2023, Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced Ashton Howard (age: 29) to 60 months in federal prison for obstructing a law enforcement officer while that officer was engaged in his official duties during a civil disorder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 231(a)(3). Howard, who entered a guilty plea to the offense last year, also will spend three years on supervised release following his prison term and will be required to pay over $29,000 in restitution related to medical expenses resulting from his offense.
According to court filings, following the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020, Howard was part of a crowd that gathered near the location of the shooting. Some members of the crowd became violent, and a police vehicle was damaged. As Kenosha Police Officers attempted to secure and move the damaged vehicle, Howard threw a brick at one of the officers. The brick hit the officer in the head, knocking him unconscious. After the brick struck the officer, video showed the defendant nearby yelling “I dropped his b*tch ass! I dropped his b*tch ass!” The officer subsequently was transported to the hospital.
Court filings also indicate that Howard’s phone contained videos showing the victim being hit with the brick and several still images from the video showing the victim on the ground with emojis indicating “quiet” and “mouth shut.” After the assault, the defendant bragged to multiple individuals that he was the person who hit the officer on August 23.
“Every day, law enforcement professionals – like the police captain whom Mr. Howard hit in the head with a brick – make sacrifices and put their own lives and well-being on the line to protect all of us,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Unlike individuals who sought to peacefully voice concern over social and racial justice issues in Kenosha and elsewhere, Mr. Howard chose to engage in violence – intentionally injuring someone who was seeking to prevent further violence in his community. I commend the resilience of this officer in quickly returning to duty despite his injuries and for his continued service to all who live and work in Kenosha.”
"Violence directed at the men and women of law enforcement who are sworn to protect the people of Wisconsin is completely unacceptable," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. "The FBI will continue to use all available resources and will bring those to justice who assault law enforcement officers."
“Today’s sentencing of the defendant is reassuring that violence, especially when directed towards law enforcement, is never acceptable in our society,” said Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton. “The Kenosha Police Department is extremely appreciative of the work conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office regarding this case.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kenosha Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and John Scully.
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Milwaukee Man sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for fraudulent tax refund scheme.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 4, 2023, Francis T. Burns (52) was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for orchestrating a fraudulent tax refund scheme. Burns was also ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $1,127,960.45 and to spend two years on supervised release following his prison term.
In November 2020, a superseding indictment charged Burns with committing wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and submitting a false claim to the IRS, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1957, and 287. Burns went to trial and was convicted of all counts by a jury on October 5, 2022.
At trial, the United States proved that between 2016 and 2019, Burns engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS into paying millions of dollars in refunds to which Burns was not entitled. To obtain those refunds, Burns claimed to be filing returns on behalf of a non-existent estate or a trust he made up. Burns’ false tax returns attached and were based on fake 1099s that falsely claimed significant sums of income were withheld for federal taxes by third parties such as banks. In reality, Burns was unemployed and there was no estate, no trust, and no income.
Over the period of the scheme charged in the indictment, Burns filed false tax returns asking for refunds totaling more than $80 million. Burns also subsequently filed additional false returns asking for over $2 billion. Although Burns did not receive the majority of the money, he spent the refunds he did receive on an expensive house in Chicago, a Mercedes, and other personal expenses. The IRS later seized and forfeited a significant percentage of the money, the house, and the car. Burns’ fraudulent scheme ultimately caused over $1 million in losses to the IRS.
In announcing the sentence, United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman focused on the egregious nature of Burns’ continuing conduct despite receiving multiple warnings and communications from the IRS alerting him to the frivolous nature of his filings.
Judge Adelman noted that it was important to impose a significant sentence in order to send a message to other rational actors who might consider defrauding the IRS, particularly given that the United States’ tax system depends on the honesty of its tax-paying citizens.
“Today’s sentence is the direct result of Burns’ relentless efforts to defraud the IRS and line his own pockets at the expense of his fellow citizens,” states U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the hard work of all involved in seeking to hold Burns responsible for his actions and to seek justice for every individual in this country who pays his or her fair share of taxes.”
"Francis Burns engaged in a deliberate scheme to steal from the U.S. Treasury. In the process, he displayed a complete disregard for his fellow citizens," said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS - Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. "We are pleased that justice was served on behalf of honest taxpayers."
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and John P. Scully prosecuted.
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Marinette Man Arrested for Online Crimes Targeting Children.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 4, 2023, a criminal complaint was issued charging David A. Johnson (age: 36) of Marinette, Wisconsin, with attempted production of child pornography and the transfer of obscene material to a minor in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 1470.
The attempted production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration in federal prison upon conviction. The transfer of obscene material charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment. A conviction on either charge would require Johnson to register as a sexual offender.
According to the criminal complaint, Johnson engaged in sexual conversations with minors located in Ohio and Florida using various social media applications. Johnson sent digital images of his genitals to the minors and urged the minors to send sexually explicit images of themselves to him. Johnson also engaged with an individual whom he believed to be a minor child located in Wisconsin. That individual was in fact an undercover law enforcement agent investigating Johnson’s online activities.
This case is being investigated by the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the Marinette Police Department and the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Missouri Man Sentenced for Bringing Firearms to 2020 Kenosha UnrestRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 29, 2022, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Michael Karmo (42), of Hartsville, Missouri, to 64 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing firearms despite a prior felony conviction. Karmo, who had entered a guilty plea to the offense earlier this year, also will spend two years on supervised release following his prison term.
Court filings reflect the following. During the Summer of 2020, Karmo became intrigued by unrest taking place in various cities. On July 1, 2020, he texted a friend, “[A]ll I care about is f**king up antifas and black lives matters mother f**kers these days.” He indicated that he had been “driving back and forth across America going to where they be rioting the hardest.” On August 31, 2020, Karmo and a friend decided to drive from Missouri to the scene of unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Before leaving, Karmo took a photo of himself and his friend holding long guns and sent the photo to a woman in Iowa. Karmo also sent the woman a photo of a firearm with a large drum that he called the “game changer.” After Karmo and his friend stopped to see the woman in Iowa, she became concerned and called the police. FBI agents later arrested Karmo and his friend in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. At the time, Karmo and his friend were in possession of an AR-15 assault rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, two 9mm handguns, 67 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 131 shotgun shells, what appeared to be a homemade silencer, multiple high-capacity magazines, a firearm muzzle attachment, a drone, body armor, tactical gear, a dagger, a confederate flag, and other items.
Court filings indicate that Karmo’s phone contained videos in which Karmo: (1) detailed the firearms he had brought to Kenosha; (2) talked about being on the streets “when the thugs come out”; (3) stated that he would be ready to act if the police and National Guard were not “handling business”; (4) referred to protestors as “a bunch of victims”; and (5) indicated a desire to “lay out” a protestor chanting “Justice for Jacob Blake.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Kenosha Police Department, the Village of Pleasant Prairie Police Department, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, and the Waverly (Iowa) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard G. Frohling and Margaret B. Honrath.
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Three Individuals Charged in Relation to Murder of Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 28, 2022, a federal criminal complaint had been issued charging three individuals with offenses related to the killing of an on-duty United States Postal Service letter carrier on December 9, 2022.
The complaint alleges that Kevin McCaa (age 36) and Charles Ducksworth Jr., (age 26), both of Milwaukee, murdered or aided and abetted the murder of a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111, 1114, and 2(a). The complaint also alleges that McCaa and Ducksworth Jr. discharged a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c) and 2(a). If convicted of either offense as charged, each individual would face up to life in prison. Discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence also triggers a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
The complaint also charges another Milwaukee resident, Shanelle McCoy (age 34), with providing materially false statements to law enforcement investigating the murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2), a charge that carries a sentence of up to five years, and committing misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4, an offense which carries a sentence of up to three years.
The complaint also contains additional charges against McCaa and Ducksworth Jr. The complaint alleges that on or about December 27, 2022, Ducksworth Jr. possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute it, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D), a charge which carries up to a five year sentence, and possessed a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), which would result in a sentence of five years to life upon conviction.
Finally, the complaint alleges that on or about December 27, 2022, McCaa possessed ammunition despite being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). The offense of unlawful possession of ammunition carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
“Today’s charges are the direct result of the tireless efforts of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Milwaukee Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and other federal, state, and local partners,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the hard work and collaboration of all involved in seeking justice for the victim, his family, and his loved ones. This office remains fully committed to seeking to hold those responsible for acts of violence fully accountable for their actions.”
“The FBI sends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier Aundre Cross,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI continues to work with our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Milwaukee Police Department to bring those responsible for this senseless crime to justice. The multiple arrests made yesterday represent the unrelenting efforts of these law enforcement partnerships to protect the people of Wisconsin and represents an opportunity for the loved ones of Mr. Cross to begin their healing process. Anyone responsible for crimes against federal employees who are doing their jobs in service of the American people will be investigated and held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
“These arrests should make very clear to criminals everywhere that the Postal Inspection Service will not rest when it comes to solving attacks like this,” said Chicago Division Acting Inspector in Charge Kai Pickens. “If you harm one of our employees, we will find you and put you behind bars. My thanks to everyone who contributed to identifying, locating, and apprehending these suspects. Though no words can ever undo this terrible crime, we can at least say that these arrests are another step toward securing justice for Aundre Cross.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) appreciates the diligent work and effort of the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, MPD members and other agencies that collaborated to bring charges against the individuals responsible for the murder of U.S. Postal Carrier Aundre Cross. I am proud of the hard work of all the agencies involved. We are one step closer to bringing these individuals to justice. I and the entire Milwaukee Police Department send our sincere condolences to the Cross family and to the USPS for their loss.” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
The defendants were charged based on an investigation by the Milwaukee Police Department, The United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and the Wauwatosa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Honrath and Abbey Marzick are prosecuting the case.
The public is cautioned that a complaint is merely a charge and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Fifteen Defendants Charged in a Multi-State Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 13, 2022, a federal grand jury sitting in Milwaukee returned a Superseding Indictment charging fifteen defendants with offenses related to a drug-trafficking organization that obtained kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana from California for distribution in the Milwaukee, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Chicago areas. Many of the individuals were also charged in a money laundering conspiracy based upon their alleged use of business accounts to conceal drug proceeds. Multiple defendants also are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Included among the defendants is Phillip Daniels, Sr., also known as “Dr. Phil,” who is alleged to be the current leader of the organization. According to a criminal complaint, Phillip Daniels, Sr. obtained fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana from suppliers in California and arranged to have the substances shipped to addresses in Milwaukee and the St. Paul/Minneapolis area. The organization also is alleged to have obtained and sold counterfeit oxycodone pills, which contained fentanyl or methamphetamine. According to court records, a financial investigation revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization funneled over two million dollars in proceeds into bank accounts associated with various businesses.
The defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment are as follows:
Name
Residence
Phillip Daniels, Sr. (age 46)
Milwaukee, WI
Roy Henton, a/k/a “Pops”(age 64)
Milwaukee, WI
Joathan I. Colula (age 30)
Los Angeles, CA
Julio Barraza (age 48)
Chino Hills, CA
Deonte Edwards (age 27)
Van Nuys, CA
Jimmy Gonzalez-Macias (age 25)
Anaheim, CA
Jameel Bradley, Sr., a/k/a “Chris,” a/k/a “Black” (age 37)
Forest Park, IL
Michael O. Williams (age 41)
Brooklyn Park, MN
Joelle Massey (age 30)
Milwaukee, WI
Kevin Nelson (age 47)
Milwaukee, WI
Ramona Fryer (age 28)
Eagan, MN
Carla Smith (age 46)
North St. Paul, MN
Itzel Cruz-Gonzalez (age 26)
Forest Park, IL
Dominique Lewis (age 27)
Milwaukee, WI
Betty J. Daniels (age 46)
Lomira, WI
According to court records, on November 29, 2022, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers executed search warrants in Milwaukee, Chicago, Minnesota, and California, resulting in the seizure of over 10 kilograms of fentanyl (comprised of over 5 kilograms of pressed fentanyl and over 5 kilograms of fentanyl in pill form), approximately 7 ½ kilograms of cocaine, more than one kilogram of methamphetamine (comprised of crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine pills), nearly 2 kilograms of heroin, ecstasy, oxycodone, approximately 170 pounds of marijuana, marijuana edibles, over $450,000, and 19 firearms.
“The charges announced today are the direct result of the tireless work and collaboration of dozens of dedicated law enforcement professionals from federal, state, and local law enforcement in Wisconsin and across the country,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Ingesting just two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal for some users, and law enforcement’s work resulted in seizing over 10 kilograms of this lethal substance from alleged members of this organization in a single day. I commend the efforts of all involved in this incredibly important effort.”
“The DEA is grateful for the collaboration and partnership of our local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said John G. McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Milwaukee District Office. “Engaging our local partners, especially through the task force officer model, is vital to bringing dangerous drug traffickers to justice.”
Thirteen defendants are charged in a conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. One defendant is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison. Certain defendants are also charged in a conspiracy to launder money. Furthermore, certain defendants are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
If convicted of those charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to life in prison. Two of the defendants are also charged with possessing an automatic firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which if they are convicted of those counts, face a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and up to life in prison.
The defendants were charged based on a long-term investigation, “Operation Platinum Ghost,” led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Group and the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, all of whom were assisted by the Milwaukee Police Department, including the Special Investigations Division, the Tactical Enforcement Unit, Districts Two, Four, and Seven, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Allis Police Department, the Dodge County Police Department, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the South Shore Joint Tactical Unit, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, the Greenfield Police Department, the Brookfield Police Department, the City of Waukesha Police Department, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, the Dakota County Drug Unit, the Apple Valley Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Anaheim Police Department, Los Angeles HIDTA Groups 44, 50, 51, and 52, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Major Narcotics Bureau.
Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Monfils and Erica Lounsberry are prosecuting the case.
The public is cautioned that a Superseding Indictment is merely a charge and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Keshena Man Indicted for Drug and Firearms Offenses on Menominee Indian Reservation.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 13, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Peter D. Boyd (age 36), of Keshena, Wisconsin, with controlled substance and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charged Boyd with the following counts:
COUNT
CHARGE
PENALTY
One
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)
Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years in prison.
Two
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years, up to life in prison.
Boyd also faces a period of supervised release, possible fines, and a special assessment for each count if convicted.
According to filed court documents, on or about October 15, 2022, Boyd possessed 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of the intended distribution of the methamphetamine.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Kansas Man Indicted for 2019 Child Sexual Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 13, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man with a sexual assault of a child reportedly committed in 2019 on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Gerald L. Pamaska, Jr., (age 54) formerly of Keshena and currently residing in Lawrence, Kansas.
The indictment charges Pamaska with Aggravated Sexual Abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c) and 1153(a). If convicted, Pamaska faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 30 years and up to life in prison. Pamaska also faces supervised release and potential fines if convicted of the charge.
According to filed court documents, on or about July 25, 2019, Pamaska engaged in a sexual act with a child who was under 12 years of age at a location on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oconto County Man Indicted for Child Pornography ProductionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 6, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Rocky R. Sonkowsky (age: 32) of Oconto, Wisconsin, on a single-count of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a).
The indictment alleges that between approximately May 25, 2021, and June 25, 2021, Sonkowsky “employed and used a minor” for the purpose of creating a “visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.”
If convicted of the charge, Sonkowsky faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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California Man Charged with Eleven Financial Crimes Related to Former Wisconsin Law FirmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced that on December 6, 2022, Matthew Browndorf (age: 52) was charged with eleven financial crimes associated with the Wisconsin law firm formerly known as BP Peterman.
According to the indictment, Browndorf owned and operated a holding company named Plutos Sama, LLC (“Plutos Sama”). Through Plutos Sama, Browndorf owned subsidiary law firms across the United States, including BP Peterman, which was based in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Browndorf, as Plutos Sama’s CEO, was responsible for ensuring that Plutos Sama and BP Peterman appropriately collected and remitted payroll taxes, filed the appropriate payroll tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), remitted funds associated with their employee pension benefit plan, and remitted funds associated with their health care benefit program. The indictment alleges that Browndorf unlawfully failed to fulfill these obligations, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202, and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 664 and 669.
Browndorf is currently facing a separate federal prosecution in the District of Maryland.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Knight.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to Ten Years’ Imprisonment as Member of Maritime Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 2, 2022, Jose Crespo-Lorenzo, a/k/a “El Colombiano” (age: 60) of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Section 70506(b).
According to court documents, beginning around October 2019, Crespo-Lorenzo and others sought to coordinate the maritime shipment of bulk quantities of cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. Crespo-Lorenzo, who was in the Dominican Republic at the time, and his Dominican-based associates planned to release a cocaine-laden vessel near Miches, Dominican Republic. The vessel would meet a maritime crew sent by David Quinones-Quinones, a Puerto Rican-based cocaine trafficker, at agreed coordinates, which corresponded to a location approximately seven miles southwest of the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge. At the designated meet location, Crespo-Lorenzo’s crew planned an at-sea transfer of 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) of cocaine with Quinones-Quinones’s crew. Quinones-Quinones would supply other Puerto Rican-based traffickers who were responsible for sending kilogram-quantities of cocaine to various locations in the continental United States, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Court records indicate that on November 16, 2019, Crespo-Lorenzo and his Dominican-based associates released a cocaine-laden vessel from a location near Miches with the expectation that it would meet Quinones-Quinones’s maritime crew to conduct an at-sea transfer at the agreed coordinates. Yet, in the early-morning hours of November 17, 2019, Crespo-Lorenzo’s maritime crew spotted what they suspected was a Coast Guard patrol and dumped the cocaine load into the water.
Although Crespo-Lorenzo and Quinones-Quinones agreed to arrange a subsequent maritime cocaine load, the plan did not come to fruition as Quinones-Quinones was arrested in January 2020 in relation to the investigation underlying this prosecution, and he currently is serving a 130-month sentence in federal prison
According to United States Attorney Haanstad: “This case demonstrates an extraordinary effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement to hold accountable those involved in international drug-trafficking activity designed to flood the streets of the United States and other parts of the world with harmful controlled substances.”
“The sentence imposed reflects the commitment of the DEA, alongside our local and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners, to hold accountable external actors seeking to inflict harm upon our communities through the trafficking of illicit, deadly drugs,” said John G. McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Milwaukee District Office.
“Complex, collaborative investigations that dismantle large-scale drug trafficking operations help stem the supply of illegal drugs into Wisconsin communities,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the many law enforcement officers, including Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation agents, who worked on this significant investigation.”
This prosecution is the product of a multi-year investigation into international drug-trafficking activity, including maritime shipments of bulk quantities of cocaine ultimately intended to reach various locations within the continental United States (such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin) or elsewhere. The investigation was led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Milwaukee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Gail Hoffman prosecuted the case.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Defraud Medicare and Medicaid.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 18, 2022, David Guerrero, Jr., was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. Guerrero was also ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid.
Court records in the case established the following. Guerrero worked at two Milwaukee-area medical clinics. Beginning in 2016, Guerrero engaged in a years’ long scheme to refer patients to pharmacies owned by his co-defendant, Alexander Shister, for expensive compound pain creams in exchange for illegal kickback payments. Although he is not a licensed medical provider, Guerrero used his access to private medical records at the clinics to identify patients who could plausibly need the pain creams and then ordered the pain creams from Shister’s pharmacies without the patients’ knowledge or consent. As a result of the scheme, Medicare and Medicaid paid Shister’s pharmacies about $1 million for medically unnecessary pain creams, including creams not even received by patients. Guerrero received over $100,000 in kickbacks from Shister for his role in the scheme. In addition, Guerrero engaged in another kickback scheme with a medical laboratory company, receiving over $150,000 in kickbacks in exchange for ordering urine drug tests that doctors at the clinics generally did not approve or review. In August 2022, Guerrero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. Shister has previously plead guilty for his role. His sentencing is set for January 13, 2023.
At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Guerrero’s crime, including the length of the fraudulent scheme and the significant losses suffered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Judge Stadtmueller further noted that Guerrero violated the trust of patients by using their private medical information without their knowledge or consent in order to implement the scheme and earn his kickback payments.
“Medicare and Medicaid only pay for medications and services that are actually needed to treat patients, not items ordered by individuals working in the medical field to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Guerrero took advantage of his access to patients’ private medical information to order millions of dollars of unnecessary pain creams and drug tests, all so that he could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars of illegal kickbacks. This office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to prevent kickback schemes and other frauds against the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“The billing of medically unnecessary medications and tests, as well as the payment of kickbacks to induce those referrals to a federal health care program is illegal,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those who seek to defraud federally funded health care programs accountable.”
"The defendant thought he could get away with criminal activity, accessing patient’s medical records without their knowledge and using that information for personal financial gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “Working with his co-defendant, they conspired to receive significant payments of nearly $1 million from Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary medical products. They also received over $150,000 in kickbacks from a medical lab. The FBI continues to stand with our local, state, and federal partners to identify, investigate, and bring these offenders to face justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Michael Carter handled the prosecution.
###
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Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 17, 2022, Jovante L. Champion (age: 31) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after being convicted at trial of four felony crimes: sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; interstate transportation for prostitution; sex trafficking of a child and by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The evidence at trial proved that Champion was a member of a Milwaukee gang known as “Everything Business,” an offshoot of a violent Chicago-based street gang known as the Black P. Stone Nation. Champion used his position within the gang and false promises of love and financial security to recruit two victims, one when she was 20, and the other after she had just turned 16. Thereafter, Champion used physical force, complex layers of coercion, his possession of a firearm, and the backing of his gang to sell his victims for commercial sex in Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas. Numerous exhibits introduced at trial included Champion’s own words detailing his trafficking crimes. These exhibits included, among other things, text messages and Facebook posts and messages.
At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the enduring impact of the trauma Champion’s victims experienced, both at the time of the trafficking in 2019, as well as when the victims re-lived those events during trial. Judge Stadtmueller described sex trafficking as a “horrible, pernicious activit[y],” often committed against the most vulnerable in our community, particularly minors. He also commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the local agencies in Wisconsin and Texas, that worked collaboratively to hold Champion accountable.
“The evidence in this case – including his own messages and social media posts – demonstrated that Mr. Champion had no problem abusing and dehumanizing others for his own financial benefit,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “This office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to support and seek justice for trafficking victims like those upon whom this defendant preyed.”
“Human trafficking is a devastating crime which physically and mentally scars victims for life,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “Through the outstanding collaboration of our local, state, and federal partnerships, we will continue to seek justice for all victims and ensure the perpetrators of these crimes face the full consequences of their actions.”
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime, and, with this sentence, the defendant will spend a long time behind bars,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the outstanding agents and analysts in Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation who worked on this investigation and helped bring the defendant to justice.”
hThe FBI and the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the case with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Katherine M. Halopka-Ivery prosecuted the case.
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Vehicle Arson on Menominee Indian Reservation to Cover up Overdose Death Leads to Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that the following three individuals received prison sentences related to an overdose death in Green Bay and a vehicle arson on the Menominee Indian Reservation:
- Timothy M. Snider, Jr. (Age: 29), of Green Bay, Wisconsin;
- Emerson K. Reed (Age: 36), formerly of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and
- Kayla M. Childs (Age: 34), formerly of Shawano, Wisconsin.
The sentences, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, were the result of guilty pleas entered by the defendants to charges in an indictment returned in June 2021 and can be summarized as follows:
Defendant
Charges of Conviction
Months of Confinement
Months of Supervised Release
Timothy M. Snider, Jr.
- Distribution of Heroin
- Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Felony Drug Offense
- Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice
Total of 150 months
120 months
Emerson K. Reed
- Arson in Connection with a Federal Felony
120 months
60 months
Kayla M. Childs
- Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice
30 months
36 months
According to publicly filed court documents, the investigation began in August 2020 with the discovery of a burned-out vehicle in a remote area of the Menominee Indian Reservation. The vehicle contained the remains of a missing woman from Green Bay. Investigators were able to determine the vehicle and woman were in Green Bay on August 3, 2020. Dozens of interviews and corroborating information collected through court orders showed that the woman used social media to communicate with and subsequently purchase heroin from Snider at his home on the afternoon of August 3, 2020. The woman then overdosed, at which point Snider, Reed, and others conspired to conceal her death.
Reed contacted another man, and on August 4, 2020, Snider and Reed transported the woman’s remains and vehicle to the Menominee Indian Reservation. Reed later met with Childs and the other man, and the three moved the vehicle and remains to a remote area of the reservation off County Highway M near State Highway 55. Reed and the other man doused the vehicle interior and exterior with gasoline and other liquids and set it afire. The fire nearly destroyed the remains and vehicle.
The other man was indicted but committed suicide shortly after his first court appearance.
In sentencing the defendants, Senior Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crimes, observing that the sentencing guidelines set for the offenses did not address situations and actions like those of the defendants. Judge Griesbach also remarked upon the pain and emotional damage done to the woman’s family and many others through the defendants’ egregious acts. Finally, Judge Griesbach observed the need to deter those who might consider similar actions.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with support from the Brown County Drug Task Force, Wisconsin State Fire Marshal, Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center, and Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court.
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Brookfield Doctor Sentenced to Eighteen Months’ Imprisonment for Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on October 27, 2022, Dr. Manuel Thomas (age: 49), a former pediatrician, had been sentenced by United States District Judge Lynn Adelman to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and maintaining a premises for the purpose of unlawfully distributing controlled substances.
According to court records, Thomas previously had pled guilty to both counts, acknowledging that he had distributed controlled substances, including powerful opiates, for years, in a manner outside of a professional medical practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
At sentencing, the United States requested that the Court impose a term of imprisonment based on a variety of factors, including evidence that Dr. Thomas had provided opiates to patients he knew were already addicted to controlled substances, in exchange for cash and pills for his own personal use.
“Medical professionals who prescribe controlled substances not for a medical purpose but instead to line their own pockets violate both their oaths to do no harm and also federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold those doctors who are fueling the opioid crisis accountable for their actions.”
“The DEA will continue keeping Wisconsin families safe from the dangerous and illegal actions taken by medical practitioners who do not adhere to the Controlled Substances Act,” said John G. McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-Wisconsin.
“The FBI takes medical misconduct very seriously,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “along with our partners, we will aggressively pursue offenders who take advantage of vulnerable patients for their own personal gain.”
After completing his term of imprisonment, Thomas also must spend three years on federal supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Knight.
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U.S. Attorneys Announce District Election Officers for Eastern & Western Districts of WisconsinRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Wisconsin’s United States Attorneys, Gregory J. Haanstad and Timothy M. O’Shea, announced today that four Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) will lead their offices’ efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSAs Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District, and AUSAs Daniel Graber and Meredith Duchemin have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western District. In that capacity, these AUSAs are responsible for overseeing their Districts’ handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Haanstad said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, 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 interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney O’Shea stated that, “Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs/DEOs Ladwig, Kovoor, Graber, and Duchemin will be on duty while the polls are open.”
The AUSAs/DEOs may be reached by the public at the following numbers:
AUSA/DEO Ladwig at 414-297-4103
AUSA/DEO Kovoor at 414-297-1721
AUSA/DEO Graber at 608-250-5468
AUSA/DEO Duchemin at 608-250-5496
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 office can be reached by the public at 414-276-4684, option 7.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
U.S. Attorneys O’Shea and Haanstad said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.s. Attorneys Announce District Election Officers for Eastern & Western Districts of WisconsinRead the Press Release
Wisconsin’s United States Attorneys, Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District and Timothy M. O’Shea of the Western District, announced today that four Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) will lead their offices’ efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 8, 2022, general election. AUSAs Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District, and AUSAs Daniel Graber and Meredith Duchemin have been appointed to serve as DEOs for the Western District. In that capacity, these AUSAs are responsible for overseeing their Districts’ handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Haanstad said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, 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 interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney O’Shea stated that, “Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs/DEOs Ladwig, Kovoor, Graber, and Duchemin will be on duty while the polls are open.”
The AUSAs/DEOs may be reached by the public at the following numbers:
AUSA/DEO Ladwig at 414-297- 4103
AUSA/DEO Kovoor at 414-297-1721
AUSA/DEO Graber at 608-250-5468
AUSA/DEO Duchemin at 608-250-5496
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 office can be reached by the public at 414-276-4684, option 7.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
U.S. Attorneys O’Shea and Haanstad said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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Milwaukee Public Relations Firm to Pay $2.25 Million to Resolve Allegations It Wrongfully Received a Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 13, 2022, BVK, Inc., agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a claim arising from its participation in the Small Business Administration’s second-draw Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan program.
Congress created the PPP loan program in March 2020 in an effort to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive loans guaranteed by the SBA and, if the business spent the loan proceeds on qualified expenses, SBA would repay the loan on the borrower’s behalf.
In December 2020, Congress authorized certain borrowers who received an earlier PPP loan to obtain an additional “second-draw” loan. The second-draw loans included additional eligibility requirements, including a rule that any organization required to register with the Attorney General under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”) was not permitted to receive a second-draw loan. A FARA registration obligation is triggered by certain work performed on behalf of foreign governments.
BVK is a public relations firm with its primary office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. BVK received both a first and second draw PPP loan. The government alleges that at the time BVK applied for the second-draw loan, it was performing public relations work on behalf of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. According to the government, this work triggered a FARA-registration obligation, which in turn rendered BVK ineligible for a second-draw PPP loan. However, BVK applied for and received a $2 million second-draw loan, which SBA later repaid. BVK’s loan application did not disclose its FARA-registration obligation.
The government’s investigation resulted from a whistleblower complaint filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The whistleblower will receive a share of the settlement. This case is pending as United States ex rel. GNGH 2, Inc. v. Birdsall Voss & Associates, Inc., No. 21-c-1437.
Assistant United States Attorney Carter Stewart represented the government in this matter. The settlement agreement states allegations only; BVK does not admit liability for the allegations.
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Nigerian National Charged with International Narcotics Conspiracy and Attempted International Narcotics Distribution.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the transfer of Nigerian national Paul Francis Odhiambo Oyugi (a/k/a “Obi”), age 59, from Haiti based on an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On October 6, 2022, Oyugi had his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On October 7, 2022, Oyugi was ordered detained pending trial.
On July 19, 2022, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Wisconsin returned an indictment against Oyugi alleging one count of international drug trafficking and one count of attempted international drug trafficking. According to the indictment, from approximately January 2019 through July 10, 2022, Oyugi conspired with others to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the heroin and cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The indictment also alleges that on July 10, 2022, Oyugi attempted to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The DEA Milwaukee Field Office and the DEA Port-au-Prince Country Office investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Haitian National Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice, provided substantial assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Gail J. Hoffman of the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case.
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Milwaukee Man convicted for scheme to obtain over $80 million in fraudulent tax refunds.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 5, 2022, Francis T. Burns (52) was convicted after a two-day jury trial. Burns was indicted on December 17, 2019, and a superseding indictment was filed on November 17, 2020. The superseding indictment charged Burns with committing wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and submitting a false claim to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1957, and 287.
At trial, the United States proved that between 2016 and 2019, Burns engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS into paying millions of dollars in refunds to which Burns was not entitled. To obtain those refunds, Burns claimed to be filing returns on behalf of an estate or a trust that in reality did not exist. Burns’ false tax returns attached and were based on fake 1099s that falsely claimed significant sums of income were withheld for federal taxes by third parties such as banks. In reality, Burns was unemployed and there was no estate, no trust, and no income.
Over the period of the scheme, Burns filed five false tax returns asking for refunds totaling more than $80 million. Although Burns did not receive the majority of the money, he spent the refunds he did receive on an expensive house in Chicago, a Mercedes, and other personal expenses. The IRS later seized and forfeited a significant percentage of the money, the house, and the car.
Burns is scheduled to be sentenced before Hon. Lynn Adelman on January 4, 2023. He faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the mail and wire fraud convictions, up to ten years’ imprisonment on the money laundering charges, and up to five years’ imprisonment for filing a false claim. He also faces three years of supervised release for each count.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and John P. Scully prosecuted.
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Green Bay-Based In-Home Caregiving Service Agrees to Pay $10,000 to Resolve Americans with Disabilities Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced on October 5, 2022, that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had reached a settlement agreement under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with Helping Hands Caregivers LLC (“Helping Hands”) to resolve allegations that the company refused to provide in-home caregiving services to an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”). The agreement includes adoption of a non-discrimination policy, training of staff, written notification to the Department of Justice of future complaints, and $10,000 in compensatory damages for the individual.
Helping Hands offers in-home caregiving services in nine counties throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, with its main office in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The United States had alleged that a number of Helping Hands caregivers refused to provide service to an individual with HIV and that Helping Hands terminated the relationship with that individual as a result.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes the protection of the civil rights of all individuals,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “As this settlement demonstrates, our office is committed to using all available tools to enforce the ADA and prevent discrimination.”
Assistant United States Attorney Maura Flaherty represented the government in this matter. The settlement agreement states allegations only; the defendant does not admit liability for the allegations.
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Kenosha Man Pleads Guilty to Injuring Police Officer During August 2020 Civil DisorderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on September 23, 2022, Ashton Howard (age: 29) pleaded guilty to obstructing a law enforcement officer while that officer was engaged in his official duties during a civil disorder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 231(a)(3).
According to a written plea agreement, following the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020, Ashton Howard was part of a crowd that gathered near the location of the shooting. Some members of the crowd became violent, and a police vehicle was damaged. As Kenosha Police Officers attempted to secure and move the damaged vehicle, Howard threw a brick at one of the officers. The brick hit the officer in the head, knocking him unconscious. The officer subsequently was transported to the hospital.
Sentencing is set for January 5, 2023 before Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper in courtroom #222 at 1:30 pm. At sentencing, Howard faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces a term of supervised release after completing any period of imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kenosha Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and John Scully.
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Gregory J. Haanstad Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office has announced that Gregory J. Haanstad has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Mr. Haanstad was nominated by President Biden on June 6, 2022, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 13, 2022. He took the oath of office before Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper on September 19, 2022.
As United States Attorney, Mr. Haanstad is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, which is comprised of 28 counties and which includes the cities of Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and Green Bay. Mr. Haanstad oversees a staff of over 80 employees, including 44 attorneys.
The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, civil rights, child exploitation, firearms, fraud, cybercrime, human trafficking, and narcotics. The office also represents the United States in affirmative and defensive civil litigation and collects debts owed to the United States.
Mr. Haanstad has more than 20 years of experience as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and has prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, including those involving national security, financial fraud, public corruption, hate crimes, bank robberies, and drug conspiracies. Mr. Haanstad previously served as United States Attorney from 2016 to 2018; Acting United States Attorney from 2015 to 2016; First Assistant United States Attorney from 2010 to 2015; and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in 2010.
Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Haanstad served as a law clerk to United States Magistrate Judge William E. Callahan, Jr., on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin from 2000 to 2002.
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Rhinelander Man Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on September 21, 2022, Paul S. Osterman (age: 36) of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach
Osterman previously pled guilty to “sex trafficking of a child under the age of 14 years-old” in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(a)(1). Osterman used social media applications and public wi-fi “hotspots” to communicate with children, often requesting to exchange money for sexual acts. In July 2019, Osterman travelled from his home in Rhinelander to the south side of Chicago, where he lured a minor with whom he had been communicating online into his vehicle. He then engaged in sexual acts with the child in exchange for money. Further investigation revealed that Osterman attempted or performed sexual acts with several minors throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the horrendous nature of the crime and the strong need to deter Osterman from engaging in further abuse. The judge noted that Osterman’s crimes were not made in haste and that Osterman had “committed despicable acts over a lengthy period of time.” Upon the completion of his federal prison sentence, the defendant will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sexual offender under state and federal law.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey M. Marzick and Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Oshkosh Sex Offender Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on September 16, 2022, Matheau P. Martinez (age: 38) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
Between March and May of 2022, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the Milwaukee Office of the FBI investigated the receipt and distribution of child pornography via BitTorrent file sharing networks. That investigation led to the arrest of Martinez for possessing and distributing images and videos of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, Martinez was a registrant with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program based on a 2014 conviction for causing mental harm to a child.
At sentencing, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the charge, the effect such crimes have on their victims, and the need for just punishment. Following his release from prison, Martinez will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will continue to be required to register as a sexual offender.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the Milwaukee office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Robberies of Tow Truck DriversRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced today that Latherio Meadows (age 27) was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies on the north side of Milwaukee over a three-week time span.
According to court records, Meadows committed seven armed robberies in September and October 2021. Meadows targeted local tow truck drivers, contacting each of them under the false pretense that he needed a tow or wanted to junk a car. Instead, in each of the robberies, he brandished a firearm and robbed the victims. In all of the robberies, Meadows stole significant sums of cash from the tow truck drivers. In two of the robberies, Meadows stole the victim’s firearm. In one robbery, Meadows physically assaulted the victim.
At sentencing, United States District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the impact of these crimes on the victims.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
Following his term of imprisonment, Meadows also will spend three years on supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $10,146.74 in restitution to the victims.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Auto Parts StoresRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on September 9, 2022 that Stacy Chappell (age 44) was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies of Milwaukee-area auto parts stores.
According to court records, Chappell committed three armed robberies of auto parts stores in August and September 2020 (two completed robberies and one attempted robbery). Chappell brandished a firearm during the robberies and demanded cash from the employee victims.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller discussed the impact of these crimes on the victims and the dangerousness of these acts, including the possibility that someone could have been seriously injured or killed. Judge Stadtmueller remarked about the high levels of violence, including armed robberies, in the Milwaukee area, the increased federal prosecution of these crimes, and the need for significant punishment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
Following his term of imprisonment, Chappell also will spend three years on supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $4,600 in restitution.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Auto Parts StoresRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on September 9, 2022 that Stacy Chappell (age 44) was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies of Milwaukee-area auto parts stores.
According to court records, Chappell committed three armed robberies of auto parts stores in August and September 2020 (two completed robberies and one attempted robbery). Chappell brandished a firearm during the robberies and demanded cash from the employee victims.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller discussed the impact of these crimes on the victims and the dangerousness of these acts, including the possibility that someone could have been seriously injured or killed. Judge Stadtmueller remarked about the high levels of violence, including armed robberies, in the Milwaukee area, the increased federal prosecution of these crimes, and the need for significant punishment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
Following his term of imprisonment, Chappell also will spend three years on supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $4,600 in restitution.
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Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Disability and Sex-Based Discrimination by Owner and Operators of Milwaukee Rental PropertyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins The Justice Department in announcing on, September 9, 2022 it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the owner and managers of a rental property in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, harassed a tenant because of his sex, including his sexual orientation and his disability, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, alleges that Dennis Parker, the onsite manager of the property, subjected a gay male tenant with a disability to unwelcome harassment, both verbally and through numerous text messages during his tenancy in 2020 and 2021. The complaint also alleges that Parker struck the tenant in the groin and threatened to evict him in retaliation for reporting the harassment to the police. The lawsuit also names as defendants Leaf Property Investments LLC which owns the property, and Sam Leaf, who manages the property. The complaint alleges that Parker managed the property on behalf of these defendants.
The tenant, who later moved out of the property, filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) alleging that the defendants had violated the Fair Housing Act. After an investigation, HUD determined that the defendants had discriminated against the tenant in violation of the Fair Housing Act and it issued a charge of discrimination. After the tenant chose to have the matter decided in federal court, HUD referred the matter to the Justice Department.
“We stand ready to use our civil rights laws to combat all forms of sexual harassment in housing, including harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable landlords and housing providers who engage in unlawful discrimination and harassment of vulnerable tenants.”
“No tenant should have to choose between having a stable residence or enduring sexual harassment from their landlord or property manager,” said U.S Attorney Richard G. Frohling for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, Tribal and community partners to combat all forms of sexual harassment in housing and to seeking justice for those impacted by this type of egregious conduct.”
“Housing discrimination has no place in our society,” said HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Demetria L. McCain. “HUD is glad to partner with the Department of Justice to root out housing discrimination of all kinds, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and disability.”
The lawsuit seeks an order requiring the defendants to pay monetary damages to the tenant and cease discrimination against any tenant based on sex and disability.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and combat unlawful sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 25 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.6 million for victims of such harassment.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report harassment or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected], or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking SpreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced today that Madison Tyler (age 20) was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a series of carjackings in the Milwaukee and Oak Creek areas.
According to court records, Tyler participated in six carjackings in September and December 2020. In two of the carjackings, Tyler brandished a firearm. Court records indicate that Tyler and his co-actors targeted victims much older than themselves, and the ages of Tyler’s victims ranged from 56 to 79 years old.
“Carjacking defendants like Tyler are willing to traumatize their victims and place the lives and well-being of innocent community members at risk – all for a few dollars or for a rush of adrenaline” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with its federal, state, and local partners to hold these types of violent offenders accountable and to pursue justice for the victims of these senseless acts.”
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Oak Creek Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
Following his term of imprisonment, Tyler also will spend three years on supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $1,605.31 in restitution.
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Hartford Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 1, 2022, a Hartford woman pled guilty to executing a multi-million-dollar wire fraud and money laundering scheme. Vicki Berka, (age: 61) pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957, for embezzling approximately $2.7 million from her former employer, Bader Rutter & Associates (“Bader”).
According to the plea agreement, Berka admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud Bader from July 2014 through approximately September 26, 2017. Berka used her position as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and her bank account login credentials to make unauthorized ACH transfers from Bader’s health funding account to a bank account she controlled. Berka then falsified Bader’s general ledger by inflating the company’s reported healthcare expenditures to hide the amount of money she was embezzling. Berka used over $250,000 in stolen proceeds to buy a beach condo in North Carolina.
Berka faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years in prison for the wire fraud count, and ten years in prison for the money laundering count. Berka also faces fines of up to $250,000 per count and has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $2.7 million to Bader and its insurance company. Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2022, before Judge JP Stadtmueller.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.
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Oshkosh Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet up with 13-year-old for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin J. Mueller (age: 60) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced on August 30, 2022, to 180 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court documents, Mueller began exchanging instant messages in early May with an individual whom he believed to be the parent of a 13-year-old girl living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Mueller expressed repeated interest in engaging in sexual activity with the 13-year-old. Mueller also sent pornographic images of himself which he wanted to be shared with the child.
In actuality, Mueller was communicating with a law enforcement agent assigned to an FBI. Task Force. Mueller was arrested upon his arrival at the prearranged meeting spot in Winnebago County. Mueller is required to register as a sexual offender based on a 1989 First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child conviction in Milwaukee County.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense and Mueller’s previous conviction for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old child. He found a strong need for deterrence and to protect the community noting that Mueller would be well into his 70s when he is released from federal prison. Following his release, Mueller will be on supervised release for a period of 10 years and will continue to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Oshkosh Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet up with 13-year-old for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin J. Mueller (age: 60) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced on August 30, 2022, to 180 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court documents, Mueller began exchanging instant messages in early May with an individual whom he believed to be the parent of a 13-year-old girl living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Mueller expressed repeated interest in engaging in sexual activity with the 13-year-old. Mueller also sent pornographic images of himself which he wanted to be shared with the child.
In actuality, Mueller was communicating with a law enforcement agent assigned to an FBI. Task Force. Mueller was arrested upon his arrival at the prearranged meeting spot in Winnebago County. Mueller is required to register as a sexual offender based on a 1989 First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child conviction in Milwaukee County.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense and Mueller’s previous conviction for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old child. He found a strong need for deterrence and to protect the community noting that Mueller would be well into his 70s when he is released from federal prison. Following his release, Mueller will be on supervised release for a period of 10 years and will continue to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Oshkosh Man Sentenced on Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 22, 2022, Raymon A. Fuller, Jr. (age: 26) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Greisbach.
Fuller pled guilty to a federal “Hobbs Act” robbery charge and a separate charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to his written plea agreement, on August 28, 2020, Fuller was armed with a 9 mm Glock handgun with an extended magazine when he robbed a van full of people in Oshkosh, obtaining a small amount of marijuana and a wallet containing a small amount of cash.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, the strong need for deterrence, and the need to protect the public from Fuller. In addition to 90 months’ imprisonment, Fuller was ordered to spend five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Brookfield Jewelry HeistRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 18, 2022, James P. Quinn (age: 57) of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to a 57-month term of federal imprisonment by United States District Judge Lynn S. Adelman. Quinn had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to public court filings, Quinn and at least two others burglarized Treiber & Straub Jewelers in Brookfield, Wisconsin, during the night of July 11-12, 2016. They defeated security systems and cut a hole in a reinforced concrete wall to breach the store’s vault. The burglars took jewelry and other valuables worth more than $4 million and returned to Ohio.
In announcing the sentence, Judge Adelman noted Quinn’s history of similar conduct. Judge Adelman indicated that a substantial prison term was required because Quinn had the ability to earn legitimate income and had not been deterred by prior terms of imprisonment. Quinn will also be responsible for more than $4 million in forfeiture and restitution.
“This defendant now has been prosecuted three times for various federal offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “His latest offense caused extensive damage and resulted not only in the loss of jewelry owned by the store but also victimized individuals who happened to have items at the store for service or repair. I commend the excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in Wisconsin and Ohio to bring some measure of justice to the victims in this case.”
This investigation is being handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Brookfield (WI) Police Department, with assistance from the Canfield (OH) Police Department, Boardman (OH) Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farris Martini and Laura S. Kwaterski.
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Manitowoc County Sex Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 17, 2022, Smedley D. Butler (age: 51) of Maribel, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
In November of 2021, the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office received a tip which led to Butler’s arrest for possessing and distributing numerous digital images and videos of child pornography via the internet. At the time of his arrest, Butler was a registrant with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program based on a 2009 conviction for possession of child pornography.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the charge, the effect these crimes have on their victims, and the need for just punishment. Following his release from prison, Butler will spend 15 years on supervised release. He will continue to be required to register as a sexual offender.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Manitowoc Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Timothy W. Funnell.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Former State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Employee Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempted Child EnticementRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 19, 2022, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Marc F. Bennett (age: 43), formerly of Jefferson, Wisconsin, to ten years in federal prison for attempted child enticement. Following his prison sentence, Bennett will serve five years on supervised release.
According to court documents, in January 2022, Bennett began using popular online platforms to communicate with a 12-year-old girl. During these interactions, Bennett requested graphic digital images of the girl and expressed his desire to have sexual intercourse with her. On February 1, 2022, Bennett traveled to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he believed the child resided. When he arrived, he was arrested by an undercover police officer. Bennett immediately displayed his State of Wisconsin Department of Administration work badge and claimed that he was attempting to save a victim of human trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Keshena Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation on the Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 27, 2022, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Darwin Pamanet (age: 46) to 360 months in federal prison for child sexual exploitation. Pamanet formerly lived in Keshena, which is a community on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Following his prison sentence, Pamanet will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2021, the defendant recorded himself sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl while at a residence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The abuse was disclosed in early 2022 and led to the discovery of two additional young girls who were victims of the defendant’s crimes.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the “obvious need for a substantial sentence” for a “terrible offense.” Judge Griesbach stated the sentence was based on the magnitude of the offense and said “to do this to an innocent child is one of the most heinous crimes possible.” Judge Griesbach observed a strong need to protect the public from the defendant, and in response to a defense request for a lesser sentence, Judge Griesbach stated “some crimes are so unthinkable…that they have to receive a much higher sentence than a lot of other crimes.” Judge Griesbach also remarked upon the need to deter those who might consider similar actions.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted.
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Former Appleton Restaurant Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violations of Federal Tax LawsRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 20, 2022, Paul R. Vanderlinden (age: 42) of Appleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a six-month term of federal imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
Vanderlinden had previously entered a guilty plea in federal court in Green Bay to charges that he willfully filed a false tax return and failed to truthfully account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. Vanderlinden was additionally ordered to pay, and has paid, restitution to the Internal Revenue Service totaling more than $168,000.
Federal law requires employers to collect payroll taxes. According to court filings, Vanderlinden willfully failed to withhold and pay over approximately $88,000 in payroll taxes between 2012 and 2016. He filed employer tax returns containing false statements regarding the wages paid to his employees. Vanderlinden also diverted business receipts into a personal bank account. He failed to include this revenue in his tax filings, and as a result underpaid his individual taxes by at least $30,000 during the relevant years.
This investigation was undertaken by Special Agents from the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini.
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Beaver Dam Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 21, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced Kyle R. Halgrimson (age: 38) of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to 15 years’ imprisonment for production of child pornography.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Pepper noted this was an extremely aggravating and serious offense. Following his release from prison, Halgrimson will spend three years on supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sexual offender.
When entering his guilty plea in this matter, Halgrimson acknowledged that he had recorded his girlfriend at the time, Angelique Boll, having intercourse with a child on several different occasions. Angelique Boll is also charged in this case with production of child pornography. Boll has entered a plea of not guilty, and her case is scheduled for trial starting on October 31, 2022. Like all defendants, Boll is presumed innocent unless and until the charges have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Beaver Dam Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney’s Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Grafton Dentist Sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay over $1 million in forfeitureRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 15, 2022, Scott Charmoli, formerly a licensed dentist, was sentenced to 54 months’ incarceration for committing healthcare fraud and making false statements related to healthcare matters.
Scott Charmoli was the owner and sole dentist operating Jackson Family Dentistry in Jackson, Wisconsin. In 2015, Charmoli began a years-long scheme to defraud dental insurance companies into paying for unnecessary crown procedures. Charmoli aggressively sold crowns to patients and then intentionally broke their teeth with his drill in order to convince the insurance companies to pay for the crowns. In March 2022, a jury found Charmoli guilty of five counts of health care fraud and two counts of making false statements to the insurance companies.
In announcing sentence, United State District Judge Lynn Adelman called this an unusual case of fraud because Charmoli physically harmed his own patients and “intentionally damaged” their teeth. He explained that Charmoli’s fraudulent conduct led to physical injuries and a loss of trust in the dental profession. He described Charmoli as “persuading,” “badgering,” and “shaming” his victims and said that Charmoli was both “pushy” and “coercive.” Judge Adelman also focused on the fact that Charmoli made his victims feel like “prey” and that he caused them significant pain and discomfort. The judge indicated that a period of incarceration was necessary to reflect the seriousness of this conduct, particularly because there was no “motive other than greed” for Charmoli’s crimes. In announcing the sentence, Judge Adelman said it was important for other professionals in Charmoli’s position to know that this kind of fraudulent conduct would not be tolerated.
Evidence at trial indicated that Charmoli performed far more crowns than most dentists in Wisconsin, ranking in, or above, the 95th percentile of crowns performed each year from 2016 to 2019. The evidence also showed that Charmoli billed over $4.2 million for crown procedures between 2016 and 2019, and that he performed more than 700 crowns each year from 2015 to 2019. In each of 2015 and 2016, Charmoli performed over 1000 crown procedures. Evidence also showed that in addition to submitting x-rays to insurance companies of damage Charmoli himself had caused, Charmoli made false statements to dental insurers when they denied initial claims for crown coverage.
Charmoli benefited significantly from his scheme, amassing significant assets. As part of his sentence, Charmoli already has been ordered to pay $1,043,229.31 in forfeiture. He also will be responsible for reimbursing insurance companies and reimbursing patients who received fraudulent crowns for their out-of-pocket expenses. Judge Adelman will determine the final amount of restitution due and owing to patients and insurance companies related to the offenses of conviction within 90 days. In addition, Charmoli is the subject of several malpractice lawsuits brought by former patients.
“Mr. Charmoli abused a position of trust and lied to his patients and their insurers simply to line his own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Frohling. “Despite already having many advantages in life, Mr. Charmoli simply wanted more, and he was willing to harm his patients physically, emotionally, and financially to fund his lifestyle. I commend the hard work of the FBI agents and the trial team in pursuing justice for the victims in this case.”
“Health care fraud remains a top priority for the FBI due to the negative effects it has on our community,” said SAC Michael E. Hensle. “Not only do health care fraud schemes like this cost the U.S. taxpayers through increased health insurance premiums and greater out-of-pocket expenses, they also cause unnecessary pain and suffering to those who seek the assistance of trusted health care professionals. The FBI will continue to investigate and work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute those who take advantage of the health care system for their own financial greed. Together, we remain committed to bringing those to justice who personally benefit from their criminal health care fraud schemes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Michael A. Carter prosecuted.
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Cudahy Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 18, 2022, Gerald E. Belmore, Jr. (age: 55) of Cudahy, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
Belmore, Jr. possessed and distributed numerous digital images and videos of child pornography. His indictment and subsequent conviction were the result of an online undercover investigation involving a popular social media messaging platform.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the charge, the effect these crimes have on their victims, and the need for just punishment. Following his release from prison, Belmore, Jr. will spend five years on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sexual offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee Office and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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