Eastern District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment for ArsonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on June 28, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced Darrell Chambliss (age: 31) to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for arson.
According to court records, Chambliss purposefully started a fire in the upper-unit of a duplex in Milwaukee on February 6, 2021. Chambliss had lived in that residence with a former romantic partner, whom he abused. When that victim did not return to the residence on February 6, 2021, Chambliss threatened her and recorded himself placing a mattress pad on top of their stove. Law enforcement ultimately found three separate locations where fires had been intentionally ignited within the residence. Both units in the duplex were rendered uninhabitable, displacing both the woman Chambliss had abused and the family that lived in the unit below.
At the time of the arson, Chambliss was a convicted sex offender with prior convictions for, among other things, first-degree sexual assault of a child, battery, and criminal trespass to a dwelling. He had also previously threatened to commit other arsons in connection with earlier domestic violence incidents.
Mr. Chambliss’s deliberate and violent acts sought to terrorize his intended victim and endangered the lives of the victim’s neighbors and first responders. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to prosecute these types of violent offenders, and I commend the excellent work of the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Fire Department, and ATF in seeking to protect the community and bring Mr. Chambliss to justice.
“Offenders are often willing to use whatever tools available, including arson, to inflict harm onto their victims,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen deTineo. “In partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office, the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department, we were able to hold accountable this defendant for committing this arson.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Fire Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Halopka-Ivery, with assistance from Kevin Clancy, an intern with the United States Attorney’s Office.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 14 ½ years in Prison for Carjackings and RobberyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 23, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced 24-year-old Trayvon Taylor to 14 ½ years in federal prison after Mr. Taylor pled guilty to two armed carjackings in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and an armed robbery of a convenience store in Clarksville, Tennessee.
According to court filings, on March 4, 2020, Mr. Taylor and two co-actors attempted to carjack a 79-year-old male victim in the parking lot of the Walgreens across from Mayfair Mall. After that attempt, Mr. Taylor and his two co-actors crossed Mayfair Road and carjacked a 31-year-old female victim in the parking lot of the Equitable Bank. Mr. Taylor was the gunman in both carjackings. Two days later, Mr. Taylor and one of the co-actors fled to Tennessee in the second carjacking victim’s car and committed an armed robbery of the Circle K convenience store in Clarksville, Tennessee.
”In just a 3-day period, Mr. Taylor committed three different violent offenses with a firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “He and his co-actors traumatized their victims and shattered their sense of safety and security. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to bring violent offenders to justice and to trying to make our communities safer places in which to live and work.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Wauwatosa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
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Grand Chute Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 22, 2022, Adan Corona-Fuentes (age: 45), formerly of Grand Chute, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a 180-month term of imprisonment for production of child pornography. That term of imprisonment will be followed by an additional 60 months of supervised release.
The information presented at sentencing showed that Corona-Fuentes, an undocumented noncitizen, impersonated a juvenile male on a social media platform and convinced underage females from Texas, Indiana, Illinois, and elsewhere to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos. When Corona-Fuentes’ phone was searched by law enforcement, they located hidden camera footage of naked, underage children that Corona-Fuentes produced in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. In pronouncing sentence, Judge Griesbach emphasized that Corona-Fuentes’ conduct robbed children of their innocence.
This case was investigated by the Grand Chute 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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Oshkosh Man who Described Himself as the “Next Mass Shooter” Indicted on Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 22, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Whittier P. Ives (age: 53) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for unlawfully possessing a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 922(g)(4), and 924(a)(2).
According to the indictment, Ives is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a court-ordered mental health commitment issued by a Winnebago County judge in April of 2022 and due to prior felony convictions in the State of California. According to court documents, on June 4, 2022, an individual contacted the Omro Police Department and reported that Ives was loading ammunition, magazines, and a long gun into his vehicle. Ives showed the individual a picture of a person on his phone and stated that he was “going to kill him, along with another person and a bunch of other people.” Ives stated he knew these individuals were, at that time, in a “club in Appleton.” Ives further stated that he “had nothing to live for” and “will be the next mass shooter.”
After receiving the tip, Omro law enforcement officers observed a vehicle matching the description of Ives’ vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated, and a search of the vehicle uncovered boxes of ammunition and numerous magazines. In addition, officers recovered a Shield Arms multicaliber SA-15 semi-automatic rifle.
If convicted of possessing the firearm, Ives faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Omro Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Green Bay Resident Agency. 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.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 124 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 7, 2022, Christopher Crittendon (age:33) of Milwaukee Wisconsin, was sentenced to a 124-month term of imprisonment for armed bank robbery. That term of imprisonment will be followed by an additional 36 months of supervised release. Crittendon had been convicted by a jury of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The evidence presented at trial established that in 2016, Crittendon and a second man, Montrell Howard, committed a takeover-style armed robbery of a North Shore Bank in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Crittendon held a loaded gun to a bank teller’s head, and the men stole over $11,000 from the bank. Law enforcement was able to recover most of those funds.
“For his own gain, Mr. Crittendon entered a bank, jumped a counter, and brandished a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “His actions placed the well-being of bank employees and customers at risk and resulted in trauma to the victim tellers. I commend the outstanding collaboration between the FBI, the Wauwatosa Police Department, and all others involved in seeking to hold Mr. Crittendon accountable for his actions.”
“The FBI has been catching bank robbers for over a century, and we bring that extensive experience to every violation of federal law we investigate," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. "If a bank in Wisconsin is robbed, the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office will spare no resource to bring those responsible to justice."
Wauwatosa Police Chief James MacGillis extends thanks to all our law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence in resolving this case; “This case highlights the importance of our partnerships with local, state and federal government and demonstrates how public safety is a shared responsibility for all community stakeholders.”
This case was investigated by the Wauwatosa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Taibleson and Christopher Ladwig.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 234 Months in Prison for Shooting Victim During Attempted CarjackingRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 7, 2022, Jack A. Clayborne, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a 234-month term of imprisonment for shooting a victim during an attempted carjacking. That term of imprisonment will be followed by an additional 60 months of supervised release. Clayborne had been convicted by a jury of attempted carjacking, discharging a firearm in furtherance of the attempted carjacking, and of possession of ammunition by a felon.
The evidence presented at trial established that in 2016, Clayborne and a second gunman, Eric Booker, attempted to carjack their victim after the victim backed his car into his garage. Clayborne walked up to the garage with a handgun and shot the victim through both of his legs. The victim then retrieved a legally owned handgun and shot back, hitting Booker. Booker was found guilty by a jury in 2017.
“Violent crimes like carjackings and armed robberies present an unacceptable threat to the safety and security of our communities,” commented U.S. Attorney Frohling. “In this case, Clayborne not only brazenly attempted an armed carjacking but also was willing to pull the trigger – and shoot the victim – just to try to take the car. As part of a combined effort with our federal, state, and local partners to combat violent crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to prosecuting violent offenders – including carjackers like Clayborne and Booker -- in federal court.”
"The FBI and our law enforcement partners are firmly committed to protecting neighborhoods from senseless and unprovoked crimes, including attempted carjackings," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. "The sentencing today demonstrates behaviors of this type will not be tolerated here in Milwaukee, nor anywhere in the state of Wisconsin."
“The Milwaukee Police is committed to working with our community, local, state and federal partners to combat violent crime that has been plaguing our community. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of the members of MPD, FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that collaborate to bring violent offenders to justice,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mel Johnson, Rebecca Taibleson, and Christopher Ladwig and tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Taibleson and Philip T. Kovoor.
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Three Kenosha Area Men Enter Guilty Pleas for Conspiring to Commit Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on March 29, 2022, an information was filed charging Richard Pignotti (age 63), Richard Milkie (age 62), and Jeffrey Milkie (age 56), each of Kenosha, Wisconsin, with conspiring to under-report income derived from their business in order to pay less federal tax, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Separate plea agreements were also filed, in which each defendant agreed to waive indictment by the grand jury and enter a guilty plea to the charge in the information. On separate dates in May 2022, each defendant entered a plea of guilty to the charge in the information.
According to court filings, the defendants jointly operated a roofing business and agreed to not deposit all payments for completed jobs into their business bank account,and they further agreed to not report all of their business’s earnings to the accountant who prepared their business and personal tax returns. These actions caused the defendants and their business to pay fewer federal taxes in 2015, 2016, and 2017 than they actually owed by virtue of their business’s actual earnings revenue. In total, as a result of their conspiracy, they underpaid $321,192 in federal taxes.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper on separate dates in September and October of 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, and has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Stephen A. Ingraham for prosecution.
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Oshkosh Sex Offender Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on June 2, 2022, a criminal complaint was issued alleging that Matheau P. Martinez (age: 38) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, distributed and possessed child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A(a)(2)(A) and 2252A(a)(5)(B).
Based on a previous conviction, Martinez is required to register as a sexual offender in the State of Wisconsin. As a result, he faces enhanced mandatory minimum penalties. If he is convicted for the distribution of child pornography charge, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 40 years of incarceration in federal prison. If he is convicted for the possession of child pornography charge, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment.
According to court filings, Martinez utilized “peer-to-peer” software to distribute images and digital videos depicting child pornography. On June 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Martinez’s residence, and he was arrested without incident.
This case is being investigated by the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office.
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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Former Brookfield Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on May 27, 2022, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Kimberly Zulkowski (age: 43) to 15 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her willful failure to account for and pay over taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Zulkowski was also ordered to pay $731,970 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
According to court records, Zulkowski founded and managed Faith Family Services, Inc., a personal care business based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Her business was successful, with gross annual receipts exceeding $5 million and over 150 employees. Despite that success, Zulkowski refused to tender monies she had withheld from her employees’ wages as part of her company’s payroll tax obligations.
Court records reveal that although the IRS had warned Zulkowski in 2015 that she was violating the federal tax laws, she nevertheless persisted in her criminal conduct for nearly two more years. Zukowski ultimately pled guilty to a willful violation of the tax laws in February 2020.
When imposing sentence, Judge Stadtmueller emphasized that our tax system relies upon voluntary compliance, such that defendants who willfully flout the tax laws must be sentenced in a fashion that encourages compliance.
“Individuals and businesses who cheat on their taxes not only undermine the government’s ability to fund vital and necessary programs but also effectively steal from their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with IRS-Criminal Investigation and our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in these types of tax-related offenses.”
"Failure to pay over employment taxes taken from employee wages is a serious criminal offense,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “It not only harms the employee’s future Social Security and Medicare benefits, it’s also stealing from honest taxpayers and the United States Treasury. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to track down those who collect these taxes and use the funds for personal gain."
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Kate Biebel.
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Former Chief Financial Officer Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for $2,400,000 Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on May 19, 2022, Jeremy Arrington (age: 44) of Middleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for carrying out a $2.4 million investment scheme that defrauded over 20 victims. Arrington had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
The information presented at sentencing showed that Arrington partnered with another individual to form a real estate business, Wisconsin Home Buyers Network, LLC (WIHBN), of which Arrington was the Chief Financial Officer. Between 2012 and 2017, the partners solicited and obtained from more than 20 investors approximately $2.8 million, promising little or no risk and healthy monetary returns ranging from 12% to 36%. In return, investors received promissory notes signed by Arrington detailing the investment terms. Some investors also received mortgages that purported to be for specific properties to be acquired and rehabilitated with the investors’ funds, although the partners failed to record all but a few of the mortgages.
Contrary to promises that the investor funds were secured by the assets of a successful and profitable business, WIHBN had business debt, delinquent tax obligations, and other financial issues that made the business unable to timely make payments on the promissory notes. Rather than being used for the promised investment purposes, investor funds were comingled with other funds and were used for Ponzi-type payments to existing investors, payroll for related businesses, debt reduction, personal draws by the partners, back taxes, and legal fees. When the partners were unable to pay as the promissory notes came due, they sought extensions, solicited additional funds from existing investors, and attempted to secure new investors. In the end, less than $400,000 of the over $2.8 million in investor funds was returned to investors.
Several victims filed impact statements with the court prior to sentencing. One victim made in-person remarks during the sentencing hearing, explaining how Arrington caused significant financial and emotional harm. Some investors lost funds that they had been saving for retirement. In pronouncing sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Brett H. Ludwig commented that the protracted nature of Arrington’s conduct and the magnitude of the loss required a sentence that both punished and deterred.
“Mr. Arrington’s conduct resulted in individuals losing their retirement savings and their sense of security and well-being,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, the United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding individuals who engage in these types of schemes accountable for their actions and to pursuing justice for their victims. Today’s sentence is a direct result of the excellent collaborative work of the agents from the FBI and the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration.”
“The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration is committed to ensuring the integrity of employee benefit programs and prosecuting those that fail to comply with the law. EBSA will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to stop the financial harm caused by these types of schemes.” said Jeffrey A. Monhart, Regional Director of the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol L. Kraft and John P. Scully prosecuted the case.
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For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on May 13, 2022, U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Jeffrey R. Jones (age: 37) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to over 12 years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses.
The court sentenced Jones to 150 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release after Jones pled guilty to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B); and possession of 8 firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court records, Jones was responsible for the distribution or attempted distribution of approximately 1.69 kilograms of fentanyl, at least 60 grams of heroin, at least 14 grams of methamphetamine, and at least 485 grams of marijuana. Upon the execution of search warrants at Jones’ residence and at his “stash” house, law enforcement located controlled substances, five pistols, two rifles, a revolver, and a large amount of U.S. currency.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who unlawfully possess firearms and who introduce deadly substances like fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “I commend the hard work and dedication of all of the departments and agencies who worked together to protect the community and pursue justice in this case.”
“This case exemplifies outstanding law enforcement partnerships in action,” said SAC Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “I commend the work of the Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force in removing guns, drugs and a drug trafficker from our community.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Monfils prosecuted the case.
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For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
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Georgia resident pleads guilty to cyberstalkingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced on May 18, 2022 that Minjie Cao (age 27) of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A. The charges relate to death threats that Cao sent to Kenosha government officials in August 2020 during the protests and unrests in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
As detailed in court documents, between August 27, 2020 and August 29, 2020, Cao, who resided outside of Atlanta, Georgia, sent email death threats to three Kenosha government officials. Cao also made several phone calls to the offices of these individuals – all for the purpose of causing them distress during the unrest in Kenosha.
The cyberstalking count carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 19, 2022, before U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Proctor.
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For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
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Oshkosh Sex Offender Arrested for Attempting to Meet a 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 charged via a criminal complaint following his May 16, 2022, arrest by local and federal authorities. Mueller was arrested pursuant to Operation Kick Boxer, a collaborative effort involving the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. https://go.usa.gov/xueyn.
According to the complaint and supporting affidavit, 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 an undercover law enforcement agent working as a part of Operation Kick Boxer. 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 conviction in Milwaukee County.
Mueller faces charges of using a computer to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b), and for doing so as a lifetime sexual offender registrant, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime of imprisonment if convicted of the enticement charge. His status as a sexual offender registrant requires an additional mandatory sentence of ten year’s imprisonment which must be served consecutive to the enticement charge.
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.
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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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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Wisconsin’s U.S. Attorneys recognize National Police WeekRead the Press Release
In honor of National Police Week, Richard G. Frohling and Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“Police Week is an opportunity for us to honor local, state, federal, and Tribal law enforcement officers, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “We appreciate these brave men and women who are committed to protecting the safety of all Wisconsinites.”
“Every day, members of law enforcement put their lives on the line to make our communities great places to live and work,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “My colleagues and I at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are incredibly grateful for the daily sacrifices made by these brave men and women. We must always remember, honor, and support the officers and the families of all officers who have been injured or killed in service to their communities and to their country.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.
The names of the fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/ TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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Wisconsin Woman Indicted for Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Colette Amanda Mahan, also known as “Pimpin’ Amanda” and “Amanda Chase” (age 39), of Waukesha, Wisconsin, for multiple offenses related to sex trafficking.
The indictment returned by the grand jury contains ten counts. Count One alleges that beginning in at least 2004 and continuing through approximately June 2018, Mahan traveled and used facilities in interstate commerce to carry on an unlawful activity, specifically a business involving prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1952(a)(3). Count Two charges Mahan with sex trafficking of a child, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) and (b)(2). Counts Three, Five, Seven, and Nine each charge Mahan with using force, fraud, and coercion to traffic a different adult victim for commercial sex acts, while Counts Four, Six, Eight, and Ten charge her with transporting those victims to various other states with the intent that they engage in prostitution there, including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida.
Mahan was arraigned on the charges on May 5, 2022. On May 9, 2022, a federal magistrate judge ordered that Mahan be detained pending trial, citing the danger she would present to the community if released based on the sustained, severe pattern of physical violence, intimidation, and exploitation described by victims and witnesses, and supported by corroborating evidence.
If convicted of any of the counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, Mahan would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, and a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. Mahan faces penalties of up to 40 years in prison for sex trafficking of a child, up to ten years in prison for the interstate transportation charges, and up to five years in prison for the racketeering charge. Additionally, the court can impose a fine of up to $250,000 per count as well as a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The sex trafficking charges in the indictment concern five specific victims. Additional members of the public who may have information about Mahan’s involvement in sex trafficking are encouraged to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee Field Office at 414-276-4684.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Laura S. Kwaterski.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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Haitian Police Officer Charged with International Narcotics Conspiracy, Narcotics Distribution, and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Bell of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Chicago Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Renita D. Foster of the DEA Caribbean Field Division announced the transfer of Haitian police officer Alex Mompremier from Haiti based on an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On May 10, 2022, Mompremier had his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mompremier was ordered temporarily detained. His detention hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2022.
On September 28, 2021, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Wisconsin returned an indictment against Mompremier alleging one count of international drug trafficking, one substantive count of international drug trafficking, and one count of carrying firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking. According to the indictment, from approximately February 2019 through September 28, 2021, Mompremier conspired with Jean Eliobert Jasme (a/k/a “ED1,” “Eddy One,” and “Tio Loco”) and others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States; on or about October 28, 2020, Mompremier distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States; and on or about October 28, 2020, Mompremier carried firearms during and in relation to the aforementioned drug-trafficking offenses.
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 Port-au-Prince Country Office and the DEA Milwaukee Field Office investigated this case. Haitian National Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice, the Haitian National Police and La Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants (BLTS), 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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Former Suring Trustee, Teacher, and Coach Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Sexually Abusing a ChildRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 5, 2022, John E. Fredenburgh (age: 37) of the Village of Suring, in Oconto County, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
In November of 2021, Fredenburgh pled guilty to “Transportation of a Minor with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity” and “Child Enticement.” The facts adduced at the sentencing hearing demonstrated that Fredenburgh sexually abused a Suring minor beginning when she was 12 years old. The abuse continued for another five and a half years. In February of 2021, the victim came forward and reported the abuse to Oconto authorities. In addition to the repeated sexual abuse, Fredenburgh supplied the minor with alcohol and illegal drugs. He also committed acts of violence against her.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the horrendous nature of the crimes and the need to deter Fredenburgh from engaging in further abuse. He stated his belief that a 25-year prison sentence was lengthy enough to protect the community while at the same time providing a measure of justice for the victim. Upon the completion of his federal prison sentence, the defendant will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office, the Menominee, Michigan Sheriff’s Office, the Menominee (Michigan) Police Department, and 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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Hartford Woman Charged with Executing Wire Fraud Scheme and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 3, 2022, a Hartford woman was charged with a multi-million-dollar wire fraud and money laundering scheme. Vicki Berka (age: 61) was charged with two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957.
According to the indictment, beginning in approximately July 2014, and continuing through at least September 26, 2017, Berka devised a scheme to defraud a Milwaukee business for which she served as Chief Financial Officer.
According to the indictment, Berka used her position and bank account login credentials to embezzle approximately $2.7 million from Bader Rutter & Associates (“Bader”) for over three years. The indictment alleges that Berka used her authority to initiate numerous ACH transfers from Bader’s corporate accounts into a bank account she controlled and then made false entries in Bader’s general ledger to disguise her embezzlement.
The indictment also alleges that after the proceeds of her fraudulent scheme went into her bank account, Berka engaged in unlawful monetary transactions by transferring and spending these proceeds.
If convicted of wire fraud, Berka would face a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for each count. If convicted of unlawful monetary transactions, Berka would face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison for each count.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.
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 guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Appleton Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 4, 2022, Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Robert Narvett (age: 57), of Appleton, Wisconsin to 180 months’ imprisonment for 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. § 1956. Narvett was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims, sentenced to three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 Special Assessment.
Narvett was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021 and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering on January 21, 2022. Judge Griesbach found that Narvett defrauded nearly 70 different victims, including his family, friends, and neighbors of over $2 million and that he engaged in the scheme for over a decade. More than a dozen of Narvett’s victims spoke at the sentencing hearing, describing the ways in which Narvett ruined their lives. Many described ruined credit scores, inability to afford basic life necessities, and having to re-enter the workforce after retiring. One victim told Judge Griesbach that Narvett’s fraud made her a “prisoner of my life.”
Judge Griesbach described Narvett’s crime as “horrible,” noting that it had the “earmarks of violent crime” because of the way it impacted Narvett’s victims. He described Narvett’s conduct as “astounding” and explained that the 15-year sentence he was imposing was necessary to provide just punishment, protect the public, and send a serious message to others that financial crimes that victimize people do not pay.
“The sentence imposed in this case reflects the devastating impact that white collar crime can have on individual victims and our entire community,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “To satisfy his own greed, Mr. Narvett left a wake of financial devastation and shattered lives for his family, friends, and others whose trust he had gained. I commend the team of agents, attorneys, and support staff who dedicated themselves to pursuing justice for the victims in this case.”
“The fraud committed by a trusted friend, family member, and neighbor for personal gain was devastating and negatively impacted our community members.” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “The FBI continues to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure perpetrators of financial fraud are investigated and brought to face justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Daniel R. Humble prosecuted. Narvett is also facing a pending civil action brought by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission regarding similar conduct.
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Oshkosh Sexual Offender Indicted on Federal Firearm and Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender ChargesRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 3, 2022, a federal grand jury issued an indictment against Sergio S. Emerson, a/k/a “Kayatennae Geronimo” and “Sergio Santos Garcia,” (age: 41) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Emerson, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). It also alleges that Emerson, a sexual offender registrant, failed to register as a sexual offender with the State of Wisconsin.
Each charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
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Oshkosh Felon Indicted on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 3, 2022, a federal grand jury issued an indictment against Mitchell C. Burton, a/k/a “Cosby M. Burton,” (age: 32) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Burton, a convicted felon, possessed nine firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted of possessing the firearms he faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
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Milwaukee Woman Federally Indicted for Purchasing a Firearm for Another PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced on April 27, 2022, that a Milwaukee woman was indicted for purchasing a firearm for another person and making a false statement to a firearm’s dealer. Marquita A. Hale, (age: 26), was charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm on June 17, 2021, which false statement was intended or likely to deceive the firearms dealer about whether to proceed with the sale. In particular, the indictment charged that Ms. Hale falsely indicated on a standard form that she would possess the firearm after the sale, when in fact, she knew she was buying the firearm for another person.
“The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to improve the safety of all of our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “This includes working together to hold individuals accountable who ‘straw purchase’ and supply firearms for others – including individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) appreciates the hard work and effort from the ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and MPD members that have been collaborating on this and other firearms investigations. Gun violence is an issue that is affecting our community and it is everyone’s responsibility to keep guns away from individuals that are prohibited from possessing a firearm,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
If convicted, Ms. Hale faces up to ten years in prison and three years of supervised release, plus up to a $250,000 fine.
This matter has been investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen A. Ingraham.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Vice President of Kenwood Keys Sentenced for Failing to Pay over Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on April 27, 2022, Patrick Souter (age: 57) of Racine, WI was sentenced to one year and one day in prison on charges that he willfully failed to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.
According to documents filed in court, federal law requires employers to collect payroll taxes (which include federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes) from the wages paid to its employees, and to pay over these taxes to the United States through the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The taxes withheld from wages paid to employees are commonly referred to as the “trust fund” portion of payroll taxes. Federal law also requires employers to pay additional payroll taxes to the IRS in an amount equal to the employees’ share of Social Security and Medicare taxes. These taxes are referred to as the “matching” portion of payroll taxes.
According to court filings, Souter is the vice president and a 50 percent shareholder of Kenwood Keys. Beginning in 2006 and continuing through 2020, Souter regularly failed to pay over to the IRS all or a portion of trust fund payroll taxes that he had withheld from employees’ wages. During that same time period, Souter also regularly failed to pay to the IRS all or a portion of the matching part of payroll taxes owed by Kenwood Keys. Records show that for the fifteen years from 2006 through 2020, Souter failed to pay a total of $559,249.82 in payroll taxes.
United States District Judge Lynn Adelman, who earlier this year had accepted Souter’s guilty plea, today sentenced Souter to a prison term of one year and one day and ordered him to pay $559,249.82 in restitution to the IRS.
The IRS Criminal Investigation division in Milwaukee investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad.
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Mount Pleasant Couple Charged with Firearms Trafficking and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 19, 2022, an indictment was returned charging Deandre L. Rodgers (age 36) of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, and Viridiana Garcia-Ramirez (age 24) of Los Angeles, California, with conspiring to violate the laws of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, dealing in firearms without a license, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 922(a)(1)(A), making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6), unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), distribution of a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).
According to court documents, Rodgers and Garcia-Ramirez engaged in a conspiracy to purchase firearms from local gun stores in Wisconsin, alter or obliterate the serial numbers on those firearms, and sell those firearms to others. As part of the conspiracy, Rodgers and Garcia-Ramirez purchased 11 handguns and 1 rifle from local gun stores between December 2021 and March 2022. On April 5, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a warrant at a hotel in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, where Rodgers and Garcia-Ramirez were staying. Inside the hotel room, agents found 29-individually wrapped plastic bags containing crack cocaine, two digital scales, and approximately $800, but none of firearms. Rodgers is prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of a prior felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the ATF and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip T. Kovoor.
An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Mexican Posse Gang Members Sentenced to Federal Prison for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 21, 2022, U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced two Milwaukee men, both of whom identified as Mexican Posse gang members, to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses.
The court sentenced Louis R. Perez III (age: 25) to twenty-one (21) years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release after Perez III pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and the possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A); and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
Perez III’s conviction and sentence stem from his leadership of a violent, nationwide drug trafficking organization that obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana for distribution in the Milwaukee area. According to court records, Perez III, also known as “Eight Ball,” often obtained controlled substances from California and shipped drug proceeds through the U.S. Postal Service to co-conspirators in California. This drug trafficking organization was comprised of some individuals identifying as Mexican Posse gang members, including Perez III.
The court also sentenced Antonio Rodriguez (age: 23), a codefendant of Perez III, to fifteen (15) years of imprisonment. Rodriguez, also a known Mexican Posse gang member, was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug and firearm charges in relation to this trafficking organization.
As a result of this investigation, law enforcement officers seized approximately 45 firearms, 8.6 kilograms of cocaine, 700 grams of heroin, 4.4 kilograms of marijuana, 4,500 kilograms of marijuana oils, and 21.9 kilograms of filled marijuana vape cartridges.
The defendants were charged based on a long-term investigation led by law enforcement agents and officers from the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Greenfield Police Department.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Home Invasion RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling has announced that April 21, 2022, United States District Judge Lynn Adelman sentenced Michael Robertson to 15 years in federal prison after Mr. Robertson pled guilty to robbery affecting interstate commerce. Mr. Robertson was charged under the Hobbs Act. He also faced a 10-year mandatory minimum for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The evidence showed that on June 23, 2021, Mr. Robertson entered the 59-year-old victim’s home armed with two firearms and demanded her money and property. When the victim resisted, Mr. Robertson fired his gun into her couch twice and pistol-whipped her in the head. Mr. Robertson stole the victim’s bag containing U.S. currency and various controlled substances and fled.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
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Wisconsin Man Charged with Seeking to Intimidate and Interfere with Housing Rights Following Racially-Motivated IncidentsRead the Press Release
A federal criminal complaint was issued charging William A. McDonald, 54, of West Allis, Wisconsin, with using force and threatening to use force to injure, intimidate and interfere with the housing rights of multiple individuals because of their race, color or national origin. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling for the Eastern District of Wisconsin made the announcement.
According to a publicly filed complaint, law enforcement has been investigating a series of racially motivated incidents involving property damage and threats of bodily harm unless individuals move from West Allis. The complaint alleges that McDonald violated federal law with respect to one or more of these incidents.
This case was investigated by the FBI Milwaukee Field Division and the West Allis Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Kovoor and Christopher Ladwig for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, in collaboration with Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Haitian National Charged with International Narcotics Conspiracy, Narcotics Distribution, and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Robert J. Bell, Special Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Chicago Field Division, and Renita D. Foster, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Caribbean Field Division announced the expulsion of Jean Eliobert Jasme (a/k/a “ED-1,” “Eddy One,” “Tio Loco”), age 60, from Haiti based on an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Jasme was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At today’s hearing, Judge Dries ordered that Jasme be detained pending trial.
On September 28, 2021, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Wisconsin returned an indictment against Jasme alleging one count of international drug trafficking, one substantive count of international drug trafficking, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. According to the indictment, from approximately February 2019 through September 28, 2021, Jasme conspired with others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States; on or about October 28, 2020, Jasme distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States; and on or about October 28, 2020, Jasme carried a firearm during and in relation to the aforementioned drug-trafficking offenses.
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 Port-au-Prince Country Office and the DEA Milwaukee Field Office investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Haitian National Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice, the Haitian National Police and La Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants (BLTS), 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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U.s. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Wisconsin Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Every April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin join survivors, advocates, and communities nationwide in observing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Sexual violence is far too prevalent, and it is important to not only to raise awareness of the myriad forms of sexual violence, but to engage in meaningful prevention efforts, take action to hold offenders accountable, and care for survivors in a trauma-informed manner.
This year, United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling joins the Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in applauding the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022), which treats sexual assault as the serious violation it is and creates new programs and initiatives that provide survivors of sexual violence with increased access to services and justice. For example, VAWA 2022 expands outreach to survivors in underserved communities, including by improving access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations for survivors in rural areas, providing community-specific services for LGBT survivors, and restoring tribes’ jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of sexual violence and sex trafficking, among certain other offenses committed on tribal lands.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to hold individuals accountable for sexual violence – including prosecuting offenders in federal court whenever possible,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Just as importantly, everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing whatever it takes to support, assist, and help survivors of this type of violence as these cases move forward in the pursuit of justice.”
“During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and every month, OVW-funded programs across the nation provide essential services to survivors of sexual assault, responding to their needs, helping them heal, and supporting them as they pursue the justice they seek,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall. “The impact of sexual violence is felt by the entire community and can devastate survivors’ lives, which is why it is critical that VAWA 2022 strengthens not just services and justice interventions but also prevention.”
OVW funds resources in every jurisdiction, and the state of Wisconsin was awarded $8,048,252.00 in 2021. OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone and there are many services available to help, including the Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, you can find a local resources page on OVW’s website, which lists state sexual assault coalitions that can direct you to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved.
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Fox Valley Restaurant Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on March 31, 2022, Luis A. Morales (age: 41), the former owner of Mr. Taco and Savor Food & Spirits, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court filings, Morales was the leader of a local drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing numerous kilograms of cocaine throughout the Fox Valley area from approximately 2014 until December 2020. Investigators learned that Morales commonly traveled to the Chicago, Illinois, area to obtain large amounts of cocaine. He also frequently traveled to Mexico and Colombia. The Mr. Taco Kimberly location was often used to distribute and accept payments for cocaine.
After a lengthy investigation, Morales was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 41 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in December 2020. Two kilograms of cocaine were located in the back seat of his vehicle. After the traffic stop, investigators identified and searched the location of Morales’s source of supply in Chicago, Illinois, where they located an additional 11 kilograms of cocaine and approximately $80,000 in cash. Investigators then executed search warrants at various residences and all of Morales’s restaurants, where they located additional cocaine, cash, and firearms. The evidence further established that Morales had direct ties and confirmed contacts with Cartel Jalisco New Generation (“CJNG”), a violent Mexican cartel.
During the sentencing hearing, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach noted that by purchasing large quantities of cocaine from members and associates of CJNG, Morales financially supported a large criminal enterprise known for destroying other countries and communities. Judge Griesbach also emphasized that Morales was driven by greed and took advantage of other people’s addictions.
Morales’s incarceration will be followed by ten years of supervised release. Judge Griesbach also ordered a money judgment of forfeiture in the amount of $150,000 in addition to the approximately $145,000 already seized and forfeited.
The successful prosecution of this case was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration—Green Bay Resident Office (DEA-GBRO), the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group—Drug Unit (LWAM), and the Wisconsin Department of Justice—Department of Criminal Investigation. Several other law enforcement agencies assisted throughout this investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Wisconsin National Guard Counterdrug Program, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Appleton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros prosecuted the case.
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Appleton Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Violations of Federal Tax LawsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on March 25, 2022, Paul R. Vanderlinden (age: 42) of Appleton, Wisconsin, 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.
According to court filings, Vanderlinden, as owner and operator of Muncheez Pizzeria in Appleton, Wisconsin, skimmed approximately $800,000 from his business’ receipts between 2012 and 2016. Large cash deposits were made to Vanderlinden’s personal bank account during this timeframe. Vanderlinden failed to include this revenue in his tax returns, and fraudulently underreported his gross receipts by at least $130,000 for each tax year.
Vanderlinden gave his employees the option of being “paid in cash without taxes taken out, or by check with taxes taken out,” and used a large portion of the skimmed revenue to pay his employees “under the table.” Federal law requires employers to collect payroll taxes. Vanderlinden willfully failed to withhold and pay over approximately $88,000 in payroll taxes between 2012 and 2016, and he filed employer tax returns containing false statements regarding the wages paid to his employees.
“This case reflects the strong commitment of the Department of Justice and our federal law enforcement partners to investigating and prosecuting individuals who seek to abuse our tax laws,” said United States Attorney Frohling. “This type of fraud not only undermines the rule of law but also puts individuals and businesses that act in a forthright and honest manner at an unfair disadvantage in the marketplace.”
"Business owners have a responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell, Chicago Field Office. "The failure to pay over withheld taxes is a serious offense. It results in the loss of tax revenue to the United States government and the loss of future social security or Medicare benefits for the employees.”
Vanderlinden will be sentenced on July 7, 2022, before Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
This investigation was undertaken by Special Agents from the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini.
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Registered Sex Offender from Oshkosh Indicted for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 22, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Scott J. Meyer (age: 49) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Meyer faces charges alleging that he attempted to sexually exploit a minor and persuade that minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a). Meyer was previously convicted of causing a child to view or listen to sexual activity in Shawano County in 2018. He spent time in prison for that crime and was required to register as a sex offender. As such, he faces a second charge for the commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sexual offender contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. If convicted of the charges, Meyer faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Fox Valley Metro Police Department and will be 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.
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.
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Cudahy Man Indicted on Child Pornography Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 15, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging that Gerald E. Belmore, Jr. (age: 55) of Cudahy, Wisconsin, distributed child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A).
If convicted, Belmore faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years of incarceration.
According to court filings, Belmore allegedly utilized a popular messaging platform to participate in chat rooms dedicated to the exchange and viewing of child pornography. He is also alleged to have acted as an “administrator” for some of these chat rooms.
Belmore’s indictment is a direct result of Operation Kick Boxer, a collaborative effort involving the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office (https://go.usa.gov/xzPYS).
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.
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Federal Jury Finds Grafton Dentist Guilty of Healthcare Fraud and False StatementsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 10, 2022, Scott Charmoli (age: 61) of Grafton Wisconsin, a licensed dentist, was convicted of five counts of healthcare fraud and two counts of making false statements related to healthcare matters.
The evidence presented at trial established that Scott Charmoli engaged in a years-long scheme to defraud dental insurance companies into paying for unnecessary crown procedures. The evidence showed that, beginning in 2015, Charmoli started to aggressively sell patients on the need for crown procedures. After convincing patients they needed crowns, Charmoli intentionally broke his patients’ teeth with his drill and took pictures and x-rays of the damage he caused. Then, Charmoli sent images of the damage he caused to insurance companies as support for his requests for payment for the crown procedures. Insurance companies assumed that those images of damage represented the pre-operative condition of the teeth, and as a result, paid the claims. Many of Charmoli’s patients also paid significant co-pays for these crown procedures.
The evidence showed that Charmoli performed far more crowns than most dentists in Wisconsin, ranking in, or above, the 95th percentile of crowns performed in each year from 2016 to 2019, according to data from just one insurance company. 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 he caused, Charmoli made false statements to dental insurers when they denied initial claims for crown coverage.
Charmoli is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman. Charmoli faces a maximum term of ten years of imprisonment for each healthcare fraud conviction and a maximum term of five years of imprisonment for each false statement conviction.
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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Menominee Indian Man Charged in Federal Court with Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Darwin J. Pamanet (age: 46) of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Northeastern Wisconsin. The indictment charges him with three counts of aggravated sexual abuse, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2241(c) and 1153(a); one count of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a); and one count of possession of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B).
If convicted of the offenses, the defendant would face the following terms of imprisonment:
Charge
Maximum Penalty
Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison, and up to life in prison
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, and up to 30 years in prison
Possession of Child Pornography
Up to 20 years in prison
In addition to the prison sentences listed above, the defendant faces fines and periods of supervised release if convicted.
According to filed court documents, from July 2021 through December 2021, the defendant allegedly committed sexual acts with three children who were under the age of 12 years old and recorded himself performing the sex acts with at least one of the children. A search of an electronic device revealed images of child pornography believed to be the child victims.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
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 guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
For Additional Information Contact:
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U.S. Department of Justice Awards $150,000 Grant to Wisconsin Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined the United States Department of Justice in announcing that it has awarded $150,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for law enforcement agencies in the state for their immediate emergency response and subsequent investigation and prosecution of the Waukesha parade attack that occurred on November 21, 2021.
“Every day, the United States Department of Justice seeks to make our communities safer not only through prosecution of federal offenders but also by seeking to provide financial support, training resources, and technical assistance to our state, local, and tribal partners,” stated U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Today’s grant – to help agencies whose men and women responded to the Waukesha parade attack – is another example of that commitment.”
“November 21, 2021, is a day the City of Waukesha will never forget. On that day first responders answered the call to serve,” said Dan Thompson, Chief of Police, Waukesha Police Department. “On behalf of the Waukesha Police Department and all of the Law Enforcement agencies who assisted in this unprecedented incident, we are honored to hear that the state was awarded funds by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to assist law enforcement agencies in this tragic event.”
The grant awarded will be utilized to reimburse agencies that have experienced a significant financial impact from the parade tragedy and the subsequent interventions that have been necessary to cope with the event. The grant program is managed by the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at https://www.ojp.gov
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
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Former University Professor to Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud and Engaging in an Unlawful Monetary TransactionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced today that Yue Liu, also known as Troy Liu (age: 41) of Mequon, Wisconsin, had been charged in a two-count information with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957. Liu has signed a plea agreement acknowledging that he is guilty of those charges.
As detailed in court documents, beginning in approximately April 2016 and continuing through at least November 2020, Liu, who was an engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), devised and executed a scheme to defraud. The essence of the scheme was to obtain money, through materially false promises and representations, from foreign students who were accepted into graduate programs at UWM. Liu promised foreign students that they would be part of a program run by an entity he controlled, which would pay expenses associated with their studies at UWM, including tuition and other costs. In reality, there was no such program affiliated with UWM, and UWM waived the students’ tuition because they were research assistants. Liu emailed letters to students in which he made false representations about the program, and he wrote those letters using a fictitious name he invented and using what appeared to be a UWM logo.
According to the Information and plea agreement, Liu fraudulently obtained more than $1.1 million from foreign students and visiting professors. Liu did not use the money from the students to pay their tuition and other expenses. Instead, he used a portion of the money he received for personal purposes, including to fund investment accounts and to pay credit card expenses. Liu also attempted to conceal the scheme by creating a fraudulent research agreement between UWM and a fictitious entity purportedly based in China and using a portion of the money to fund this agreement.
The wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any prison term. The unlawful monetary transaction count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The claims made in the Information are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to convict the defendant. The plea agreement expresses the defendant’s intention to plead guilty, but the defendant has not yet formally entered a plea in this matter.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Scully.
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Waukesha County Neurologist Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 3, 2022, Sean A. Jochims (age: 51) formerly of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced by U. S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller to four years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Jochims must also comply with sex offender registry requirements, which mandate that he must notify registry officials where he is living, working, or attending school.
At sentencing, Judge Stadtmueller emphasized the serious nature of the offense and its impact on the children who are sexually abused in order to fuel the child pornography industry. He noted, “The victims are the most precious resources we have in our society . . .The FBI has the technology and the resources to investigate these cases because we can’t tolerate this behavior in our society.”
This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick.
This case was also 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. The Victim Services division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office may be reached at (800) 680-8949 for further information and support.
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Federal Criminal Charges Filed Against CEO of Exit 7c, Inc.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on February 2, 2022, an information was filed in federal court in Milwaukee, charging Blessing Egbon with wire fraud.
According to documents filed in court, Egbon was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Exit 7c, Inc., a Milwaukee-headquartered company in the business of selling both bulk fuel and onsite fuel and maintenance services to transportation companies. The documents allege that by no later than August of 2018, Egbon had devised and was executing a fraud scheme in which he repeatedly made materially false and fraudulent statements and representations to actual and potential investors as to (1) his background, experience, and qualifications; (2) the performance and financial health of Exit 7c; and (3) how investor money would be used. The court documents allege that Egbon obtained a total of more than $6 million from investors and used the fraudulently obtained funds largely for personal purposes, including visits to luxury nightclubs, flights on private chartered jets, villa rentals, and payments to himself.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Wisconsin office is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad.
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Two Georgia Residents Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Banks and Credit Unions in Green Bay and the Fox ValleyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Michael W. Harvey, Jr. (age: 40) and Shanika V. Harvey (age: 31), both residents of Atlanta, Georgia. They are each charged with three counts of financial institution fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. Each count carries a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
The indictment alleges that Michael and Shanika Harvey schemed to defraud financial institutions across the United States, including numerous banks and credit unions in the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas. The defendants are alleged to have stolen checks from numerous Wisconsin businesses’ mailboxes, altered them, and then recruited individuals to cash the counterfeit checks in exchange for a small amount of money. The defendants are alleged to have obtained or attempted to obtain more than $160,000 from banks and credit unions in Northeast Wisconsin.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. 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 defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oshkosh Man Indicted on Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Raymon A. Fuller, Jr. (age: 26) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Fuller is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Fuller, a convicted felon, committed a robbery during an illegal drug transaction in August of 2020, during which he brandished a firearm. As a felon, Fuller is prohibited from ever legally possessing a firearm. If convicted, Fuller faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the robbery charge, a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison for brandishing the firearm, and up to ten years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
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Owners and Employees of Summit Contracting, Inc., Indicted on Fraud and Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a ten-count indictment against Chad M. Schampers (age: 38) and Gina L. Schampers (age: 36), both of De Pere, Wisconsin; Nathaniel R. Smith (age: 39) of Oconto, Wisconsin; and Jeffrey M. O’Brien (age: 33) of Shawano, Wisconsin. All four defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and nine counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
The conspiracy count carries a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment and up to a $1,000,000 fine. The wire fraud counts each carry a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.
The defendants operated and worked at a home remodeling business named Summit Contracting, Inc. The indictment alleges that the defendants induced Summit’s customers to unwittingly apply for high interest financing based on false information and sign forms which falsely stated that work on their remodeling projects had already been completed. It is further alleged that, contrary to the terms of these finance agreements, the defendants withdrew funds from customers’ finance accounts prior to performing any work or, in some cases, even prior to ordering the building supplies. The defendants are alleged to have caused a loss of $1,500,000 as a result of their fraud.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Milwaukee Man Indicted for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Sidney Gentry (age: 26) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for armed carjacking. The carjacking occurred on October 13, 2021, near North 27th Street in Milwaukee.
Gentry is charged with one count of motor vehicle robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. If convicted, Gentry would face up to 15 years in prison for the motor vehicle robbery, a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison for brandishing the firearm, and up to ten years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This matter is being investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Porchia S. Lewand
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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De Pere Man Indicted for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Chad M. Schampers (age: 38) of De Pere, Wisconsin, with one count of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and one count of money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957. The wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment, and the money laundering count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
The indictment alleges that Schampers filed a fraudulent loan application seeking approximately $300,000 in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, which is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The indictment alleges that Schampers unlawfully used approximately $300,000 in PPP loan funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of a private residence and diverting funds into his personal account.
“Individuals engaging in PPP fraud not only cause loss to every taxpayer but also prevent the funds from helping small businesses and employees in need,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office remains focused on holding anyone who engaged in this type of fraud accountable for their actions.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Milwaukee Division Michael E. Hensle said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the ongoing commitment and dedication of the FBI to work with our partners to aggressively hold individuals accountable who perpetrate fraud against the American people and assist the victims of fraud. This large scale home improvement fraud scheme took advantage and broke the trust of multiple homeowners and financial institutions. The FBI will continue to pursue and bring to justice those individuals who take advantage of others for profit and believe they are above the law.”
This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Department Strategy Supports National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in releasing the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“The Eastern District of Wisconsin long has been a leader in seeking to hold human traffickers accountable for their conduct, which often involves incredible cruelty and the infliction of physical and emotional harm day after day,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “We have regularly pursued cases involving forced labor, child sex trafficking, and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. As part of the national strategy being announced today, we look forward to continuing to work with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement colleagues and community partners to bring offenders to justice and provide crucial support for trafficking victims.”
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
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Vice President of Kenwood Keys Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay over Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that, on January 27, 2022, Patrick Souter entered a guilty plea in federal court in Milwaukee to charges that he willfully failed to truthfully account for and pay over “trust fund” payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.
According to documents filed in court, Souter is the vice president and a 50 percent shareholder of Kenwood Keys. Federal law requires employers to collect payroll taxes (which include federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes) from the wages paid to its employees, and to pay over these taxes to the United States through the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The taxes withheld from wages paid to employees are commonly referred to as the “trust fund” portion of payroll taxes. Federal law also requires employers to pay additional payroll taxes to the IRS in an amount equal to the employees’ share of Social Security and Medicare taxes. These taxes are referred to as the “matching” portion of payroll taxes.
According to court filings, beginning in 2006 and continuing through 2020, Souter regularly failed to pay over to the IRS all or a portion of trust fund payroll taxes that he had withheld from employees’ wages. During that same time period, Souter also regularly failed to pay to the IRS all or a portion of the matching part of payroll taxes owed by Kenwood Keys. As part of his plea, Souter admitted that during the period from 2006 through 2020, he failed to pay the IRS a total of $559,249.82 in payroll taxes.
The IRS Criminal Investigation division in Milwaukee is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
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Milwaukee Pharmacy Chain to Pay over $2 Million to Resolve Allegations It Violated the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced today that Hayat Pharmacy agreed to pay $2,050,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for prescription medications.
Hayat Pharmacy operates 23 pharmacy locations in the greater Milwaukee area. The United States alleged that Hayat Pharmacy submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid in 2019 for two prescription medications, a topical cream consisting of iodoquinol, hydrocortisone, and aloe, and a multivitamin with the trade name Azesco. During the relevant time period, Medicaid paid thousands of dollars per prescription for the iodoquinol-hydrocortisone-aloe cream, and Medicare paid hundreds of dollars per prescription for Azesco. The United States alleged that Hayat Pharmacy switched Medicaid and Medicare patients from lower cost medications to the iodoquinol-hydrocortisone-aloe cream and Azesco without any medical need and/or without a valid prescription. In addition to paying over $2 million to resolve the allegations concerning these false claims, Hayat Pharmacy agreed to conduct annual training concerning waste, fraud and abuse, and compliance with rules concerning medication switches.
“Medicare and Medicaid only pay for prescription medications that are needed by patients, not prescriptions dispensed by pharmacies simply to increase their profits,” said United States Attorney Frohling. “This settlement imposes a significant penalty on Hayat Pharmacy and will make the federal government whole for the pharmacy chain’s wrongdoing.”
“Our watchdog agency will hold accountable pharmacies who try to boost their profits by billing federal health care programs for medically unnecessary medications,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, HHS-OIG, Chicago Region.
James B. Hurley, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Milwaukee Field Office, said: “The FBI prioritizes efforts to stop healthcare fraud and will continue to hold accountable pharmacies and other medical providers who misuse Medicare and Medicaid dollars. By requiring Hayat Pharmacy to repay over $2 million, this settlement underscores that healthcare providers cannot put their interests ahead of their patients or the taxpayers.”
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. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Hussein v. Hayat Pharmacy, LLC, et al., 20-cv-472, and is pending in the District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Carter represented the government in this matter. The HHS-OIG, FBI, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice assisted in the investigation. The settlement agreement states allegations only; Hayat Pharmacy does not admit liability for the allegations.
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Door County Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 24, 2022, Christopher J. Kone (age: 37) of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment for two counts of possession of child pornography.
Between July 20, 2020, and November 12, 2020, Kone was the focus of a joint human trafficking investigation between the Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. During the investigation, law enforcement located several pornographic images of a minor on his cellular telephone. Kone subsequently pled guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(5)(b).
In pronouncing sentence, Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Kone’s crimes which involved sexual assault and attempted trafficking of a minor. The judge further highlighted the need to deter Kone and others from engaging in similar behavior. Following his release from prison, Kone will serve seven years on supervised release and will be required to register as a sexual offender under federal and state law.
This case was investigated by the Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry, Alexander E. Duros, 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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Maribel Sex Offender Indicted for the Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 19, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging that Smedley D. Butler (age: 50) of Maribel, Wisconsin, received and possessed child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A(a)(2)(A) and 2252A(a)(5)(B).
According to the indictment, Butler is required to register as a sex offender under Wisconsin law due to a 2009 Manitowoc County conviction for possessing child pornography. Given his status as a sex offender, he faces a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 40 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the receipt of child pornography charge. He faces a mandatory ten years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the possession of child pornography charge. Butler could also be fined up to $250,000 on each count.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Manitowoc Police Department, and 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.
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For further information contact:
(414) 297-1700
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Appleton Felon Indicted on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 19, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Mark A. Dreier (age: 64) of Appleton, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Dreier, a convicted felon, possessed a dozen firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted of possessing the firearms, he faces up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
# # #
For further information contact:
(414) 297-1700
Follow us on Twitter