Northern District of Indiana

Conference focused on strengthening partnerships, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland a keynote speaker

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. Today kicked off the two-day 2023 Great Lakes Native American Conference focused on Native American issues and strengthening relationships with Tribal communities across the region. The conference is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

          “This conference brings together victim support specialists, law enforcement officials, advocates, and others who work on Tribal matters across the Great Lakes Region,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is deeply committed to carrying out our responsibilities to protect Tribal communities and preserve their status as sovereign nations. This conference is one tool to help us advance that mission.”

U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten, U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Dawn N. Ison, U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson.

          U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland served as a keynote speaker. In 2021 Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, a comprehensive effort to recognize the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies with the goal of addressing their intergenerational impact and shedding light on the traumas of the past. Assistant Secretary Newland, who has led the Initiative, used his remarks to address this important effort.

          "For the first time, the federal government is examining its role in the federal Indian boarding school system and how that contributed to the forced assimilation of Indigenous Peoples, resulting in the breakup of families and Tribal Nations and the loss of languages, cultural practices, and relatives," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said. "The Federal Indian Boarding School system left lasting scars that continue to impact Tribal communities. Today, the federal government is working to help heal these scars as we support Tribes in their efforts to revitalize their economies, languages, and cultural practices and promote public safety and justice so that they can continue to exist as Indigenous Peoples."

          Preparation for the conference, which is being held in New Buffalo, Michigan at the Four Winds Casino, was a collaborative effort between various tribes, Tribal advocates, and the various U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. Some of the topics covered include Sextortion: History, Methods, and Impact on Victims; Indian Boarding Schools; Drugs: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities to Intervene; Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons; and Federal Indian Law changes. 

          “My office is committed to furthering and strengthening our relationship with our Native American community in the Eastern District of Michigan,” said Dawn N. Ison, U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and discuss issues that directly impact our Tribal partners. This conference and its focus on hope and healing helps facilitate not only communication, understanding, and opportunities for law enforcement partners serving Native American communities to further learn ways in which we can best serve Native Americans, it also allows for the type of engagement that helps build trust and legitimacy between the tribes and law enforcement.”

          “This conference provides an opportunity to discuss public safety issues with our Tribal partners, such as combatting violence against women and addressing the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and substance use disorder in Indian country,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea of the Western District of Wisconsin.

          Pokagon Band Tribal Vice Chair Gary Morseau; Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Ogema Larry Romanelli; Dr. Colleen Lane, MD, of Corewell Health; Dan Wicklund, DNPA, RN, of Corewell Health; and Katheryn E. Fort, Director of the Indian Law Clinic at the Michigan State University College of Law also served as speakers at the conference. Attendees of the conference included Tribal members, Tribal law enforcement, Tribal governments, federal government partners, and other victim service providers that work with Indian Country victims.

          “This conference highlights what collaboration can do by gathering Tribal nations and units of governments together, to create better communication and strengthen relationship between the participants,” said Ogema Larry Romanelli. “I am thankful to the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for their sponsorship, and the Department of Interior’s involvement.  I am honored to participate.”

          “On behalf of the Pokagon Tribal Government, we would like to acknowledge the purpose of this conference focused on Native American issues, our collaboration with federal partners, and the role of the U.S. Department of Justice in successfully defending the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act before the Supreme Court,” said Pokagon Tribal Vice Chair Gary Morseau.

U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland speaking at the 2023 Great Lakes Native American Conference in New Buffalo, Michigan.

          The 2023 Great Lakes Native American Conference and events like it, are components of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

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HAMMOND- Johnny Wilbourn, 42 years old, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Wilbourn was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Wilbourn sold cocaine on three separate occasions throughout August and September 2020.  During a search of Wilbourn’s home, law enforcement found fentanyl, a cutting agent, and a digital scale. Wilbourn’s criminal history included prior felony convictions for murder, manufacturing cocaine, and retail theft.      

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory in Chicago.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth.        

FORT WAYNE –Kevin T. Leshore, 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Leshore was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Fort Wayne Police observed Leshore at a gas station with a handgun sticking out of his pocket.  Officers were able to determine that Leshore was a convicted felon and had an active arrest warrant.  When they attempted to apprehend Leshore, he got into his vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase through a residential area before stopping and fleeing on foot.  When officers apprehended Leshore, they located a handgun near him with a round in the chamber in addition to a loaded firearm magazine that Leshore had discarded as he fled.  At the time of his apprehension, Leshore was also in possession of a bag containing a large amount of U.S. Currency and narcotics. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Angel J. Zanex, 37 years old, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Zanex was sentenced to 84 months in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $71,000 in restitution to the victims of the charged offense as well as victims of uncharged offenses.

According to documents in the case, on or about December 15, 2021, Zanex distributed child sexual abuse material by posting a video to an online platform.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) GRIT/Merrillville Field Office, with assistance from the FBI Milwaukee Field Office, the Winnebago County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police Digital Forensic Unit, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Tak Force (ICAC), the Tippecanoe County Hight Tech Crime Unit, and the Lafayette Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan and former Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Jill Koster.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

SOUTH BEND – Keith Wigfall, 57 years old, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Wigfall was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January 2021, law enforcement executed a traffic stop of a vehicle Wigfall was driving and recovered $47,500 in cash as well as controlled substances.  A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 9.5 kilograms of marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, morphine, 9 other types of controlled substances, 3 firearms, and $30,000 cash.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly and former AUSA Frank E. Schaffer.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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FORT WAYNE –Bryon Fisher, 42 years old, of Huntington, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Fisher was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The Court also revoked Fishers’ supervised release on his prior conviction for mail theft and sentenced him to an additional 24 months in prison. The Court ordered these sentences to be served consecutively for a total term of 145 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, from about July 2022 through August 2022, law enforcement conducted 6 controlled buys of methamphetamine from Fisher.  A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of evidence indicating drug trafficking, including a drug ledger.  In total, Fisher delivered and possessed with intent to deliver over 244 grams of methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Huntington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

 

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HAMMOND – United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson and Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus announce that the City of Gary have been awarded $1 Million Dollars in Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding.

The City of Gary received notice of this funding late August 10, 2023, from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

The funding will be utilized for permanent mounted LPR cameras, stationery video surveillance cameras & associated reoccurring costs.  This technology and equipment will continue to be a driving force and deterrent within the city community.  The benefits of having this technology and equipment will build on officer safety, engaging the officers to be proactive, developing the situation before occurrence, focusing on high crime targeted areas and connecting with the residents will make them feel safer knowing the technology is there and with assistance from more police engagement.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “A key component to increasing public safety in local communities is having the funding to acquire and deploy available technology. The Department of Justice, through its grant programs, is committed to assisting local governments, as shown by this 1 million dollar grant to the City Of Gary, in funding these modernization efforts.  My office will continue to work with the Gary Police Department to increase safety for City residents and visitors.”

“It’s not the dollar amount of the grant as much as it is the relationship with our Federal partners that I’m pleased about today.  The citizens of Gary are better served when all law enforcement entities come together with a common goal,” said Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus.  “This $1 million dollar grant will help the Gary Police Department acquire technology that will be used to serve the citizens of Gary.  It will enhance our already robust LPR and mobile video camera systems.  A heartfelt thanks to the Department of Justice, and everyone involved in helping the City of Gary secure this funding.”

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FORT WAYNE –Stephen Pax, 54 years old, of Huntington, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Pax was sentenced to 212 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The Court also revoked Pax’s supervised release on his prior conviction for distribution of child sexual abuse material and sentenced him to an additional 18 months in prison. The Court ordered these sentences to be served consecutively for a total term of 230 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, from about February 2020, through February 2021, Pax knowingly distributed child sexual abuse materials using a means of interstate commerce. 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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FORT WAYNE –Gregory Johnson, 47 years old, of Trenton, Ohio, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty against Johnson on the single count of the Superseding Indictment charging him with Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Justin Sheridan.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

 

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HAMMOND- Lamont Coleman, 41 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after a jury found him guilty of conspiring to distribute heroin, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing with intent to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Coleman was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Coleman ran a heroin trafficking operation out of an apartment building that he owned in Gary, Indiana.  He also owned the house next door, with both properties sharing a common courtyard. During the execution of a search warrants, law enforcement located three loaded firearms, heroin, cocaine, and approximately $19,000 in cash from his residences.  Coleman’s sentence was enhanced for his career offender status based on prior felony convictions for manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and aggravated battery.    

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay, and former Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Molly Kelley.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Jacqualon M. Royal, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to trafficking in firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Royal was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between April 30, 2021, and May 22, 2022, Royal, who was a convicted felon, willfully engaged in the unlawful sale of firearms.   Records show that Royal possessed and sold at least 40 firearms during this period of time.  One of the firearms Royal sold had been used in the attempted murder of two people and another firearm he sold was recovered from a drug trafficker. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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FORT WAYNE –Derriel L. Jones, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Jones was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, from July through October 2021, Jones conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.  These charges stemmed in part from a traffic stop in October 2021, during which officers seized cocaine, fentanyl, and cash.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, with the task force members being the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Also assisting in this investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Brent Ecenbarger.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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HAMMOND - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson has directed staff to attend community events throughout the Northern District, which includes areas within Northwest Indiana, South Bend and Fort Wayne.  Staff will be meeting law enforcement and first responders during this yearly event.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “National Night Out activities are important steps in building bridges between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I encourage all District residents to participate in National Night Out activities in order to create law enforcement and community partnerships, which will, in turn, build safer neighborhoods and stronger communities.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. 

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the United States Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

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HAMMOND-Stephanie Fazekas, 50, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.   

Fazekas was sentenced to 84 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in the case, on or about April 3, 2021, Fazekas distributed visual depictions of minors being utilized in sexually explicit conduct using a telecommunications application. 

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

 

HAMMOND- Tyrone Johnson, age 35, of Merrillville, Indiana, was found guilty following a 2-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  

The jury found Johnson guilty of two (2) counts charged in the Second Superseding Indictment.  Johnson was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor for purpose of producing a visual depiction. He was also convicted of committing a felony offense involving a minor while being required by law to register as a sex offender. 

Johnson will be scheduled for sentencing by separate order of the Court.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Lake County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department, the Peru, Illinois Police Department, the LaSalle County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Offender Registration Unit.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Morgan, Abizer Zanzi and Philip Benson as well as former Assistant United States Attorneys Molly Kelley and Jill Koster.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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HAMMOND- Brian Long, 32 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Long was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on January 30, 2020, Brian Long possessed a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine in a parking lot of a business in Hammond, Indiana.  Long’s criminal history revealed he has a prior felony conviction for continuing criminal financial enterprise, and as such is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.  At the time of his current offense, Long was on probation from his prior felony conviction.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.      

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND- Kevin Lee Myers, age 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to making counterfeit U.S. currency and being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Myers was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, the investigation revealed that from March to July 2022, Myers manufactured more than $150,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency. A search warrant at Myers’ residence resulted in the recovery of counterfeiting equipment including, computers, printers, paper cutters, and ink cartridges, as well as a briefcase containing more than $138,000 in counterfeit bills. Various firearms and ammunition were also discovered.  Myers has prior felony convictions and, as such, cannot possess the firearms and ammunition in this case.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the Portage Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.    

SOUTH BEND – James Rippy, 40 years old, of Peru, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Rippy was sentenced to 348 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Rippy took photos and videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, he possessed other images of child pornography downloaded from the internet.

This case was investigated by United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Peru Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Tyler Crawford, 32 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Crawford was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in January 2023 police officers attempted to pull over Crawford’s car, but instead of complying, he fled at a high rate of speed.  During the pursuit, Crawford threw bags of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun out of the car.  Officers recovered the methamphetamine, which totaled over 150 grams along with the firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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SOUTH BEND –Carissa McCoy, 42 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

McCoy was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from June through mid-August 2021, McCoy conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Michigan City area. Her home, which she shared with one of her co-defendants, housed currency, firearms, and ammunition related to the conspiracy. In August 2021, McCoy and one of her co-defendants were stopped by law enforcement while traveling back to Michigan City. At that time, McCoy had over a kilogram of fentanyl pills on her person. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Chicago Field Division, the Merrillville District Office, the Amarillo Texas Resident Office and the Albuquerque New Mexico District Office) with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, and the Michigan City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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HAMMOND - United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today a settlement of the United States’ claims against Rakesh Kansal, M.D., age 70, for submitting claims to Medicare for patients he referred for cardiovascular stress testing at a testing facility in which he had an ownership interest.  Dr. Kansal has agreed to pay $310,000 to the United States to settle the United States’ claim that he violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to Medicare in violation of the Stark Law.

The Stark Law provides that the government will not pay for designated health services if such services were furnished by an entity that had a financial relationship with the referring physician because such financial relationships can cause overutilization of those services and compromise the physician’s professional judgment. The cardiovascular stress tests for which Dr. Kansal billed Medicare are designated health services.  The False Claims Act prohibits a physician from knowingly submitting claims for payment to Medicare for such services.

The United States alleges that from January 1, 2010, to May 31, 2020, Dr. Kansal submitted claims to Medicare for patients he referred for cardiovascular stress tests to a testing facility where he had an ownership interest, in violation of the False Claims Act and the Stark Law.

“All medical decisions should be based on the best interests of patients and not on the personal financial interests of referring physicians,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “My Office will continue to make it a high priority to avoid overutilization of health care services by enforcing the Stark Law prohibiting physician self-referrals.”

The settlement was reached as a result of an investigation of Dr. Kansal conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dirk D. De Lor.

SOUTH BEND – Kevin Brazier, Jr., 45 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Brazier was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in August 2022, law enforcement found Brazier in the early morning hours asleep in a car in a parking lot in South Bend with a gun on the dashboard. Police later learned the gun was loaded with 18 live rounds. Brazier has a history of violent crime, including convictions for felony domestic battery in the presence of a child, and misdemeanors for violating a protection order, attempted aggravated menacing, domestic violence, and intimidation of a victim. As a felon, Brazier is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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SOUTH BEND – Justin Overholser, 40 years old, of Rochester, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Overholser was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in September 2021, Overholser broke into the store of a federal firearms licensee and stole 11 firearms and several boxes of ammunition. He caused over $2,000 in damage and left the store with firearms valued at over $10,000.00.  Overholser later sold the stolen guns for drugs and money.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and the Logansport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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SOUTH BEND –Meliki Marion, 42 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Marion was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from June through mid-August 2021, Marion conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Michigan City area. Marion’s co-defendants sold pills purporting to be oxycodone that were actually fentanyl.  In August 2021, two co-defendants were stopped while traveling back to Michigan City with over a kilogram of fentanyl pills.  Marion was in possession of over $3,000 when apprehended by law enforcement as she attempted to run away from her residence as it was to be searched.  Marion admitted that she collected money related to the conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Chicago Field Division, the Merrillville District Office, the Amarillo Texas Resident Office and the Albuquerque New Mexico District Office) with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, and the Michigan City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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SOUTH BEND – Victor Gamez, 43 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Gamez was sentenced to 138 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on four occasions between May 2021 and March 2022, Gamez sold varying amounts of pure methamphetamine to a person in South Bend.  The total weight distributed was 264.9 grams.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the South Bend Police Department, and the DEA North Central Laboratory. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

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HAMMOND- Kathy Lynch, age 64, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after being found guilty of nine counts of willful failure to pay employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), following a 3-day jury trial in March 2023, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lynch was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, for years Lynch failed to remit and pay federal payroll taxes for the Kouts, Indiana, nursing clinic she owned and operated. Over the course of 16 years, Lynch withheld payroll tax money from her employees’ paychecks, but instead of paying those taxes over to the IRS, as she was obligated to do, she kept more than $474,000 which she spent on personal and business expenses.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Kevin Wolff.    

SOUTH BEND – Kevin Roell, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Roell was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in August 2022, Roell communicated over the internet with a person he agreed to pay to facilitate him having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Roell used Bitcoin to pay a deposit, and then arrived at a hotel in South Bend with roses, jewelry, and cash planning to have sex with the 15-year-old.  He was then arrested.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Collin County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .

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FORT WAYNE –Bryshawn Terry, 31 years old, of Fort Wayne, IN, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Terry was sentenced to 66 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in December 2022, law enforcement responded to a 911 call about a man with a handgun.  When officers arrived, they located Terry who started walking away while tossing a 9mm handgun.  In Terry’s vehicle, officers located a rifle with a bump stock and a 50-round drum.  Terry had prior felony convictions for dealing cocaine and resisting law enforcement, and as such, is prohibited from possessing the firearms in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results

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SOUTH BEND – Laci Lindsey, 49 years old, of Winamac, Indiana, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lindsey was sentenced to 80 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between May 2021 and April 2022, Lindsey sold methamphetamine multiple times in an amount totaling approximately 295 grams.  A search of her residence resulted in the recovery of more methamphetamine, a scale, drug ledger, packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the DEA North Central Laboratory. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Archie Taylor, 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to 3 counts of robbery affecting commerce, 1 count of bank robbery, and 1 count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Taylor was sentenced to 228 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $5999 in restitution. 

According to documents in the case, over the course of a week in September 2022, Taylor robbed 3 convenience stores and a bank in the Elkhart and Mishawaka areas. During all of the robberies, Taylor pointed a handgun at the convenience store clerks and bank employees. He robbed each location of either cash or merchandise.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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HAMMOND- Darius Dudley, 30 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Dudley was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release 

According to documents in the case, in July 2021, law enforcement responded to shots fired call in the 4800 block of Northcote Avenue in East Chicago, Indiana.  Upon arrival, Dudley was observed in possession of a semi-automatic pistol.  The pistol had an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device attached to it.  The machinegun conversion made the pistol capable of firing multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger.  Dudley’s criminal history revealed that he has prior felony convictions for burglary, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and as such is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.  

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the East Chicago Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.              

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Charles Ray Smith, 52 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $315,020 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, from November 2016 to October 2021, Smith represented to several people that if they invested money with him, they would receive large returns on their investments. Induced by Smith’s representations, certain individuals gave him money. Smith did not invest the money as promised, but instead used it for his own personal benefit including purchasing his 3,500-square-foot residence.  As a result of this scheme, Smith fraudulently obtained over $300,000.00.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Phillip Carter, Jr., 32 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the making of false statements to acquire firearms, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Carter was sentenced to 102 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in April 2021, Carter provided another individual money to purchase two pistols for him from a federally licensed firearms dealer. As a convicted felon, Carter was unable to purchase firearms himself and he knew that the other individual would have to lie in order to purchase the pistols for him.  During the investigation, it was determined that Carter had another individual buy up to 24 firearms for him.  Carter’s prior felony convictions, which include being a felon in possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm, prohibit him purchasing and possessing the firearms in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Drug Task Force and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Jerome W. McKeever.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Curtis Birner, 37 years old, of Peru, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after being found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial in January, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Birner was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in October 2021, Birner entered a Peru gas station with a gun concealed in his sweatshirt.  He displayed the firearm to another person prompting a call to law enforcement.  At the time law enforcement located Birner, he was in a car in the parking lot of a different gas station with a rifle and handgun on his seat along with shotgun in the back seat area. Birner has been convicted of several prior felony offenses, including a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. Any one of his prior felony convictions prohibited Birner from possessing the firearms in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Miami County Sheriff’s Department and the Peru Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Katelan M. Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Jeremy Eash, 39 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Eash was sentenced to 94 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $72,500 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, during a 4-month period between 2021/2022, Eash received child pornography images and videos over the internet. Law enforcement recovered over 1,200 images and 400 videos of child pornography from his electronic devices.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Elkhart Police and the LaGrange Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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HAMMOND- Anthony Day, age 55, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after a jury found him guilty of armed robbery, brandishing a firearm during that robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Day was sentenced to 292 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to the documents in this case, the convictions stemmed from the October 8, 2019, robbery of a bank in Hammond, Indiana where the defendant brandished a gun during the commission of the offense.  Wearing a disguise, Day approached a bank teller, displayed a gun and requested cash from the teller’s drawer.  Day and his accomplice ordered the bank employees and patrons to lie down on the ground before fleeing the bank.  When apprehended, Day’s DNA was on multiple items recovered, including a revolver, a firearm with an extended magazine, and his disguise. 

Co-defendant, Omar Williams, pled guilty to armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during that robbery, and he was previously sentenced to 235 months in prison.

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance of the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula and Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay.     

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Steven Hecke, 47 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after previously being found guilty following a 5 day trial in June 2022, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

The jury found Hecke guilty on all counts charged in the Indictment, which included distributing methamphetamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. 

Hecke was sentenced to Life plus 25 years in prison.  Hecke’s sentence was enhanced because he had previously been convicted of a serious drug felony and armed drug trafficking in a 2007 federal case in the Northern District of Indiana.   

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “As the trial evidence showed, Mr. Hecke was a cartel-connected drug trafficker who sold massive amounts of illegal drugs in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere.  This prosecution shows that my office will spare no effort to bring drug dealers to justice. Let Mr. Hecke’s life sentence plus 25 years warn those engaged in illegal drug trafficking that when justice is served, the consequences are rightfully harsh.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration is focused on disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations at all levels, specifically those with connections to Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel.  Mr. Hecke had those criminal connections.  Through his violent, drug related crimes, Mr. Hecke caused great harm and damage to northern Indiana, but thanks to a collaborative law enforcement effort, he is no longer a threat to Hoosiers.  DEA will continue to strive for a safer and healthier northern Indiana and America,” said Alfred A. Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Merrillville District Office.

According to documents in the case, Hecke was distributing massive quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in both powder and pill form, along with other drugs.  Law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Hecke in November and December 2019.  Agents and officers arrested Hecke at his Fort Wayne home after he returned with a drug shipment from Chicago in January 2020.  In this one shipment, Hecke possessed approximately 19 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.  From Hecke’s residence and a separate stash house, law enforcement recovered additional methamphetamine, fentanyl powder and pills, other drugs, ammunition and high-capacity magazines, body armor, and nine firearms, including two AK-47 style rifles and other rifles and pistols.  The investigation further revealed that Hecke had obtained multiple prior drug shipments and that he was working closely with the Sinaloa Cartel by supplying them with vehicles, ATVs, generators, firearms, and other merchandise.  Hecke demonstrated a significant potential for violence and danger to the community in several ways: by protecting his drug houses with multiple firearms; making threats of violence against others to collect drug debts and to protect his drug operation; and invoking cartel members as intimidation and as a means of enforcing his threats.     

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Special Weapons and Tactics Team, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, the New Haven Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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FORT WAYNE – Joseph Golden, 36 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Golden was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Golden engaged in the sale of methamphetamine and heroin to law enforcement on two occasions in August and September 2022.  At the time of his arrest, law enforcement located over 800 grams of methamphetamine in Golden’s vehicle, which had a purity level of 99 percent. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.

HAMMOND- Thomas Spangle, age 42, of DeMotte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Spangle was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.

According to the documents in this case, on or about July 19, 2019, Spangle began his 15-year term of supervised release following his conviction for distribution of child pornography.  In March 2021, information was received that Spangle was viewing child pornography on his cellphone while on supervised release.  While being monitored, several potential images of child pornography were identified.  In April 2021, a search warrant was conducted on his electronic devices and a forensic exam revealed his cell phone contained 48 videos files, 31 of which depicted  child pornography.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (GRIT) with assistance of the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily A.  Morgan and Philip C. Benson.   

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

SOUTH BEND – Ismael Ortiz-Vargas, 37 years old, of Bristol, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ortiz-Vargas was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in November 2022, the car Ortiz-Vargas was driving was stopped on the Indiana Toll Road and police discovered that he was transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Connecticut to Wisconsin to sell in Milwaukee. At the time of the stop, an arrest warrant had been issued for a violation of his federal supervised release based on his previous federal conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police as part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

 

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HAMMOND- Michael A. Davis, 34 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Davis was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February 2022, law enforcement responded to a 911 call and upon arrival, located Davis.  A firearm with an obliterated serial number was also recovered which Davis possessed.  Davis’ criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and was prohibited from possessing the firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Patrick D. Grindlay.   

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Cameron Moore, 52 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Moore was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Moore sold methamphetamine throughout 2022. Additionally, in October 2022, investigators intercepted two packages intended for delivery to him through the United States Postal Service. One package contained approximately 3.6 kilograms of methamphetamine while the other package contained approximately 2.7 kilograms of marijuana.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit and the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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SOUTH BEND – Donta Bridges, 39 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty by a jury in October 2022 of heroin distribution, attempted heroin distribution, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Bridges was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in the fall of 2019, Bridges was selling various substances to include heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and the horse tranquilizer xylazine. During one sale, Bridges told a customer to be careful with the drugs because Bridges knew that someone had overdosed on the drugs he was selling. During the execution of a search warrant at his house, investigators recovered a gun along with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Bridges was sentenced on the instant offense as a career offender based on his two prior felony convictions for controlled substance offenses; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin distribution.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Jerome W. McKeever.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

 

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FORT WAYNE –Julian Muriera, 30 years old, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty against Muriera on the single count of the Superseding Indictment for attempting to produce child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery, with assistance of AUSA Brent Ecenbarger.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

 

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FORT WAYNE –Justin Davis, 65 years old, of Maywood, IL, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Davis was sentenced to 108 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in July 2021, Davis was observed driving well over the posted speed limit.  Indiana State Police conducted a traffic stop and located a container with a white granular substance that Davis was attempting to hide.  When confronted, Davis admitted the substance was crack cocaine.  Additional narcotics and items related to drug dealing were also recovered, in addition to a loaded handgun.  Davis admitted to previously dealing drugs while armed for his protection.  Due to multiple prior felony convictions, Davis is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent A. Ecenbarger.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results

HAMMOND- Levar Tyms, 20 years old, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possessing an unregistered machinegun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Tyms was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release 

According to documents in the case, on March 9, 2022, law enforcement attempted to stop a stolen vehicle driven by Tyms in Gary, Indiana.  Tyms fled from officers at a high rate of speed and crashed the vehicle.  From the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine.  The firearm also contained a conversion device known as a “Glock Switch” which converted the semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic weapon.  The machinegun was not registered to Tyms in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer record, making his possession of it illegal.    

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel L. Mathur and Kevin F. Wolff.            

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND- Rico Prunty, 41 years old, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and a criminal violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Prunty was sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $132,521.98 in restitution to the victims of the offense. 

According to documents in the case, between July 2014 and May 2017, Prunty, an employee at an Arizona medical facility, unlawfully accessed medical intake forms containing patients’ individually identifiable health information (e.g., names, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, social security numbers, diagnoses, and medical information) and provided that information to his co-conspirators in northwest Indiana. His co-conspirators used the information to open new credit card accounts and access existing credit card accounts without the knowledge, permission, or authority of these patients. Over the course of the scheme, Prunty illegally accessed the individually identifiable health information of almost 500 patients, resulting in a total loss of $132,521.98.

Co-conspirators Vincent Prunty, Temika Coleman, and Gemico Childress were previously sentenced for their roles in the scheme to terms of imprisonment of 154 months, 121 months, and 134 months respectively.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa, and former Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

FORT WAYNE –Shaine Shepherd, 28 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Shepherd was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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HAMMOND- Tommy Watkins, 32 years old, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Watkins was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT with the assistance of the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.        

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice and the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Clean Air Act Settlement with BP Products North America Inc., (BPP), a subsidiary of BP p.l.c., requiring control technology expected to  reduce benzene by an estimated seven tons per year, other hazardous air pollutants (HAP) by 28 tons per year, and other volatile organic compound emissions (VOC) by 372 tons per year at its Whiting Refinery in Indiana. The United States’ complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement, alleges that BPP violated federal regulations limiting benzene in refinery wastewater streams, and HAP and VOC emissions at its Whiting Refinery, as well as the general requirement to use good air pollution control practices. As part of the settlement, BPP will install one or more permanent benzene strippers to reduce benzene in wastewater streams leading to its lakefront wastewater treatment plant.

“This settlement sends an important message to the refining industry that the United States will take decisive action against illegal benzene and VOC emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under the settlement, the refinery will implement controls that will greatly improve air quality and reduce health impacts on the overburdened communities that surround the facility.”

“This settlement will result in the reduction of hundreds of tons of harmful air pollution a year, which means cleaner, healthier air for local communities, including communities with environmental justice concerns,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This is one of several recent settlements that show that EPA and the Department of Justice are committed to improving air quality in local communities by holding industrial sources accountable for violations of emission standards under the Clean Air Act.”

“This settlement advances my office’s environmental justice initiative by providing cleaner air and reducing the negative health impacts on the low income and minority residents who live near BPP’s refinery,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson. “My office is committed to continuing to enforce the Nation’s environmental laws so that all residents of Northern Indiana can live, work, and play in a cleaner, healthier environment.”

In addition to securing injunctive relief, including capital investments, estimated to exceed $197 million, the settlement obligates BPP to pay a total financial penalty of $40 million, comprised of civil penalties and stipulated penalties for violations of an earlier settlement. This is the largest civil penalty ever secured for a Clean Air Act stationary source settlement. BPP separately agreed to undertake a $5 million supplemental environmental project to reduce diesel emissions in the communities surrounding the Whiting Refinery. BPP will also install 10 air pollutant monitoring stations to monitor air quality outside of the refinery fence line. The settlement terms are included in a proposed consent decree filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans. Short-term inhalation exposure to benzene also may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness. Long-term inhalation exposure can cause various disorders in the blood, including reduced numbers of red blood cells and anemia in occupational settings. Reproductive effects have been reported for women exposed by inhalation to high levels, and adverse effects on the developing fetus have been observed in animal tests.

VOCs along with NOX, play a major role in the atmospheric reactions that produce ozone, which is the primary constituent of smog. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Ground-level ozone exposure is linked to a variety of short-term health problems, including lung irritation and difficulty breathing, as well as long-term problems, such as permanent lung damage from repeated exposure, aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The Whiting Refinery is surrounded by communities with environmental justice concerns. This settlement is part of the Justice Department’s and EPA’s ongoing focus on assisting communities that have been historically marginalized and disproportionately exposed to pollution.

This settlement also supports EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (NECI): Creating Cleaner Air for Communities by Reducing Excess Emissions of Harmful Pollutants. To learn more about this NECI /www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-enforcement-and-compliance-initiative-creating-cleaner-air-communities

The State of Indiana assisted in the negotiations and is also a party to the settlement.

The settlement is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.