Northern District of Indiana

FORT WAYNE –Orlando Rodriguez, 41 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to 8 counts charged in an Indictment, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Rodriguez was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between March and October 2021, Rodriguez distributed methamphetamine and/or possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it on six separate occasions. During this same period, Rodriguez, knowing that he was a felon, possessed a firearm and knowingly possess a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

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 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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SOUTH BEND –Eric Blackmon, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, in September 2022, Blackmon brokered the sale of a handgun to another individual in Michigan City.  Blackmon brought his own 9-millimeter firearm with an extended magazine to the deal.  His semi-automatic firearm was eventually recovered by law enforcement despite his attempts to conceal it.  Blackmon has prior felony convictions for strangulation and burglary, and either conviction prohibits his possession of the firearm. 

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.  The 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.

SOUTH BEND –Shaquille Delaney, 32 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Delaney was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on numerous occasions between the summer of 2021 and January 2022, law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from Delaney.  During the  subsequent execution of a search warrant at his residence, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, a .22 caliber rifle, cash, drug paraphernalia, and a drug ledger. Delaney’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions for home invasion and delivery of controlled substances.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT, the Porter County Drug Task Force (PCMEG), the South Bend Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Frank Schaffer.

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SOUTH BEND –Terrence Reid, 39 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Reid was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in May 2019, Reid agreed with others to buy methamphetamine in California to bring back to the Midwest for distribution. He flew to California, obtained more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, and loaded it into a car. Co-conspirators drove the methamphetamine back to the Midwest while Reid flew to Chicago.  The drugs were found when the vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Missouri.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department, the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the Indiana State Police, and the Missouri State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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FORT WAYNE – Dana Green, 38 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after being found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Green was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in March 2022, while responding to a disturbance call, police located Green who was in possession of a handgun.  Green’s criminal history revealed he has three prior felony offenses which prohibit him from possessing the firearm.  His three prior felony convictions also qualified him as an armed career criminal for sentencing purposes.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This 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.

FORT WAYNE –Jonathan Cross, 35 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to enticing a minor to engage in prostitution, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, between January and March 2022, Cross was communicating on social media with an undercover officer posing as a minor female.  During the online communications, Cross made arrangements to meet up for sex and advised he would purchase a contraceptive before they met. On March 30, 2022, Cross was arrested when he arrived to meet who he thought was the minor female.  At the time of his arrest, Cross was in possession of the contraceptive.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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HAMMOND- Daiquan McClinton, 21 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to possessing an unregistered machinegun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

McClinton was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in March 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Gary, Indiana.  McClinton illegally possessed a loaded pistol with a machinegun conversion device attached to it, making it capable of firing multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger.  The firearm was not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer record, making his possession of it illegal.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.

FORT WAYNE – Remon D. Phillips, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after being found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Phillips was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

A jury found Phillips guilty of the firearm offense following his three-day jury trial in October 2022.  According to documents in the case, Phillips was a passenger in a vehicle a Fort Wayne Police Officer attempted to pull over on February 20, 2022.  The driver alluded police and led them on a short pursuit.  During the pursuit, Phillips was observed as he leaned out of the rear window of the car while pointing a handgun at the officer who was attempting to stop the car. Later in the pursuit, Phillips tossed the handgun which police ultimately recovered.  The firearm, a Taurus 9mm handgun, contained an extended (30 round) magazine.  Phillips’ criminal history revealed he has nine prior felony convictions and as such, is prohibited from possessing the firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes 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.

FORT WAYNE –David Hueston, 45 years old, of Marion, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Hueston was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a residence where Hueston possessed over 2 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm. Other items associated with drug distribution were found in the residence in addition to $17,000 cash and amounts of fentanyl, heroin and marijuana.  Hueston is a convicted felon and, as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Grant County Jean (Joint Effort Against Narcotics) Team Drug Task Force which is comprised of Grant County Sheriff’s Department and Marion Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.

HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $7,065,356.11 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022). Of this amount, $6,571,549.94 was collected in criminal actions and $493,806.17 was collected in civil actions. 

Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,877,445.57 in civil actions pursued jointly by these offices.         

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Most people, when thinking about the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, only focus on the federal criminal prosecutions that this office undertakes. While prosecuting criminal conduct is important, that action by itself does not completely advance public safety.  A successful criminal prosecution also deprives criminals of any ill-gotten financial gains and uses those funds to compensate crime victims.  I am very proud that my Office, last fiscal year, recovered over 6.5 million dollars from the criminals we prosecuted.  Additionally, my Office, through its collections in civil cases, is returning nearly $500,000.00 to the federal treasury.”

In May, the Northern District of Indiana recovered $1,513,730 from Cleveland Cliffs for civil penalties in a Clean Water Act case as part of a settlement for a discharge during 2019 into the Burns Waterway leading into Lake Michigan that exceeded ammonia and cyanide limits and resulted in 3,000 dead fish, beach closures, and danger of tainted drinking water.

In July, the Northern District of Indiana recovered $385,715 from BP Products for stipulated penalties for Consent Decree violations in a Clean Air Act case.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Indiana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,357,234 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

SOUTH BEND – Kendrick Johnson, 38 years old, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 252 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Johnson sold drugs in the spring of 2021. In September of 2021, investigators executed search warrants. Between Johnson’s home and his storage unit, investigators found over 6 ½ kilograms of fentanyl, almost $800,000 cash, and three loaded firearms.

“My Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will investigate, prosecute and seek long sentences for those seeking to illegally distribute fentanyl on the streets of Northern Indiana,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “Those groups and persons that traffic this very dangerous and deadly drug should be on notice that our federal and state law enforcement will continue to focus our efforts on dismantling those groups and bringing those offenders to justice.”

“ATF is committed to working closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate illegal possession of firearms and narcotics trafficking activity that creates havoc in our communities,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Jeffrey L. Matthews. “I commend the United States Attorney’s office in the Northern District of Indiana for their continued partnership in prosecuting those responsible.”

“Drug traffickers who knowingly sell illicit fentanyl must be held accountable for their actions,” said Alfred A. Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Merrillville District Office. “The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners to keep our communities safe.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Bend Police Department. The 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.

SOUTH BEND –Rico Marion, 44 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 and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Marion was sentenced to 444 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 sold pills purporting to be oxycodone that were actually fentanyl and he possessed numerous firearms during the length of the conspiracy. In August 2021, Marion and a co-defendant were caught traveling back to Michigan City with over a kilogram of fentanyl pills.

“Today’s 37 year sentence was imposed on Mr. Marion for his role in distributing hundreds of grams of fentanyl to the streets of Northern Indiana,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine meaning as little as 2 milligrams can kill.  Our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are focused on dismantling organizations that distribute this deadly illicit drug.”

“The sentence imposed reflects the commitment of the DEA, alongside our local and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners, to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable while keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy,” said Alfred A. Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Merrillville District Office.

“This sentence is an excellent example of how law enforcement partnerships are a force multiplier in investigating and  prosecuting cases that have a large impact on the community,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Jeffrey L. Matthews. “I commend the efforts of all the investigators, agents and prosecutors who worked together to hold this defendant accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Chicago Field Division, the Merrillville District Office, the Amarillo Resident Office and the Albuquerque 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.

FORT WAYNE – Anthony Linn, 29 years old, of Albion, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Linn was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, on June 14, 2021,  Linn was driving a vehicle that had false and fictitious license plates. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle, Linn fled from police. While fleeing, Linn threw a gun and a magazine from the vehicle. He was located in a parking lot and threw out a plastic bag containing approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department Gang and Violent Crime Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

SOUTH BEND –Joshua Campbell, 32 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, in April 2019, Campbell was on parole for child molesting when he downloaded images and videos of child pornography. Some of the images or videos were of minors under the age of 12. Campbell’s sentence reflects consideration of his prior child molesting conviction.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  The 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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SOUTH BEND – Sander Ray, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ray was sentenced to 140 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in June 2021, Ray committed an armed robbery of a liquor store and then a cell phone store located in South Bend, Indiana.

Co-defendant, Andre Pittman, was previously sentenced for his role in the offense to 121 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The 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 - United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today a settlement of a civil case against physician Conrado Castor, M.D., age 77, of Schererville, Indiana, for referring home health services patients to home health agencies owned by his siblings and their spouses, for which claims were submitted for payment 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 an immediate family member of the referring physician because such financial relationships can cause overutilization of those services and compromise the physician’s professional judgment.  The False Claims Act prohibits an entity from knowingly submitting claims for payment to Medicare for such services.

During 2008-2014, Dr. Castor referred numerous Medicare patients for the purpose of receiving home health care services to three home health agencies owned by his immediate family members: American Home Health Services, Inc., Adarna Home Health Care Services, Inc., and Amore Home Health Care Services, Inc.  All three entities were owned by Dr. Castor’s immediate family members and billed Medicare for home health services for patients referred by Dr. Castor.  Medicare paid over 400 claims totaling over $1.2 million to American, Adarna, and Amore for Dr. Castor’s home health care referrals.

Dr. Castor has agreed to pay $2,478,979 to resolve the United States’ claims under the Stark Law and the False Claims Act for claims submitted to Medicare totaling $1,224,489 by home health agencies owned by Dr. Castor’s family members.

“All medical decisions should be based on the patients’ best interests and not on the personal financial interests of referring physicians and their family members,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “My Office will continue to enforce the Stark Law’s prohibition against physicians referring patients for health care services to entities they own or owned by their family members.”

The settlement was reached in a case against Dr. Castor filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Wayne T. Ault and Dirk D. De Lor.

SOUTH BEND – Kristina M. Harshberger, 45 years old, of Three Rivers, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harshberger was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $801,128.23 in restitution to the victims of the offense as well as $233,854.00 to the Internal Revenue Service. 

According to documents in the case, starting in 2015, Harshberger used her position as a controller and general manager of a business in Elkhart, Indiana, to make unauthorized, personal charges to a business credit card. Harshberger continued the fraud for three years through 2018. She embezzled over $800,000.00 in total and did not report the income on her taxes for the years 2015, 2016, and 2017.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever and former AUSA Geovanny E. Martinez.

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SOUTH BEND –Shanell Medina-Hipolite, 24 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Medina-Hipolite was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in October 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Medina-Hipolite’s car on the toll road.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over a kilogram of fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

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FORT WAYNE – Jordan Patterson, 29 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution and aiding in the distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Patterson was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in September 2020, law enforcement purchased over 50 grams of methamphetamine from Patterson. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Indiana State Police, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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SOUTH BEND – Zebulon Marzette, 39 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty following a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Marzette was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Marzette is scheduled for sentencing on March 23, 2023.  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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan M. Doyle and Joel Gabrielse with assistance from AUSA Luke N. Reilander, and former AUSA Geovanny E. Martinez.

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 – Marcus J. Rozier, 27 years old, of Atlanta, GA, was found guilty following a four-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Rozier was found guilty of all counts of a Superseding Indictment charging him with five counts of bank fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft. 

Rozier 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.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the LaGrange Police Department, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Brent Ecenbarger.

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SOUTH BEND – Shane Smith, 35 years old, of Milford, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 211 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Smith created fake social media accounts to befriend minors and persuade them to produce pornography to send him.  The investigation revealed that Smith also possessed over 1,700 images and over 950 videos of child pornography on his electronic devices.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The 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 – Yancie Hunter, 34 years old, of Bluffton, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Hunter was sentenced to 104 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in May 2020, Hunter possessed a .380 caliber firearm after being convicted of three separate felony offenses for robbery in both Indiana and Kentucky.  Hunter’s prior felony convictions prohibit him from possessing the firearm.           

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 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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HAMMOND- Andrew Buchanan, 35 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, 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.

Buchanan was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in March 2022, Buchanan was driving a stolen SUV southbound on Interstate 65 when law enforcement stopped him for committing multiple traffic violations.  As an officer approached the SUV, Buchanan pulled away at a high rate of speed and fled several miles before crashing the vehicle. He then exited the vehicle, ran up an exit ramp, and attempted to conceal himself, but was apprehended.   After he was taken into custody, law enforcement searched the SUV and recovered a loaded AR-15 assault rifle and two loaded semi-automatic pistols with obliterated serial numbers.  Both pistols also had “auto sear” devices attached to them which converted them into fully automatic weapons.  Buchanan’s criminal history revealed that he has five prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing these firearms.

This case is the result of the investigation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lake County Drug Task Force.  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 –Santana Miller, 37 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Miller was sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in April 2022, Miller possessed a handgun and a rifle while in Michigan City. At that time, he was on federal supervised release for a controlled substance conviction.  Miller’s criminal history revealed he has four prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing these firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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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SOUTH BEND –Frank Willis, 57 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Willis was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February 2022, Willis was found to be in possession of a firearm. Willis’ criminal history revealed he has four prior felony convictions, and therefore is prohibited from possessing the firearm.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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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HAMMOND- Shaquiel Seaton, 29 years old, of Lansing, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Seaton was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $210,000 in restitution to the victim of the offense, the Small Business Administration (SBA).  A $6,000 forfeiture money judgment was also imposed.

According to documents in the case, between June 10 and July 17, 2020, Seaton filed 44 fraudulent applications for $10,000 grants from the SBA pursuant to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program.  As a result of his fraudulent scheme, the SBA paid out $10,000 grants from 21 of those applications.  The investigation revealed that Seaton typically charged a $3,000 fee to fraudulently prepare and file applications for other people.  Since applications were only to be submitted by businesses, Seaton fabricated business information on the applications to include revenue, costs, type of business, and the number of employees.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra McTague.      

HAMMOND- Kyle D. Burgess, 28 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, during the course of the investigation, Burgess sold methamphetamine twice in August 2021 and in the next month, sold methamphetamine, ammunition and two firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number.  A search warrant executed on his residence resulted in the seizure of a shotgun.  Burgess’ criminal history revealed he had prior felony Indiana convictions for possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance.  As such, Burgess is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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- Marlon Phillips, 29 years old, of Gary, 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.

Phillips was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on July 1, 2021, while at a gas station in Gary, Indiana, Phillips possessed a loaded AK pistol style firearm.  Phillips’ criminal history revealed he has prior Indiana felony convictions for robbery and resisting law enforcement, and as such is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.              

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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- Rashawn Curtis, 23 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to selling a firearm to a felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Curtis was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on March 23, 2020, Curtis sold to a convicted felon, a semi-automatic pistol with an “auto sear” conversion switch attached that converted the pistol into a fully automatic weapon.  The firearm also contained an extended magazine which held thirty-two rounds of ammunition. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force.  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 – Sergio Adams, 33 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Adams was sentenced to 52 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in November 2021, police responded to an alert and recovered a handgun that had been possessed by Sergio Adams . At the time of this offense, he was on supervised release.  A search of Adams’ criminal history revealed he has three prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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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HAMMOND- Johnny Lamar Sawyer, 31 years old, of Southfield, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Sawyer was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on or about August 17, 2020, Sawyer flew into Chicago’s Midway Airport with one suitcase.  Later that day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Porter County, Indiana, on a vehicle in which Sawyer was a passenger.   A search of that vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 10 pounds of cocaine recovered from the suitcase.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.      

HAMMOND- United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) David E. Hollar will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Hollar has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election related complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Johnson said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process. AUSA/DEO Hollar will be on duty while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 219-937-5500 to handle election complaints during early voting as well as on election day.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.  The local FBI field office can be reached (24/7) by the public at 317-595-4000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

SOUTH BEND – Quadre Gavin, 20 years old, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to six counts of Hobbs Act robbery and a count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Gavin was sentenced to 171 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, throughout September and October 2021, Gavin committed seven armed robberies of convenience stores and a gas station in the South Bend and Mishawaka areas. During each robbery, he pointed a handgun at a person and demanded money.  Gavin committed these armed robberies after having been released from probation on a separate offense less than 4 months earlier.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Police Department.  The 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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WASHINGTON – An Oklahoma man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for transporting child pornography that he produced of an 18-month-old infant and for being a person required to register as a sex offender who committed a felony offense involving a minor.

According to court documents, Matthew Alan McNair, 41, of Tulsa, was in Indiana in the summer of 2017 when he utilized an electronic device to take sexually explicit photographs of an 18-month-old infant.  McNair took multiple sexually explicit photos of the infant on at least three different dates that summer. After taking those photographs, McNair transported the images in interstate commerce by physically taking his phone back to Oklahoma, where he was living at the time, and uploading them to his cloud account. At the time of this offense, McNair was required to register as a sex offender based upon his 1999 conviction in Illinois for Attempted Criminal Sexual Assault. 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.

“My Office is committed to holding child sexual predators and producers of child pornography like Mr. McNair accountable for their actions,” said United States Attorney Johnson. “A 40 year sentence shows that this type of criminal conduct  brings severe consequences.  I want to thank my dedicated prosecutors, the  Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Homeland Security Investigations and the other state and local law enforcement partners that brought this offender to justice.” 

“The communities we serve can sleep easier knowing that predators like McNair are off our streets,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge R. Sean Fitzgerald. "HSI along with our partners will continue to aggressively investigate and root out child exploitation wherever it may be.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, along with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Tulsa Police Department Cyber Crimes Unit.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section along with Assistant United States Attorneys in the Northern District of Indiana, Emily A. Morgan and Jennifer Chang.

This case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.

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An Oklahoma man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for transporting child pornography that he produced of an 18-month-old infant and for being a person required to register as a sex offender who committed a felony offense involving a minor.

According to court documents, Matthew Alan McNair, 41, of Tulsa, was in Indiana in the summer of 2017 when he utilized an electronic device to take sexually explicit photographs of an 18-month-old infant. McNair took multiple sexually explicit photos of the infant on at least three different dates that summer. After taking those photographs, McNair transported the images on his phone back to Oklahoma, where he was living at the time, and uploaded them to his cloud account. At the time of this offense, McNair was required to register as a sex offender based upon his 1999 conviction in Illinois for attempted criminal sexual assault. 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Tulsa Police Department Cyber Crimes Unit, investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily A. Morgan and Jennifer Chang for the Northern District of Indiana prosecuted the case.

This case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.

HAMMOND- Hailey Gist-Holden, age 26, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty following a 9-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  

The jury found Gist-Holden guilty of armed robbery, and using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during that bank robbery.  The jury found that, as part of the robbery and the discharging of the firearm, Gist-Holden murdered a bank security guard.  The charges stemmed from the June 11, 2021 robbery of a bank in Gary, Indiana. 

Previously, co-defendants James Anthony King and Kenyon Hawkins pled guilty to armed bank robbery and murder resulting from the discharge of a firearm during the robbery.  Both are awaiting sentencing. 

Gist-Holden’s sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2023.  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. 

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office; the Indiana State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Gary Police Department.  Additional investigative assistance was provided by FBI Chicago, FBI Miami, and FBI Atlanta along with the Georgia State Police, the Atlanta Police Department and the Lowndes County (GA) Sheriff’s Department.  In addition, the United States Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Georgia, the Middle District of Georgia and the Middle District of Florida were involved in this cooperative effort.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Michael J. Toth.  Assistance was also provided by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Schultz and David Nozick.       

SOUTH BEND – Donta Bridges, 38 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was found guilty following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Bridges was found guilty of two counts of distributing heroin; possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine; an attempted distribution of heroin; and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents in this case, the charges stemmed from events occurring in September and November of 2019.

Bridges sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.  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.

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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WASHINGTON – Flexsteel Industries Inc. has agreed to a consent decree that requires it to pay $9.8 million for the cleanup of contamination at the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site (Lane Street Site) in Elkhart, Indiana, and to reimburse the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a portion of its past costs incurred at the Lane Street Site.

According to the complaint filed simultaneously with the proposed consent decree in the Northern District of Indiana, Flexsteel is liable for the cleanup because its former manufacturing operations contributed to contamination at the Lane Street Site. Previously, EPA entered into administrative settlements with two other potentially responsible parties for their alleged contributions to the contamination at the Lane Street Site.

“This settlement ensures that the responsible party and not the taxpayers fund the cleanup of the Lane Street Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The cleanup funded by this agreement protects the environment and the health of the surrounding community.”

“This is an excellent settlement that funds necessary cleanup of a contaminated groundwater plume in Elkhart, Indiana,” said U.S. Attorney Clifford Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. “This cleanup will protect the drinking water and health of Elkhart residents.”

“Groundwater is a drinking water source for wells and public water systems and it also flows to above-ground rivers and streams,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “Through this settlement and others like it, EPA is taking action to protect the health of communities and the environment by holding polluters accountable for groundwater contamination.”

“Indiana proudly works with our federal partners and industries across our state to make sure the health of Hoosiers and our environment is protected,” said Brian Rockensuess, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. “This settlement is great news for the people of Elkhart and will help ensure the cleanup of long-standing water contamination.”

The Lane Street Site consists of approximately 65 acres of residential and light industrial properties in Elkhart, Indiana, impacted by a groundwater plume contaminated primarily with solvents and degreasers such as trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. In 2016, EPA issued its record of decision for the Lane Street Site that selected a remedy for treating the groundwater plume by breaking down the contamination into harmless compounds. The proposed consent decree funds implementation of the selected remedy.

The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval and will be available for public review on the Department of Justice website at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

More information about the Site is available on the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination website (https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0510229).

SOUTH BEND – Frances Bianco, 43 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on her plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Bianco was sentenced to 132 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, law enforcement performed a traffic stop involving Bianco that led to the seizure of over 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Her criminal history revealed she has three prior felony convictions and was on bond at the time the stop occurred.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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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HAMMOND-Jeffrey Boylett Jr, 40, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon DeGuilio following his guilty plea to wire fraud in connection with obtaining Covid-19 relief funds to which he was not entitled announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

Boylett was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $109,900 in restitution.   

According to documents filed in the case, in April of 2020, Boylett submitted a fraudulent application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that was enacted to assist small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Boylett’s application fraudulently claimed that he was the owner of a health service business that had five employees. Based on his application, the SBA provided him with $109,900 in the form of a grant and a forgivable loan.  Law Enforcement subsequently learned that Boylett fabricated the business in order to obtain money he was never qualified to receive.       

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath and former Assistant United States Attorney Molly Kelley.

FORT WAYNE – Adrian L Johnson, 50 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after his guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Johnson was stopped for having an expired registration.  During the stop, a drug-sniffing K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics.  In the car, police recovered a smoking device, a stolen firearm with an obliterated serial number, a second firearm, a digital scale, 42 grams of methamphetamine, and 10 grams of a substance that contained a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl.   Johnson also had $1,678 in cash.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.

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HAMMOND – U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $135,036 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in Northern District of Indiana. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grant, to Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Local law enforcement agencies need resources to address the pandemic of violent crime that is currently disturbing the safety and tranquility of our communities. This PSN grant is one example of resources being brought to the Northern District of Indiana.” 

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

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SOUTH BEND – Joshua L. Metts, age 41, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Metts was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in October 2021, the staff at the Four Winds Casino in South Bend found a baggie of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl that Metts had dropped in the casino. The next day, Metts returned to the casino and was arrested by Pokagon Tribal Police. Tribal police searched Metts’ vehicle in the parking lot and found a loaded handgun and ammunition along with a small baggie of methamphetamine, syringes, and a tablespoon with fentanyl residue. Metts has a prior federal felony conviction out of the District of New Mexico, and as such is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

“Metts’ sentence demonstrates that crimes committed on federally recognized Indian tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, will be prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “The United States recognizes an obligation of service to tribal communities across the country, and it holds a strong commitment to supporting and furthering public safety on all tribal land. My Office has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band and is committed to working with them to foster public safety and the safety of its tribal citizens, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”

“The conviction of Joshua Metts is a great example of teamwork between the Pokagon Band Tribal Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said William Lux, Chief of Police, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police. “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation that is committed to working with our law enforcement partners within the Department of Justice to protect all who visit the Tribe’s trust land and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander 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 – Shamond Jenkins, 20 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty by a jury in December 2021, of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Jenkins was sentenced to 100 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,965 in restitution. 

According to documents in the case, in December 2020, Jenkins went to a bank and handed over a note threatening to kill an employee if the employee did not give him cash. As employees were gathering cash out of the teller drawers to give to Jenkins, he repeatedly told them he was prepared to kill them. He fled with the cash and was arrested in January 2021.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. 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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FORT WAYNE – Remon D. Phillips, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Phillips was found guilty of the single-count Indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm in February 2022.   

Phillips 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes 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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HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announces a new initiative to address environmental justice and public health concerns.  U.S. Attorney Johnson has designated an Environmental Justice Coordinator to coordinate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to address those concerns.  Members of the public may visit the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/environmental-justice-public-health for information regarding where to report environmental violations or public health issues; and also how to report such concerns to the Environmental Justice Coordinator.   

U.S. Attorney Johnson stated: "Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws protects our precious natural resources, including Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park, and ensures a healthy environment for everyone to live, learn, play, and work. Your reporting of environmental and public health concerns supports environmental protection and environmental justice and helps us protect the community from harmful violations of federal health and safety laws."

The Office’s reporting procedures are part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy, which seeks to advance environmental justice through timely and effective remedies for environmental violations and injuries to natural resources in “underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.”  The Department of Justice enforces the Nation’s civil and criminal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. The Department also protects natural resources and handles cases relating to tribal rights and resources.  Working with its Department of Justice partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to secure environmental justice for all communities, to ensure that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and to protect equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, play, and work.

The Office’s reporting procedures are in addition to other methods of reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.  Additional points of contact for federal agencies may be found on the Office’s website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/environmental-justice-public-health  .

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HAMMOND- Travoy Smith, 40 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on February 17, 2021, law enforcement searched Smith’s residence pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a firearm with an extended magazine.  Smith’s criminal history revealed he has a prior felony conviction in Lake County, Indiana for dealing in cocaine, and as such, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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 Caitlin M. Padula.

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-Erasmo Martinez, 44, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.    

Martinez was sentenced to 70 months in prison. 

According to documents filed in the case, in March 2019, Martinez conspired with others to deliver almost four kilograms of fentanyl to an individual working with law enforcement.  Martinez was also held responsible for coordinating three deliveries of ounce quantities of heroin in January 2019.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Indiana High Intensity Drug Task Force Area.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

HAMMOND- Schickell Best, 34 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Best was sentenced to 92 months in prison,  2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1200 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, on April 21, 2020, law enforcement located Best standing in front of a car.  As officers approached him, Best dropped foil packets which later were determined to contain phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or angel dust.  A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine and a loaded revolver.  Best’s criminal history revealed he has a prior federal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as Indiana felony convictions for battery on law enforcement and battery by body waste, and as such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Police Department, and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula 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.