Northern District of Indiana

SOUTH BEND – Ashley D. Harper, 49 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harper was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in July of 2021, Harper produced child pornography involving a minor under the age of 12. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Michigan City Police Department.  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 – Henry Underwood, 28 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.

Underwood was found guilty of the single-count Indictment charging him with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, for conduct occurring in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in December of 2019.   

Underwood 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 and the Indiana State Police laboratory.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Anthony W. Geller.

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 – Andre Pittman, 35 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to two counts; a hobbs act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to that crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Pittman was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in June 2021, Pittman robbed a liquor store in South Bend at gunpoint. After brandishing a handgun at the store clerk, he made off with cash from the register.  Pittman was later caught and admitted to committing multiple robberies, including the armed robbery of the liquor store. Pittman has a lengthy criminal history which includes a prior federal conviction for the armed robberies of other retail stores.  He was out of federal prison for 1 ½ months before embarking on his recent robbery spree.

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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SOUTH BEND – Bruce Johnson, 61 years old, of Logansport, Indiana, 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.

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

According to documents in this case, while Johnson was on parole, a compliance check resulted in the recovery of a firearm and methamphetamine from his residence.  Johnson’s criminal history revealed that he is a convicted felon, and as such, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Parole and the Logansport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank 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- Ronald Ortega, 48 years old, of Dyer, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to possession and production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ortega was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, Ortega produced child pornography with two separate victims.  He also possessed child pornography of children, including victims that were under the age of 12.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dyer Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily A. Morgan.

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 -- Valo Neely, 48, of South Bend, Indiana, 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.

Neely was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, on February 8, 2022, in South Bend, Indiana, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Neely’s residence and recovered four firearms that he possessed.  Neely’s criminal history revealed he had previously been convicted of a felony, in fact, several felonies which include unarmed robbery, possession of controlled substances, and illegal possession of a firearm,  as such, Neely was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.         

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and 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.

HAMMOND- Anthony Crenshaw, 26 years old, of Indianapolis, 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.

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

According to documents in the case, on February 4, 2021, Crenshaw was a driver of a vehicle that was stuck in a snowbank at 7:15 am outside a White Castle in Hammond, Indiana. When officers arrived, Crenshaw appeared dazed and lethargic.  As he stepped out of the vehicle, officers noticed a bulge, and Crenshaw produced a semi-automatic firearm from his sweatshirt pocket along with 26 rounds of ammunition in an extended magazine.  Crenshaw’s criminal history revealed that he had a prior felony conviction for burglary resulting in bodily injury which prohibits 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 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 – Martae Patton, 36, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon. on his plea of guilty to engaging in wire fraud announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Patton was sentenced to 55 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $936,208.34 

According to documents filed in the case, Patton engaged in a scheme to defraud the federal government and several state governments of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) monies through false and fraudulent pretenses.  PUA, a federal program overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, is designed to assist individuals whose employment was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic by augmenting existing State unemployment benefits.

Patton was part of a scheme where the objective was to use personal information of unsuspecting persons to apply for unemployment benefits in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The fraudulently obtained benefits were then sent on a debit card to addresses associated with Patton and others located in and around the Northern District of Indiana.  Patton and others then retrieved the debit cards and drained the funds through the purchases of money orders, ATM withdrawals and other means.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “This prosecution shows that my Office will aggressively prosecute persons who, by means of fraud, obtain federal funds that Congress appropriated to assist unemployed persons through the economic hardship created by the COVID pandemic.   Such theft of federal funds tears the safety net that Congress implemented for American workers and their families.”

“This was a crime of greed and opportunity. The pandemic has created a great need for many who not only lost their livelihood, but in many cases their normalcy. This need unfortunately has been exploited by an individual who sought to steal and bilk the government for funds to which they were not entitled, interfering with the rightful distribution of pandemic relief.  Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will never tolerate this behavior and will tirelessly work to investigate and bring these individuals to justice for their illegal activity,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge, Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

“Martae Patton participated in a scheme that defrauded several states and the federal government by filing fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims using PII of unsuspecting individuals, resulting in the payment of nearly $1 million in fraudulent UI benefits.  Patton’s scheme diverted money away from American workers in need of relief from the financial effects of unemployment.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the UI system from those who exploit these benefit programs,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

SOUTH BEND – Junaid Gulzar, 32 years old, of Goshen, Indiana, was found guilty following a  3-day jury trial presided over by United States United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

The jury found Gulzar guilty on all three counts of wire fraud as charged in the Indictment.  It was alleged that from January 2021 through July 2021, Gulzar devised a scheme to defraud investors and obtain money through false pretenses by use of wire communications in interstate commerce.    Gulzar had offered an investment opportunity in gas stations in Goshen and Plymouth, Indiana, promising a high rate of return with monthly payments.  Instead, Gulzar personally benefitted by at least $210,000.00 by defrauding the investors and not using the money as he had promised in the gas stations.  No payments were made to the investors from the Goshen gas station investment and the Plymouth gas station was never purchased.  Instead, some of the money wired to Gulzar by the investors for the purchase of the Plymouth gas station was used for his own benefit at a casino. 

Gulzar’s sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2022.  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 Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Joel Gabrielse.

SOUTH BEND – Warren B. Heath, III, age 51, of South Bend, 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.

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

According to documents in the case, in March 2022, Pokagon tribal police found Heath in a minivan parked in the Four Winds-South Bend casino lot. The odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle. Heath did not comply with a request to step out of the vehicle.  Instead, he placed his van into reverse, and backed into a Pokagon tribal police patrol vehicle. Heath then actively resisted arrest. A loaded handgun was found under Heath’s jacket which was later determined to have been reported stolen in Michigan. A second loaded handgun was recovered from Heath’s minivan along with a small amount of marijuana and cocaine.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Mr. Heath’s crime, being a felon in possession of firearms, raises an additional and important concern for the government because his crime occurred on federally recognized Indian tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The United States recognizes a unique 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. The United States Attorney’s Office has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band and is committed to working with the Pokagon Band to foster public safety and the safety of its tribal citizens, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”

“The conviction of Warren Heath is a great example of team work 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 Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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 – Starsky Guin, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Guin was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Guin distributed more than 5 grams but less than 50 grams of methamphetamine on December 1, 2020, and he possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on January 13, 2021.

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 Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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FORT WAYNE – Lon Cassabon, 52 years old, of Perrysburg, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to the distribution of material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, a Wisconsin investigation of online child exploitation activity on a social media application led to communication with Cassabon in January 2020. At the time, Cassabon was living in Waterloo, Indiana.  The investigation revealed that Cassabon was actually an administrator of several groups on this application dedicated to the trading of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and that he was actively distributing sexually explicit images of minors within these groups – which Cassabon later admitted.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, and the Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. 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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HAMMOND- Keshaun Brownlee, 22 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to selling a firearm to a known felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on March 4, 2020, Brownlee sold a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a high-capacity (30 round) magazine to an individual he knew was a convicted felon, which is prohibited under federal law.  At the time of the transaction, Brownlee himself was under indictment for a felony offense, and as such, he illegally received the firearm he subsequently sold to the felon.     

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.       

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

HAMMOND- Gustavo Mata, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Mata was sentenced to 420 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Mata has been a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang since approximately 2009.  As a member of the Latin Dragons, Mata was involved in shootings of suspected rival gang members and participated in trafficking firearms and drugs.  Mata also admitted responsibility for the 2012 murder of Kelly Vann in Chicago, Illinois.  A total of 19 members and associates have been charged as codefendants with racketeering conspiracy for their participation in various Latin Dragon Nation activity, and three are awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department Criminal Enterprise Unit; the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; the Bartlett Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Merrillville Police Department; the Hobart Police Department; the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; and the Calumet City Police Department, with assistance from the Lake County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office, the Cook County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, the Indiana Department of Corrections, and the Illinois Department of Corrections.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth, and former Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Cooley, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Trial Attorney Hans Miller. 

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- Markeese Deshon Thomas, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on October 31, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-90 in Hammond, Indiana for speeding.  During the stop officers smelled marijuana, noted the occupants acted nervous and did not have identification.  Thomas, provided a fake name and date of birth while also making sudden movements.  After the occupants were removed from the vehicle, a search resulted in the recovery of two loaded semi-automatic pistols and marijuana.  Thomas admitted to possessing the firearms.  His criminal history revealed that he has three prior felony convictions for illegally possessing firearms, and as such, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.      

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team and the Indiana State Police.  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.

FORT WAYNE – Katina Miller, 50 years old, of Montpelier, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on her plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Miller was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $86,755.39 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, Miller was the Trustee of Bearcreek Township, located in Jay County, Bryant Indiana between January 2015 and December 2018.  As the Trustee, Miller was responsible for the financial processes of the Township.  Miller violated her fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Bearcreek Township by converting public money for her own personal benefit.  The investigation revealed Miller had embezzled $86,755.39 by using Bearcreek Township bank accounts to make cash withdrawals and purchases for personal and unauthorized transactions. 

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Indiana State Board of Accounts.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND- Milton Leroy Harvey, Jr., 42 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of  being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harvey was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 1, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Harvey in Gary, Indiana.  As Harvey retrieved his identification from his pocket, an officer observed a butt of a handgun protruding from Harvey’s waistband which was a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.  Harvey’s criminal history revealed he has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, which prohibits him 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 Gary  Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Nicholas J. Padilla.          

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 – Keith Kelly, 50 years old, of South Holland, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Kelly was sentenced to 175 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in October 2021, Kelly walked into a bank in South Bend, Indiana, gave one of the bank tellers a note demanding cash, and indicated he had a gun. He showed the teller a black object under his shirt. Kelly left the bank with cash but was caught by police shortly thereafter with the cash, the demand note, and a plastic gun. Kelly has a lengthy criminal history including 5 prior felony robbery convictions, and he was determined to be a career offender.

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 Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Kimberly Schultz.

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- Ryan C. Turner, 29 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to possessing an unregistered machinegun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Turner was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release 

According to documents in the case, on May 27, 2021, Turner was found passed out in his car which was stopped in the middle of the street straddling the yellow center line in Porter, Indiana.  At that time, Turner illegally possessed a pistol on his lap that had a machinegun conversion device attached to it, making it capable of firing multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger.  This  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, the Porter Police Department, the Burns Harbor Police Department, and the Chesterton 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- Keith Cloudy, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on February 18, 2020, during a traffic stop of Cloudy’s vehicle  in Gary, Indiana, law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic pistol. Cloudy’s criminal history revealed that he had two prior federal felony convictions, one in 2000 and another in 2015 for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and as such he is prohibited from possessing a 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 Attorneys David J. Nozick, Kevin F. Wolff and 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- Dante Jones, 26 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on June 20, 2021, law enforcement responded to a 911 call at a residence in East Chicago.  When law enforcement arrived and knocked on the door, Jones answered the door with a loaded firearm in his hands.  Jones’ criminal history revealed he has a prior 2016 felony conviction for aggravated vehicular hijacking from Illinois which prohibits him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.            

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

HAMMOND- Eric Isom, 24 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on January 10, 2021, Isom, was a passenger in vehicle law enforcement attempted to stop in Dyer, Indiana.  The vehicle fled, leading officers on a pursuit that crossed into Munster before the vehicle crashed.  After the crash, law enforcement recovered a firearm from the vehicle which had Isom’s DNA on it, along with drugs and extended magazines.  Isom’s previous criminal history revealed he has prior Illinois felony convictions for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Use of a Weapon, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.      

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Dyer Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.  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- Javell Thompson, 34 years old, of Matteson, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Thompson was sentenced to 77 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on October 24, 2020, law enforcement in Gary, Indiana stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation which Thompson was driving.  During a search of the vehicle, a pistol with an extended magazine was recovered.  Thompson admitted to possessing the firearm.  His criminal history revealed that he has two prior felony convictions, an aggravated fleeing conviction from 2013 and a burglary conviction from 2015, as such, he is prohibited from possessing a 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 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 – Jonnie Jones-Gunn, 31 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, 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.

Jones-Gunn was sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in March of 2021, police officers tried to pull over Jones-Gunn while he was driving more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. Jones-Gunn led officers on a short pursuit before stopping his car. Officers recovered a stolen gun with a 30-round capacity magazine from his vehicle. Jones-Gunn’s prior multiple felony convictions, any one of which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, include attempted robbery, burglary, and being a felon carrying a handgun.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome 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.

FORT WAYNE – Alfred Gomez a.k.a. “Vulture”, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Gomez was sentenced to a total of 200 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from August of 2018 through January of 2019, Gomez sold methamphetamine along with a number of firearms to another individual, often while armed with a handgun.  Among the firearms sold by Gomez were an AR-15 and a handgun.  Gomez’s criminal history revealed that he was previously convicted of the felony offense of possession of cocaine in Allen County Superior Court, and as such was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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 Anthony W. Geller.

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 – Madison McCoy,19 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced, on August 3, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on her plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

McCoy was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on June 16, 2021, McCoy was stopped for traffic violations while traveling northbound on I-69 in Allen County, Indiana. When approached by police, McCoy admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the car. A search of the car yielded two packages wrapped in dark plastic under a sweatshirt on the rear driver’s floorboard. Inside the packages were multiple vacuum sealed bags containing small blue pills stamped with “M30.” There were approximately 20,000 pills weighing slightly over two kilograms. The pills later tested positive for the presence of Fentanyl and had a street value of approximately $500,000.00.

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

FORT WAYNE – Eddie M. Knox, 56 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Knox was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between May 6, 2019, and August 26, 2020, Knox was involved in a conspiracy with his co-defendants to distribute significant amounts of controlled substances.  During the conspiracy, Knox personally distributed approximately 393 grams of methamphetamine and 98 grams of fentanyl in five controlled buys with law enforcement.  Knox also provided a firearm to a felon during one of the controlled buys.  In addition, Knox maintained a residence where controlled substances were sold and stored during the conspiracy, and where additional narcotics and two firearms were recovered.   

Knox was the final defendant to be sentenced in this case.  The other 5 co-defendants who were previously sentenced included:

Fredrick Morgan II, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 360 months in prison,

Larry Lamb, 41 years of age, of Fort Wayne, who received 295 months in prison,

Frederick Morgan, 65 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 90 months in prison,

James Russell, Jr., 56 year old, of Fort Wayne, who received 84 months in prison, and

Sarah Waltz,  41 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 37 months in prison.

This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Huntington Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Brent A. Ecenbarger.

This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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FORT WAYNE – Jaime Renteria-Lopez, 28 years old, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to distributing a controlled substance and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Renteria-Lopez was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Renteria-Lopez was carrying a firearm on October 28, 2019, which he carried during and in relation to his drug dealing activities.  Later, on January 7, 2020, Renteria-Lopez distributed about two ounces of heroin to law enforcement. 

This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department in coordination with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Brent A. Ecenbarger.

This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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HAMMOND- Eduardo Luciano, 34, of Hammond, Indiana, a member of the Hammond faction of the Latin Counts, a criminal street gang which originated in Chicago, was found guilty following a 7-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  

The jury found Luciano guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana, and two counts of using a firearm to commit the murders of Lauren Calvillo (age 16) and Christopher White (age 33).  The jury found that, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, Luciano was responsible for the murders of Lauren Calvillo and Christopher White and as part of the drug conspiracy, Luciano conspired to distribute or possess with intent distribute cocaine and marijuana. 

The evidence at trial revealed that on June 29, 2015, Luciano and other gang members formulated a plan to shoot and kill members of the Latin Kings, a rival criminal street gang, who were attending a vigil on the 5500 block of Beal Street in Hammond, Indiana.  After planning the shooting, gang members drove to the vicinity of the vigil where multiple shots were fired into the crowd.  At the time of shooting, Christopher White (33), who was visiting family on Beal Street, was shot in front of the family member’s home, and later died.   Lauren Calvillo (16) was shot and killed while on the front porch of her family’s Beal Street home. 

Previously, co-defendant Latin Count member Ivan Reyes pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering.  Co-defendant Jeron Williams pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted his involvement in and responsibility for the Calvillo and White murders. Co-defendant Latin Count member Robert Loya pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy.  All three are awaiting sentencing.

Luciano’s sentencing will be scheduled 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 is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Hammond, Indiana Police Department, and this investigation has received substantial assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team Task Force, the Gary Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Caitlin M. Padula, and Kimberly L. Schultz.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

FORT WAYNE- Bryant D. Aron, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in this case, on May 24, 2019, Aron was the driver of a vehicle involved in a high-speed chase with the Fort Wayne Police Department.  During the pursuit, Aron crashed his vehicle, then exited it, and led police on a short foot pursuit.  At the time of his apprehension, a loaded magazine was found in his pocket.  A loaded firearm was also found inside the vehicle.  Aron’s prior criminal history revealed that he had multiple felony convictions out of Allen County Superior Court which prohibited his possession of a firearm or ammunition.  Aaron was convicted of the illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial.

The 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 was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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SOUTH BEND – Timothy Humphries, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Humphries was sentenced to 108 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $6000 assessment. 

According to documents in the case, in 2019, Humphries created fake social media profiles where he posed as a young teenage girl. He used those profiles to chat with female minors. Between September and October, he convinced a female minor to send him images of herself that constituted child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Muskegon County, Michigan Sheriff’s Department. 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 – Terrell Howard, 32 years old, of Mishawaka, 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.

Howard was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in December 2020, Howard fired a handgun in the air 18 times in a residential neighborhood in South Bend. Howard’s criminal history revealed he had prior felony convictions which prohibit him from possessing a firearm, to  include armed robbery with a handgun and criminal recklessness.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and former Assistant United States Attorney Geovanny E. Martinez.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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HAMMOND – Romio Xavier Hawkins, 24 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to production of material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on multiple occasions between January and February 2021, Hawkins instructed Jane Doe 1, a 16-year-old minor, to produce images and live videos depicting Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, a four-year-old minor, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, Hawkins admitted to law enforcement that he possessed over 1,000 images and 300 videos containing child pornography, including materials featuring toddlers and infants.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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- Daniel Smith, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to using and carrying a firearm during a robbery and for brandishing a firearm during a second robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $14,402.84 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, on January 24, 2020, Smith robbed a cellular store located in Hammond, Indiana, while armed with a firearm.  During the robbery, Smith held employees at gunpoint, and ordered them to fill up a duffel bag with cellular phones which he took.   Seven days later, on January 31, 2020, Smith robbed another cellular store, this one located in Merrillville, Indiana, while armed with a firearm.  During this robbery, Smith brandished a firearm and demanded cash and cellular phones from the employees before exiting the store. 

Smith’ criminal history revealed that he has prior felony convictions for aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon, armed robbery, and auto theft. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Team and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Merrillville, Indiana and Hazel Crest, Illinois Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.    

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

HAMMOND- Sergio Gamez, 30 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Gamez was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 7, 2019, as a result of a 911 call about a possible kidnapping, law enforcement responded to a local gas station.  At the gas station, Officers located Gamez who was in the vehicle in possession of a rifle.  Officers learned that Gamez had demanded the victim drive him around while he threatened her with the rifle.  According to his criminal history, Gamez has prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Robbery, and Arson which prohibit him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.       

This case was investigated by of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.     

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

FORT WAYNE – Jamic C. Johnson, 47 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 195 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on October 28, 2020, a state search warrant was served on Johnson’s residence.  During the search, officers seized a distribution amount of methamphetamine,  cocaine, a loaded handgun, a drug ledger, a loaded shotgun, additional ammunition, magazines, pills, and a scale.  Johnson’s criminal history revealed he was convicted of multiple felony offenses. One of the felonies was for carrying a handgun without a license and the other two were for dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug.  Any of these felony convictions federally prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.  

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

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

HAMMOND- Gregory Marshall, 55 years old, of DeMotte, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Marshall was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, during the course of the investigation Marshall sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions throughout August and September 2021.  The deals took place at his residence, which was eventually searched, resulting in the recovery of additional methamphetamine and marijuana. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Schererville Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.    

FORT WAYNE – Daniel Witt, 26 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to production of material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Witt was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on or about June 5, 2020, Daniel Witt did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to produce sexually explicit images, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction would be transported using any means and facility of interstate commerce. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Allen County Sherriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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HAMMOND- James Winbush IV, 26 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Winbush was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 9, 2021, law enforcement in Merrillville, Indiana stopped a vehicle for speeding.  During a search of the vehicle, an officer recovered a .40 caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine, which Winbush admitted to possessing.  Winbush’s criminal history revealed he has a prior felony conviction in Lake County, Indiana for burglary, and as such, he was 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 Area Task Force with the assistance of the Merrillville Police Department.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.      

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

FORT WAYNE – Steven J. Hecke, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty following a five-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

The jury found Hecke guilty of two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Hecke’s sentencing will be scheduled 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 Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Allen County Drug Task Force; the Allen County Sheriff’s Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Indiana State Police; and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery.   

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

SOUTH BEND – Lamonte Powell, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Powell was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, law enforcement bought narcotics from Powell on two occasions. Thereafter, in May of 2021, law enforcement  recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine, along with a firearm, and cash from a search of Powell’s residence.  

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 Frank E. Schaffer.

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SOUTH BEND – Arsenio Harrison, 30 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harrison was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in June of 2021, Harrison robbed a cell phone store in South Bend and attempted to rob a convenience store in Mishawaka. During the South Bend robbery, the store clerk was restrained with zip ties, and Harrison stole cell phones and cash. During the Mishawaka attempted robbery, one of the clerks sustained serious injuries. Harrison brandished a firearm at the clerks during each incident.

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

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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SOUTH BEND – Shea Pletcher, 42 years old, of Elkhart, 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.

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

According to documents in the case, in September of 2021, police in Elkhart responded to the scene of a possible break in. Once they arrived at the home, officers found Pletcher with a 20-gauge shotgun. Pletcher has an extensive criminal history, including at least 8 prior convictions, and any of his convictions for a felony offense prohibits him for possessing a firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

HAMMOND- Jarron Price, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in the case, on May 7, 2020, law enforcement stopped a vehicle for driving recklessly and erratically through the streets of Hammond, Indiana.  Price, who was a passenger in the vehicle possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol.  Price’s criminal history revealed he had previous felony convictions in Illinois for aggravated battery and armed violence, and as such, was 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 Area Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.      

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

FORT WAYNE--Michael Teems, age 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced June 16, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Teems was sentenced to a total of 228 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January of 2020, Teems was stopped by law enforcement and arrested based on an outstanding Ohio warrant.  From his residence, various drugs were seized to include methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl pills, along with ammunition and magazines, a scale, and body armor.  Teems admitted he had obtained large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs periodically since November of 2019, and also admitted to carrying his firearm for protection of his drug trafficking activities.   Based on his criminal history, he was determined to be a Career Offender and received a sentence based on this Sentencing Guideline enhancement.  

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

This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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WASHINGTON – Michelle M. Rousseff-Kemp, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Fort Wayne after previously pleading guilty to falsifying a document and illegally storing hazardous waste. U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady sentenced Rousseff-Kemp to 24 months’ of probation and ordered her to pay a $5,500 fine.

According to court documents filed in this case, Rousseff-Kemp was the president and owner of a Fort Wayne, Indiana, business which held itself out as an environmental services company providing comprehensive waste management services. Among other things, the business functioned as a hazardous waste transporter and broker. Neither Rousseff-Kemp nor her company possessed a permit to store hazardous waste.

By law, a properly prepared hazardous waste manifest must accompany hazardous waste from the waste generator to the transporter, and then to the hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facility, where the waste is finally delivered. Ultimately, a copy of the manifest bearing signatures of the transporter and the TSD facility must be sent to the hazardous waste generator.

According to court documents, in June 2018, Rousseff-Kemp’s company picked up hazardous waste from another company that generated the waste. In November 2018, the waste generator emailed Rousseff-Kemp requesting copies of manifests for recent hazardous waste shipments. At some point, Rousseff-Kemp asked an employee of her company to sign the name of a representative of the TSD facility on the manifest for the waste picked up in June. After the employee refused, Rousseff-Kemp forged the signature of the TSD facility representative on the manifest. Rousseff-Kemp then sent a copy of the falsified manifest to the waste generator. The manifest copy contained false information purporting to show that the hazardous waste had been delivered to the TSD facility on July 15, 2018, and signed for by a representative of the TSD facility on that date. In truth, and as known by Rousseff-Kemp, the waste had not been sent to the TSD facility and remained stored by Rousseff-Kemp’s company.

“Honesty and integrity of those involved in storing and transporting hazardous waste are vital to protecting the public’s health and the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will prosecute those who falsify records and illegally store hazardous waste.”

“Protecting public health and safety by enforcing federal criminal laws governing the proper storage of hazardous waste is paramount,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “My Office has strong law enforcement partnerships through which we will investigate and prosecute those who jeopardize public health by criminal violations of these laws.” 

“The defendant falsified documents and knowingly violated legal requirements for the proper storage of hazardous waste,” said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.  “This case demonstrates that individuals who knowingly violate environmental laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”

“This sentencing underscores our commitment to protecting the safety and integrity of the Nation’s transportation systems” said Special Agent in Charge Andrea Kropf of the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General Midwestern Region. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to pursue those who disregard the laws and regulations designed to keep the public safe from hazardous materials.”

Additionally, according to court documents, Rousseff-Kemp arranged for another transportation company to pick up hazardous waste from a waste generator in March 2019. Thereafter, the hazardous waste was stored, at Rousseff-Kemp’s direction, at her company’s facility and elsewhere until June 2019. During this time, in May of 2019, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management made arrangements with Rousseff-Kemp to conduct an inspection at her company’s facility. Prior to the scheduled inspection, Rousseff-Kemp directed an individual to transport three trailers containing drums of waste that were being stored at Rousseff-Kemp’s company’s facility to an off-site location. Among the drums of waste in the trailers were the drums of hazardous waste picked up in March. Two days later, during the IDEM inspection, Rousseff-Kemp told inspectors that the only trailers that were previously on-site that week, but were not present during the inspection, were empty.

The case was initiated through the Environmental Crimes Task Force of the Northern District of Indiana and jointly investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Stephen J. Foster and Kris Dighe of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Nokes, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Mucha.

FORT WAYNE- Andrew Thompson, age 49, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to the sale of firearms to a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

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

According to documents in this case, in late 2018 through early 2019, two individuals working with law enforcement, each of whom had previously been convicted of a felony offense, purchased a total of five firearms from Thompson.  Thompson admitted he sold or traded the firearms for drugs. At least twenty other firearms originally purchased by Thompson have been recovered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois and other locations from prohibited persons, traffic stops and search warrant executions. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes. 

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

2022 World Elder Abuse Awareness (WEAAD) Day

HAMMOND- Northern District of Indiana United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson is committed to protecting older Americans by raising awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, especially on  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which is commemorated each year on June 15th  since 2006.  The motto is “Don’t stand by, stand up against elder abuse!”

 “While some crime happens randomly, other crimes – especially those with an economic motive—are frequently targeted.  This unfortunately means that there is a criminal element that is daily targeting senior citizens, using various scams, for information and money that these fraudsters will use for their own criminal purposes” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “My Office will work in unison with our law enforcement partners, like the FBI, to prosecute and bring to justice those who target vulnerable citizens, including senior citizens.”

According to the National Center of Elder Abuse, elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races and can occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports, whether they be in their own home, in a facility or hospital.  The abuse can take many forms and can result in tangible losses to include their home and life savings as well as intangible losses which include dignity and independence. 

Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.

A few of the most common scams targeting older Americans include:

• Vaccine related schemes – phishing emails and text messages requesting payment, asking for social security number to secure appointments, offering fake vaccines and unapproved treatment
• Robocalls asking for identifying information to include social security numbers and bank account information or to request money
• Grandparent scams – individual impersonates a family member in an emergency who need money, via cash, bank wire, prepaid gift cards
• Romance scams – online scammers create fake profiles to build online relationships before convincing victims to send money
• Government Imposter Frauds – fraudsters claim to be with a government agency seeking social security numbers , bank account information or requesting immediate payment of funds
• Lottery Frauds – calls or mailing informing the victim they have won a lottery but have to pay fees or taxes before claiming their prizes
• Refund Schemes – fraudsters claim they refunded too much money to the victim’s bank account and induce victims to send payment such as gift cards for the over-refund
• Tech Support Fraud – unsolicited telephone call or internet pop up message claiming to assist remotely with computer issues/technology
• Variety of Phishing Scams  text messages or emails  are sent to lure victims into divulging personal identifying information or contain a link that contains malware

Here are some ways to help guard against the scammers: 

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and texts
• Hang up on Robocallers
• Do not open or click on links or attachments from sources you don’t know, were not expecting or do not recognize
• Ignore offers for miracle treatments or cures
• Don’t be rushed, call a family member, friend or conduct your own research before parting with your money
• Never provide personal identifying information
• Never wire money, provide cash or gift cards to persons or businesses you have met online unless you can verify their identity

Our office and federal partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting elder abuse cases in the Northern District of Indiana.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Nokes is the district’s Elder Justice Coordinator.  She is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of elder abuse cases, conducting public outreach and awareness activities related to elder abuse, in addition to collecting data required by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act.  To learn more about the ways you can assist in our efforts to prevent fraud, neglect, and abuse of elders visit  www.elderjustice.gov.

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact the FBI Indianapolis Field Office at 317-595-4000.

You can also contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or file a complaint FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.ic3.gov.

HAMMOND – Kody Yednak, 21 years old, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Yednak received a sentence of 180 months imprisonment followed by a term of 2 years supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in January 2021, Yednak persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Later. in March 2021, Yednak persuaded a different minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.  The investigation revealed the minors were approximately 10 and 11 years old. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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HAMMOND- Jaron Johnson, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to kidnapping, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on the night of April 14, 2019, Johnson participated in the kidnapping of a woman hoping to elicit information as to the whereabouts of a witness in his brother’s upcoming criminal case.  Johnson participated in forcing the victim into a car at gunpoint, blindfolding and duct-taping her, and driving her around.  The victim was beaten and threatened when she would not provide the information.  At one point, the vehicle stopped, and another individual entered the back seat and continued beating the victim.  A short time later the victim was dragged from the car to an area behind a house where one of the perpetrators shot her in the face and arm, and left her for dead, but she survived the attack.             

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Toth and former Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.