Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND-Denny Minix, 32, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to a charge that he produced child sexual abuse images of a 16 to 17 year-old minor female, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Minix was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.

Minix’s sentence was increased as a result of his earlier conviction for possessing child sexual abuse material here in the Northern District of Indiana in 2010.  In that earlier case, Minix had received a 97-month prison sentence followed by a 20-year term of supervised release.

After being released from prison on that offense, and while on supervised release and registered as a sex offender, Minix posed as a gay woman on various social media platforms and offered to and did distribute depictions of minors being sexually abused and exploited.  Following an investigation, Minix was found with over 6300 such images and videos, some of which he had made himself while engaging in sexual acts with the 16 to 17 year-old victim.  As part of his plea agreement in the case, Minix agreed to have no future contact with the victim and to pay $10,000 toward her future therapy and lost income expenses.

“Not long after being released from prison on his first child pornography offense, Minix found it impossible to resist committing other, more serious child exploitation offenses.  My office is committed to prosecuting repeat sex offenders like Mr. Minix to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “This case also serves as a good reminder to parents to please monitor the websites your children are visiting, and the people with whom they are communicating online.” 

“This lengthy sentence clearly illustrates the FBI’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from those who would exploit them in this heinous manner,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to identify and hold accountable these abusers who prey on innocent children for their own gratification.”

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Tippecanoe County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office and the Purdue University Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.

 

###

 

HAMMOND – Da’Ione Fields, 23 of Gary, Indiana, was charged by way of an Indictment with two counts of mail fraud and one count of attempted bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

“Seniors are some of our more vulnerable citizens. Those in senior care facilities are dependent upon the care they receive there for their well-being,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “The alleged theft from a facility like this can have a severe negative impact on the residents in the facilities’ care. Theft results in diminished resources that should be available for the residents’ care and well-being.  My Office is committed to protecting vulnerable seniors and working with our investigative agencies to investigate and prosecute those who steal from their employers.”

According to documents in the case, while working as a contract security guard for a senior living facility in Munster, Indiana, it is alleged that from October 18, 2019 to about December 3, 2019, Mr. Fields engaged in a scheme to defraud the facility of more than $280,000.  The Indictment alleges that on two occasions Fields completed a USPS Change of Address form to redirect the facility’s mail to Fields’ residential address in Gary, Indiana.  Between October 18 and November 22, 2019, Mr. Fields cashed approximately 31 insurance reimbursement and other checks payable to the facility totaling over $220,000.  On November 21, 2019, Mr. Fields opened a corporate account at a bank in Gary, misrepresenting himself as an authorized representative of the facility and depositing 6 more checks totaling over $60,000. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Munster and Gary Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Abizer Zanzi.

 

###

 

SOUTH BEND –Jeffrey Burnside, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in this case, during the night of March 28-29, 2020, police evicted several individuals, including Burnside, from a hotel in Mishawaka. During the eviction process, police found methamphetamine as well as two handguns. Later that night, Burnside tried to book another hotel room, hid from police, and then ran from police. Officers caught Burnside and checked his hiding place, where they found a loaded handgun and half an ounce of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

###

 

SOUTH BEND –Bradley O’Donnell, 28, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

O’Donnell was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on the night of March 28 into the morning of March 29, 2020, Mr. O’Donnell was distributing methamphetamine and had a loaded handgun with him while doing so. Police later found Mr. O’Donnell with 120 grams of methamphetamine and the handgun. Mr. O’Donnell has previously been convicted of three felony offenses.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

###

HAMMOND – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announces three separate Indictments involving three defendants who were charged with a variety of crimes against children.

“My Office will continue to work with our investigative partners to investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes against children,” said United States Attorney Kirsch.  “Victims of these horrific crimes lose their innocence through no fault of their own, and we take these matters very seriously.”

Today’s indictments include:

• Tyrone Johnson, age 32, of Merrillville, Indiana was charged with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  It is alleged that after the victim disclosed that Johnson had been raping her, Johnson asked another individual to pick up his cellular telephone from property in the jail and destroy it.  Instead, the person discovered a video on the phone of Johnson raping the girl and sent the video to another individual who alerted police. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the LaSalle, Illinois Police Department and the Lake County, Indiana Sherriff’s Office.

• Troy Kidwell, age 38, of Portage, Indiana was charged with attempted enticement of a minor and receiving sexual abuse images of a child. It is alleged that Mr. Kidwell arranged, using a facility of interstate commerce, to meet up with a 10 year-old girl. Additionally, sexually explicit images of another minor under the age of 16 were found on his cellular telephone.  This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Porter County, Indiana Sherriff’s Office.

• Stephen Coleman, age 29, of Gary, Indiana was charged with four separate production of child pornography charges based on images he allegedly took of 4 different prepubescent minor boys. He was also charged with possession of child pornography. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Gary, Indiana Police Department, the Michigan City, Indiana Police Department and the Portage, Indiana, Police Department.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that these Indictments are merely allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

All the above cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Koster.

###

 

Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend.  Today’s case is out of the Northern District of Indiana.  While not a designated Legend district, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, which encompasses Chicago.  Operation Legend launched in Chicago on July 22, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.  Similarly, Legend was also launched in the Southern District of Indiana, which includes Indianapolis, on Aug. 14, 2020.

United States vs. Darryl Ivery Jr.

“This case demonstrates my office’s commitment to partnering with our neighbors in Chicago to aggressively prosecute those who illegally supply guns to criminals in Indiana and Illinois,” said Thomas L. Kirsch II, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.  “My office is committed to reducing gun violence, and the state line will not save criminals from federal investigations and prosecutions.”

Darryl Ivery Jr. was charged on Aug. 26, 2020, with making a material false statement in the acquisition of a firearm.

According to the charging document, during the course of an ATF investigation into straw purchasers, i.e. individuals who lie on ATF Form 4473 about their status as legal purchasers of firearms, Darry Ivery Jr. became a person of interest based on a large number of firearms he had purchased, some of which had been recovered by law enforcement.

It is alleged that between Jan. 7, 2019, and Aug. 10, 2020, Ivery purchased a minimum of 26 firearms from Federal Firearm Licensed (FFL) gun dealers in Indiana.  Seven of the guns he purchased have been recovered by various law enforcement agencies, including six that were recovered in Chicago, Illinois, one of which was recovered at the scene of a shooting.

For each of the guns Ivery purchased, he answered, “Yes” on ATF Form 4473: “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form?”

When interviewed by ATF Special Agents, it is alleged that Ivery admitted that with the exception of one of the firearms that he purchased, all of the others were bought for individuals who resided in Chicago who asked him to buy firearms for them.  They all paid Ivery in cash for every purchase he made.

Ivery purchased the following firearms:

 

01/07/2019

S & W

SD9VE

9mm

02/18/2020

Jimenez

IA

.380

02/18/2020

SCCY

CPX-1

9mm

03/03/2020

Jimenez

JA

9mm

03/03/2020

S & W

SD40

40

03/13/2020

Glock

27

40

03/13/2020

Glock

er

40

03/31/2020

S & W

M&P

40

04/19/2020

Glock

26

9mm

04/30/2020

Glock

43

9mm

04/30/2020

 

05/13/2020

Glock Century Arms

22

Micro Draco

40

 

7.62x.39

06/06/2020

Glock

17

9mm

06/10/2020

Glock

22

40

06/10/2020

Glock

48

9mm

06/10/2020

S & W

SD9VE

9mm

06/19/2020

Taurus

PT111 G2

9mm

06/19/2020

Taurus

PT111 G2

9mm

06/19/2020

HS Produkt

XD45

.45

07/06/2020

Glock

30

.45

07/07/2020

Glock

43x

9mm

07/13/2020

FN

509T

9mm

07/23/2020

Shadow

MR920

SSCO11797

07/23/2020

Springfield

XDM

.45

08/10/2020

Ruger

57

5.7x.28

 

The details contained in the charging document are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Background on Operation Legend

President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence.  In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence.  Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.

Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2000 local, state, and federal arrests, with more than 592 defendants charged with federal crimes.

Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020.  As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime.  The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.

###

FORT WAYNE – Roderick Dedeaux, age 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Dedeaux was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and he was ordered to forfeit a 2011 Honda Pilot. 

According to documents in this case, in May 2019, Dedeaux distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force comprised of the FBI, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Anthony W. Geller.   

###

FORT WAYNE – Troy Topp, age 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

According to documents in this case, in July 2019, Topp was observed on video stealing from a vehicle.  When officers approached Topp, he ran but was apprehended and narcotics and paraphernalia were recovered.  A stolen firearm was also recovered and Topp admitted to acquiring the firearm in exchange for money and drugs.  Topp has a prior state court felony conviction in June 2015 out of Allen County for dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of two or more precursors with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance. 

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

###

 

HAMMOND-Lafayette Caldwell, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 120 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

“Selling dangerous drugs, such as crack cocaine, will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “I want to commend the outstanding job done of the FBI, in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, to remove this group from the streets of Gary.”

According to documents in the case, for some time between July of 2015 and November of 2016, Caldwell participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Glen Park neighborhood of Gary, Indiana.  The conspiracy involved a twenty-four hour a day operation in which sellers of crack cocaine worked in shifts and armed security communicated with walkie-talkies.  In furtherance of the conspiracy, Caldwell sold crack cocaine from an abandoned residence on Massachusetts Avenue.  The conspiracy included the distribution of crack cocaine from multiple houses, including one house in which law enforcement recovered over 100 grams of crack cocaine and two firearms during execution of a search warrant.     

To date, eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.   

“Holding Mr. Caldwell accountable for his drug trafficking dealings in the Glen Park neighborhood with this long prison sentence should hopefully restore a feeling of safety for the residents of this community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “It should also put other drug dealers on notice that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will utilize all resources available to ensure violent offenders are held responsible for their illegal activities.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary and Hobart Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.

###

 

HAMMOND-Pierre Forest, 25, of Harvey, Illinois, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang, was sentenced by Judge Simon to 216 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.   

“Pierre Forest, a Latin King Gang Member, was held accountable for his role in a senseless murder and will now spend 18 years behind bars.  He was also involved in putting firearms and illegal drugs on our Northwest Indiana streets,” said Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Our well-coordinated law enforcement teams will continue to focus on fighting violent, senseless crimes like these.”

According to documents in the case, Forest trafficked firearms and was involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana in Hammond and East Chicago, Indiana, as a member of the Latin Kings street gang including participating in the July 2015 armed robbery of firearms from members of rival gangs.  At a contested sentencing hearing, the court found Forest responsible for his role in the murder of Travis Nash, who was shot and killed by the Latin Kings on July 18, 2011, in Hammond, Indiana.  Forest has a prior felony conviction for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.   

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to disrupt and dismantle these gangs and rid our streets of these violent criminals and the violence associated with their activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, FBI Indianapolis. “The residents of neighborhoods these gangs have impacted through drug dealing and violence deserve to be able to peacefully go about their daily lives without fear.”

“ATF will aggressively investigate those who illegally traffic in firearms, as it threatens the safety of the whole community,” remarked the ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “We will continue to work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s office to bring these offenders to justice.”

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents.  The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, have also provided assistance.  The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla.

 

SOUTH BEND –Jessie Richardson, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty for making a threat to injure through a means of interstate communication, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “Mr. Richardson has shown a pattern of threatening behavior in the past, culminating in him calling in bomb threats to FedEx. I want to thank the law enforcement team that worked this case and want others to know that threatening people over the phone or internet could focus my Office’s attention on you.” 

According to documents in this case, in November 2019 Mr. Richardson called a FedEx facility in South Bend over 200 times in less than a month. On the evening of November 12, Richardson called a FedEx call center since it was too late to get through to the local facility in South Bend.  During this call he told the call center that there was a bomb in the building and that the building was going to blow up.  The following day, he called the South Bend facility directly and stated that there was a bomb in the building and he hoped the people inside were ready to die. The building was evacuated for safety so law enforcement could investigate.  Mr. Richardson has three prior convictions for intimidation and one for invasion of privacy where he violated a protection order.

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 handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

###

SOUTH BEND – Five individuals from Elkhart, Indiana were charged by way of a 2 count Indictment with robbery affecting interstate commerce and using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

“I commend the FBI, in addition to the other agencies that participated in solving this case,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Violent crimes, like those alleged, will be thoroughly investigated by our law enforcement partners and prosecuted by my Office.”

According to documents in this case, it is alleged that a small group known as the ChoppaBoyz robbed a homeowner on June 9, 2020.  During the robbery, the homeowner was shot in the leg.  The homeowner along with another person on the property were also allegedly beaten repeatedly with handguns while the robbers asked about the location of a safe in the home.  The robbers stole the safe, drugs, money, a handgun, and jewelry. After the police arrived, they obtained a search warrant for the residence and discovered it to have cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills onsite that were overlooked by the robbers.  The statements the robbers made, including asking for an AR-15 pistol that was recently traded, gave the victims an idea of who the robbers were.   Based on this and other information: Marco Fernandez (age 24); Jose Trigo (age 20); Juantio Gould (24); Carlos Reyes (age 20); and Emmanuel Martinez-Guevara (age 20) were each indicted for robbery affecting interstate commerce and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.

“This indictment is an example of the investigative focus on violence in our communities and the impact of collaboration among agencies in which crimes cross state lines,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, “The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with our partners the Elkhart Police Department, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Bend Police Department to pursue those who commit these violent crimes and take them off our streets.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, South Bend Police Department, Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit, and Cedar City Utah Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

###

SOUTH BEND – Daniel Boush, 29, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty for being a felon in possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Boush was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “This fifteen year sentence sends a strong message that my Office will pursue and prosecute armed career criminals to the fullest extent of the law. My Office has no tolerance for convicted felons possessing firearms, particularly when these individuals also have a history of domestic violence.”

According to documents in this case, in August of 2019, Boush was arrested for the possession of two .380 caliber firearms.  This was following a domestic incident where he physically attacked a female and then chased after her in a car.  Boush qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal based on his prior convictions, including strangulation of a different female as well as dealing controlled substances.

“ATF, in partnership with local and state law enforcement, will continue to pursue dangerous criminals to ensure they do not illegally possess firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the Chicago Field Division.  “Coordination of these investigations, in combination with the prosecutorial strategies at the U.S. Attorney’s office, will deter felons and make communities safer.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and the LaPorte County Drug Task Force.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

###

HAMMOND – Joseph Stahura, age 64, of Whiting, Indiana, was charged with wire fraud and filing a false income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  He has entered into a plea agreement indicating his intent to plead guilty to both charges.  His wife, Diane Stahura, age 64, also of Whiting, Indiana entered into a deferred prosecution agreement wherein she acknowledges that the Government has sufficient evidence to charge her with wire fraud.

United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said,

“Today’s charges and guilty plea are another black eye for Northwest Indiana.  Mr. Stahura, an elected official for over 35 years, illegally used his campaign funds for personal activities and expenditures and lied about it on his publically filed campaign reports and tax returns.  He knew his conduct was illegal, yet he persisted in it for over 5 years.

“My office has a long history of aggressively pursuing public corruption cases on behalf of the honest citizens of our community. That will continue as long as I am US Attorney.  While most elected officials serve the public professionally and honestly, some do not.  Those who seek illegal personal gain by virtue of their public office will be held accountable.

“If you have information concerning corrupt public officials, I encourage you to call my office or the FBI.”

According to documents in the case, Mr. Stahura, the Mayor of Whiting, Indiana since 2004, and his wife used his campaign fund for personal expenditures, like gambling, credit card debt and providing financial support to an adult daughter.  Mr. Stahura has been the Mayor of Whiting since 2004 and prior to that he served as a Whiting City Councilman for 20 years.  He was also the Chairman and Treasurer of his campaign committee entitled “Committee to Elect Joe Stahura” (“Committee”). 

From February 2014 through 2019, Mr. and Mrs. Stahura used approximately $255,000 of funds from the “Committee” for personal purposes, while disguising the activity by filing campaign reports with false and misleading information and by omitting material information from the reports.  To further defraud, they sought donations from individuals and entities, and held fund raising events to raise money for the “Committee”.  Mrs. Stahura transferred money from the “Committee’s” bank account to the Stahuras’ personal bank account, which were then used the funds to pay personal bills, provide support for their daughter and gamble at casinos.  To further the scheme, on multiple occasions between 2014 and 2019, Joe Stahura filed false and misleading campaign finance reports with the Board of Elections which omitted information about the personal use of the campaign funds that had been occurring from 2014 through November 2019. 

In April 2019, Mr. Stahura filed a false tax return.  He falsely listed his gross income, not accounting for the amount stolen from the Campaign Account in 2018 which was approximately $51,480.  Additionally, on his campaign finance report he overstated the “loan repayment amount” to his campaign by approximately $40,000.

Indiana campaign finance law restricted the use of money contributed to a campaign committee. Candidates could use committee money to pay expenses reasonably related to a campaign for political office, continuing political activity, and activity related to service in elected office.  Candidates could not use committee money for a primarily personal purpose or commingle personal funds with campaign funds.  Indiana campaign finance law also required campaign committees to regularly file public reports using a state form containing instructions including “WARNING: Using campaign funds for primarily personal purposes is prohibited.” Reports had to itemize each expenditure above $100, name the recipient and state a purpose.  These reports provided citizens with a record of the expenditure of campaign funds, provided donors with a measure of accountability regarding the funds, and assisted voters in making informed decisions at the polls.

Mr. Stahura entered into a plea agreement, which has been filed with the court, to resolve the criminal charges.  If this signed plea agreement is accepted by the court, the length of sentence and amount of restitution will be determined by the court at a sentencing hearing after consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

“Public corruption continues to be a high priority for IRS Criminal Investigation”, stated Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Public officials stealing campaign funds for personal purposes is an unacceptable practice and IRS Criminal Investigation will be there to uncover the fraud and tax evasion in order to bring the dishonest officials to justice.”   

“Public corruption is the top criminal investigative priority for the FBI. The American people and the FBI do not tolerate public officials who use their position for private gain. Public corruption erodes the trust constituents put in their elected officials and undermines the integrity of government,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, FBI Indianapolis. “The FBI and our partner law enforcement agencies will continue our mission to root out fraud and corruption in all forms and serve our communities."

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, both members of the US Attorney’s Public Corruption Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Benson and Gary Bell. 

# # #                                   

HAMMOND-Debra McCall, 46, of Westville, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann upon her guilty plea to bank fraud and filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

McCall was sentenced to 27 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release to include 6 months of home confinement and ordered to pay $708,971.93 in restitution.

“Ms. McCall took advantage of her employer’s trust for her own selfishness,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Many small businesses operate on a thin margin and pilfering money from employers could cause severe financial issues, disrupting the lives of many who rely on those businesses for their livelihoods.  My Office and our federal partners take these crimes seriously and will continue to prosecute schemes like these throughout the District.”

According to documents in the case, McCall, while employed as a bookkeeper for a small local sales company, used her position of trust to steal more than $700,000 from her employer during a three year period.  She devised and executed a scheme to embezzle money from her employer’s accounts by using her knowledge of the bookkeeping and accounting software.  She created and printed checks drawn on the company’s accounts.  She made the checks payable to her boyfriend and forged the manager’s signature on each check. She then canceled the checks in the accounting system and balanced the company’s books by incorporating the amounts she took into other entries to avoid detection.  McCall admitted that she stole the money and gambled it away. 

“As we often see in embezzlement cases, the victims are not only the taxpayers, but also the individuals and entities who suffer the financial harm”, stated Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. "We would like the taxpayers to take notice that today’s 27-month sentence of Debra McCall resulted in serious prison time because she misused her position of trust at her company by embezzling company funds and failing to report the funds on her income tax return.”

“Ms. McCall thought she could use her position of trust in the office and her access to company funds for her own personal benefit. But, instead, her greed and self-interest means she is headed to prison for her crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, FBI Indianapolis. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who abuse their positions and hold them accountable.”

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

###

 

SOUTH BEND –Geneco Glover, 39, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Glover was sentenced to 57 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $162,465.85 in restitution. 

According to documents in this case, from at least January 2006 to February 2020, Glover defrauded more than 50 individual victims after obtaining their personal information and either adding himself as an authorized user on the victims’ credit card accounts or opening additional credit card accounts in the victims’ names. After gaining access to the victims’ accounts, Glover would change the mailing addresses for these accounts to mailing addresses under his control in order to receive credit cards mailed to the victims. Glover stole at least $160,000 from his victims. After being charged, Glover initially agreed to self-surrender in November 2018. Instead of turning himself in, he spent the next 15 months fleeing from law enforcement, but was finally captured in February 2020.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department; Mishawaka Police Department; South Bend Police Department; Parma Heights Police Department (Ohio); and Middleburg Heights Police Department (Ohio).  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Multiple individuals were charged with drug and firearms offenses by way of a 19 count Indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to the Indictment, Frederick Morgan II, Frederick Morgan Sr., Monica Duvalon, Larry Lamb, Sarah Waltz, Eddie Knox, and James Russell Jr., were each indicted on conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl.  The indictment alleges that the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances occurred between May 6, 2019 and August 26, 2020. 

“Today’s drug and gun charges allege that many highly addictive controlled substances were flooding the streets of Northern Indiana, which increases the propensity for violence, particularly when firearms are present,” said US Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “I commend the ATF and DEA along with all the other law enforcement agencies involved in this case for their hard work.  We will continue to focus on these type of cases to keep our communities safe.”

In addition to the conspiracy charges, Morgan II was also charged with 15 counts of distributing controlled substances and 1 count of maintaining a drug involved premises.  Duvalon was charged with 2 additional counts of distributing controlled substances.  Morgan Sr. was charged with 2 additional counts of distributing controlled substances.  Lamb was charged with 2 additional counts of distributing controlled substances, 1 count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 2 counts of providing a firearm to a felon.  Waltz and Russell Jr. were charged with 1 additional count of distributing a controlled substance.  Knox was charged with 5 additional counts of distributing a controlled substance and 1 count of maintaining a drug involved premises. 

“The individuals arrested today, allegedly peddled poison into our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “This group is allegedly responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and crack cocaine throughout Fort Wayne area.  Anytime we can take dangerous addictive drugs and firearms off the streets it is a big win!  DEA is committed to working with our state, local and federal partners and arresting drug traffickers to keep our communities safe.  DEA appreciates the exceptional work in this multi-jurisdictional investigation by all involved.”

“Working closely with our state, local and federal partners, ATF will continue to investigate felons in possession of firearms and those responsible for distributing narcotics in the Fort Wayne community,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Chicago Field Division. “When partnering with law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office, we focus our resources and these charges illustrate the effectiveness of those relationships.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is a result of a joint investigation conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the US Marshals Service and 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.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Brent A. Ecenbarger.   

 

###

 

An Indiana man who distributed unregistered pesticides to the tenants and managers of an apartment building he owned has pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Cai Feng Yang, aka Kevin Yang, 41, of La Porte, Indiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin in the Northern District of Indiana.  Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 27, 2020.

According to court records, during trips to China in September 2015 and January 2016, Yang purchased multiple boxes of unregistered pesticides labeled “cockroach killer bait” and “cockroach gum bait,” as well as several small unlabeled bottles of liquid pesticide containing the active ingredient dichlorvos.  Yang transported these pesticides to the United States in his checked luggage with the intent to use them in his La Porte apartment buildings to exterminate cockroaches and bed bugs.  None of these pesticides were registered with the EPA as required by FIFRA.  For that reason, Yang was obligated to submit a Notice of Arrival (NoA) prior to importing these products into the United States, which he failed to do.  He also failed to declare this merchandise to Customs upon his return to the United States. 

After returning from China, Yang distributed the vials of granular cockroach killer bait and the syringes of gelatinous cockroach gum bait to tenants renting apartments at 701 Maple St. and 606 Tipton Street.  Yang also provided his part-time assistant building managers at 701 Maple Street an unlabeled bottle of pesticide containing dichlorvos to be applied in apartments to kill bed bugs.  On several occasions, Yang applied the liquid pesticide in tenants’ apartments himself.

This case was investigated by the EPA-Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Office of Indiana State Chemist.

Trial Counsel R.J. Powers of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Toi Denise Houston, Northern District of Indiana and Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel David Mucha are prosecuting the case.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

HAMMOND- Varnell Dixon, 24, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

In the plea agreement, the parties agreed that the Court should impose the statutory mandatory minimum five year term of imprisonment. 

In the plea agreement, Dixon admitted that on December 28, 2019, he was driving a rented vehicle speeding eastbound on Interstate 80/94. At the time, he possessed a fully loaded Glock nine millimeter firearm, four bags of marijuana, some of which he intended to distribute, and $323.00 in small bills. Upon being pursued by the Indiana State Police, Dixon attempted to elude the police at a high rate of speed and ultimately exited onto the Cline Avenue ramp.  Dixon lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and roll over several times. Dixon was thrown from the vehicle and arrested by police.    

“There have been several high speed pursuits in the recent months that have garnered media attention in Northwest Indiana,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch.  “Some of these chases have occurred solely within Indiana and some have crossed state lines.  This type of criminal activity – fleeing police and putting many lives at risk while doing so – is entirely intolerable.  I have instructed federal law enforcement and my office to charge these type of cases federally, whenever possible, and to seek appropriate sentences for these criminals.  We are fortunate in Northwest Indiana to have so many outstanding law enforcement officers and departments.  Although many separate municipalities, they all work together for one purpose, to keep crime down in Northern Indiana.  We will do everything we can to deter this criminal conduct.”    

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team and the Indiana State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.

 

HAMMOND-Mark Toney, 41, of Schererville, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 87 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, Toney was a member of the Latin Kings street gang for most of his adult life, including being a local leader of Hammond Latin Kings for a period of time.  He possessed firearms, ordered other members to shoot at rivals, and sold cocaine and marijuana as a member of the gang.  Factors affecting Toney’s sentence were his leadership role and his involvement in the distribution of between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine by the Latin Kings.             

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents.  The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, also provided assistance.  The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla.

 

HAMMOND - United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today a pre-suit settlement under the False Claims Act for false claims payable under a U.S. Department of Defense Contract for the Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs Program.

During 2010, the increased demand for military working dog teams in support of the U.S. Army’s mission in Afghanistan prompted the need for Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs (TEDDs) with the capability of off-leash explosive detection functions.  Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. of Denver, Indiana provides training for handlers and canines to perform specialized tasks, such as explosive detection.  Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have contracted with Vohne Liche Kennels for their training needs.  Vohne Liche Kennels was sub-contracted in 2011 to provide personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and non‑personal services for the creation and operation of a training program for both military handlers and dogs for the TEDD program.  Vohne Liche Kennels was further contracted to provide Field Service Representatives (FSRs) who co-located with military units in Afghanistan.  The FSRs monitored the activities of the newly-trained TEDD handlers and dogs to reinforce and improve their techniques.

Vohne Liche Kennels has agreed to pay $1,350,000 to resolve the United States’ claims under the False Claims Act for fraudulently submitting claims for labor hours for trainers and FSRs involved in the TEDD program.  Specifically, Vohne Liche Kennels inflated the number of labor hours billed for training sessions held at Vohne Liche Kennels’ Denver Indiana facility and at the U.S. Army’s proving grounds in Yuma Arizona.  It also inflated the number of labor hours performed in Afghanistan by the FSRs.  Under the settlement, Vohne Liche Kennels agrees to repay the $900,000 of federal funds that Vohne Liche Kennels received for the fraudulently billed claims, and also agrees to pay a civil penalty of $450,000.

“We will not tolerate dishonest contractors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “My Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit will continue to require contractors who submit fraudulent claims for federal government funds to reimburse the government for their ill-gotten gains and also pay civil penalties under the False Claims Act.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service will continue to aggressively pursue companies such as Vohne Liche Kennels that increase profits by exploiting DoD contracts through false claims,” said Cynthia Bruce, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS Southeast Field Office.

“This settlement is another example of the exceptional efforts of our dedicated special agents,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU).  “The MPFU looks forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to address fraud, no matter how large or small.”

This settlement was reached as a result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Indianapolis Resident Agency, and the United States Army CID, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Indianapolis Fraud Resident Agency.  Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault handled the settlement negotiations.

 

 

                                                                          # # #                                   

 

SOUTH BEND – Jamar Sims, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Mr. Sims was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in November 2018, Mr. Sims sold methamphetamine to a person working for the police.  In March of 2019, he sold methamphetamine to the same cooperating person.  On both occasions, investigators watched Sims travel from a residence on Bowman Street in South Bend to conduct the transactions.  Sims also indicated to the cooperator that he had a variety of drugs to sell. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

###

 

SOUTH BEND – Allen Hanuscak, 65, who has resided in Elkhart Indiana and Ohio, was charged by way of an Indictment with bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

On July 14, 2020, Magistrate Judge Joshua P. Kolar approved a criminal complaint against Hanuscak for the bank robbery that is the subject of the indictment.  According to the affidavit, on July 13, 2020, the Old National Bank located at 320 North Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana, was robbed by a white male at about 10:30 am. The male entered the bank and slid a demand note to the teller. The man had his hand in his pocket leading the teller to believe he was concealing a firearm, and the teller then gave the man about $7000. The teller described the robber as an elderly, white male wearing glasses, a mask, jeans and a black backpack. Officers responding to the crime saw a white elderly man walking near the bank who was wearing a mask, glasses, jeans and carrying a backpack. Officers stopped him and he identified himself as Allen Hanuscak. He was searched and police found $6995 in his pants. Old National Bank’s money bands were still wrapped around the money.  Mr. Hanuscak was on supervised release from federal courts in Ohio when this robbery occurred.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Juan M. Hernandez, age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Hernandez was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“Mr. Hernandez will serve a long prison term for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “Distribution of highly addictive and destructive drugs like methamphetamine is criminal activity that law enforcement will aggressively pursue.  The DEA works with all Fort Wayne law enforcement agencies as a well-coordinated team to investigate illegal drug distribution and my office, as this case shows, will support those investigations with federal court prosecution.”

According to documents in this case, in the summer of 2019, there were multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine made from Hernandez that ultimately led to his arrest and federal charges.  In an interview, Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he would regularly obtain ¼ to ½ pound of crystal methamphetamine over several months, which methamphetamine he then distributed.  He also admitted to the federal agents that the most methamphetamine he possessed at one time was 6-7 pounds.

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The sentencing of Mr. Hernandez to 21 years in federal prison was necessary and just for the fine citizens of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area.  Mr. Hernandez peddled methamphetamine that had a purity level of 100 %.  Anytime DEA and there partners can take methamphetamine off the streets it is a big win!  Especially methamphetamine that is 100 % pure.  DEA is committed to working with our state, local and federal partners and making our communities safe.”

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

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Jimmy L. Faulkner, Jr., age 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

According to documents presented in this case, in the early hours on September 12, 2018 officers responded to a distress call in Fort Wayne.  The officers observed a man, later determined to be Faulkner, waving a firearm in the air.  Officers heard a gunshot and took Faulkner into custody.  Faulkner admitted possessing and firing a .38/.357 caliber revolver. Faulkner has numerous previous felony convictions in state court (dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug, and possession of cocaine) and federal court (possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime). 

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

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Charles R. Byers, age 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to possession of 5 or more grams of methamphetamine along with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

According to documents presented in this case, in November of 2018, Byers, who had been convicted of multiple crimes since 1995, including various felony convictions, was charged in this case after being found to be in possession of a firearm and multiple grams of methamphetamine in the high crime area of Coliseum Boulevard and Interstate 69.  The methamphetamine was packaged and intended for distribution. 

The 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. 

###

 

SOUTH BEND –Christopher Kinds, 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Kinds was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

“Mr. Kinds, a felon with multiple prior convictions, will serve 16 years in prison for his guilty plea to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “Possession of a firearm by a felon or during the commission of other crimes is dangerous and intolerable.  My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus on these type of offenses as part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy in South Bend.”

According to documents filed in this case, on September 5, 2019, investigators searched Mr. Kinds’ home and storage units at a rental facility, all in South Bend.  Investigators arrested Mr. Kinds the same day. Investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 80 grams of heroin, nearly $17,500.00 in cash, and over 35 firearms from his person, his home, and his storage units. Mr. Kinds has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses and a firearms offense.

“The collaborative investigation and prosecution of this habitual offender is a prime example of the partnerships in which ATF takes great pride,” remarked the ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “ATF will continue to investigate those who illegally possess firearms and we thank our partners for their significant role in this particular investigation.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, and St. Joseph County SWAT Team.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Kim Schultz.

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Nathan Kaiser, age 48 and Leary Kaiser, age 20, both of Butler, Indiana were charged in separate indictments with multiple firearm related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in this case, Nathan Kaiser, the owner of Darkside Armory, a Federal Firearms Licensee, was charged in a 17 count indictment with possession of an unregistered machine gun, unregistered silencers and a bump stock device in violation of the National Firearm Act.  Leary Kaiser, an employee of Darkside Armory, was charged in a 4 count indictment with falsifying ATF form 4473 to indicate more firearms were purchased than what actually occurred during the transaction and also for lying to agents about these falsifications. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “The alleged charges here should send a strong message that illegal weapon possession and falsification of firearm related purchase documents will not be tolerated. I wish to commend ATF for their hard work on this case and their commitment to public safety that flows from compliance with the National Firearms Act requirements.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

###

 

HAMMOND – Jesus Lopez, 42 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Lopez received a sentence of 240 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“Mr. Lopez will serve 20 years in prison for his guilty plea to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “Smuggling drugs into our Country is an intolerable offense.  We will continue to arrest and prosecute those caught in the Northern District of Indiana.  I commend the interdiction efforts of the Hobart Police Department for the apprehension of Mr. Lopez.”

According to documents in this case, in November of 2016, a Hobart police officer stopped Lopez and his co-defendant in a vehicle on I-94. They were in possession of approximately 450 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, which they were planning to sell to another individual. Lopez was also responsible for attempting to smuggle an additional 16 kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States in November 2016.

“This sentencing of Mr. Lopez to 20 years in federal prison was necessary and just for the fine citizens of Porter County and the surrounding area,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “Mr. Lopez, and others, who show complete disregard for the well-being of Hoosiers by trying to bring methamphetamine into Indiana must be held accountable for their actions.  DEA commends the outstanding work that was done in this investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office and our state, local and federal partners.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hobart Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

###

 

HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that John Buncich, age 74, of Crown Point, Indiana was re-sentenced before District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody.  This re-sentencing flowed from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals June 5, 2019 decision upholding Buncich’s conviction on two wire fraud counts (Counts 4-5) and one bribery count (Count 6). 

Buncich was re-sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, $800 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.  Buncich agreed to forfeiture in the amount of $38,000.00 as part of this federal prosecution

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Buncich betrayed the public trust when he took bribes for personal gain.  The sentence imposed today should send a strong message of deterrence to others who might consider engaging in the same illegal conduct as Buncich.  We will continue to be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to root out public corruption wherever it exists across the district.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip C. Benson and Maria N. Lerner. This re-sentencing proceeding was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.

 

# # #

HAMMOND – Gemico Childress, age 45, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Childress was sentenced to 134 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $181,835.77 in restitution to various financial institutions and retailers.

“The sentence that Childress received today reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Childress left his victims scrambling to clean up their credit and fix their financial reputation.  My team of law enforcement officials will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute identity theft schemes. ”

According to documents in this case, this scheme involved the theft of the personal identifying information of victims in more than 10 states and Canada.  Childress and co-defendants stole some of the victims’ information from a hospital in Arizona.  The stolen records included birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, employment information, insurance carriers, treating physicians, and information about the people the victims listed as emergency contacts.  Childress and others opened fraudulent credit cards, bank accounts, and retail credit accounts on-line.  In some instances, Childress added himself as an authorized user on “real” accounts held by victims. 

The case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

###

 

HAMMOND-Leonardo Verduzco, 26, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, during the summer of 2019, law enforcement made purchases of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a firearm from Verduzco.  During a subsequent search of Verduzco’s residence, law enforcement recovered drug packaging materials, empty gun cases, gun magazines, ammunition, and $11,240 in cash.  In his plea agreement, Verduzco consented to forfeiture of the cash because it was connected or traceable to his drug crime, admitted responsibility for 28 grams of crack and 171 grams of methamphetamine as drug-involved conduct, and admitted that he had assisted another individual in illegally purchasing a firearm for him.  Verduzco, who has prior misdemeanor convictions for battery, theft, and marijuana possession, was on probation at the time of this federal offense.             

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 Schererville Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

HAMMOND-Kristopher Meacham, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann following his plea of guilty to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Meacham was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim of his offense.

According to documents in the case, Mr. Meacham met a 14 year-old girl from Chicago in January 2018 in Gary, Indiana.  The two communicated over social media, and during the communications Meacham told the girl he was 19 years old and arranged to meet her.  In March of 2018, he drove to Chicago, picked up the 14 year-old and drove her to his home in Gary where he engaged in sexual acts with the child until she escaped the following day and was recovered by police.

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.

 

 

###

 

FORT WAYNE – John Clark, age 53, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a criminal complaint with drug and weapon violations, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in this case, Mr. Clark, a convicted felon, was arrested after a search warrant was executed on his residence.  The complaint alleges that Clark used his residence to distribute narcotics.  During the search, agents found crack cocaine, firearms, other drugs and items used for distribution and cash.

“I wish to commend all the law enforcement agencies on this case for their tireless efforts to reduce drug trafficking in the Allen County area,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Getting illegal guns and drugs off the streets promotes safety for law abiding citizens.” 

Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “DEA is committed to working hand and hand with the Allen County Police Department and our state, local and federal partners.  We will utilize all available resources to target drug dealers and put them in jail.  I commend the exceptional work that was done in this investigation which resulted in the seizure of cocaine, several firearms, and currency.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allen County Drug Task Force, comprised of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and New Haven Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.   

###

 

HAMMOND-Rickey Kendrick, 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 180 months in prison following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Because of Kendrick’s multiple other felony convictions, his illegal possession of a firearm will put him in prison for 15 years” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “Our law enforcement partners have always focused on felon in possession cases and will continue these investigations.”

According to documents in the case, on September 25, 2018, Rickey Kendrick possessed a nine millimeter firearm while driving in Gary, Indiana.  Kendrick has six prior felony convictions for burglary.            

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI GRIT Task Force and the Gary Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Caitlin M. Padula.

###

HAMMOND – Jessica Guska (a/k/a Jessica Irvine, Jessica Brewer, Jessica Carrington and Jessica Hoggard), 42,  Cedar Lake, Indiana was charged by way of a 4 count indictment for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Guska was the president of Cedar Lake-based Riptide Travel Softball, a competitive softball club for girls.   Ms. Guska was responsible for managing Riptide Travel Softball’s finances.  It is alleged that from August 2018 until approximately October 2019 Ms. Guska embezzled money meant for Riptide Travel Softball and used it to pay her personal expenses, including health care costs, air travel, vacations and her home property taxes. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Cedar Lake Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Kelley.

###

HAMMOND- Luis Colunga, 27, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced, on July 17, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 204 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

“A 17 year sentence should send a strong message that gang activity and associated criminal acts will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “Gang members should know that my office will continue to investigate and prosecute criminal gang activity as a cohesive law enforcement partnership.” 

According to documents in the case, the Latin Dragons Nation is a criminal street gang that originated in Chicago and spread to other areas, including the Northern District of Indiana.  Members and associates of the Latin Dragons Nation allegedly engage in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, witness tampering, and assault, to protect the gang’s territory. The Latin Dragon Nation members have been charged with crimes involving in excess of 50 victims, including 15 murder victims. 

Luis Colunga has been a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang since approximately 2006.  As a member of the Latin Dragons, Colunga was involved in shootings of suspected rival gang members and participated in trafficking firearms and drugs. In this case, a total of 19 members and associates have been charged with racketeering conspiracy for their participation in Latin Dragon Nation activity. Of those, 13 defendants have pled guilty to the conspiracy with 10 defendants awaiting sentencing.   

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley and Kevin F. Wolff and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section Trial Attorney Hans Miller.

###

 

SOUTH BEND – Marc Gutierrez, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Gutierrez was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, in July 2019 a search warrant was obtained to search the residence in South Bend where Mr. Gutierrez was living.  Mr. Gutierrez was located at another address in South Bend and when interviewed admitted to being a former Latin King, having felony convictions in Illinois and Texas and distributing large amounts of methamphetamine over the prior months.  He further admitted the location of the firearms, two 9mm and one rifle, found at his residence along with handling and shooting them.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive Project Disarm Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse.

###

 

HAMMOND- Ruby Toosevich a/k/a Ruby Marie Lewis, 55, of Lansing, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody following her plea of guilty to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. 

Toosevich was ordered to pay $323,986.54 in restitution and sentenced to 27 months in prison.

According to documents filed in this case, between December 2012 and December 2013, Ruby Toosevich executed a scheme to defraud the medical practice where she worked by using her employer’s bank account to pay her own expenses.  Toosevich created fraudulent invoices disguised as legitimate business expenses to obtain checks from her employer’s bank account totaling more than a half million dollars. She then used the checks to pay or attempt to pay for a mortgage, home remodeling and repairs, private school tuition, federal taxes, jewelry, a luxury car lease, and other expenses.  After discovering Toosevich’s scheme, the medical practice stopped payment on some of the checks, resulting in a loss of approximately $335,676.     

“Ms. Toosevich cheated her employer for the financial gain of herself, her friends and family,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “These type of crimes will be investigated and prosecuted by my Office and our investigative partners.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Munster Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline L. Jacobs. 

###

 

HAMMOND-Sonny Richards, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge James T. Moody to 110 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine and to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, in July 2019, Mr. Richards distributed cocaine on two separate occasions in Hammond, Indiana.  From August through September 2019 in Hammond, Richards also possessed three separate firearms, one of which was previously reported stolen, and all three of which were recovered by the ATF.  In November 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Richards’ Hammond residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, another firearm, and ammunition.  Richards has prior felony convictions for dealing marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.         

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.

###

SOUTH BEND – Jeffrey Cooper, age 32, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Cooper was sentenced to 115 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, Cooper led police on a car chase for over a mile that ended when he crashed into a car and then a telephone pole outside the Blue Chip Casino.  Cooper ran away but police found a loaded pistol with a high capacity magazine in his crashed car. Cooper’s felony convictions include battery resulting in serious bodily injury, intimidation, and escape.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and LaPorte County Drug Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

###

 

FORT WAYNE – Juan Salas, age 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Salas was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $22,839.00 and to pay $2,802.53 in restitution. 

According to documents presented in this case, on May 30, 2019, Salas distributed over 40 grams of fentanyl.  Salas has a 2010 conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets and Gang Task Force with the assistance of 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 Stacey R. Speith.

SOUTH BEND – Jose Salazar, age 21, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon Leichty upon his guilty pleas to Hobbs Act Robbery and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Salazar was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, Mr. Salazar walked from his apartment to a gas station, displayed what appeared to be a handgun, racked the slide, and demanded money.  The next morning he did virtually the same thing at another gas station.  Both times he obtained cash.  After the second robbery he attempted a third robbery at a tobacco store, but the employees refused to give him cash.  Mr. Salazar was caught a short time after the third attempt and the weapon recovered turned out to be a BB gun that resembled a real firearm.  He was charged by the State of Indiana, posted bond, and while on bond Mr. Salazar attempted to rob one of the gas stations by displaying a knife. Clerks at the gas station refused to give him money. Law enforcement arrested him and he confessed to his crimes.   

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse prosecuted the case.

###

 

SOUTH BEND – Isaiah Whitmore, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

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

According to documents in this case, from March 2017 up to and including October 2017, Mr. Whitmore and other co-defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin, in excess of 1 kilogram.   The group shared at least one cell phone which was used to arrange heroin sales.  Members of the group would receive the phone, along with multiple pre-packaged small baggies of heroin, from one of the other members of the group.  Buyers would call, and whichever member of the group had the phone would arrange the transaction.  The majority of the proceeds would be turned over to higher ranking members of the group. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Indiana State Police; the Mishawaka Police Department; St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit; the St. Joseph County Police Department; the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney; and the United States Marshals Service.  The above agencies were also supported by Project Disarm, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force; Elkhart Police ICE Unit; and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly.

###

With the July 15 federal income tax deadline rapidly approaching, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation are reminding people that the tax filing and payment deadline is July 15, and to continue to be on the lookout for scam artists. Please know that the IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or social media to ask for your personal information.

Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 personal income tax returns was postponed from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns must file Form 4868 by July 15 to obtain the automatic extension to Oct. 15.

In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has continued to see a tremendous increase in a variety of Economic Impact Payment scams and other financial schemes. CI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to put a stop to these schemes and bring criminals to justice. Taxpayers can report COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Unsolicited (phishing) e-mails that appear to be from the IRS should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

For the most up-to-date information about the tax filing deadline and IRS impersonation scams, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov. For people facing hardships, including those affected by COVID-19, who cannot pay in full, the IRS has several options available on IRS.gov/payments.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline.

“We work alongside the Internal Revenue Service to investigate and prosecute tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “The integrity of the tax system is maintained through compliance by all of us.  Those who wish to cheat the system will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.”

 “As the tax filing deadline quickly approaches, I am asking all citizens to file correct and accurate tax returns and to pay their share of taxes," states Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division who oversees the state of Indiana.  “We all pay when others cheat the government.  IRS Criminal Investigation together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office works year-round to make certain that those who willfully defy the tax laws will be investigated and criminally prosecuted. Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS.gov website for tips on filing a tax return accurately and searching for a reputable return preparer.” 

As the tax filing season winds down next week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation are warning those who might consider preparing false tax returns to be aware of the serious consequences such as possible prison time and having to pay back all the taxes owed, plus steep penalties and interest.  During the last nine months, the following court actions occurred in Indiana which serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.

In October 2019, mother and son, Tracie Lynn Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin were sentenced on charges of filing false claims and ordered to pay restitution to the IRS. Franklin filed a false trust tax return in the name of his mother, Tracie Lynn Ellis, falsely claiming a refund of $239,095.93. 

In October 2019, Rosetta Buchanan was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for filing a false federal income tax return.  Buchanan falsified her tax return by claiming she worked for a trucking company seeking a substantial tax refund when in fact she was in prison at the time. 

 

###

 

 

HAMMOND- Tyrone Perry, 39, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to distribution of heroin and cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. 

Perry received a sentence of 108 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, on April 24, 2019, Perry distributed heroin and cocaine base to a confidential informant.  Perry, who had prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Robbery, and Reckless Homicide, also forfeited three firearms that were located during the search of his Merrillville residence on June 13, 2019.       

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Merrillville Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath. 

 

###

 

HAMMOND- Isaiah Chase, 29, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody following his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon.  Chase also admitted to violations of his federal supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. 

Chase received a sentence of 51 months in prison for possession of a firearm to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on July 5, 2018, the Lake County Police Department performed a traffic stop on Chase’s vehicle in Gary, Indiana for excessive speeding and reckless lane changes. Following Chase’s arrest, officers searched the car before impounding it and found a Taurus pistol hidden between the center console and the passenger seat.  Chase’s possession of this firearm also violated of the terms of his federal supervised release for a 2011 felony conviction for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Lake County Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath. 

 

###

SOUTH BEND – Jerry Harris, age 39, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Mr. Harris was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at trial, Jerry Harris conspired with at least 10 other persons to sell heroin in South Bend.  The conspirators used shared cellphones that customers called to arrange to purchase heroin.  Undercover law enforcement officers purchased heroin from members of the conspiracy on numerous occasions during a months-long investigation in 2017.  Phone records show that the shared cellphones had over 80,000 contacts during the time of the conspiracy.  The investigation included search warrants on five houses and cars.  Harris directed the sales conducted by those who sold heroin to the undercover officers.  Harris was the second-highest ranking member of this organization and functioned as the “right-hand man” to his trial co-defendant David Gibson.  Both were convicted at trial in September 2019 and Mr. Gibson was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January 2020. 

“I am pleased with the hard work of the committed prosecutors and law enforcement officers that brought this case to a successful resolution,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “This cooperative effort shows that to make our communities safer, we will aggressively investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who flood our streets with illegal drugs.” 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Joel Gabrielse. 

###

 

HAMMOND-Bryant Porter, 26, of Lake Station, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Moody to 168 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine base and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, on multiple occasions between November 2018 and February 2019, Porter distributed cocaine base in Gary, Indiana.  On February 13, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Gary residence controlled by Porter and recovered approximately 68 grams of cocaine base, six firearms, a bulletproof vest, and $30,816 in cash.  Six additional firearms were recovered from Bryant’s vehicle.  Bryant admitted his involvement in the distribution or intention to distribute between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base.              

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.

###

 

HAMMOND-Prince McNeil, 24, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Moody to 70 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, on August 26, 2019, in Hammond, Indiana, Prince McNeil crashed his vehicle while in possession of a .357 firearm with an extended magazine and laser sight.  The firearm was previously reported stolen.  McNeil has a prior felony conviction for carrying a handgun without a license, for which he was on probation at the time of the instant offense.         

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force, the Hammond Police Department and the East Chicago Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.

 

 

###