Northern District of Indiana

FORT WAYNE – Joel Sanchez-Lopez, age 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady for illegal reentry of a removed alien, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Joel Sanchez-Lopez was sentenced to 15 months in prison and will be deported upon completion of his federal sentence

According to documents in this case, Mr. Sanchez-Lopez is a citizen of Mexico.  In 2008, Sanchez-Lopez was charged and sentenced for felony domestic battery.  In 2009, Sanchez-Lopez was found operating a vehicle while intoxicated at 3 times the legal limit (.24%) while on probation supervision for the felony domestic battery offense.  He was deported back to Mexico in 2010.  However, Sanchez-Lopez returned to the United States in 2014 without legal authorization, and in violation of the 2010 deportation order.  In 2017, he was charged with another domestic battery offense which was later dismissed, and he was again deported to Mexico in November 2017. Sometime in July 2018, Sanchez-Lopez returned to the U.S. without legal authorization and in violation of the 2010 deportation order.  He was found to be illegally present in the U.S. after he was charged in December of 2018 with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after he got into a verbal altercation with his wife, drove off at a high rate of speed and crashed into a ditch.  His blood alcohol was almost 3 times the legal limit (.238%) for the State of Indiana.     

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes. 

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SOUTH BEND - Mark Peppers, age 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Peppers was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $26,250.

According to documents in this case, in August of 2017, Mr. Peppers was in possession of a micro SD card that contained videos of a naked 4-year old female child which displayed close up images of the child’s private parts. In a plea agreement, Mr. Peppers admitted that the images were in fact child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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SOUTH BEND - Michael Thomas, age 42, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for four counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Thomas was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release.  Thomas was charged in 2018 with four counts of mail fraud for his role in a scheme to defraud insurance companies by arson fires.  On September 28, 2018, a jury found him guilty of all counts.  Today, the Court also ordered him to pay restitution to State Farm Insurance Company in the amount of $426,227.31 and Foremost Insurance Company in the amount of $115,522.27.

According to documents in this case, from 2004 through 2013, Thomas and others executed a scheme to defraud insurance companies by setting fires to mobile homes in a mobile home park located in North Judson, Indiana.  Thomas and associates submitted insurance claims immediately after the fires resulting in insurance payouts totaling $616,749.58.  The first fire occurred at 2691 Julia Drive on September 17, 2004, a mobile home owned and occupied by Thomas.  In November 2010, several more fires occurred: a home and garage owned by Thomas and his wife at 5081 South 275 West Street; a home at 5326 South A Street; and two unoccupied mobile homes not owned by Thomas at 2729 West Airstream Court and 5370 Holiday Street.  In the early part of 2013, still another mobile home owned by Thomas caught fire located at 5101 South 275 West.  Finally, on April 16, 2013, firefighters extinguished a fire at Mr. Thomas’ 2691 Julia Drive property, but firefighters needed to return several hours later to extinguish another fire at the home. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana State Police.  The case was tried by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett, and later handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Hays

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FORT WAYNE – Ivan Jaimes-Molina, age 25, of Fort Meade, Florida was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Ivan Jaimes-Molina was sentenced to 120 months inmprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  

According to documents in this case, Jaimes-Molina had 397.1 grams of actual methamphetamine (at 100% purity) in the trunk of his vehicle.  The defendant also had a firearm in the trunk near the methamphetamine and marijuana he planned to distribute. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller. 

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SOUTH BEND – Jerry Harris, age 38, of South Bend, Indiana and David Gibson, age 47, of Chicago, Illinois were found guilty, late September 19th,  after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Jon DeGuilio, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

In March of 2018 Jerry Harris and Gibson were indicted for conspiracy to distribute heroin.  The jury deliberated about three hours and found them both guilty of conspiring to distribute over a kilogram of heroin in the South Bend area.   In an earlier case (United States v. Corey Harris, et al.), several individuals who sold heroin for Harris and Gibson pled guilty; some have been sentenced and others are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “I have directed my Office to focus on individuals who distribute heroin and other dangerous opiate narcotics, especially in light of the opioid crisis that exists across the United States.  This successful prosecution was the result of cooperative efforts throughout local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  We will aggressively investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who flood our streets with these drugs to make our communities safer.” 

According to evidence presented at trial, Jerry Harris and Gibson conspired with at least six others persons from that earlier case to sell heroin in and around the Miami Hills area of South Bend.  The conspirators shared a cellphone that customers called to arrange purchases of heroin.  The evidence showed that undercover law enforcement officers purchased heroin from members of the conspiracy on 28 separate occasions between March and October of 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 and Gibson directed the sales conducted by those who sold heroin to the undercover officers.

Mr.  Jerry Harris and Mr. Gibson are scheduled to be sentenced on January 30 of 2020.  Both face a minimum of ten years to life incarceration.   Gibson was recently convicted of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime in Wyoming and is currently serving a twelve year sentence.

The case was investigated by the DEA and ATF with assistance from several local police agencies including the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit, Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, the Elkhart Police and ICE unit, the St. Joseph County Police Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.   The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly. 

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WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the appointment of the following nine U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): David Anderson, Northern District of California; Scott Brady, Western District of Pennsylvania; Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Halsey Frank, District of Maine; Erica MacDonald, District of Minnesota; Christina Nolan, District of Vermont; Zach Terwilliger, Eastern District of Virginia; Tom Kirsch, Northern District of Indiana; and Nicholas Trutanich, District of Nevada.

“I am pleased to appoint these nine outstanding U.S. Attorneys to this key advisory committee. I am confident that they will serve with distinction,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “The U.S. Attorneys who comprise the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee play a critical role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s important work, including its efforts to reduce violent crime, combat the opioid crisis, protect the most vulnerable, and enforce the rule of law.”

U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “I am honored that Attorney General Barr has appointed me to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.  The Committee plays a central role in implementing new programs and policies for the Department of Justice.  It is a privilege for me to be able to serve the Department and Attorney General in this manner.”

The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Louis Franklin, Middle District of Alabama; Robert Higdon, Eastern District of North Carolina; John Huber, District of Utah; Rob Hur, District of Maryland; Jeff Jensen, Eastern District of Missouri; Andrew Lelling, District of Massachusetts; Joshua Minkler, Southern District of Indiana; Richard Moore, Southern District of Alabama; Bryan Schroder, District of Alaska; and David Weiss, District of Delaware.  

Chaired by U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jessie K. Liu, the AGAC represents the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

Attorney General Barr also announced that U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox, a current member, will replace U.S. Attorney John Huber as the Vice Chair of the AGAC.

The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch’s Bio can be found at this link:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/meet-us-attorney

SOUTH BEND - Nehemiah Felders, age 29, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Mr. Felders was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, a grand jury indicted Felders in September of 2018.  A jury convicted him of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony following a two-day trial held in in May 2019.  Evidence at trial showed that a handgun was found on a couch when the Indiana State Police executed a search warrant in South Bend.  Three Indiana State Police officers testified that Felders admitted possessing the handgun.

Mr. Felders has twice been previously convicted of felonies, and has been convicted of five misdemeanors. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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FORT WAYNE – Adonnis Carswell, age 34, of New Haven, Indiana was found guilty by a jury on 4 counts as charged in a Superseding Indictment; maintaining a drug involved premises, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, presided over this four day jury trial. 

According to evidence presented at trial, in June 2017, a search warrant was executed on a residence in New Haven, Indiana where Carswell lived.  During the search agents found numerous firearms, to include a Smith and Wesson pistol, a Scorpion Pistol and a rifle which contained a 100 round drum magazine, 124 rounds of ammunition, over 60 grams of heroin, along with other indicia of drug distribution (packaging, scales, and over $25,000 in cash). While agents were executing the search warrant, Carswell attempted to bribe an agent by offering the agent money to dispose of heroin, which did not happen. 

Carswell’s sentencing will be set at a later date. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Indiana State Police with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Sarah Nokes. 

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HAMMOND-Felicia Blount, 44, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip Simon following her plea of guilty to health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Blount was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay 195,602.09 in restitution.       

According to documents in the case, Felicia Blount owned and operated Lending Hand Transportation, a company that provided transportation for medical appointments and services.  Blount and co-defendant Charlotte Hunter, a company secretary, defrauded Indiana Medicaid by submitting claims for multiple trips to Indianapolis without corresponding medical claims.  The investigation revealed that the defendants submitted bills for trips not taken, inflated mileage, billed multiple-passenger trips as individual single-passenger trips, and altered travel documentation.  The fraudulent claims submitted to Indiana Medicaid equaled $443,917 and Indiana taxpayers paid Blount and Hunter $195,602.09 for those false claims.  Earlier this year, Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and was sentenced to two years supervised release and ordered to pay $195,602.09 in restitution.

“Defrauding the healthcare system steals from hard working tax payers while compromising the integrity of the system,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “We will continue to work with the Indiana Attorney General and all other federal, state and local agencies to aggressively prosecute these cases.”

“Indiana Medicaid serves more than one million Hoosiers across the state,” Attorney General Curtis Hill said. “Many of these individuals are children, the disabled, and the less fortunate among us. To commit Medicaid fraud is to take advantage of our most vulnerable while also defrauding hardworking Hoosier taxpayers. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works diligently to pursue those who abuse the system and commit fraud against the state so that they may be brought to justice.”

This case was referred by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and investigated by the Indiana Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General.  This case was handled by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

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HAMMOND-Miguel Marines, 25, of East Chicago, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 66 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, Marines was held responsible for activity involving at least 2 kilograms but less than 3.5 kilograms of cocaine distributed by the Latin Kings street gang. 

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.

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HAMMOND- United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director Chuck Porucznik announce the addition of Allen County to the Indiana HIDTA. 

Created by Congress in 1988, the HIDTA task force program, which is under the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), creates a mechanism for coordination of federal, state, local and tribal resources to combat drug trafficking in designated regions of the country. 

The HIDTA designation for Allen County will allow access to federal resources to combat drug distribution and increase enforcement efforts.  Law enforcement agencies will now access drug trafficking issues and create Allen County specific initiatives that will laser focus on outcomes and performance.  HIDTA provides unprecedented national connectivity to access drug threats and trends throughout the country.   

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “I am pleased that we are able to expand the footprint of the Indiana HIDTA to Allen County.  The HIDTA program is a tremendous asset to Indiana to reduce drug distribution networks grip on the area therefore reducing other violent crimes like gang/cartel violence and gun offenses.”

HIDTA Director Chuck Porucznik said, “The addition of Allen County to the Indiana HIDTA allows 5 counties in the more populated areas of the state to gain focused attention and federal resources to reduce drug related activity and violence.  The goal of the HIDTA program is simple, disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through law enforcement coordination.”

Allen County Sheriff David J. Gladieux said, “Allen County receiving the HIDTA designation is a giant step forward in the battle against illegal narcotics distribution. The federal resources available because of this designation, will prove invaluable not just to law enforcement, but to all of the citizens that live and work in Allen County.  The collaborative effort that this designation brings to the table, by allowing Allen County to join forces and share federal resources with 4 other HIDTA designated counties, will undoubtedly produce significant results in the war on illegal narcotics.”

Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed said, “We already have a great relationship with various federal agencies and have worked closely with each agency to combat drugs within our community. We look forward to enhancing that relationship with our inclusion in the HIDTA program. Allen County is grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work and look forward to gaining valuable resources to enhance this effort.”

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HAMMOND- Lucy Owens, 42, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. VanBokkelen, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  Owens was convicted on 7 counts of wire fraud after 5-day jury trial that took place in May 2018.

Owens received a sentence of 57 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release and was ordered to pay 820,483.66 in restitution with $324,438.50 of that amount to be owed jointly and severally with co-defendant Kirk Stroh. 

“The great work of the Hammond Police Department has brought this case to a successful conclusion with an order of restitution and significant prison time,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners will continue to hold people accountable for their actions when they choose to take advantage of others.”

According to records in the case, between 2010 and 2015, Owens diverted over $800,000 from her employer, a Hammond-based freight services company, through two schemes to defraud. In one scheme, Owens used her position as the company’s accounts payable clerk to fraudulently pay over $460,000 in personal credit card bills from the company’s bank account. In the second scheme, Owens used her position as the administrator of the company’s diesel fuel card program to help two individuals obtain over $330,000 in unauthorized cash advances at truck stops. One of the individuals, Kirk Stroh, also from Hobart, Indiana, was a truck driver for a rival trucking company.  Owens helped Stroh obtain over $290,000 in fraudulent cash advances at a truck stop in Lake Station, Indiana, in increments of $800 per day.  Stroh, a co-defendant in the case, who previously pled guilty, split the proceeds with Owens.  In addition to paying her personal credit card debt funds stolen from her employer, Owens used her portion of the stolen funds to pay for frequent family vacations, dining, clothing, jewelry, home improvements, and other items. 

This case was investigated by the Hammond Police Department and handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Nathaniel Whalen. 

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FORT WAYNE- Zackary Galloway, 28, of Portland, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Galloway was sentenced to a total of 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Portland Police Department and Jay County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FORT WAYNE- Shane Leazier II, 33, of Columbia City, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Leazier was sentenced to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.     

This case was investigated by the Fort Wayne FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

HAMMOND- The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II and the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, Jeffrey Bossart Clark, announce that Kenneth Morrison, age 69, of Whiting, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on September 5, 2019.  Morrison was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, and ordered to pay over $54,000 in restitution to the City of Hammond.

Morrison was found guilty of interstate transportation of stolen property.  According to documents and testimony in this case, Morrison was convicted of stealing the Monon Bridge, located in Hammond, Indiana, and transporting the stolen metal parts across state lines, which he sold those metal parts for his personal benefit.  The former bridge had spanned the Grand Calumet River.  Morrison’s sentence was enhanced due to the eligibility of the bridge for the National Register of Historic Places.

The case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Inspector General, Environmental and the U.S Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service with the assistance of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Richard J. Powers, U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

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HAMMOND- Carlos Rodriguez, 42, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, on September 5, 2019, following his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Rodriguez received a sentence of 84 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, on December 4, 2018, Law Enforcement executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s residence in Hobart, Indiana and recovered cocaine, heroin and drug paraphernalia within the home and vehicles on the property.  The residence was within 1000 feet of a functioning school.  Also on the property were firearms that Rodriguez possessed in furtherance of his drug crime.   

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

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FORT WAYNE- Charles Tranter, 35, of Woodburn, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on September 4, 2019, after pleading guilty to the receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Tranter was sentenced to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.    

According to documents in the case, an Indictment was filed against Tranter on March 22, 2017, charging him with the receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors from July, 2012 through October, 2015.  During this time, Tranter amassed more than 600 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

FORT WAYNE- Wendi Flores aka Wendi Collins, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Ms. Flores was sentenced to a total of 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.    

According to documents in this case, there were two controlled buys of ½ ounce of methamphetamine from Ms. Flores.  Flores was stopped by the Fort Wayne Police Department and they located 16 grams of methamphetamine on her person.  She has six prior convictions, all for controlled substance related offenses including one conviction for dealing in controlled substances.

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

FORT WAYNE- Kelly Custer, 57, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Kelly Custer was sentenced to 63 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.  She was ordered to pay $1,463,437.50 in restitution to the victims of her crime. 

U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “We will not tolerate extortion or preying on the trust of others, in this case elderly victims of these perpetrators.  Schemes like these lead to the financial and emotional distress of victims.  My Office in coordination with our law enforcement partners will aggressively prosecute individuals who harass and torment elderly victims with these egregious schemes.”   

"Today’s sentence sends a strong message to scammers such as Ms. Custer that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to hold accountable those who prey upon some of our most vulnerable citizens – in this case hard working seniors who thought they were helping a friend in need and that their own lives, and those of their family, were in danger if they didn’t,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.

According to documents filed in this case, on March 19, 2015, a victim couple reported to law enforcement that they were being extorted by the mafia.  The victims provided information detailing an extortion scheme that started in 2007 when they lived in Fort Wayne and continued after their move to Florida.

According to the victims, the extortion began after they were informed by Kelly Custer that she and her family faced death threats from the mafia and she needed help paying them off to protect herself and her family.  The scheme then evolved when Kelly Custer then convinced the victims that their lives, their friends’ and families’ lives as well as her life would be in jeopardy if they did not pay the debt to the mafia.  The victims initially received all the information concerning the extortion through Kelly Custer, in that she relayed the threats and demands to them personally.   After the victims moved to Florida, however the threats from Kelly Custer continued in the form of text messages, causing the victims to fear the messages came from actual mafia members.  In February of 2015, the victims were informed that Kelly Custer had been killed as a result of problems she had with the mafia; however they continued to receive threatening text messages from Kelly Custer’s phone by persons identifying themselves as members of the mafia.

The victims made the demanded payments primarily to Kelly Custer, but also directed payments to three other co-defendants, Kelly Custer’s children, on numerous occasions as instructed in the threatening text messages.  The victims reported that in response to the threatening communications, they had paid “the mafia” approximately 1.5 million dollars over the past seven years, and approximately $250,000-$300,000 dollars since moving to Florida.  According to the victims, in response to threats they usually paid between $3,000 and $10,000 at a time and on at least one occasion they paid $50,000 after receiving a threatening message indicating that, if they did not make that payment, a friend’s daughter would be killed.  

Co-defendants William Custer, Jr., Ashley Custer, and Sidney Custer were previously sentenced following their pleas of guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and each was ordered to repay restitution to the victims in the amounts of $119,127.99; $118,583.16;  and  $14,399.78       respectively. 

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

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HAMMOND- Geoffrey Martin, 37, of Lafayette, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of methamphetamine and with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The criminal complaint alleges that Martin distributed approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine in Rensselaer on August 20, 2019.  On August 28, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his Lafayette residence and recovered an additional 129 gross grams of methamphetamine from a vehicle in the driveway of Martin’s residence, which is located less than 1,000 feet from Vinton Elementary School.   

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Illegal drug use damages communities of all sizes.  Joint operations and partnerships with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those who promote these illegal activities will continue."

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lafayette Drug Task Force, Jasper County Drug Task Force, and White County Drug Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

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FORT WAYNE- Bronte Milton, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Milton was sentenced to a total of 156 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.    

According to documents in this case, Milton was dealing drugs and operating a drug distribution house in Fort Wayne from October of 2017 through March of 2018.  In March of 2018, law enforcement officers served a search warrant at her drug house and located several loaded firearms and distribution quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Anthony Geller.

FORT WAYNE- Joshua Ferguson, 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Ferguson was sentenced to 168 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, in June of 2018, a search warrant was sought and executed for his residence based on an investigation which revealed Ferguson dealing methamphetamine and possessing illegal firearms.  Ferguson was not home at the time of the search but his vehicle was later located and stopped by police.  During the stop, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine and marijuana as well a digital scale and plastic baggies that are commonly used to package narcotics.  A handgun was also found in the vehicle which Ferguson admitted he had for protection during drug dealing.   

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FORT WAYNE – Juan DeLaCruz, age 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

DeLaCruz was sentenced to 159 months in prison, with no supervised release to follow.  DeLaCruz was in the United States illegally, and he will be deported after his prison term.

According to documents in this case, DeLaCruz and two codefendants were distributing large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine, and DeLaCruz personally possessed three pistols in furtherance of his drug dealing. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Allen County Drug Task Force; and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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HAMMOND- Victoria Wilson, age 52, of Portage, Indiana, was charged by Information with one count of theft from a local government entity receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

According to the Information, between February 2017 and February 2018, Wilson was employed by the Genesis Convention Center, a venue owned by the City of Gary, Indiana, as its bookkeeper and later as interim Executive Director. The Information alleges that between March and October 2017, Wilson used her position to steal over $10,000 in cash from the Genesis Center.

The parties have entered into a plea agreement to resolve this criminal charge.  Under this signed plea agreement, which has been filed with the court, if accepted by the court, would require Wilson to pay $12,727 in restitution to the City of Gary.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Public corruption cannot and will not be tolerated at any level.  My office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue matters involving public corruption.  I encourage anyone with information concerning corrupt public officials to contact my office or the FBI.”  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Information 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 was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Board of Accounts.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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FORT WAYNE – David Lee Wirges, age 39, of Auburn, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and selling a firearm to a felon, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Wirges was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and the judgment included forfeiture of $1,546.00 in United States currency. 

According to documents in the case, in March of 2018, a confidential informant made controlled buys of heroin from Wirges at his Auburn, Indiana residence at a time when Wirges was out on bond from drug charges pending against him in Dekalb County Superior Court.  During the federal investigation, Wirges also sold a .380 caliber firearm to the confidential informant even though Wirges knew the confidential informant was a convicted felon.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Auburn Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

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FORT WAYNE – Dorrion Jefferson, age 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Jefferson was sentenced to 204 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, a confidential informant and an undercover agent made several controlled buys of heroin and cocaine from Mr. Jefferson.  Jefferson also agreed to deliver four ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover agent.  He was stopped by law enforcement prior to the transaction with over 100 grams of methamphetamine inside the vehicle.  Due to his prior drug dealing convictions, Jefferson was sentenced as a career offender under the sentencing guidelines. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Indiana State Police with the assistance of the DHS Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND – Vincent E. Prunty, age 35, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody for wire fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Prunty was sentenced to 154 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $180,000 in restitution to various financial institutions and retailers.

Prunty pled guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  According to documents in this case,  Prunty’s scheme involved the theft of the personal identifying information of victims in more than 10 states and Canada.  Prunty 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.  Prunty and others opened fraudulent credit cards, bank accounts, and retail credit accounts on-line.  In some instances, Prunty added himself as an authorized user on existing victim accounts. 

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.

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SOUTH BEND - Jeffrey Stoneburner II, age 38, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after his guilty plea to transportation of child pornography, announced U.S Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Stoneburner was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to the child victims.

According to documents in this case, in August of 2018, Mr. Stoneburner sent thirteen images and videos depicting child pornography to another person through an online chat. Mr. Stoneburner admitted that the images and videos he sent depicted child pornography.  

This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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FORT WAYNE – Robin C. Opper, age 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Opper was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Opper was ordered to pay $566,618.50 in restitution.

“This is one of the last defendants to be sentenced in an massive fraud scheme involving federal charges against 31 former BAE employees arising out of false submissions for reimbursement from the employer’s tuition assistance program.  All 31 defendants have been convicted of various charges of wire fraud and ordered to pay restitution to BAE for its loss which, as a result of the scheme, totaled $806,241.09.  We, along with our law enforcement partners take financial fraud seriously and will take measures to obtain restitution for the victim of these offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. 

"This sentence sends a clear message that the FBI will aggressively pursue those who commit financial fraud and vigorously investigate this criminal activity,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to use all the resources at our disposal to ensure those who believe they can profit from defrauding others face the full consequences of their actions.”

According to documents in the case, between June 13, 2013 and April 25, 2016, while employed at BAE Systems in Fort Wayne, Opper devised a scheme to defraud his employer.  The scheme was used to obtain fraudulent reimbursement payment from BAE’s tuition assistance program.  Opper perpetrated the scheme by submitting false documentation regarding college course enrollment in order to obtain reimbursement for tuition payments for courses he was neither registered for nor completed.  In addition, Opper recruited other employees to participate in the scheme and provided them with fraudulent documentation so that they too could receive payments to which they were not entitled.   Opper required those employees whom he recruited to pay him a fee for his assistance.  Opper received $37,500 from BAE for fraudulent tuition reimbursements for himself and BAE paid $529,118.50 to other employees that Opper recruited into the fraud scheme.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND- United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Grant Mendenhall in coordination with LaPorte County Prosecutor John Lake announced that Michael Christianson, age 50, of LaPorte, Indiana was charged with transportation of child pornography. 

The criminal complaint alleges that on or about July 2, 2019 FBI Agents from the Charlotte Division responded to a complaint by a book publisher about material contained inside three books submitted for publication and authored by Mr. Christianson.  The lead was distributed to Indiana FBI agents.  The books appear to be geared toward children as they use large fonts, simple words, and most of the sentences rhyme.  The books explain and show images of the body parts of boys and girls, encourage and show images of children playing naked with one another, and encourage and show images of naked children playing with adults, including naked adults. The forms of “play” encouraged by the books include hand to genital and genital to genital contact.  The photographs and illustrations in the books include depictions of minor children being caused to lasciviously display their genitals or otherwise engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Mr. Christianson was convicted of child molesting in 2002 and was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison and register as Sexually Violent Predator for the rest of his life.  He was released from prison in 2016 and was still on probation at the time of the newly charged offense. 

Any members of the public who have information regarding any contact Mr. Christianson has had with minor children are encouraged to call the FBI at (219) 942-4900.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team in coordination with the Indiana State Police, the Michigan City Police Department, the Lake County Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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FORT WAYNE – Shawn Bacon, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was convicted after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady of two counts of possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances to include more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl found in his house and more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine found in his car, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, maintaining a drug involved premises, possessing a  destructive device and a short barreled rifle not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, possessing body armor after having been convicted of a crime of violence, and possessing in furtherance of and carrying during and in relation to the drug trafficking offenses, firearms to include destructive devices, more particularly explosive bombs and a short barreled rifle, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

According to the documents in this case, Bacon, was initially charge by way of a federal complaint, in December 2017 with multiple federal drug and firearm charges which resulted from a search warrant conducted on his residence and his vehicle.  The execution of the search warrant resulted in the seizure of 22 firearms, some stolen, found in his car and residence, despite the fact that he had been convicted of at least 4 prior felony convictions.  Bacon had many high capacity magazines, body armor, and various rounds of ammunition in this residence.  There were destructive devices, more particularly pipe bombs, and a short barreled rifle in his possession that were not registered through the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Bacon also had larger quantities of narcotics (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana) in his possession which were amounts consistent with distribution and not personal consumption.  During the arrest process on the complaint, investigators photographed Bacon’s Aryan Brotherhood tattoos.  As required under federal criminal procedures, Bacon was charged by way of an 8 count Superseding Indictment on July 10, 2019, on the gun, drug, and body armor charges on which he proceeded to trial.   

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Fort Wayne Resident Office Agents, ATF Explosives Technology Branch, ATF Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesly Miller-Lowery. 

HAMMOND – Diquan Ray, 24 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Ray received a sentence of 6 months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $114,539.17 in restitution to Cook County, Illinois; City of Hammond, Indiana; City of East Chicago, Indiana; and the City of South Holland, Illinois.

According to documents in the case, Ray pled guilty to the one-count Indictment charging Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property.   On September 28 and 29, 2018, Ray and his co-defendant, Jossean Echevarria, stole copper wire from a forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois and transported it to the State of Indiana. As part of the plea agreement, Ray agreed to pay restitution for additional copper wire thefts in Hammond and East Chicago, Indiana and South Holland, Illinois.

This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force, Hammond Police Department, Lansing (Illinois) Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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SOUTH BEND - Joshua Banks, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Banks was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Mr. Banks was supposed to be serving a sentence at a community corrections facility in South Bend, but instead stole a pick up and drove it until it ran out of gas.  Police saw Mr. Banks walking along a street with a backpack and a gas can. Police tried to approach him, but Mr. Banks fled. Mr. Banks was eventually caught and arrested. After retracing Mr. Banks’ route, police located the backpack and gas can as well as a stolen handgun.  Banks has five felony convictions, at least four of which involved violence or threats of violence, and eleven misdemeanor convictions.  Banks has four pending state criminal cases when he was sentenced.   

This case was investigated by ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND - Nathan Winfield, age 21, South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Mr. Winfield was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January 2019, a search warrant was executed at a South Bend residence where Mr. Winfield and others were located.  During the search, crack cocaine, digital scales, and several loaded guns were found. A loaded AK-47 rifle with the stock sawed off was located in Winfield’s bedroom. The rifle was jointly purchased by Winfield and the others in the home. Winfield admitted to selling crack cocaine out of the residence and using the rifle to protect the drugs, proceeds of drug sales, and the people in the home where the drug dealing was occurring.

This case is being investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND- Airrion Blake, 41, of Lansing, Illinois was sentenced before U.S. District Court Joseph S. Van Bokkelen after being convicted during a 3-day jury trial of one count of submitting a false claim to the federal government and one count of theft of government money, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Blake was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by 2 years’ supervised release.   

According to court records, Blake stole $149,358.35 from the federal government.  Blake filed a false trusts and estates tax return in October 2012 in which he provided fictitious figures for his income, deductions, and tax withholdings, and falsely claimed a refund of $149,358.35.    He received a refund based on his filing, deposited the check at a Munster, Indiana bank, and proceeded to spend the funds. Blake repeated his scheme several other times seeking a total of over $1 million of tax-payer money, but those other attempts were denied by the IRS. 

This case was handled by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra McTague and Nathaniel Whalen.

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SOUTH BEND – A former South Bend senior executive at a Mishawaka business has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,666,721.10 in restitution for devising a scheme to defraud his former employer, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

James Cotton, age 58, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., upon his plea of guilty to wire fraud that was entered earlier this year. He admitted that from approximately January 2009 to October 2017, he devised a fraud scheme to obtain money from his employer by means of false representations. In particular, Mr. Cotton created five sham businesses which did not have any actual employees and did not engage in any actual legitimate business activity. Mr. Cotton then fabricated fake invoices from these five sham businesses and sent those invoices to his employer to obtain payment for purported goods and services. Mr. Cotton approved the sham invoices on behalf of his employer, which then issued payment checks for each invoice. Mr. Cotton obtained the checks, deposited them into bank accounts opened in the names of the sham businesses, and then withdrew the money from these accounts for his own personal use and benefit. 

“The amount of Mr. Cotton’s fraud is staggering, with over $1.6 million in loss to his employer. With the great work of the FBI, we were able to bring this case to a successful conclusion with an order of restitution and significant jail time,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

"We expect the people we work with to be honest and trustworthy, but Mr. Cotton chose to betray his employer’s trust for his own financial gain,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate cases such as this to ensure those who take advantage of others through illegal and criminal behavior are held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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FORT WAYNE – Camari Stinson, 32 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, distributing cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Stinson was sentenced to123 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between December 29, 2014 and February 25, 2015, Stinson was in possession of a .40 caliber firearm after having previously being convicted of a felony and on January 29, 2015, Stinson distributed cocaine and carried a firearm during the commission of that offense.

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

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SOUTH BEND - Dedric Strickland, age 41, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Strickland was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January 2019, a search warrant was executed at a South Bend residence where Mr. Strickland and others were located. During the search, crack cocaine and a loaded handgun were found in the room where Mr. Strickland was staying. A loaded AK-47 rifle with the stock sawed off was located in a room on the first floor of the home. Mr. Strickland admitted to selling crack cocaine out of the residence. Strickland used these firearms to protect the drugs, proceeds of drug sales, and the people at the house where the drug dealing was taking place.

This case is being investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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FORT WAYNE – Billy J. Moore, age 32, of Ligonier, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing an unregistered destructive device, and distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Mr. Moore was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Moore sold unregistered destructive devices, or “zip guns,” on two occasions to an individual, and when search warrants were served later in the investigation, Moore possessed at least 10 firearms and approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition as a convicted felon.  Also during the investigation, Moore sold methamphetamine to an individual.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Allen County Drug Task Force.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Geller.      

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FORT WAYNE – Jayson Lane, 41 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

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

According to documents in the case, on September 11, 2017, Lane was in possession of a firearm after having previously being convicted of felony offenses, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Robbery and Burglary.

This case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Indiana State Police Department and the Wells County Sheriff’s Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND- Joseph Taylor, 35, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen following his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Taylor received a sentence of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, in Portage, Indiana in July 2018, Taylor possessed a short barreled shotgun following a prior felony conviction for burglary.  In August 2018, in Michigan City, Indiana, Taylor distributed more than 5 grams of methamphetamine to another individual.   

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

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FORT WAYNE – Adam Getts, 32 years old, of Ashley, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a frug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Getts was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on March 9, 2018, Getts was found in possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. On the same date, Getts was also found in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Waterloo Police Department and Auburn Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Nokes and Anthony Geller.

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HAMMOND- Kathy L. Lynch, age 61, of Kouts, Indiana, was indicted on nine counts of willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The Indictment alleged that Lynch has owned and operated two health care clinics, Kouts Health Care, Inc. and its predecessor company Kouts Family Health Care, Inc. since January 1999. As alleged in the Indictment, between January 1999 and September 2015, Lynch withheld payroll taxes (i.e., federal income taxes and Medicare and Social Security contribution taxes) from her employees’ paychecks but failed to submit over $500,000 of the withheld taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. During this time, the Indictment alleges that Lynch used her company’s bank account to pay personal expenses such as mortgage and car payments, while failing to pay her federal payroll tax obligations.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This indictment should send a strong message to those attempting to cheat the tax system.  We always will partner with the IRS to focus on egregious tax violations in this District.” 

“The failure to pay over withheld taxes from their employees is a serious allegation. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to track down those who collect these taxes and use the funds for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of the Chicago Field Office."

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 Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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HAMMOND – Markquise Harris, 19 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Harris was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,449.99. 

According to documents in the case, on August 1, 2017, Harris and three others, robbed a wireless cell phone store located at Ridge Road and Calumet Avenue in Munster, Indiana. Two of the robbers brandished guns during the robbery, which took place around 5:00pm when customers and employees were inside the store.

This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force in conjunction with Munster, Gary, and Griffith Police Departments and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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SOUTH BEND – Michael Clark, age 20, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Clark was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January 2019, a search warrant was executed at a South Bend residence where Mr. Clark and others were located.  During the search, 4 firearms were located, several being loaded.  An amount of Cocaine base (crack) was found during the search.  During an interview, Mr. Clark admitted that he owned a 9mm handgun that was found in the bedroom of the house he occupied.  He also admitted that he purchased an AK-47 variant rifle, with others, for protection of the drugs, profits and people at the house where his drug dealing was taking place. 

The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 

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SOUTH BEND – Rex Hammond, age 55, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his conviction after a 4-day jury trial in April.  Mr. Hammond was convicted on 5 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, 2 counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Hammond was sentenced to 564 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,630 in restitution. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Hammond’s lengthy sentence should serve as a reminder to all violent criminals that we will seek appropriate punishment for their crimes.  Hammond changed the lives of innocent victims forever with reckless acts of violence.  Thanks to the work of all our law enforcement partners, he will essentially serve the rest of his life behind bars.” 

“This investigation and prosecution is another example of holding an armed career criminal accountable for the violence perpetrated by this defendant over many years,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones, of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Chicago Field Division. “ATF is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in these important cases, and I hope keeping this defendant off the street will also help the community reclaim its neighborhood and feel safer.”

"This sentence send a strong and clear message that violence such as this, that puts innocent people at risk and instills fear in our communities, won't be tolerated," said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. "Keeping our communities safe has always been a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners and this sentence demonstrates our continued commitment to identify and arrest violent criminals and hold them accountable."

According to documents in this case, Mr. Hammond went on a robbery spree from October 6 through October 27, 2017.  During this spree he acquired, brandished, and lost firearms all while intimidating, threatening, and restraining victims of these various robberies. As part of his robbery spree, he robbed gas stations and a liquor store located in Logansport, Peru, Auburn, and Decatur, Indiana.  Before committing the armed robberies involved in this federal trial, Mr. Hammond already had five felony convictions for armed robbery, robbery, or attempted armed robbery convictions.  In fact, Hammond has spent the majority of the past 40 years robbing people or serving prison time for doing exactly that. 

The case was investigated by ATF; FBI; Indiana State Police; Logansport Police Department; Peru Police Department; Auburn Police Department; Portage, Michigan Department of Public Safety; Kalamazoo, Michigan Department of Public Safety; Decatur Police Department; and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.  Additional assistance was provided by the following agencies: Cass County Prosecutor’s Office; Miami County Prosecutor’s Office; DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office; Adams County Prosecutor’s Office; and Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Molly E. Donnelly and Luke N. Reilander. 

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HAMMOND – Rita Law, 60, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen today to serve 360 months in federal prison after being found guilty, following a 3-week jury trial in February 2017, of two counts of trafficking and servitude, one count of transporting a person across state lines with intent that they engage in prostitution, and one count of using an interstate facility to promote prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L Kirsch, II.  

The trial evidence established that Law provided and obtained the labor and services of two victims, HV and XC, by means of a scheme to cause them to believe that if they did not perform the labor and services she demanded, they would suffer serious harm or physical restraint. Law was convicted of causing both women to work at her “spas” in northwest Indiana, where they were expected to and did engage in sexual acts in exchange for money with Law’s predominantly male clientele. Law’s businesses were “Duneland Spa” in Lake Station and Gary, Indiana and “Fun Fun Feet” in Hobart, Indiana.  In sentencing Law, the court took into consideration her attempt to flee from the United States to Hong Kong in October 2013 after learning she was under investigation.

In announcing Law’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Kirsch described her offense conduct as “nothing short of diabolical.” “She used the American dream to lure unsuspecting women to the United States so she could enslave them for her own financial benefit.” Kirsch also said “My office’s willingness to extradite Rita Law from Hong Kong and pursue additional charges against her thereafter should serve as a warning to all those committing crime in the Northern District of Indiana – attempting to flee the country will not prevent my office from bringing you to justice.” “Sex trafficking of foreign and domestic victims will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana as long as I am United States Attorney” he concluded.

“Let this sentence serve as a reminder that modern day slavery will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons, Homeland Security Investigations Chicago. “HSI will continue to work relentlessly with its law enforcement partners to bring those to justice who attempt to circumvent the law for financial gain.”

"This sentence cannot begin to compare to the trauma these victims were subjected to, and the life altering consequences they now face because they put their trust and faith in the defendant,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively identify and pursue the perpetrators of the devastating crime of human trafficking.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with assistance from the following additional law enforcement agencies:  the Gary Indiana Police Department; the Oak Forest Illinois Police Department; the Hammond Indiana Police Department, the Hobart Indiana Police Department, the Lake Station Indiana Police Department, the Lake County Indiana Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Hong Kong Police and the HSI Hong Kong Attaché.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Gibbons, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall also thanked the following community organizations for providing services to HV and XC during the investigation and prosecution:  Asian Human Services of Chicago, IL; Haven House of Hammond, IN; Cornerstone Community Outreach of Chicago, IL; and Heartland Alliance in Chicago, IL. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Abizer Zanzi.

# # #

HAMMOND-Jeremiah Farmer, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute illegal drugs ( cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam) , announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Farmer was convicted after a ten-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon.  The jury found that Farmer, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, on June 25, 1999, beat Marion Lowry, 74, and Harvey Siegers, 67, to death with a hammer at their Hammond business, Calumet Auto Rebuilders.  The jury also found that Farmer conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine as part of the racketeering conspiracy.  The jury also found that Farmer conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana as part of the drug conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “I am very pleased with the guilty verdict announced today and with the work of Assistant United States Attorneys David Nozick and Nicholas Padilla in presenting this case to the jury over the past several weeks.  The victims’ families have waited a long time for this day.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases involving violent street gangs and senseless acts of gang violence and bring these criminal gang members to justice.”             

Approximately 43 defendants have been charged with racketeering conspiracy as members of the Latin Kings street gang in a criminal conspiracy extending back to 1999.  The racketeering conspiracy charge alleges that gang members and associates were participants in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, sex trafficking, and narcotics distribution. 

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 racketeering case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla

SOUTH BEND – Phillip Yoder, age 41, of Ligonier, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his guilty pleas to wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud and bankruptcy fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Yoder was sentenced to serve 87 months each on the mail fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud counts, and 60 months on the bankruptcy fraud count, all to run concurrently.   Yoder also was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $581,386.04 in restitution.

According to his plea agreement, beginning in or about 2014 and continuing until in or about July 2015, Yoder and others, sometimes working through the entity, KOH Enterprises, LLC, defrauded persons via a “Foreclosure Rescue Scheme.” As part of the scheme to defraud, Yoder and others monitored foreclosure notices of properties, and would then approach distressed homeowners and convince them to transfer title of the property in exchange for false promises of being able to avoid further foreclosure obligations. They falsely represented to these homeowners that they would handle their mortgage arrearages and the foreclosure process.  Because of these false representations, the homeowners vacated the property and transferred their interest in the property through a Quitclaim deed to business entities. Those entities then furthered the scheme by recording the Quitclaim at the local Recorder’s Office. However, the Quitclaim deed did not extinguish the homeowner’s outstanding mortgage debt.  Yoder and others would use the mail to send a fraudulent document, entitled an “International Promissory Note”, purporting to satisfy the outstanding mortgage debt to the financial institution holding the mortgage.  Simultaneously, Yoder and others would cause a fraudulent “Satisfaction of Mortgage” to be filed with the county recorder’s office in an attempt to discharge the mortgage.  They would then convey another Quitclaim deed to an investor or purchaser of the properties, even though the property was still encumbered.   The total loss to investors and insurers was $1,466,136.20.

With regard to the bankruptcy fraud, which resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10, according to his plea agreement, on or about February 24, 2016, Yoder knowingly and fraudulently made a material false declaration, certificate and verification under the penalty of perjury in his bankruptcy proceeding.  He claimed as an asset a “Billion dollar gold bond” when he knew that the purported bond was fraudulent and worthless.  In his bankruptcy proceeding, Yoder claim $792,592.46 in debts.

“Creating a scheme that enriches the defendant while defrauding banks, insurers and average home owners, jeopardizes our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “My Office in coordination with all our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively prosecute these type of cases.” 

“Everyone has the right to expect honest representation from those they do business with.  Targeting homeowners with this type of fraudulent activity when they are already dealing with financial hardship is not only illegal but a violation of trust and won’t be tolerated by the FBI,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.  “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and pursue those who try to line their pockets at the expense of others and hold them accountable.”

HUD Special Agent in Charge Geary stated, “At such a critical time for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with programs that are vital to the well-being of so many in our communities, it is critical that those resources are completely dedicated to those in need. The HUD Office of Inspector General is committed to partnering with Federal prosecutors and fellow law enforcement to aggressively pursue those engaged in activities that harm HUD’s Single Family housing programs.” 

“Today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who abuse the bankruptcy system,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10).  “Providing false documents such as fictitious “bonds” to the United States Bankruptcy Court undermines the integrity of the system and will not be tolerated.  We appreciate the commitment of U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners to holding those who abuse the bankruptcy system accountable.  We welcome information that will help detect fraud and abuse in the bankruptcy system and we encourage citizens to report suspected bankruptcy fraud through our Internet hotline at USTP.Bankruptcy.Fraud@usdoj.gov.”   The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Grant Mendenhall in coordination with Fort Wayne Chief Steve Reed, Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux and Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter announce charges in 8 indictments unsealed today. 

These indictments focused on a number of drug distribution charges, with 20 individuals charged across the 8 indictments.  Twelve (12) search warrants were also executed this morning in greater Fort Wayne as part of law enforcement efforts to arrest the indicted individuals.  

In these indictments the following charges are alleged:

Jennifer Mendoza, age 24, and Luiza Gunn a/k/a Luiza Eldridge, age 26, both of Fort Wayne were each charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of fentanyl. 

Ivan Acosta a/k/a Ivan Acosta-Soto, age 35, and Juan Hernandez-Ortega, age 31, both of Fort Wayne were charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of methamphetamine. 

Ubaldo Peralta-Soto, age 25, of Indianapolis; Clemente Cortez, age 45, of Fort Wayne; and Nestor Luna-Lugo, age 34, of Fort Wayne were charged in a four (4) count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute cocaine as well as the distribution of cocaine. 

Juvenal Cervantes-Cruz, age 25, of Red Bluff, CA along with Christian Diaz, age 22, and Jesus Sanchez, Jr, age 21, both of Fort Wayne were charged in a five (5) count indictment alleging the distribution of marijuana, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and providing a residence for the storage and distribution of narcotics.  

Fredi Garcia-Gamez, age 33, Miguel Navarrete-Garcia, age 43, and Tomas Vega-Perez, age 41, all of Fort Wayne were charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of heroin and providing a residence for the storage and distribution of narcotics. 

Jesus Soto-Arellanes a/k/a Chuy, age 37, and Erik De Leon Verduzco-Garcia a/k/a Pulpo, age 33, both of Fort Wayne along with Roberto Soto-Arellanes, age 43, Jesus Alberto Soto-Garcia a/k/a Chubeto, age 35 and Edbel Alejandro Soto-Verduzco, age 28, all of Columbia City were charged in a twelve (12) count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana along with other drug distribution and gun possession charges. 

Roderick Dedeaux a/k/a Rodrick Dedeaux, age 29, of Fort Wayne was charged in a five (5) count indictment alleging distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. 

Juan Salas, age 30, of Fort Wayne was charged in in an eight (8) count indictment alleging the distribution of fentanyl.   

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Narcotic distribution is one of the precursors to violent crime.  Today with the arrest of these individuals we made a serious impact on the distribution of narcotics in the greater Fort Wayne Area.  Local police agencies like Fort Wayne PD, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police worked tirelessly in coordination with the FBI to build these cases in Fort Wayne to help reduce violence associated with drug distribution.” 

“Today's law enforcement actions are a culmination of more than a year's worth of investigative activity led by the Fort Wayne FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, which includes as its partners the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana State Police,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.  “This was an outstanding example of Federal and State agencies working together to positively impact Northeast Indiana by disrupting and dismantling a large scale drug trafficking organization. These arrests should serve as a reminder that we will continue to target these offenders and the impact they are having on our communities.”

"The collaborative efforts of the Fort Wayne Police Department, FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office continue to make positive strides against drug trafficking in the City of Fort Wayne. The joint effort of these agencies has resulted in criminal investigations and arrests that will significantly affect the drug trade in Fort Wayne and Allen County," said Chief Steve Reed, Fort Wayne Police Department. "The agencies that comprise the Safe Streets Task Force - the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Indiana State Police and FBI - continue to work tirelessly in their efforts to eliminate drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies it. These arrests and seizures are a direct result of that combined effort and we thank these officers for all the long hours and hard work that went into these investigations."

“The Allen County Sheriff’s Department, a proud member of the Safe Streets Task Force, has and will continue to work in conjunction with the FBI, and the U.S Attorney’s Office to battle the drug epidemic within Allen County. We are encouraged by the efforts that have been set forth, and look forward to positive improvements in our area,” said Sheriff David J. Gladieux, Allen County Sheriff’s Department. 

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter commented, “I am extremely proud of our participation with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.”  Carter continued, “The hard work of our assigned investigators, in collaboration with other member representatives, speaks to the dedication of state, county, local and federal law enforcement partners who work daily to make Indiana communities safer for everyone to enjoy.”

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Team, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.  These cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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.

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