Northern District of Indiana

FORT WAYNE, IN –Quran Waterford, 34, of Bloomington, Indiana, Gary McCaleb, 29, of Harvey, Illinois, and Mandell Strawter, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were charged in a seven count Indictment returned by the Grand Jury arising out of the armed robberies of B&H Firearms and a T-Mobile Store in Fort Wayne, Indiana on December 5 and 13, 2018, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.

The indictment alleges that between November 28 and December 13, 2018, the three conspired to commit Hobbs Act Robbery.  The Indictment further alleges that on December 5 and 13, 2018, Waterford and McCaleb committed Hobbs Act robberies of B&H Firearms and a T-Mobile store in Fort Wayne. Waterford and McCaleb, in connection with these robberies, were also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to those crimes of violence.  Finally, Waterford and McCaleb were charged with being convicted felons in possession of firearms. 

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 the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – Abraham Stewart, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Stewart was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on or about January 29, 2017, officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department were attempting to locate Stewart about another matter.  Stewart ran from officers, and after apprehending Stewart, officers located a loaded handgun in Stewart’s coat pocket. Stewart was in possession of a firearm despite having at least three felony convictions in Allen County Superior Court.  The felony convictions along with this offense qualified Mr. Stewart to be sentenced as an armed career criminal.         

This investigation was conducted by the ATF with the assistance of Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE – John Dominguez, 67 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Dominguez was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on or about May 19, 2016, a state search warrant was executed at Mr. Dominguez’s Fort Wayne residence after Dominguez sold cocaine during two controlled drug buys.  During the search of the residence and his vehicle, officers located more than 100 grams total of heroin, with some of the heroin also containing fentanyl.  Officers also located a scale and an unloaded firearm in the residence.  Dominguez admitted to selling heroin and cocaine during a law enforcement interview.        

This investigation was conducted by the DEA with the assistance of ATF and the Allen County Drug Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE – Jamar Freeman, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to attempted bank robbery and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

According to documents in the case, on April 11 2016, Freeman and two co-defendants attempted to rob a bank. During the course of the attempted robbery, a dangerous weapon was used causing injury to another person. A person was also forced to accompany the robbers against the consent of that person.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Indiana State Police North Regional Laboratory, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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FORT WAYNE – Gregory Lutz, 49 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Lutz was sentenced to 33 months in prison.  As part of the sentence, the court, in addition to entering a money judgement in the amount of the proceeds from the scheme ($585,652.740, also ordered restitution to the two victims). 

According to documents in the case, between Sept 2016 and May 2018, defendant, employed as controller of a local company, embezzled funds from the company’s bank accounts which he used to wire payments to his debts on his personal credit cards.  He concealed his conduct from the employer by whiting out the wire transactions in the company’s bank records and recorded the payments in the company’s books as payment to one of the company’s largest vendor but the numbers were significantly out of sequence and in reality, were never printed signed nor cashed.  The amount of the “checks” matched the amount of company funds the defendant used to pay his credit cards each month.          

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Indiana Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Tina Nommay.

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FORT WAYNE – Randall Stiles, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to making a false oath in a bankruptcy proceeding, embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate and failure to file a tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Stiles was sentenced to 6 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $235,055.88 to the Internal Revenue Service and $3,535 to a victim in a bankruptcy case. 

According to documents in the case, Stiles was an attorney that practiced in the United States Bankruptcy Court which is a specialized area where lawyers assist individuals in obtaining debt relief based on hard times and financial hardships.  Stiles was in a position of trust not only to his clients but to the Court, the Trustee and the legal process.  In this case, Stiles’ criminal conduct arose not only from his representation of a client in bankruptcy, but his criminal action in his own personal bankruptcy filing in 2013.  Stiles stole from his client, and lied to the Trustee about the filing of his tax return.  When faced with possible consequences of his conduct, he did plead to 2 felony counts of bankruptcy fraud and a misdemeanor tax count in September of 2017.  Stiles, in his plea, agreed to pay restitution to the client and IRS and agreed to file his unfiled tax returns for 2009, 2010, 2011and 2012.   Before the filing of these federal charges, Stiles was suspended indefinitely by the Indiana Supreme Court from the practice of law.      

US Attorney Kirsch said, “Attorneys have a duty and obligation to represent their clients fairly and with integrity.  Stealing from clients and lying to the court violate the ethics of being an attorney and in this case violated the law.  We will utilize all the resources we have available to investigate and prosecute cases involving the breaching of public trust.”

“Criminal bankruptcy fraud threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system, as well as public confidence in that system,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Indiana and Central and Southern Illinois (Region 10). “I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners for their strong commitment to combating bankruptcy- related crimes, especially when committed by persons in a position of trust, as demonstrated by today’s sentencing.” The U.S. 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.  Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.

Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal investigation said, "Randy Stiles violated the trust of his clients, the Court, and taxpayers.  Mr. Stiles stole from U.S. taxpayers by not reporting or paying his taxes.  We will not tolerate willful disregard for tax laws and today's results make that clear."

“Embezzlement is a crime that diverts funds from their original use and won’t be tolerated by the FBI. We all have the right to expect honest representation from those we hire to assist us,” said Danny Youmara, Asst. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “I hope that those few who decide to violate this trust will see the FBI will continue to investigate and pursue those who enrich themselves at the expense of others and we will hold them accountable.”

The case against Stiles resulted from a referral by the United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10) to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group, which is coordinated by the United States Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Tina Nommay and Deborah Leonard.

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HAMMOND – Christopher Forster, 31 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Forster was sentenced to 15 months in prison and was ordered to pay $1,414,030 in restitution to Arcelor Mittal.

According to documents in the case, between August 2013 and March 2014, Forster and others stole a metal alloy called Ferro Columbium from Arcelor Mittal property and transported it across state lines to sell for profit.

This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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FORT WAYNE – Marianne Matchette, 52 years old, formerly of Roanoke, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Ms. Matchette was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.  Ms. Matchette was ordered to pay $126,705.09 in restitution to the victims of her offenses.      

According to documents in the case, Ms. Matchette was given access to a company credit card issued in her name to make purchases authorized by the company and was also given access to the President/CEO’s company and personal credit cards.  From May 12, 2015 through June 18, 2015, Ms. Matchette devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the company, by using a credit card without authorization to make personal purchases at a retail establishment, and in so doing caused items to be delivered by private or commercial interstate carriers.   In executing her scheme to defraud, Ms. Matchette used the identification of another person.     

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Allen County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Tina L. Nommay.

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WASHINGTON – Cory Newland, 35, and Joshua Titus, 30, officers with the Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Hammond for using excessive force against an arrestee. 

The indictment charges Newland and Titus with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, for using unreasonable force against arrestee “M.L.”  

According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, M.L. was brought into the booking area of the Elkhart Police Department and seated in a chair with his hands cuffed behind his back.  While sitting in the chair, M.L. spat in the direction of Newland. The indictment alleges that Newland and Titus then repeatedly struck M.L. in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor, at which point Newland and Titus continued to punch him repeatedly while M.L. remained handcuffed on the floor. The indictment further alleges that Newland and Titus’s actions resulted in bodily injury to M.L. 

“My Office takes allegations of civil rights violations seriously, including use of excessive force by police officers sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch.  “Maintaining integrity in the criminal justice system by investigating and prosecuting police officers who step out of bounds with the law, while working with, training and promoting good relationships with law enforcement who operate within the law are important functions of my Office.”

“Today’s indictments send a clear message that the FBI won’t tolerate the abuse of power or victimization of citizens by anyone in law enforcement,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect."

This charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for both defendants.  An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This case was investigated by FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division.

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Cory Newland, 35, and Joshua Titus, 30, officers with the Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Hammond for using excessive force against an arrestee. 

The indictment charges Newland and Titus with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, for using unreasonable force against arrestee “M.L.”                                   

According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, M.L. was brought into the booking area of the Elkhart Police Department and seated in a chair with his hands cuffed behind his back.  While sitting in the chair, M.L. spat in the direction of Newland. The indictment alleges that Newland and Titus then repeatedly struck M.L. in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor, at which point Newland and Titus continued to punch him repeatedly while M.L. remained handcuffed on the floor. The indictment further alleges that Newland and Titus’s actions resulted in bodily injury to M.L. 

“My Office takes allegations of civil rights violations seriously, including use of excessive force by police officers sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch.  “Maintaining integrity in the criminal justice system by investigating and prosecuting police officers who step out of bounds with the law, while working with, training and promoting good relationships with law enforcement who operate within the law are important functions of my Office.”

“Today’s indictments send a clear message that the FBI won’t tolerate the abuse of power or victimization of citizens by anyone in law enforcement,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect."

This charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for both defendants.  An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This case was investigated by FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division.

HAMMOND- Reilly Jackson, Jr, 23, of Griffith, Indiana was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce following his arrest on March 18, 2019, in Merrillville, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  In addition, Delvin Perkins, 23, of South Holland, Illinois was charged in a criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm following his arrest on the same day.   

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Prosecuting and reducing violent crime are top priorities of my office.  This case demonstrates how effective proactive police work can be to reducing violent crime.  I commend the FBI and other law enforcement agencies involved in this case.” 

The criminal complaint against Jackson alleges that, on March 18, 2019, in Merrillville, Indiana, an investigation led law enforcement to make a traffic stop on a vehicle he was driving after law enforcement, in addition to other information received, observed the vehicle following a Brinks armored truck as it made multiple stops to collect money from banks and businesses.  Additional investigation led Jackson to be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce of the armored Brinks truck. 

The criminal complaint against Perkins alleges that, as a passenger in the vehicle driven by Jackson, he possessed two firearms recovered from the vehicle.  With a prior felony conviction, Perkins was charged in a criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of firearms. 

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.

These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

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SOUTH BEND – Joshua Banks, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, presided over this 2-day trial. 

According to documents in this case, on about October 5, 2018, Mr. Banks possessed a .357 caliber revolver after one or more felony convictions.  On October 4, 2018 a vehicle was reported stolen.  On October 5, 2018, South Bend Police Officers located that stolen vehicle parked and unoccupied.  Around that same time, Banks was walking near the vehicle with a backpack and a gas can.  As officers approached Banks fled on foot.  He was caught and the backpack was found nearby.  Also nearby, officers found the firearm which had been stolen from a Warsaw, Indiana, firearms dealer in September 2018. 

Sentencing of Mr. Banks has been set for June 12, 2019. 

The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse. 

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HAMMOND- Roberto Molina, 38, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 57 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

According to documents in the case, on January 19, 2018, Molina was arrested in Hammond, Indiana, in possession of 1.75 kilograms of heroin for distribution.        

This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean R. Lanter.

FORT WAYNE – Reginald Gant, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Gant was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, on June 17, 2016, Gant was in possession of 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance.  At that time, Gant possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.

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

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FORT WAYNE –A federal grand jury on February 27, 2019 returned a six count superseding indictment against Bradley M. Cox, 28, of Kokomo, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  

According to documents in this case, Mr. Cox allegedly gained access to a Facebook account which belonged to another person and then posed as the creator of that Facebook account to exchange explicit images with the owner of another Facebook account. Cox then threatened to publicly release the sexual pictures that the owner of that Facebook account sent to him unless the owner of that Facebook account gave Cox access to that Facebook account. Cox was given access to the second Facebook account, in which he found images depicting nude or partially nude individuals and sexually explicit material. Cox then contacted individuals depicted in that material and threatened to publicly release the nude, partially nude or sexually explicit images he had of them unless they agreed to give him additional nude, partially nude and/or sexually explicit photos and/or videos.

The superseding indictment alleges three counts of extortion; two counts of production or attempted production of child pornography; and one count of receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography.  Mr. Cox has been detained pending trial since September of 2018 when he was initially charged with production of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Children are among our most vulnerable and innocent victims.  My office will always aggressively prosecute cases that involve crimes against children.  Cases such as this one, that allege the extortion of nude images, are particularly worthy of prosecution.  I commend the FBI and local and county law enforcement agencies that worked hard and quickly to solve this crime.”

“This investigation highlights the tenacity and expertise of the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Task Force and was a top priority to be quickly resolved,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “Mr. Cox’s alleged victimization of these individuals is reprehensible and won’t be tolerated."

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 the result of an investigation by the FBI with the assistance of the Rochester and Peru, Indiana Police Departments along with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.

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HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $6,016,074.83 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $2,974,660.68 was collected in criminal actions and $3,041,414.25 was collected in civil actions.   Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana forfeited in excess of $1.3 million dollars in civil and criminal forfeitures.              

As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018.  The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.

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

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.

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FORT WAYNE, IN –Quran Waterford, 34, of Bloomington, Indiana and Gary McCaleb, 29, of Harvey, Illinois were charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, and possessing and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.  

The complaint alleges that on December 13, 2018, Waterford, McCaleb and a third unidentified man entered a cellular phone store in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and displayed a firearm.  The three men confined two store employees and two customers and stole numerous cell phones and other merchandise, worth over $58,000.  Waterford and McCaleb were apprehended by the Fort Wayne Police Department after a brief vehicle pursuit.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Bold robberies such as this commands swift response from law enforcement.  I want to commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department for their work in investigating this case.  Aggressive prosecution of violent crimes is one of the District’s top priorities.”

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 the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – Danurell Blair, age 40, of Anderson, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to 2 counts of Bank Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Blair was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offense in the total amount of $ 70,074.69.

According to documents in the case, on November 6, 2017, Blair robbed the Community State Bank, located in Auburn, Indiana.  Thereafter, on December 16, 2017, a heavily disguised Blair entered the Campbell & Fetter Bank located in Kendallville, Indiana and demanded cash from the tellers. Blair fled the bank with approximately $27,114.00.  When law enforcement attempted to apprehend Blair as he departed the bank, he fled. A pursuit ensured during which Blair drove southbound in the northbound lanes of State Road 3, reaching speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour. Spike strips had to be employed to stop Blair who was then taken into custody.

As part of his plea agreement, Blair agreed to pay restitution for the Community State Bank robbery and the Campbell & Fetter Robbery. Additionally, Blair agreed to pay restitution to the victims of the June 28, 2017, Fort Financial Credit Union robbery, a September 12, 2017, Beacon Credit Union robbery, as well as restitution to the Indiana State Police in connection with the December 16, 2017 Campbell & Fetter robbery.

This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Churubusco Police Department, Indiana Gaming Commission, Kendallville Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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FORT WAYNE – Shon Gibson, 47, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Gibson was sentenced to 204 months in prison and 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in December 2016 a search warrant was executed on Gibson’s residence.  Seized from Gibson’s garage was an ounce of 100% pure methamphetamine and over $32,000 in drug trafficking proceeds.   In an attic above the garage, law enforcement seized two AK-47 rifles and two inert military-grade hand grenades.  One of the rifles was fully automatic while the other was a short-barreled rifle.  Another $8,000 in cash was found in a safe inside the house.  Due to the multiple felony drug trafficking convictions, Gibson was sentenced as a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wolcottville Police Department.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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HAMMOND- Richard Seeger, Jr, 55 years old, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Senior Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Seeger received a sentence of 78 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution. 

According to documents filed in this case, Seeger was on probation in Hendricks County, Indiana for holding a mirror under changing stalls at a public pool in order to watch small boys disrobe.  He pleaded guilty in May 2016 and received a sentence of probation, which included as part of its terms that he not possess child pornography.  In July 2017, law enforcement officials found Seeger in possession of child pornography in multiple formats: print magazines, videotapes, photographs, and digital downloaded images of minors engaged in sex acts.  Seeger possessed over 1,000 images of such conduct.   

This case was investigated by the FBI and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maria N. Lerner. 

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HAMMOND- Darren Bell, 19 and Altonio Benson, 27, both of Detroit, Michigan, were charged in a criminal complaint with robbery affecting interstate commerce for the robbery of a jewelry store in Hobart, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The criminal complaint alleges that at approximately 7:05 pm on January 25, 2019, three individuals participated in the robbery of a jewelry store in Hobart, Indiana, while the store was open to customers.  At least two individuals smashed display cases with hammers to take jewelry, and the individuals fled the store with approximately $803, 000 in jewelry.  Bell and Benson were apprehended a short time later. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Brazen robberies such as this case commands a swift response from law enforcement.  I want to commend all our law enforcement partners for their work in investigating this case.  We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these type of crimes in this District.” 

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 and Hobart Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

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HAMMOND- Bryant Porter, 25, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The criminal complaint alleges that following Porter’s distribution of crack cocaine on four occasions, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his Gary residence and vehicle on February 13, 2019, and recovered approximately 65 gross grams of crack cocaine and twelve firearms. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This case represents teamwork and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.  Our partnerships are some of the best and we will use them to focus on illegal narcotics and violent crime.”

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 and Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.

Fort Wayne, IN – Two Allen County residents were recently indicted by a federal Grand Jury in the Northern District of Indiana.  In the indictment, Calvin Jones, 37, and Diamond Parker, 28, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal narcotics into correctional institutions located within Indiana.  

The indictment alleges that beginning in August 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute 5-fluro ADB (a synthetic cannabinoid) to inmates in a correction institution.  They also were each charged with one count on different dates of possessing with intent to distribute a detectable amount of 5-fluro ADB.

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 the result of an investigation between the US Postal Inspection Service, the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Marshal’s Service and the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

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SOUTH BEND – Brandon Edelman, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert L, Miller, Jr, presided over this 2-day trial. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Edelman led South Bend Police officers on a high speed chase for thirteen minutes at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.  While Edelman drove the car, his passenger threw a firearm out of the window.  After he was apprehended, he told police that he told the passenger to throw the gun out and that he possessed the gun for protection during his drug dealing.  Police found methamphetamine on Mr. Edelman.  After he was apprehended, police retraced the route and found the gun Edelman admitted was thrown from the car.  Edelman had been convicted of at least one prior felony offense.

Sentencing of Mr. Edelman has been set for May 15, 2019. 

The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from ATF, South Bend Police, and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 

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SOUTH BEND – Shawn Michael DeWitt, age 34, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after a jury found him guilty in October 2018 of Distributing Child Pornography, Coercing a Minor to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Possessing Child Pornography, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

DeWitt was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II says, “This case sends strong messages to child sexual predators.  Federal, state and local agencies will work together quickly to find you when a child is at risk. Children are the most vulnerable victims and my Office will do everything in our power to prosecute you and seek appropriate sentences for your crimes.”

According to documents in this case, on November 26, 2017, Dewitt responded to an advertisement posted on an online social networking forum which was posted by an undercover FBI task force agent in Washington DC, who was familiar with child exploitation investigations.  In chatting with the undercover agent, Dewitt expressed a sexual interest in children and also informed the agent that he had access to two children for sexual purposes.  Dewitt sent the undercover agent videos and images of child pornography and also asked the undercover officer to send him videos of sexual acts with the undercover agent’s fictional 9 year old daughter.  The undercover agent sent an emergency referral to the Lafayette FBI office on November 27, 2017.   Officers from the Lafayette police department and FBI agents conducted a search the next day and arrested Dewitt. 

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lafayette Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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SOUTH BEND – Carlos Maez, 41 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 30 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Today’s 30 year sentence reflects the seriousness of armed career criminals who continue to commit violent crimes in this District.  We will continue to seek sentences like this one to deter others that simply do not get the message.”

In May 2018, a jury convicted Maez of armed bank robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.  

According to documents in the case, on October 16, 2015, a bank in South Bend was robbed by a man who displayed a firearm.  The robber demanded money from the teller and fled on foot with over $8,000.00.  Witnesses saw him run from the bank and enter an SUV that fled the scene.  Photos of the robber were released to the media a few days later.  Acting on a tip, the FBI identified Maez as a suspect.  Several individuals identified Maez from bank surveillance images.  Maez has five prior felony convictions, including bank robbery, and was on parole when he robbed the bank in 2015.

This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Schaffer and Molly Donnelly.

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HAMMOND- Francisco Rivera, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea to distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Cruz received a sentence of 74 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, DEA agents used a confidential source to purchase cocaine from Francisco Rivera at his Lake Station residence on April 3, 2017.  A federal search warrant for that residence was executed that same day.  Within a locked room inside the residence law enforcement found over a kilogram of cocaine, 30 kilograms of marijuana, and four firearms including an assault rifle that had previously been reported stolen. 

This case was investigated by the DEA HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath. 

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SOUTH BEND – Michael L. Binder, age 38, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced on January 3, 2019, before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Binder was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, on April 21, 2018, Pokagon tribal police found Mr. Binder and a female companion in a minivan parked in the parking lot of the Four Winds-South Bend casino. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers located a small amount of marijuana and three baggies of methamphetamine (totaling approximately 10 grams) and a digital scale with white residue. The Pokagon police also found, pushed up under the driver’s seat from the back, right where Mr. Binder’s feet were located, a loaded handgun. A fingerprint matching Mr. Binder’s was found on the magazine of the gun. Mr. Binder admitted to possessing this handgun during the guilty plea phase of this case.  The handgun’s serial number had been scratched out; however police were able to obtain the serial number and traced the weapon to determine that it had been stolen in 2016 from an individual who lawfully owned it in Michigan.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch reiterates the following statement from the sentencing memorandum filed with the court: “This particular offense by Mr. Binder raises a very important concern for the government because the offense occurred on federally-recognized Indian tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The United States recognizes a unique obligation of service to tribal communities across the country and it holds a strong commitment to supporting and furthering public safety on all tribal land. In this district, the United States Attorney’s Office has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band, and it has a commitment to working with the Pokagon Band to foster public safety, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”

Pokagon Police Chief William Lux said, “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. government to protect all who visit its trust land and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land. The conviction of Mr. Binder is a great example of team work between our officers, Pokagon Tribal Police Investigations Unit, South Bend and Berrien County law enforcement partnerships. We appreciate the support of the FBI and U.S. Attorney Kirsch in prosecuting Mr. Binder for crimes committed while at Four Winds South Bend, which is on sovereign Pokagon Band land.”

This case was being investigated by the FBI and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police Department.  The case was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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HAMMOND –James Caffey, age 28 and Tanisha Banks, age 38, of Merrillville, Indiana were both convicted on January 28, 2019 of conspiring to rob as well as aiding and abetting the robbery of United States Postal employees of mail and money that was in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service.  Chief U.S. District Court Judge Theresa Springmann presided over the 4 day jury trial.  

According to evidence presented at trial, Tanisha Banks and James Caffey, conspired with a third person, Leeroy Beck to rob the Tolleston Station Post Office in Gary, Indiana on August 3, 2017.  Tanisha Banks, a Postal Service employee with experience working at the Tolleston Station, provided the logistics for the robbery while her boyfriend, James Caffey, handled transportation to and from the robbery.  Together Banks and Caffey recruited the gunman, Leeroy Beck, who would actually carry out the robbery. At trial evidence was presented establishing that Caffey provided Beck with a handgun to use during the robbery.  On August 3, 2017, after holding two employees at gun point, Leeroy Beck stole money and mail from the Postal Service.  The cash was divided amongst the conspirators.  Banks and Caffey used their share from the robbery to pay bills including a car note on the gray Dodge Charger James Caffey used to drive the gunman to and from the robbery.

The gunman, Leeroy Beck, entered into a guilty plea with the government prior to trial.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Gary Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Thomas McGrath.

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HAMMOND- Jerome Sims, 54, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty to aiding and abetting murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

According to documents in the case, Jerome Sims and members of the Two Six gang were involved in a conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.  Sims knew Julio Cartagena owed a drug debt to Jesus Fuentes, a Two Six gang member, and members of his drug trafficking enterprise.  Sims agreed to help Fuentes and his associates kidnap Julio Cartagena, so Fuentes could recover his lost money and drugs.  On May 16, 2003, Sims made plans with Cartagena to meet at a specified location, and Sims informed Fuentes and his associates of the time and place of the meeting.  Fuentes’ associates, while armed with firearms, attempted to kidnap Cartagena, and ended up shooting and killing him. 

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

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HAMMOND- On January 4, 2019, Juan Mercado Arriaga, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 70 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

On June 18, 2018, Mercado Arriaga was arrested in Crown Point, Indiana, in possession of approximately 3.7 kilograms of heroin.        

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

HAMMOND- Eleazar Sosa, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Sosa was sentenced to 70 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, Sosa was involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin along with codefendants Rafael Ramirez, Maria Guzman, and Cesar Izaguirre, each of whom has already been sentenced for their respective roles in this drug conspiracy.  Sosa’s role in the conspiracy included picking up and delivering drugs around the country at the behest of Rafael Ramirez.  At sentencing, Sosa was held responsible for involvement in the planned distribution of between 3 and 10 kilograms of heroin as relevant conduct for his offense.      

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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HAMMOND- Olanrewajua A. Beyioku, 38, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an indictment with wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “At a time when individuals were going through some of the worst times in their lives, Mr. Beyioku seized the opportunity to enrich himself with hurricane relief funds meant for those who lost homes and businesses.  My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those who defraud the government for personal gain.”

The Indictment alleges that, in September and October 2017, Beyioku, a.k.a. “Papa Smith Morgan,” working in conjunction with others, known and unknown to the United States Attorney, devised a scheme to defraud the American Red Cross (“Red Cross”) by obtaining reference codes intended for nine different households directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and by using those codes to obtain $3,600 in hurricane relief funds.

According to the Indictment, on August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston, Texas area causing extensive damage.  President Donald J. Trump declared it a federal disaster area that same day, which made federal disaster relief funds available to those affected by the storm.

One type of federal disaster relief was a one-time cash payment of $400 through the Red Cross.  The Red Cross established a link on their website where hurricane victims could apply for the cash assistance.  Hurricane victims used their email addresses to apply.  They entered personally identifiable information, including their address.  If the address fell within a designated disaster area, The Red Cross forwarded the application electronically to an entity referred to herein as “Company A.” 

Company A vetted the information, and electronically forwarded it to “Company B.”  Company B then created an eleven-digit alphanumeric code.  The code was then sent to the applicant with instructions to redeem the code at a Wal-Mart Money Center or Customer Service Desk.

In early September 2017, The Red Cross received reports of ineligible people redeeming multiple reference codes at various Wal-Mart stores across the United States.  The Red Cross reported this to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”).  With assistance from Wal-Mart Global Security Investigators, The Red Cross identified over 3,300 instances of fraudulently obtained reference codes.  The loss to The Red Cross is more than 1.3 million dollars.

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 consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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FORT WAYNE –Valentina Marinkovic, 18, of Romania, had a six count indictment returned against her, one count for executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution and 5 counts for possessing access device making equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in the case, on or about August 5, and continuing until on or about October 1, 2018, Marinkovic executed a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution.  Law enforcement has been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank and credit union ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps.  The device captures and stores credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims.  The device is subsequently removed and the information from the skimming device is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.

In this case, a credit union was victimized having to reimburse members for losses exceeding $32,000 

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

If convicted in court, 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 FBI, the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit along with the Elkhart Police Department.  This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.

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SOUTH BEND - Jerome Sells, age 40, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possession of over 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Sells was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  

According to documents in this case, on February 28, 2018, Sells possessed 790 grams of methamphetamine as well as 1.2 kilograms of marijuana, a Taurus handgun and a Jimenez handgun at an auto shop that he operated in Mishawaka, Indiana.  He admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and that he knew it was illegal for him to possess the firearms because he had previously been convicted of a felony.  Sells has been convicted of ten misdemeanors and three felonies.  

This case is being investigated by ATF with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, Elkhart County Police, St. Joseph County Police, the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the South Bend Police, and the Mishawaka Police.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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FORT WAYNE –Dumitru Tirlea, 46, of Nottingham, United Kingdom had a two count indictment returned against him for attempting to defraud a financial institution and possessing access device making equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in the case, on or about November 28, through 30, 2018, Tirlea attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution.  Law enforcement has been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps.  The device captures and stores the credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims.  Subsequently the device is removed and the stored information is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.

In this case, a financial institution in Warsaw, Indiana reported finding a device on their ATM on November 28, 2018.  Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the affected ATM. On November 30, Tirlea pulled up on the ATM and not having enough time to complete a transaction drove off.  Law enforcement followed, conducted a traffic stop and arrested him.  Tirlea, was identified based on ATM surveillance video as the individual who placed the device on the ATM on November 28, 2018.  On December 3, 2018, Tirlea was arrested and charged via criminal complaint. 

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

If convicted in court, 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 FBI, the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit and Warsaw Police Department.  This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.

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SOUTH BEND - Michelle Seljan, age 47, of Kalkaska, Michigan, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for theft of federal funds and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.     

Seljan was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.  Seljan was also ordered to pay $633,628 in restitution to HUD and $201,696 in restitution to IRS.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, "Seljan stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Hammond Housing Authority.  Her greed earned her a lengthy prison sentence.  My office has zero tolerance for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain.  Our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate, while we will continue to prosecute those who betray the public trust.”

According to documents in this case, from about 2013 to 2015, Seljan worked as a supervisor at the Hammond Housing Authority.   She embezzled Housing Authority funds by using their computers to divert $633,628 of Housing Authority funds to bank accounts she had created.  During that same time, she attempted to evade federal income taxes by submitting tax returns that failed to report the embezzled income.  

This case is being investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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FORT WAYNE – Carlos Sanchez, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann, after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Maintaining a Place for Distributing and Using Cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Sanchez was sentenced to 108 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between February, 2016 and May, 2016, Sanchez and a co-defendant conspired to and did engage in the business of dealing in firearms without being licensed to do so.

Sanchez also used his house to distribute drugs.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Indiana State Police. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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HAMMOND – Lawrence W. LaFlower, 43 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

US Attorney Kirsch said, "Mr. LaFlower’s immediate guilty plea and sentence reflect the zero tolerance this District has for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain.  My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives."

LaFlower was sentenced to 15 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The Court also ordered a money judgment forfeiture in the amount of $187,698.52.

According to court documents, between April 2013 and April 2018, LaFlower used his position as the treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge #165’s to embezzle over $180,000 from its investment and bank accounts. The FOP is a fraternal organization in Porter County, Indiana, whose mission is to improve working conditions for law enforcement officers and serve the public by raising money for scholarships and other programs.

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

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FORT WAYNE – Carlos Silva-Ponce, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. 

Mr. Silva-Ponce was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, from January 2015-July 2016, Mr. Silva-Ponce was part of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.  This is part of a larger case involving co-defendants, Alan Chiprez-Garcia, Marco Garcia,  Samuel Gemple and Patricia Quinones who have already been sentenced.  Jose Razo is the final defendant waiting to be sentenced.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Safe Streets and Gang Task Force, whose members include the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Allen County Drug Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey Speith.

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HAMMOND – Kenneth R. Morrison, age 68, of Whiting, Indiana was convicted of interstate transportation of stolen goods after a 4-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to records in the case, between December 2014 and January 2015, without authority the defendant dismantled the Monon Bridge in Hammond, Indiana, and transported pieces of the bridge to Burnham, Illinois where he sold the scrap for $18,000.  He also sold parts of the bridge to a scrap dealer in East Chicago, Indiana.  CFX Railroad gifted the Monon Bridge to the City of Hammond in 1987.  The bridge, built in 1910, spanned the Grand Calumet River near Marble Street in Hammond. 

Morrison’s sentencing date is scheduled for March 21, 2019.  

This case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services with assistance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management and other members of the Environmental Crimes Task Force and was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Natural Resource Division, Environmental Crimes Section Trial Attorney Richard J. Powers and Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston of the Northern District of Indiana.

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SOUTH BEND –Steven J. Perry, 54, of Elkhart, Indiana, has been charged by indictment with transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch.

According to documents in the case, on September 17, 2018, Mr. Perry, who has a prior conviction for possession of child pornography, uploaded images of child pornography to an online service.   The service reported this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who then relayed this “cybertip” to the Indiana Crimes Against Children task force.    The cybertip was then referred to an FBI cybercrimes task force agent in South Bend.   A search warrant was conducted on December 5, 2018 at Perry’s Elkhart residence.   Mr. Perry admitted that he had uploaded images to the online service and was taken into custody.  

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

If convicted in court, 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 FBI cybercrime unit in South Bend with assistance from the Secret Service and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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SOUTH BEND – Anthony Braylock, 35 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Braylock was sentenced to 40 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, in January 2018, Braylock sold a handgun to another person while at his house in South Bend, Indiana. Previously, in 2008, Braylock was convicted federally of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Braylock committed the present offense less than 6 months after being released from custody in his prior federal case.

This case was part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.  The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.   

This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND –Ramon Lenoir III, 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, has been charged with possession of over 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases of drug dealing, especially when firearms are involved.  Curbing the distribution of illegal narcotics is a top priority of my Office.”

According to the federal Indictment, on December 6, 2018, Lenoir knowingly and intentionally possessed over 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to other people.  He also possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. 

Lenoir had been previously charged in state court for this criminal conduct.  According to documents filed in that state court case, a person working with Warsaw, Indiana investigators purchased methamphetamine from Lenoir at his house in South Bend.  Investigators then obtained a search warrant.  When executing the warrant, officers found Lenoir near a toilet and believed he had attempted to flush something down the toilet.  Lenoir had just under seven grams of suspected methamphetamine on him.  Investigators found an additional 315 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the kitchen.  Investigators also found several firearms, some marijuana, and over seven thousand dollars of cash.

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

If convicted in court, 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 ATF with assistance from the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the South Bend Police Department’s Strategic Focus Unit, and the Rochester Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly L. Schultz.

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SOUTH BEND –Kevin Clinton, 61 years old, of New Carlisle, Indiana, has been charged with four counts of mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Schemes, like those allegedly engaged in by Mr. Clinton, to steal large sums of money from unsuspecting victims will be aggressively prosecuted in this district, particularly when an individual abuses his position of trust or authority to engage in fraud.”

According to documents in the case, Clinton was employed as the Chief Information Officer at a South Bend business.  From about March 2012 through about October 2017, Clinton caused his employer to pay invoices to a sham company that he controlled for services that were never performed.  Over the life of the scheme, payments to the sham company totaled about $2,286,359.25. Clinton took these funds for his own personal use and benefit.

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

If convicted in court, 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 FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Reilander.

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SOUTH BEND – Sven Eric Marshall, 61 years old, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, has been charged with five counts of mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Elder abuse scams, such as the scheme alleged in this case, will be aggressively prosecuted in this district.  The elderly are among the most vulnerable of victims.  When they place their trust, and in some case their life savings, into the hands of someone who abuses that trust to steal for personal gain, it is incumbent upon law enforcement to take action.  Schemes targeting the elderly will never be tolerated.”  

According to the indictment, Marshall owned and ran an investment company named Trust & Advisory Services of Indiana, Inc.  Beginning about March 1998, Marshall recruited investors and promised returns of about four to eight percent per year with the option to receive interest payments or to reinvest gains in their account.  As part of his scheme, Marshall provided monthly statements to investors that showed the purported balance of the investments.  But, by January 2016, the Trust & Investment account was nearly empty.  When investors requested information about their money, Marshall misrepresented the status and balance of the investments.  Marshall did pay money to some investors who asked to withdraw a portion of their investments, even though the Trust & Investment account was almost empty, by transferring money from other unrelated accounts.  In about December 2017, Marshall stopped communicating with investors and closed his office without notifying investors or providing a forwarding address.  Since Marshall closed his office, investors have been unable to locate Marshall or recover their investments.

The investors were elderly.  Several were in their seventies and eighties at the time of the alleged crimes, and two are now deceased.

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

If convicted in court, 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 FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Reilander.

Marshall is currently wanted by authorities, anybody with information, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324).

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SOUTH BEND – Bernard Pinkerton, 27 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Pinkerton was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 1 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, on June 23, 2018, Pinkerton was driving a stolen car with a friend; in the vehicle was marijuana, a scale, plastic baggies, $1,100 cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen. Pinkerton was initially charged federally by compliant.  Pinkerton confessed to possessing the gun and drugs.  He had prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois involving drugs and a firearm.

This case was part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.  The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.   

This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND – Julio Sanchez, 48 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

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

According to documents in the case, Mr. Sanchez was being investigated by the Indiana State Police (ISP) for methamphetamine dealing. When the ISP determined that Mr. Sanchez was staying at a South Bend hotel, they conducted surveillance on the hotel.  They had a warrant for his arrest on other charges.  When he arrived on January 3, 2018, ISP arrested Sanchez and later obtained search warrants for his car and hotel room.  Officers found approximately 1.1 grams of heroin and approximately 15 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine.  Along with this heroin and methamphetamine, Sanchez also had over $1000 in cash, some pills, and smoking pipes and a loaded 9mm handgun in his car.  Sanchez had previously been convicted of at least one prior felony, including criminal mischief in 2006 in the St. Joseph County Superior Court in Indiana.

This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Indiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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HAMMOND- Carlos Rodriguez, 41, of Hobart, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “When individuals promote the illegal use of drugs in our communities, those criminals will be held accountable for their actions. We will continue to partner with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies to vigorously investigate and prosecute these crimes that seek to destroy our communities."

The criminal complaint alleges that on December 4, 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s vehicles and Hobart residence.  Rodriguez was arrested and approximately 130 gross grams of heroin and 330 gross grams of cocaine were recovered during the search.  In addition, ten firearms, including two firearms with obliterated serial numbers, were recovered.  Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior federal felony conviction for distribution of narcotics in the Northern District of Indiana and his prior felony conviction for manufacturing / delivery of cocaine in Illinois.

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 FBI’s Gang Response Investigative Team, the ATF and the Hobart Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

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SOUTH BEND – Anthony Francis, 20 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Francis was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, on August 30, 2017, Francis along with his co-defendant Brian Cardona distributed 198 grams of methamphetamine to another individual.  During the transaction, the defendants discussed providing much larger quantities of drugs and firearms.  Francis was on community corrections when he and Cardona sold the methamphetamine.  On July 5, 2018, Cardona was sentenced to 78 months incarceration for his criminal conduct. 

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the DEA, South Bend Police Department and the Elkhart Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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