Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hammond has returned a 2-count indictment against Charles Stroud, age 73, of Hammond, Indiana.

According to the indictment, between January 2015 and August 2016, Stroud received child pornography. On or about August 2016, Stroud was also found in possession of child pornography.

If you have any information about Stroud’s activities involving children, please contact Task Force Officer Jones at the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 219-942-4900.

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 is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Tyquane Lamar Stewart, age 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced on July 21, 2017, before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for the federal crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Stewart was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 16, 2016, Stewart possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of attempted robbery, a class C felony, in December of 2010 before Allen Superior Court.

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

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Tyrone Miller, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, after a two-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller.

According to documents filed in this case, in February 2017, Tyrone Miller was in possession of a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine. Miller was previously convicted of a felony offense in St. Joseph County.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Frank E. Schaffer.

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HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that a federal grand jury returned a ten -count indictment against Fort Wayne physician Dr. James E. Ranochak and two Fort Wayne area pharmacists, Brent A. Losier and Charles N. Ringger.

The indictment charges Ranochak, Losier and Ringger with conspiring to illegally distribute and dispense controlled substances (Methadone, Hydrocodone and Testosterone) outside the scope of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose. The three defendants also face eight separate counts of distributing and dispensing controlled substances to specific patients outside the scope of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose. Finally, all three defendants are charged in a health care fraud conspiracy aimed at defrauding the Indiana Medicaid program through the submission of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary drugs and non-emergency supplies of controlled drugs issued to patients without the patients actually being seen by a physician.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane L. Berkowitz.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that, Eddie Martin, Jr., age 18, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for robbery under the Hobbs Act along with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Martin was sentenced to 125 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $1,586 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 19, 2016, Martin took U.S. currency from an employee of Pizza by Vito’s using physical force and violence and the threatened use of force, violence and the fear of injury and in doing so brandished a firearm.

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

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HAMMOND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Mauricio Portes, age 49, of East Chicago, Indiana was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine after a three-day jury trial before United States District Court Philip P. Simon.

According to documents filed in this case, Mauricio Portes was part of a conspiracy that was distributing cocaine within the Northern District between January 1, 2015 and May 28, 2015.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath and Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Willard Quinn, 42, of Wakarusa, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Quinn was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on July 28, 2016, Quinn was pulled over in a vehicle stop. There was a loaded firearm under the front passenger seat and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Quinn has multiple felony convictions.

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

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Stephan Davis, age 30, of Waterloo, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Davis was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on or about May 20, 2016, Davis possessed a .40 caliber firearm and eight rounds of ammunition in Kendallville, Indiana after having prior felony convictions in Dekalb County, Indiana.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Kendallville Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Jeffrey Wilson, 29, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for bank robbery.

Wilson was sentenced to 125 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on November 16, 2016, Wilson and two accomplices robbed a bank in Mishawaka. Wearing masks and gloves, they used a rifle and a handgun to threaten both bank employees and customers while they stuffed cash into backpacks. Police caught the robbers at a house in Elkhart a short time later. One of the accomplices, Lamont Hawkins, was already sentenced in May, 2017 to 117 months imprisonment for his role in this robbery. The other accomplice, David Woods, has pled guilty and is currently scheduled for sentencing on August 2.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced federal drug conspiracy charges against 20 individuals all residing in Gary, Indiana. Named in the indictment are:

• • Antonio Walton, a/k/a “Buck”, age 40 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Yahtzee Harris, a/k/a “Black”, age 38 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm

    • 1 count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime

    • 5 counts of distribution of crack cocaine

  • Claude Tate, age 49 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 2 counts of distribution of crack cocaine

  • Dujuana Dubose, age 44 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of distribution of crack cocaine

  • John Tyson, age 55 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of distribution of crack cocaine

  • Kevin Hatter, age 28 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of distribution of crack cocaine

  • Christopher Green, a/k/a “Unc”, age 43 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm

    • 1 count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime

  • Telisha French, a/k/a “TiTi”, age 43 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Keana Porter, age 33 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime

  • Janice Walton, age 66 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

  • Ben Hickman, Jr, age 46 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

  • Charles Gould, a/k/a “Mooney”, age 34 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Courtney Crouch, age 23 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • David Mackey, age 43 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Emmanuel French, a/k/a “E”, age 30 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Leroy Elmore, age 64 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Richard Smith, age 45 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Robert Blue, age 51 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

  • Rosalind Cherry, age 62 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

    • 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

  • Termaine Ervin, age 33 was charged with:

    • 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine

According to documents in this case, the above individuals were charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. In addition to the conspiracy charges, some were charged with a substantive charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and firearms violations. Four firearms were seized as a result of these arrests. This indictment is part of the ongoing effort by local and federal law enforcement to remove criminal organizations from the streets of northwest Indiana.

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 is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of Gary and Hobart Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Mahoney.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Michael R. Bennett, 47, of Oxford, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon for wire fraud.

Judge Philip P. Simon sentenced Bennett to 15 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Bennett was President of the United Auto Workers Local 2317. He used his position as President to embezzle and steal more than $100,000 dollars from the Union over a five-year period.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua P. Kolar.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Erin Clowser, age 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged via a federal criminal complaint with theft of US Mail, access device fraud and aggravate identity theft.

The criminal complaint alleges that on or about November 2016, the United States Postal Inspection Service began receiving complaints of mail theft from the 46845 zip code area. Clowser allegedly, took both mail that was delivered before it could be picked up by the respective owners and mail that was outgoing in boxes with the flags up before it could be picked up by postal carriers. Once the mail was taken, Clowser allegedly converted stolen checks for her own personal use. Clowser allegedly obtained a debit card belonging to another individual, and from March 2017 through April 2017, used that debit card to make unauthorized purchases and ATM withdrawals totaling over $50,000.

Clowser is scheduled for an initial appearance on these charges today before a United States District Court Magistrate Judge. .

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

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

These charges result from a joint investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

Any individuals or businesses located within the 46845 zip code that suspect that their mail may have stolen between November 2016 and April 2017 are urged to report such information to the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or the FBI at 317-595-4000.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Christopher Pierce, 24, and Harold Jones, 20, both of Chicago, Illinois were sentenced before District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody for the passing of counterfeit securities.

Pierce was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. Jones was sentenced to time served (113 days) followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, beginning in December 2015 and continuing through spring of 2016, Pierce and Jones passed currency manufactured by Pierce four to five times a week. Pierce utilized a color scanner and printer to create counterfeit currency on linen paper. Pierce manufactured the counterfeit currency in $5, $10, and $20 denominations, because he felt they were less likely to be detected. The defendants used the counterfeit currency to make numerous daily small purchases at fast food restaurants, gas stations, and “mom and pop” neighborhood businesses so they could obtain legitimate change in return. According to documents in the case, the two allegedly made up to $250 in legitimate United States’ currency per day before they were caught.

United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge John Koleno, Chicago Field Office stated, “This is one of many cases that are investigated daily with the help of state and local law enforcement. Businesses that handle cash are encouraged to go to www.uscurrency.gov to learn the security features of United States currency.”

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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An East Chicago, Indiana man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison on a firearms charge related to the activity of a street gang known as the Two Six Nation. Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.

Julio Ivan Cartagena Jr, 22, pleaded guilty on March 22, to Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence for his role in a car chase and shooting on Aug. 31, 2013. The uncontested facts proffered at Cartagena’s guilty plea hearing showed that on that evening, Cartagena’s stepbrother had been denied admission to a party in Hammond by members of a rival street gang. Responding to a call for assistance from his stepbrother, Cartagena and another individual joined the stepbrother and a fourth individual in a car. Possessing two handguns, Cartagena and the other occupants drove back to the location of the party, where they saw individuals believed to be members of the rival gang getting into a car. Cartagena and the other occupants of the first vehicle followed that car, shooting at the rival gang members as they went. Shots fired from the car in which Cartagena was riding hit the rival gang members’ vehicle, striking one occupant in a finger. Several shots also went wide, penetrating the house of a Hammond Police Department officer who lived in the neighborhood.

Cartagena was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 10 years in prison and to a two year term of supervised release.

The FBI Gang Response Investigative Team; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Hammond Police Department; and the Lake County Police Department investigated the case. They were assisted by the East Chicago Police Department and the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorneys Andrew L. Creighton and Robert Tully of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

WASHINGTON – An East Chicago, Indiana man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison on a firearms charge related to the activity of a street gang known as the Two Six Nation. Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.

Julio Ivan Cartagena Jr, 22, pleaded guilty on March 22, to Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence for his role in a car chase and shooting on Aug. 31, 2013. The uncontested facts proffered at Cartagena’s guilty plea hearing showed that on that evening, Cartagena’s stepbrother had been denied admission to a party in Hammond by members of a rival street gang. Responding to a call for assistance from his stepbrother, Cartagena and another individual joined the stepbrother and a fourth individual in a car. Possessing two handguns, Cartagena and the other occupants drove back to the location of the party, where they saw individuals believed to be members of the rival gang getting into a car. Cartagena and the other occupants of the first vehicle followed that car, shooting at the rival gang members as they went. Shots fired from the car in which Cartagena was riding hit the rival gang members’ vehicle, striking one occupant in a finger. Several shots also went wide, penetrating the house of a Hammond Police Department officer who lived in the neighborhood.

Cartagena was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 10 years in prison and to a 2 year term of supervised release.

The FBI Gang Response Investigative Team; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Hammond Police Department; and the Lake County Police Department investigated the case. They were assisted by the East Chicago Police Department and the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorneys Andrew L. Creighton and Robert Tully of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

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HAMMOND – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Adam Russell Hegyi, age 30, of Crown Point, Indiana was charged with transferring obscenity to a person under 16 and online stalking.

The complaint alleges that between on or about January 1, 2015 and June 2, 2017, Hegyi used a variety of social media applications to communicate with a minor child beginning when she was 12 years old. Through these applications, Hegyi sent photos of his genitals and coerced the child to send nude photos to him. Thereafter, Heygi caused the minor to take additional photos by threatening to release the photos she had already sent online.

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

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

This complaint results from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in both Merrillville, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina, with the assistance of the Gary and Hammond Police Departments, the Indiana State Police, the Lake County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department and the Rowan County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that, on May 30, 2017, Gregory Broadnax, 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Broadnax was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on August 27, 2016, the South Bend Police Department responded to a complaint of an individual sleeping in a vehicle. When approaching the vehicle, the officers saw a firearm next to the occupant of the vehicle. The occupant was identified as Gregory Broadnax who was on supervised release for a prior felony drug conviction.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Larry Norton, age 66, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, after a six-day jury trial, before United States District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann.

According to documents filed in this case, Norton and four other individuals conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 1 kilogram of heroin along with over 5 kilograms of cocaine in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere between October 2014 and January 2015. The other four defendants named in the indictment previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force which includes the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey Speith.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Terry Kilburn, 34, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Kilburn was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on the morning of February 22, 2015 Merrillville Police responded to a dispatch regarding a male shooting a shotgun in the yard of a residence in Merrillville, Indiana. Police responded to the residence of Kilburn and recovered a sawed off shotgun -- measuring approximately 14.5 inches. Twenty four (24) shotgun shells and a few spent shells were recovered. When interviewed by law enforcement, Kilburn stated that he had purchased the firearm a week before the incident in the sawed off condition. Kilburn has a prior felony conviction for theft through Lake County, Indiana in 2013.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Merrillville Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter.

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Rodoundy Smith, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, after a two-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr.

According to documents filed in this case, on or about January 4, 2017, Smith possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony offense. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2017 at 1:15 p.m.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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An Indiana man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana for conspiracy to defraud the United States, attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws, and aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana.

According to the indictment, John Newlin owned and operated Quick Sam Tax Service in Gary, Indiana.  The indictment alleges that from approximately August 2008 through January 2012, Newlin trained, coached, and encouraged his employees to prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent tax returns for taxpayer clients.  Those returns allegedly contained false business income and expenses and false claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit, thereby generating IRS refunds to which the clients were not entitled.  The indictment further charges that after the IRS suspended his electronic filing privileges, Newlin contracted with another individual in Georgia to transmit and file returns for Quick Sam using that individual’s tax preparer number. 

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed.  Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Newlin face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, three years in prison for attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws and three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.  Newlin also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. 

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

WASHINGTON – An Indiana man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana for conspiracy to defraud the United States, attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws, and aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana.

According to the indictment, John Newlin owned and operated Quick Sam Tax Service in Gary, Indiana. The indictment alleges that from approximately August 2008 through January 2012, Newlin trained, coached, and encouraged his employees to prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent tax returns for taxpayer clients. Those returns allegedly contained false business income and expenses and false claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit, thereby generating IRS refunds to which the clients were not entitled. The indictment further charges that after the IRS suspended his electronic filing privileges, Newlin contracted with another individual in Georgia to transmit and file returns for Quick Sam using that individual’s tax preparer number.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Newlin face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, three years in prison for attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws and three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Newlin also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Lamont Hawkins, 21, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for bank robbery.

Hawkins was sentenced to 117 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on November 16, 2016, Hawkins and two accomplices robbed a bank in Mishawaka. Wearing masks and gloves, they used a rifle and a handgun to threaten the victims while they stuffed cash into backpacks. Police caught them at a house in Elkhart a short time later. The two accomplices, Jeffery Wilson, 29, and David Woods, 30, both of Elkhart have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Johnny Clay Amos, 52, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon for production of child pornography.

Amos was sentenced to 275 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, between July 2014 and January 2016, Amos paid individuals in the Philippines to provide minor children to perform sex shows via live-streaming webcam. During this time, Amos made more than 100 money transfers to the Philippines and, on at least ten separate occasions, induced young females to engage in sexually explicit conduct over the internet. On March 18, 2016, a search warrant was executed on Amos’s residence where over 800 videos and images of child pornography were found.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Marlon Cole, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Fort Wayne District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

Cole was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on July 21, 2016 Cole was in possession with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

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 U.S. Attorney Stacey Speith.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Lorenzo Carlos Pfeifer, 33, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Pfeifer was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on November 17, 2016, Lorenzo Carlos Pfeifer was the passenger of a vehicle whose driver led the police on a vehicle chase. During that chase, Pfeifer threw a 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun out of the car’s window, which was later recovered by police. After the vehicle came to a stop, Pfeifer fled on foot into an apartment unit in an apartment complex. Pfeifer eventually exited the apartment and surrendered himself to police.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Willard Abatie, 64, of Chesterton, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.

Abatie was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on approximately ten occasions between March and December 2014, Abatie coerced a 12-year-old girl to perform sex acts with him. Abatie gained access to the girl by agreeing to help the girl’s mother facilitate a money laundering scheme. Abatie made money transfers for the mother in exchange for sexual contact with the minor.

This case was investigated by the United States Department Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Hammond and East Chicago Police Departments. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Freddie L. Church, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for a Hobbs Act Robbery and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

Church was sentenced to a total of 170 months imprisonment and a term of supervised release of 2 years.

According to documents in this case, law enforcement officers learned of a plot to rob a bank and were able to prevent the armed robbery from occurring. Church was a leader of a robbery crew which included three other men and a woman. The group planned to rob the Marion credit union at gunpoint and restrain employees and customers in the process, but the suspects were instead arrested.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The task force was also assisted by the Marion Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Booker T. Sanders, Jr, 25, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Sanders was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on July 11, 2016, Sanders possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Police discovered him with a handgun when responding to a reported domestic altercation in Michigan City.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Robert E. Stochel, age 64, of Crown Point, Indiana was convicted of mail fraud, after a three-day jury trial before District Court Senior Judge Rudy Lozano.

According to documents filed in this case, Stochel, a local attorney, and former Tip Top Supermarket receiver was convicted on a charge of mail fraud relating to a scheme he operated from 2001 to June 2012 against the Tip Top Receivership estate. In his capacity as receiver, Stochel stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the receivership and then attempted to hide that theft from not only the court that appointed him receiver but also from the receivership’s beneficiaries.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz, Alexandra McTague and Maria Lerner.

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An indictment against an Indiana mother and son charging them with conspiracy and filing fraudulent tax refund claims was unsealed today, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. A federal grand jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana returned the indictment on April 21.

According to the indictment, from approximately 2010 through 2014, Tracie Lynne Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin conspired to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent refund claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment charges that Ellis and Franklin created the Tracie Lynne Ellis Trust and the Terrell Sir Williams Franklin Trust, neither of which had a business purpose. Ellis and Franklin allegedly filed fraudulent returns with the IRS in the names of these trusts and sought refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the IRS paid out one of the fraudulent refund claims totaling approximately $156,248. to the indictment, Ellis and Franklin deposited this money into a bank account and withdrew the funds over a seven-month period.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Ellis and Franklin face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and five years in prison for each of the false claim counts. Ellis and Franklin also face periods of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

WASHINGTON – An indictment against an Indiana mother and son charging them with conspiracy and filing fraudulent tax refund claims was unsealed today, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. A federal grand jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana returned the indictment on April 21.

According to the indictment, from approximately 2010 through 2014, Tracie Lynne Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin conspired to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent refund claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment charges that Ellis and Franklin created the Tracie Lynne Ellis Trust and the Terrell Sir Williams Franklin Trust, neither of which had a business purpose. Ellis and Franklin allegedly filed fraudulent returns with the IRS in the names of these trusts and sought refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the IRS paid out one of the fraudulent refund claims totaling approximately $156,248. to the indictment, Ellis and Franklin deposited this money into a bank account and withdrew the funds over a seven-month period.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Ellis and Franklin face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and five years in prison for each of the false claim counts. Ellis and Franklin also face periods of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

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HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced an indictment charging Ashley D. Dunlap, 54, of East Chicago, Indiana with two counts of uttering a counterfeit security.

The indictment alleges, in July 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved federal funding for building renovations at the Delaney and Dorie Miller public housing projects operated by Gary Housing Authority (GHA). Dunlap’s construction company was awarded the project, worth $347,500. The successful bidder was required to provide a surety. Dunlap purported to provide the surety – in the form a 20% cash escrow – to GHA on or about September 3, 2013 with two counterfeit instruments purporting to be Chase Bank cashier’s checks in the amounts of $20,000 and $49,600.

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 indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner and Abizer Zanzi.

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HAMMOND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson announced that Mark Nagel, 37, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Rudy Lozano after pleading guilty to two counts of producing child pornography.

Nagel was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, in September 2015, Nagel met a 17-year old girl via an online dating site and subsequently persuaded her to send him sexually explicit videos and photos of herself. In February 2016, Nagel met a 13-year old girl via the same website and engaged in a sexual relationship with her, during which he engaged in sex acts and took sexually explicit videos and photos of the girl.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana State Police. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that Eric M. Dillon, 28, of Gary, Indiana entered a plea of guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of causing death during a crime of violence before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon. This plea was accepted by the court.

On January 20, 2016, at approximately 4:30 am, Dillon entered the 7-Eleven store at 6031 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, Indiana with a handgun, demanded money, and shot and killed the clerk, Roger Unton, 60, of Blue Island, Illinois.

The sentencing in this case is scheduled to occur on August 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Jennifer Chang.

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HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Leroy Robinson, 39, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Rudy Lozano for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Robinson was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Robinson possessed two firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number, on July 28, 2016 after being convicted in an Armed Robbery Case in Cook County, Illinois.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Hammond Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Johnny Jones, age 39, of Benton Harbor, Michigan was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, after a three-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. Mr. Jones was acquitted of a firearms count from the indictment.

According to documents filed in this case, Mr. Jones and two other individuals from Benton Harbor conspired to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere between May and August, 2016. The other two defendants named in the indictment had previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2017, at 1:30pm.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Joseph County Police Department and Benton Harbor Police. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Angela Young, 45, of Lynwood, Illinois was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for one count of conspiracy to commit identity fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of knowingly disclosing HIPPA information and one count of unlawful use of social security numbers.

Young was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $64,791.74 in restitution.

According to documents in this case, between June 2007 and continuing through October 2009, Young was employed at a medical facility located in Illinois and was authorized to have access to a patient’s individually identifiable health information and other personal identifying information (PHI/PII). As an employee of the medical facility, Young had access to the names, dates of birth, social security account numbers (SSNs), drivers’ licenses, health insurance cards, credit cards, checking accounts, and billing statements of the patients and their representatives, i.e. individuals who made payments on behalf of the patients at the medical facility. She used her position to take various patients (PHI/PII) without the knowledge, authority, or permission of the patients and their representatives or the medical facility. She then disclosed the PHI/PII to her co-defendant who used the information to open credit card accounts in the names of the patients and their representatives without their knowledge.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toi Houston.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced a variety of drug and firearms charges in a 12 count Indictment. Named in the indictment are: Keith Miller, of Albion, Indiana; Brock Shellman, of Albion, Indiana and; Derek Jordan, of Wolcottville, Indiana.

The indictment alleges that Miller and Shellman were involved in a conspiracy to possess a large amount of methamphetamine intended for distribution, as well as the attempt to possess a large amount of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment also alleges several instances of methamphetamine trafficking by Miller, firearms offenses by Keith Miller and Derek Jordan, and that Keith Miller was using his residence to engage in narcotics trafficking.

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 indictment results from a long- term multi-agency investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in Fort Wayne, which includes personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Also participating in this investigation was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Lonnie Lewis, Jr., 22, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after entering a guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Lewis was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and 2 year supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on September 9, 2016, police attempted to perform a traffic stop on Lewis. Instead of submitting, Lewis fled in a vehicle at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour. While fleeing, Lewis tossed a loaded gun and drugs out of the window. Police arrested the defendant after his car hit a tree. After being arrested, Lewis tried to enlist others to retrieve his gun and drugs from the route of pursuit. In August of 2015 Lewis was convicted of dealing cocaine, a level 4 felony offense in LaPorte Superior Court.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Isaiah Deonte Jovan Beavers, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after entering a guilty plea for making a threat using the internet and sending a communication that contained a threat.

Beavers was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, Beavers made a series of postings on social media referencing a rally scheduled in South Bend on July 9, 2016. There were a series of posts made by Beavers on July 7, 2016 with him stating he would attend a rally with bottles that had gasoline in them. The posts also include images of a gun, flames and buildings where Beavers added “lets burn this b**ch down”. Beavers also transmitted an electronic communication that contained a threat to injure another person and knew it would be viewed as a threat. He specifically posted an image of a person who appeared to be wearing a riot helmet and face shield. A hand is holding a revolver and material can be seen in the image blowing out of the back of the person’s head. The image said, “Speak to Cops in a Language They Understand”. Beavers was arrested before the rally took place and has been detained since his arrest.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the South Bend Police Department; the St. Joseph County Police Department; and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Christian D. Shelton, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann to a total of 240 months imprisonment and a term of supervised release of 2 years.

On June 4, 2015, at the conclusion of his jury trial, the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all three counts of the Indictment for violations of maintaining a drug involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to documents in this case, from October 26, 2012, through November 19, 2012, Shelton maintained a premises for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using controlled substances. On November 19, 2012, he knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of maintaining a drug involved premises, and on that same date he knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of felony offenses on July 21, 2003.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Fernando Guapo Garcia, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following his guilty plea to count one of the indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Garcia was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, from April 28, 2016 through August 9, 2016 Garcia conspired with other persons to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances to include over 500 grams of cocaine and heroin.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force consisting of officers/agents from the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division.   This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Kenneth Frierson, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following his guilty plea to count two of the indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Frierson was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Frierson possessed a firearm between April 12 and 18, 2016 after being a convicted felon, that conviction being a prior felony conviction in Allen County Superior Court, Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 28, 2011 for dealing Marijuana.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Elizabeth Heckathorne, 39, of Garrett, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following her plea of guilty to a single count of social security fraud.

Heckathorne was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $71,410 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.

This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

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The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Clifford D. Johnson is now the Acting United States Attorney.

The Vacancies Reform Act (VRA), 5 U.S.C. § 3345(a)(1), provides that when a presidentially appointed U. S. Attorney resigns, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney (“FAUSA”) of that office automatically becomes Acting U.S. Attorney. As a result of David J. Capp’s resignation, Clifford D. Johnson is now the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

Mr. Johnson has held the FAUSA position since August 2007. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s office as a Civil Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) in January 1986. Before becoming the FAUSA, he was the office’s Civil Division Chief. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, from August 1980 until December 1985, he was employed as a trial attorney in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. He earned his B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in May 1976 and his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Valparaiso University School of Law in May 1980.

The office looks forward to continued cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in our joint effort to promote public safety throughout the Northern District of Indiana.

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HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that David Capp has submitted his resignation as United States Attorney as requested by the President.

Capp stated: After 31 years at the United States Attorney’s office I have submitted my resignation as United States Attorney. I had advised my office last summer that it was my plan to retire in 2017. I had been looking toward a June retirement, so this is just a few months earlier.

It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve all these years. The work we do in the United States Attorney’s Office has such an important positive impact on the citizens of northern Indiana. I want to thank the men and women of the USAO for their dedication and professionalism, day-in and day-out. They are the people that do the hard work!

Some years ago I spoke one evening at a church in Gary. We had just made some arrests and closed down a drug operation in the neighborhood the church served. Afterwards a gentleman came up to me, shook my hand, thanked me for our efforts and told me “now my grandchildren can play in the yard again.” That has always stuck with me and kept me focused on what our work is really about. I hope that I have played a part in making more yards in the Northern District of Indiana safe for “grandchildren to play in.”

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SOUTH BEND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced 2 separate indictments charging three individuals for involvement in the movement of stolen firearms in Fulton and Wabash Counties. Named in the indictments are:

• Indictment One

  • Robert M. Hoy, 21, of North Manchester, Indiana

    • One count of stealing firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)

  • Jose Rogelio Vera-Diaz aka Rogelio Diaz, 21, of Mexico

    • One count of stealing firearms from a FFL

       

• Indictment Two

  • Charles M. Hammer, 30, of North Manchester, Indiana

    • One count of felon in possession of a firearm

       

According to documents in this case, on November 20, 2016, Hoy and Diaz stole one or more firearms from the Sand Burr Gun Ranch, which is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms. In November and December of 2016, Hammer possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense.

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 investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the North Manchester Police Department and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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SOUTH BEND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced an indictment charging Mason France, 19, of Winona Lake, Indiana with one count of possession of stolen firearms, one count of possession of a firearm while under felony Information and one count of selling a firearm to a juvenile.

According to documents in this case, on December of 2016, France received one or more firearms while pending a felony Information, and in December of 2016 and January of 2017 he possessed stolen firearms. In January of 2017, France sold a handgun to a juvenile.

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 investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the North Manchester Police Department and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced today that Brendan Theodore Coetzee, 29, of Johannesburg, South Africa was sentenced before District Court Judge Rudy Lozano for using interstate communications to illicit sexual conduct from a minor.

Coetzee was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.

According to documents filed in the case, Coetzee, a former carnival worker, met a female under the age of 14 at a carnival in Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend 2015. Coetzee and the minor maintained some contact thereafter via social media. On June 22, 2015, Coetzee, who was then in Northwest Indiana, arranged for the minor to meet him at a motel in Lansing, Illinois, where he had sexual intercourse with the minor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Lansing, Illinois and Munster, Indiana Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi D. Houston.

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