Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Michael Nash, 40, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced today for conspiracy to defraud the United States in respect to filing false federal tax returns claims and aggravated identity theft.

Nash was sentenced to 6 years (72 months) imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $739,305.00 in restitution.

According to documents filed in this case, Nash filed almost 200 false tax returns for the year 2009 by claiming a larger earned income credit for his clients.  This caused the IRS to issue larger refunds than should have been paid.  Nash then prepared 87 tax returns for the year 2008 using many of his clients’ personal information without their knowledge.  Nash defrauded the IRS in the total amount of $739,305.00.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.

# # #

 

 

 

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against the corporate owner and agent of the Gentle Manor Estates, a 173-lot mobile home park located in Crown Point, Indiana, for discriminating against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, alleges that Gentle Manor Estates, LLC and John Townsend, the corporate owner and agent, respectively, of the Gentle Manor Estates, violated the Fair Housing Act by maintaining and enforcing a discriminatory policy of refusing to allow families with children to live at the mobile home park.  The allegations are based on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Program, in which individuals pose as renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.

“For over 25 years, the Fair Housing Act has prohibited housing providers from discriminating against families with children,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue its vigorous enforcement of the Fair Housing Act to ensure that families with children have equal access to housing opportunities.”

The lawsuit seeks an order prohibiting the defendants from engaging in future unlawful discrimination.  It also seeks the payment of a civil penalty and monetary damages for the individuals who were refused the opportunity to rent at Gentle Manor Estates because of familial status.

Individuals who may have information related to this lawsuit should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 9994, or e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt.

The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct.  The allegations must still be proven in federal court.

###

15-XXX

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that James Dean Garcia, Jr, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced today, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.            Garcia was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and two years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on September 6, 2014, Garcia was driving an SUV near the intersection of Calvert and Prospect Streets in South Bend when he fired several rounds from his vehicle.  Officers responded to the call of shots fired and were on the scene when the suspected vehicle was traveling towards them at a high rate of speed.  Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver, James Dean Garcia, Jr.  Officers learned Garcia had a suspended license.  During the process of asking Garcia to step out of the vehicle, officers saw a spent shell casing on the driver’s seat.  All occupants were removed from the vehicle and a firearm was discovered in the center console of the vehicle.  Garcia admitted possessing and shooting the firearm saying that he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone but had done “something stupid.”  Mr. Garcia has a lengthy criminal history which includes a prior felony conviction for a firearm offense.

            In May of 2014, local police, prosecutors, the Clergy, members of the community, and social services began to work together to decrease gun violence in our streets by implementing the South Bend Group Violence Intervention (SBGVI) strategy. http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/government/content/south-bend-group-violence-intervention .   On August 28, 2014, several members of the community believed to be members of groups most likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence were invited to attend the SBGVI Call-In.  The SBGVI Call-In is a component of the SBGVI Strategy at which attendees are asked to spread the message that shooting will not be tolerated.   The Call-In included a presentation describing a vast array of social services and community organizations available for anyone needing assistance to leave a violent lifestyle.  Attendees were given two warnings: (1) that the next member of a represented group to shoot someone would cause the entire group to face strict scrutiny from law enforcement and; (2) that law enforcement would continue its normal efforts to prosecution crimes against individual group members even when those groups were not the focus of heightened law enforcement attention.  Mr. Garcia attended the SBGVI Call-In on August 28, 2014.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms along with the South Bend Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.

# # #

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that South Bend, Indiana, Police Department Officer Theodore Robert, 40, has been charged with a criminal civil rights violation for allegedly assaulting and injuring an arrestee at the St. Joseph County Jail.  The incident at the jail occurred on May 30, 2010.

According to the indictment, South Bend Police Officer Theodore Robert, while acting under the color of law, willfully deprived G.H., an arrestee, of the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.  This includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a person acting under color of law.  Specifically, Officer Robert assaulted G.H., resulting in bodily injury to G.H.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division enforces a federal provision regarding deprivation of rights under color of law.This provision makes it a crime for a person acting as a law enforcement officer to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

The investigation by the South Bend Resident Agency of the FBI is ongoing.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen Curran and Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

###

15-620

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Luis Pecina, 34, of Phoenix, AZ, was sentenced today for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Percina was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, police stopped Pecina’s vehicle in the 3800 block of 179th Street, Hammond, Indiana on November 14, 2013. Officers searched the vehicle and found more than three hundred grams of methamphetamine.  After waiving his rights, Percina admitted to officers that the methamphetamine was his and that his intent was to sell the methamphetamine to another individual.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

# # #

 

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Jason Medina, 31, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced today to 325 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for conspiracy to participate in racketeering and attempted murder in furtherance of racketeering.

Jason Medina aka “Burns” a member of the Imperial Gangsters Street Gang was part of a 24-defendant indictment alleging that members of the gang committed 13 homicides in East Chicago, Hammond and Gary, Indiana.  The indictment charged a decade-long racketeering conspiracy that involved 19 additional attempted murders and large scale distribution of cocaine and marijuana.

On January 14, 2015, Medina plead guilty to a conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.  Medina’s involvement in this RICO conspiracy included committing the first degree murder of Guadalupe Trevino.  This murder occurred on July 24, 2005 in Gary, Indiana.  In addition to pleading guilty to the Trevino murder, Medina also pled guilty to an attempted murder in furtherance of racketeering activity that occurred on June 6, 2011.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the East Chicago Police Department, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

# # #

Daniel T. Eckstrom, 32, of Lake Station, Indiana, was sentenced to 240 years of imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release for his nine criminal convictions for production, distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney David Capp for the Northern District of Indiana. 

According to documents filed in the case, on Jan. 17, 2014, Eckstrom pleaded guilty to seven charges of producing child pornography, one charge of distributing child pornography and one charge of possessing child pornography. 

The production of child pornography charges were based on Eckstrom’s capturing of thousands of images and hundreds of videos depicting three minor female victims under the age of 12 being caused to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  One victim was sexually abused by Eckstrom over a period of five years.  The court found that Eckstrom had used force to cause her to engage in sexual acts and also used threats of violence.  Based on the evidence of child pornography production presented at sentencing, the court concluded that Eckstrom was a repeat and dangerous sex offender and sentenced him to consecutive terms of 30 years on each of the seven production of child pornography charges. 

On the distribution of child pornography charge, the evidence presented at sentencing established that Eckstrom distributed depictions of two of his victims to others.  As a result, over 600 depictions of one victim have been found in seven investigations in six different U.S. states and over 10,000 depictions of another have been found in 77 investigations in 29 different states.  Eckstrom received a 20 year sentence for his distribution of child pornography charge and another 10 years for possession of child pornography, both consecutive to each other and consecutive to the production charges.

The investigation in this case began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) out of Salt Lake City, Utah, located an individual suspected of producing child pornography in Sandy, Utah and distributing the material via an email account.  Upon further investigation, that target was found to be trading depictions, including depictions produced by Eckstrom, with another target out of Syracuse, New York.  When the material was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an investigator with that agency helped identify Eckstrom.  Once Eckstrom was located in northwest Indiana, local agents with HSI obtained a federal warrant to search his residence.   

This case was a culmination of the great work that can be accomplished from outstanding coordination between various law enforcement agencies around the country to identify and bring serial child sexual abusers to justice.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster. 

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Daniel T. Eckstrom, 32, of Lake Station, Indiana, was sentenced today to 240 years (2,880 months) of imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release for his nine criminal convictions for Production, Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography. 

According to documents filed in the case, on January 17, 2014, Eckstrom pled guilty to seven charges of producing child pornography, one charge of distributing child pornography and one charge of possessing child pornography.

The production of child pornography charges were based on Eckstrom’s capturing of thousands of images and hundreds of videos depicting three minor female victims under the age of 12 being caused to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  One victim was sexually abused by Eckstrom over a period of 5 years.  The court found that Eckstrom had used force to cause her to engage in sexual acts, and also used threats of violence.    Based on the evidence of child pornography production presented at sentencing, the court concluded that Eckstrom was a repeat and dangerous sex offender and sentenced him to consecutive terms of 360 months (30 years) on each of the seven production of child pornography charges.

On the distribution of child pornography charge, the evidence presented at sentencing established that Eckstrom distributed depictions of two of his victims to others.  As a result, over 600 depictions of one victim have been found in 7 investigations in 6 different U.S. states, and over 10,000 depictions of another have been found in 77 investigations in 29 different states. Eckstrom received a 240 month (20 year) sentence for his distribution of child pornography charge, and another 120 months (10 years) for possession of child pornography, both consecutive to each other and consecutive to the production charges.

The investigation in this case began when Homeland Security Investigations out of Salt Lake City, UT located an individual suspected of producing child pornography in Sandy, UT and distributing the material via an email account.  Upon further investigation, that target was found to be trading depictions, including depictions produced by Eckstrom, with another target out of Syracuse, NY.  When the material was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an investigator with that agency helped identify Eckstrom.  Once Eckstrom was located in northwest Indiana, local agents with Homeland Security Investigations obtained a federal warrant to search his residence. 

This case was a culmination of the great work that can be accomplished from outstanding coordination between various law enforcement agencies around the country to identify and bring serial child sexual abusers to justice.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

 

# # #

 

South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS:

Michael Spurgeon, 46, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly manufacturing marijuana. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.Sentencing has been set for 2/10/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Gary Franklin, 46, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally receiving, possessing, concealing, selling, or disposing of stolen vehicles that had crossed state lines after being stolen. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.Sentencing has been set for 2/12/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
 

Richard Maxson, 26, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally receiving, possessing, concealing, selling, or disposing of stolen vehicles that had crossed state lines after being stolen. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.Sentencing has been set for 2/12/2014. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Tad Vandermark, 52, of Syracuse, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of production of child pornography. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Sentencing has been set for 2/6/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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.

 

DISPOSITIONS:

Paul Page, 49, of Indianapolis, Indiana, a defendant in the case US V Bales et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr to 2 years’ probation and to pay $10,000 in fines after pleading guilty to the felony offense of scheming to commit wire fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Page devised a scheme to defraud a bank.When Page learned he needed to make a significant down payment to get a mortgage on a building he intended to buy and rent out to the State of Indiana, another person loaned him the money. Mr. Page promised to repay the loan out of the proceeds when he sold the building. Page knew that banks would require a disclosure of competing loans on a piece of property, and knew how to avoid disclosing this information to the bank. Page “spun” the ownership issue with the bank, and then signed false documents and false certifications.Page failed to inform the bank that a third party had loaned him the down payment in papers Page completed for the mortgage loan. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Thomas Touhey, 56, of Walkerton, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 20 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of unlawful transport of firearms.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement was investigating complaints of drug trafficking from Touhey’s home as well as two active warrants for Touhey’s failure to register as a sex offender. Officers discovered marijuana and related paraphernalia.Officers also found a loaded shotgun on the premises. Touhey has a prior felony conviction for child molestation. 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 John Maciejczyk.

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Vincente Osorio, 61, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and attempt to possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine.

Osorio was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, between February and April 2014, Osorio conspired with others in an attempt to purchase over 25 kilograms of cocaine.  On April 30, 2014 Osorio and a co-conspirator were arrested in Gary, after they traveled from Chicago, Illinois to Gary, Indiana with $125,000 in United States Currency where they attempted to procure 10 kilograms of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Chicago, Illinois and Orange County, California Divisions within Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Illinois State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

# # #

Today, the filing of an Information charging Alicia Keir, 24, of Demotte, Indiana, with involuntary manslaughter for the death of her newborn child by failing to summon medical attention, announced U.S. Attorney David Capp for the Northern District of Indiana.

On October 10, 2011, Keir was aboard a cruise ship on the high seas, gave birth alone and failed to obtain any medical attention.  The child died from exposure and lack of care.  Jurisdiction for acts occurring upon the high seas can be in the district where a defendant resides.  In conjunction with the information, Keir has filed a petition to enter a guilty plea to the involuntary manslaughter charge. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that an information is merely an allegation and not proof of guilt.  All persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randall S. Stewart and Gary T. Bell.

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced today the filing of an Information charging Alicia Keir, 24 of Demotte, Indiana, with involuntary manslaughter for the death of her newborn child by failing to summon medical attention

On October 10, 2011, Keir was aboard a cruise ship on the high seas, gave birth alone and failed to obtain any medical attention. The child died from exposure and lack of care. Jurisdiction for acts occurring upon the high seas can be in the district where a defendant resides.  In conjunction with the Information, Keir has filed a Petition to Enter a Plea of Guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and not proof of guilt.  All persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys Randall M. Stewart and Gary T. Bell.

# # #

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced today the filing of a two-count information charging Clark Holesinger, 53 of Valparaiso, Indiana, with one count wire fraud and one count money laundering.

These charges relate to Holesinger’s practice of law in Porter County, Indiana, and his alleged fraudulent use of clients’ funds. A Petition to Enter a Plea of Guilty was filed in conjunction with the Information.

A change of plea hearing is set for Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 1:15pm (EST) before Honorable Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr in South Bend District Court.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and not proof of guilt. All persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara Z. Brook and William T. Grimmer.

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Michael Smith, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced today for tax evasion and structuring financial transactions.

Smith, age 60, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment and will be required to pay restitution in the amount $429,795 to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition Smith will forfeit $656,019 cash to the United States. Smith pleaded guilty on 12/11/2014 to 1 count of tax evasion and 1 count of structuring financial transactions.

According to documents in the case, from 2008-2012, Smith, the owner of a heating/cooling business in Mishawaka, evaded over $400,000 in taxes during a five year period by failing to report business income on his tax returns. He also structured multiple cash transactions to avoid bank reporting requirements.

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen Boyd stated: "Honest, hardworking Americans are the victims and pay the price when others commit tax evasion. As a result of his crime Mr. Smith will pay a significant price and time in prison by attempting to hide income from the IRS."

This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.

HAMMOND – Two alleged members of the Two Six Nation street gang were indicted on attempted murder and firearms charges.

Charles Luis Garcia-Berrios, 22, and Julio Ivan Cartagena, 24, both of Hammond Indiana, were indicted on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in the Northern District of Indiana on charges of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges arise from a car chase and shooting that occurred on August 31, 2013, during which stray rounds penetrated the house of a Hammond Police Department officer.

Both defendants appeared today before Judge John E. Martin for a hearing. Charles Luis Garcia-Berrios pleaded not guilty, waived detention and was detained pending trial. Julio Ivan Cartagena also pleaded not guilty and has a detention hearing scheduled for April 30, 2015.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and not proof of guilt. All persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hammond Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice Criminal Division Trial Attorney Andrew Creighton and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Darron Webb, 29, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced today, for possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.

Webb was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in September of 2014, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit (Elkhart ICE Unit), the South Bend Police Department Metro Special Operations Section (South Bend MSOS), the Indiana State

Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms initiated an investigation into heroin trafficking by several individuals operating in South Bend, Indiana. Information was received by investigators indicating that a male known as “D” was dealing heroin in South Bend, Indiana. “D” was later identified as Darron A. Webb. In early October 2014, Darron Webb possessed at one time 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin as part of his heroin trafficking.

This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit (Elkhart ICE Unit), the South Bend Police Department Metro Special Operations Section (South Bend MSOS), the Indiana State Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Andre Allan Forbes, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced yesterday, for crack cocaine trafficking, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and witness tampering.

Forbes was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and 6 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Forbes was previously convicted in 2010 in federal court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. In the Fall of 2013, while he was a convicted felon and while he was engaged in crack cocaine and powder cocaine distribution, Forbes illegally possessed a Kel-Tec pistol in South Bend, Indiana.

Additionally, after Forbes was indicted by a federal Grand Jury and while awaiting his trial in the case, Forbes asked his cousin to lie for him. This became the subject of an additional federal charge that was lodged against Forbes.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Isaiah M. Samelton, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced today, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Samelton was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on May 1, 2014, Samelton, a convicted felon, was caught possessing a semi-automatic pistol that was loaded and had a round in the chamber. Samelton endangered the lives of police and citizen motorists when he fled from police going more than 100 mph and when he tossed the loaded gun from his car, which was recovered by police.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police, and the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana, returned the following indictment on March 19, 2015.

Ronnie Cosby, 39, of Hammond, Indiana, is charged with transporting a 15-year old minor on or about February 12, 2015, from Indiana to Illinois, with the intent that the minor engage in prostitution. The defendant is in custody and appeared today in federal court for his arraignment.

This indictment was the result of an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Anyone with information about this investigation or Ronnie Cosby is urged to contact the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or email at tips@dhs.gov. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Jill Koster.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and not proof of guilt. 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 the federal sentencing statutes and federal sentencing guidelines.

FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Craig Whigum, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced today, for Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Whigum was the last of four defendants to be charged with the November 13, 2012, armed robbery of Shooters Guns, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in New Haven, Indiana.

Whigum was sentenced to a total of 153 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution to the victim of the offense.

“This case highlights the outstanding cooperative work by our federal, state and local law enforcement team in Fort Wayne. We will continue to investigate, and where appropriate, bring substantial federal charges against violent offenders,” said United States Attorney Capp.

On November 13, 2012, Whigum was in a vehicle with other individuals for the purpose of robbing firearms from Shooters Guns, a federal firearms licensee then located in New Haven, Allen County, Indiana. After arriving at Shooters Guns, Whigum and a codefendant, Brenton Ennis, entered the business and displayed firearms to the two individuals in the store, the owner of Shooters and a person who was visiting the owner. Ennis and Whigum demanded money and keys from both victims while ordering them to the ground. Whigum assaulted the visitor, causing injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Before exiting the store, Ennis and Whigum stole 20 handguns and 3 long guns in addition to all the ammunition they could carry. On the way out of the store, Ennis fired a single 9mm round inside the establishment.

Ennis and Whigum returned to their vehicle and fled from the store at a high rate of speed. The description of the vehicle was reported to police. Officers caught up to the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it did not pull over, instead the car hit another vehicle at an intersection and came to rest in front of a concrete barrier. Whigum was apprehended in the vehicle. Orlando Paschall was apprehended a short distance from the vehicle. Ennis was later apprehended by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Devonte Travier, who was not an occupant in the vehicle, was also later apprehended by ATF, and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

The other three defendants have previously been sentenced as listed below:

• Brenton Ennis, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced on December 2, 2014 to 166 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.
• Orlando Paschall, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced on March 11, 2015 to 130 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.
• Devonte Travier 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced on November 18, 2014 to 60 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Jason C. Roames, 35, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of  possession of child pornography. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the FBI.  Sentencing has been set for June 28, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

• Ewing Teal, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack). The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by DEA.  Sentencing has been set for June 24, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jordan Gutkowski, 28, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by DEA.  Sentencing has been set for June 25, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Miguel Gregory Vera, 23, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of false statements on acquisition of a firearm and drug user in possession of firearms. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for June 17, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Justin Bowles, 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base over 28 grams.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 10, 2014, in a residence located in South Bend, Bowles possessed a package containing a white rocklike substance that was cocaine base (crack).   It was Bowles intent to sell this substance.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Keandria C. Jones, 25, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C ' 922(a)(g).  This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for June 25, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Robinson Morales, 37, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 15, 2013, Morales possessed a .22 caliber pistol after having been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.  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 Nicholas J. Padilla.

• Jose L. Ruiz-Medina, 49, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to time served and will face immigration removal proceedings after pleading guilty to the felony offense of illegal re-entry.  According to documents filed in this case, the defendant had been previously deported to Mexico from the United States after having been convicted of a felony offense in the State of California. On or about October 2014, the defendant, a citizen of Mexico, illegally re-entered the United States and eluded and evaded immigration officials until found and arrested by law enforcement.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Ashley Taylor, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and ordered to pay $370.33 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft or receipt of stolen mail matter.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 23, 2014, Taylor unlawfully possessed mail matter which had been stolen.  Postal customers in the 46845 zip code had filed numerous complaints with the Allen County Sherriff’s Department and the United States Postal Inspector about missing or stolen mail, or about finding open, discarded mail in their area.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.

• Pedro Castaneda, Jr., 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to forfeit $1,000, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, Castaneda knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Brandon Heuer, 28, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute heroin. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for June 11, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Adrian Williams, 42, of La Porte Indiana was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, on September 21, 2013, law enforcement came to a building Williams owned in La Porte County.  Officers found a marijuana grow in the building owned by Williams.   This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Ronnie Seward, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance cocaine base (crack).  According to documents filed in this case, on April 10, 2014, Seward possessed a package containing a white rocklike substance that he believed was cocaine base (crack).  He possessed the item in a residence in South Bend, Indiana, which is in the Northern District of Indiana.  It was his intent to sell the substance.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Marie Henderson, 36, of Bristol, Indiana  was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 1 years supervised release and restitution of $99,786.64 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of willfully aiding, assisting and advising in the preparation and presentation to the Internal Revenue Service, of U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 which were false as to a material matter.  According to documents filed in this case, on From 2009 through 2012, Henderson was the sole owner and employee of Four Seasons Finance, a tax return preparation business which she operated out of her home in Bristol, Indiana.   She was a tax return preparer and clients paid for her services to prepare and file electronically their tax returns.    Henderson learned how to prepare tax returns, having learned the process while working at H & R Block from 2004-2008.    The 1040 Returns she prepared for many of her clients contained materially false information in the form of Schedule C deductions.   These Schedule C deductions consisted of false business income, business mileage, and/or false car and truck expenses.  These expenses were not supported by any documentation nor was the information provided to her by the client.  Henderson purposely prepared the Schedule C deductions so that her clients would receive larger tax refunds than what they legitimately deserved. In particular, she prepared tax returns for FBR and his wife WER in 2009, 2010 and 2011.   The couples' sources of income consisted of pension retirement benefits, military disability payments, social security disability payments and investment interest. Specifically, she prepared for the tax year 2010, Form 1040 Tax Return for her clients FBR and WER.   These clients provided her with documentation associated with the sources of income stated above.    Henderson prepared the Form 1040 and included Schedule C, which listed a false mileage claim of 100,000 miles and car and truck expenses of $50,000.  Both FBR and WER were retired and neither owned a business, partnership or joint venture in which business expenses could be legitimately claimed. By supplying   this false information, the 2010 Tax return showed a business loss of $50,000 which generated an incorrect adjusted gross income tax figure and with their deductions, garnered them a refund of $4,955.    She purposely electronically filed this return with the false information she added to the return.    She does not dispute the IRS records deemed this return filed on March 7, 2011.   Henderson agreed the return contained truthful information related to business expenses, the 2010 Form 1040 should not have reflected a refund due of $4,955. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Dandre Lamote Hall, 33, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on September 19, 2013, the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

• Bart Lombard, 58, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced 12 months’ probation with a special condition of 12 months home detention.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,671 to the Internal Revenue Service, along with a $75 special assessment following his convictions for three misdemeanor offenses for failing to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2008 through 2010, while earning taxable income as deputy trustee of the Michigan Township Trustee’s Office, LaPorte County, Indiana, and as director of operations for Access LaPorte County, Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United State Attorneys Gary Bell and Dean Lanter.  

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Martin Gonzalez Medina, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 28, 2014, Medina did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, IMAGE Drug Task Force, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Orlando Paschall, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 13, 2012, Paschall did unlawfully obstruct, delay and affect interstate commerce by knowingly and intentionally conspiring to commit robbery by agreeing to unlawfully take and obtain personal property from another person by means of actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury to the person.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

• Darrell Hayes, 29, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about June 18, 2014, Hayes, being a convicted felon, did possess a firearm and ammunition.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Michael Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release, and forfeiture after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012, Fabini did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and on or about August 7, 2009, did knowingly engage in a monetary transaction affecting commerce in depositing $70,154.99 derived from drug trafficking.  This joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Luis Juarez-Cabrera, 33, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about December 11, 2012, Juarez-Cabrera did knowingly and intentionally posses with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.

FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announces that today, Michael Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment along with a term of 5 years of supervised release, and forfeiture was ordered following his plea of guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking.

Documents filed in this case indicate that, from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012, Fabini did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and on or about August 7, 2009, did knowingly engage in a monetary transaction affecting commerce in depositing $70,154.99 derived from drug trafficking.  Fabini agreed as part of his plea agreement to the forfeiture of certain assets, and also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $5,000,000.00.  

According to Capp, the sentencing of Michael Fabini represents a culmination of a lengthy and extensive law enforcement investigation that removed 2 of the top dealers, (Fabini and Matthew McChesney) in the Fort Wayne area along with many of their underlings from the streets of Fort Wayne.  Not only were significant sentences imposed, but the United States will obtain significant forfeiture of Fabini’s real estate (his home in Cherry Hills) and personal property, but also cash and various accounts which represented proceeds of criminal activity.  The United States has already forfeited cash, vehicles, and residences with a total value of approximately $1.9 million dollars as a result of McChesney’s conviction.

As the United States Attorney has repeatedly indicated to the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana, “law enforcement is organized, and federal law enforcement will continue to coordinate their efforts with state and local law enforcement officers to bring comprehensive cases against drug dealers operating in our communities.” Not only will the federal prosecution result in significant sentences, but Capp indicates that his office will seek forfeiture of all assets, real and personal and well as any proceeds derived from the commission of the offense. 

This joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

The U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Indiana announced today two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, area.

These indictments are the result of an extensive law enforcement investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force.  In addition to the FBI, the Task Force consists of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.

There were five people charged with conspiracy to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine: Allan L. Bates, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; James W. Lepper, 66, of Butler, Indiana; Larry J. Norton, 63, of Mission Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Eric D. White, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Ryan Bowman, 35, of Payne, Ohio.

One individual, DeWayne Lewis, 40, of Greenwood, Indiana was charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over five kilograms.

All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond.  During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and

Texas.  In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained two state search warrants.  All of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency and numerous firearms and vehicles.

Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service – Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.

This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller of the Northern District of Indiana.

The U.S. 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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced today two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Ft. Wayne area.

These indictments were the result of an extensive law enforcement investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force.  In addition to the FBI, that Task Force consists of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Ft. Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.

Charged with conspiracy to deliver more than 5 kilograms of cocaine were:

Allan L. Bates, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana,  James W. Lepper, 66, of Butler, Indiana, Larry J. Norton, 63 of Mission Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne, Eric D. White, 52 of Fort Wayne, Indiana and
Ryan Bowman, 35 of Payne, Ohio.

Charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over 5 kilograms of cocaine is DeWayne Lewis, age 40, of Greenwood, Indiana.

All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond.  During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and Texas.  In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained 2 state search warrants. All of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency, and numerous firearms and vehicles.

Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service – Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties, and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.

            This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• REGIS OWENS, 30, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for June 2, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer. 

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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Edward Olszewski, 67, of Hobart, Indiana pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of Transporting for the Purpose of Prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2421. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.  Sentencing has been set for May 19, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Tom Ratcliffe.

• Dominic Naize, 31, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm as a felon before US District Court Judge Van Bokkelen, who accepted the plea of guilty at the hearing.  This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Gary Police Department.  The sentencing has been set for May 21, 2015, at 1:30 pm.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter. 

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Stephen E. Schaadt, 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Harold Collins, 50, of Oakwood, Ohio was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, time served, with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about June 22, 2010, and continuing until on or about July 15, 2010, Collins did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Julian Zamora, 41, of Defiance, Ohio was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distribution 100 grams or more of heroin.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 15, 2010, Zamora did knowingly and intentionally distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department, Vice and Narcotics Divison.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Laurence Rothschild, 62, of Harlan, Indiana was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $60,782.10 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government money.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about May 2010 and continuing until on or about January 2014, Rothschild did knowingly and willfully convert to his own use money, more than $1,000.00 belonging to the Social Security Administration.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Kelvin B. Walker, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and ordered to pay $39,350.70 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of filing a false claim.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 18, 2011, Walker did knowingly make and present, and caused to be made and presented to the IRS, a false, fictitious and fraudulent IRS tax return.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Roland Beemer, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Allen County Drug Task Force and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.

• Prentice A. Bland, 39, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Warsaw Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the IMAGE Drug Task Force.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Jared Hochstedler, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of filing a false income tax return and perjury. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice, Tax Division Trial Attorneys Christopher O’Donnell and Richard M. Rowling.

• Jacob Miller, 51, of Kendallville, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Image Drug Task Force and Warsaw Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Christopher Seals, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 272 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release and ordered to $96,534.37 in restitution after being found guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 14, 2013, Seals did by use of a dangerous weapon rob the PNC Bank.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Matthew Vanschoick, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about October 28, 2011, Vanschoick did rob the PNC Bank by force, violence, and intimidation  This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

• Derek Whetsel, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about May 27, 2014, Whetsel did knowingly sell a firearm to a known convicted felon.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Korean Daniels, 38, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about June 14, 2014, Daniels, having been previously convicted, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Kevin J. Babich, 38, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months’ probation, with 8 months of periodic imprisonment after pleading guilty to wire and mail fraud.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

• Dameyon Bean, 37, of Speedway, Indiana was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment in the BOP after pleading guilty to theft of government funds (he obtained fraudulent unemployment funds). He was ordered to pay $53,000 in restitution.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor and United States Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

• Jeremy L. Culver, 37, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of production and distribution of child pornography.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 8, 2011, Jeremy Culver caused an 11 year-old boy, referred to throughout the proceedings as John Doe, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.  Culver was also convicted of distributing child pornography in interstate commerce on or about March 18, 2010.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

• Michael L. Schnelle, 27, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly selling firearms to a person who was under felony indictment.  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 Jacqueline Jacobs.

• Gopal Shah, 64, of Orland Hills, Illinois was sentenced to 10 months incarceration and 1 year of supervision after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs through the solicitation of physicians to send their Medicare and Medicaid patients to his business in exchange for the payment of kickbacks.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Justin Magee, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of attempting to damage a motor vehicle by means of fire and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on June 18, 2014, defendant and an accomplice possessed a container of gasoline and matches.  It was their intent to set on fire a truck for another person.  They approached that truck with the intent to set it on fire.  Both had been paid $600 to do this.  As they approached the truck, they were surrounded by law enforcement officers and arrested.  Also, On June 5, 2014, Magee was involved with an accomplice in selling a firearm to a confidential informant (CI) working for BATF.  They delivered a Star handgun to the CI here in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  Magee had been convicted of a felony in St. Joseph County in 2013. 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 Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Toni Alexander, 43, of Calumet City, Illinois was sentenced to 1 day time considered served and a $750.00 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage.  She is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in this case.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Michael Tressler, 40, of Corunna, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of sexual exploitation of children. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

• Victor Boyer, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery and use, carry, brandish and discharge of a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Maritza Castaneda, 33, of Colton, California was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Castaneda did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Jarvis Buchanan, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 121months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as crack.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about February 10, 2010, and continuing to on or about January 29, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Buchanan did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack”.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Florencio Deluna, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment with no term of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Deluna did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Tyren Leeks, 41, of Portage, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of false claims on tax return. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by NCIS.  Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Nathan Mougros, 26, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for May 14, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Gail Waymire, 58, of La Porte, Indiana was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 23,2010, in the Northern District of lndiana, Waymire devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, and for the purpose of executing the scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, knowingly transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, by means of wire communications, certain writings, signs, signals, and sounds.  Specifically, Waymire was hired by Fort Wayne Public Television, Public Broadcast Station ("PBS"), in October 2009.  Waymire was responsible for PBS's  finances.  PBS maintained a bank account in Indiana at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, and she maintained bank accounts in Indiana at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Three Rivers Federal Credit Union.  Waymire understood that all transfers from PBS's account to any of her accounts were routed through computer servers in Texas. She used her position at PBS to commit fraud, obtaining funds to which she was not entitled. Waymire used several different methods to obtain this money. Regarding Count 1, on July 23, 2010, she received into my bank account a $8,975 deposit from PBS's bank account.  She was not entitled to these funds, as they were generated by a false invoice she created to PBS.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Deandre Lee Mosley Walker, 18, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson.  According to documents filed in this case, in early March 2014, Morgan offered to commit a violent crime for a confidential informant (“CI”) working for the government. Specifically, Morgan agreed to commit an arson on a vehicle that he believed belonged to a local drug dealer in exchange for a payment of $600 from the CI.  Morgan enlisted Walker to help him with the arson.  On March 11, 2014, Morgan said he would have his “deuce five” (.25 caliber firearm) with him to watch over Walker when the fire was being started and indicated he would fire shots off if necessary. Then, on March 13, 2014, the CI picked up Morgan and Walker in South Bend, Indiana and the two got into the CI’s vehicle.  Morgan and Walker carried a red gas can with them. Morgan and Walker continued to make statements about their plan to burn a vehicle for cash payment. While driving, the CI learned that Walker was armed with a .25 caliber firearm. Morgan was aware that Walker carried the .25 caliber firearm. At approximately 8:33 PM, the CI pulled his vehicle into a convenience/gas station and Walker exited the vehicle with a red gas can and pumped gas into the container.  Minutes later the CI’s vehicle left the gas station with Walker and Morgan and continued in the direction of the 300 block of Chestnut Street in South Bend, Indiana. While in route to the location of the vehicle, the CI paid Morgan $300.00 in cash as partial payment for the planned arson. In the 300 block of Chestnut Street in South Bend, Indiana, the target vehicle to be burned was parked. This vehicle was a 2013 Ford F-150 truck.  This vehicle was involved in interstate commerce as the vehicle was regularly rented by a car rental company.  At approximately 8:45 p.m. on March 13, 2014, Walker and Morgan exited the CI’s vehicle and began running down the street toward the location of the target vehicle. Agents intercepted the two and found Morgan to be in possession of the $300.00 in cash (ATF funds). Morgan was also in possession of a knife. Morgan was also found to have in his possession a gasoline-soaked paper wick. Walker was found to be in possession of a 5 gallon gasoline can containing an amount of gasoline, a Lorcin, model L25, .25 caliber pistol, loaded with .25 caliber ammunition, as well as a lighter.  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 Donald Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Robert Lutzka, 49, of Highland, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of ammunition while under indictment. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for April 21, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Roberta Butler, 32, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months’ probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

• Soulemayne Camara, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of access device (credit card) fraud and transportation of stolen goods through interstate commerce. All stolen property was recovered by the Hobart, Indiana Police Department and will be returned to rightful owners. The defendant has a hold from the Department of Homeland Security and upon release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons will be turned over to Immigration authorities for possible deportation proceedings.  The investigation was conducted by the Hobart Police Department and federal law enforcement, including Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service. 

• George Van Til, 67, of Merrillville, Indiana, the former elected Lake County, Indiana Surveyor, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the 6 felony counts of wire fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, between 2007, through 2012, Van Til used employees of the Lake County, Indiana, Surveyor’s Office to engage in political campaign activities while these employees were being paid with public tax dollars. At sentencing, the court determined that even though Van Til pled guilty, he should not receive a sentence reduction for acceptance of responsibility because Van Til directed an associate of his to disseminate to a third party, an FBI interview report of a potential government witness. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Jodeci Rowland-Smith, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel C. Henson.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Alejandro Montoya, 46, of San Bernadino, California was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release, and forfeiture of $79,705 U.S. currency after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, defendant conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Stefanie Redfern, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about May 2011, and continuing to on or about August 2011, Redfern, knowingly and intentionally profited from and otherwise made available for use, with and without compensation, an apartment for the purpose of unlawfully storing and distributing LSD and MDMA.    This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

• Henry Purifoy, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 23, 2014, Purifoy, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessed 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.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Brandon Wright, 27, of Mishawaka, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Reggie Spencer, 27, of Dolton, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine base. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Donteze Williams, 33, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of attempting to damage a motor vehicle by means of fire. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for May 7, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Jesus A. Campos, 35, of Mexico was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, from approximately the summer of 2005 until the spring of 2007, Campos conspired with several persons in the Northern District of Indiana to move shipments of marijuana from the Laredo and Dallas, Texas areas to the Northern District of Indiana.  During this time period, as charged in the Indictment, Campos helped to arrange shipments of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.  These shipments were made using private drivers who went to  Texas to drive the marijuana back up to Indiana or through loads shipped through common carriers.  Campos worked with persons to arrange shipments and knowingly possessed marijuana that was later distributed to others in Indiana.  Campos also arranged its distribution to the drivers sent by persons he knew in Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

• Otis Tate, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after being found guilty by a trial jury of the felony offenses of being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving a stolen firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on the night of September 18, 2013, Tate was at a gas station at 3417 Western Ave., South Bend, Indiana. T ate believed that another person (“victim”) at the station owed him (Tate) $600 from a previous drug illegal transaction. While they were both in Tate’s car, Tate showed his handgun that he was carrying (a Star 9mm pistol) to the Victim and offered to sell the victim a relatively small amount of marijuana. While the victim was examining the 1/2 ounce of marijuana, Tate pulled his gun on the victim and told him to hand over his gun, cell phone, wallet (with $45 cash), and car keys. Tate’s Star 9mm gun was recovered by police during an inventory of Tate’s car on September 19, 2013. The Sccy 9mm firearm stolen by Tate from the victim was recovered by police on December 11, 2013 in the glove box of a car of an associate of Tate. According to another individual, Tate sold the Sccy 9mm in early December 2013.  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 Donald Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Edmund Carman, 39, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for April 30, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Ebony Leonard, 27, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of straw purchasing a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 22, 2014, Leonard fraudulently represented to an employee of a licensed firearms dealership in Hammond, Indiana that she was the actual purchaser of a firearm when in fact she purchased the firearm on behalf of another person.  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 Thomas M. McGrath.

• Jordon Schwind, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  According to documents filed in this case, between May 2011 and May 2012, the defendant conspired to distribute heroin to various individuals in the South Bend, Indiana area.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Kolar and Jennifer Chang.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Luis Ramirez-Perez, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, New Haven Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Matthew Hottinger, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premises for the purpose of storing and distributing marijuana. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, New Haven Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Jerome White, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for April 24, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Dion Courtney, 38, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, and Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General.  Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

• Jarrett Danley, 30, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT task force.  Sentencing has been set for April 17, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Juan M. Sosa, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• James D. Garcia, Jr., 32, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigation.  Sentencing has been set for April 20, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.

• Usbaldo Martinez, 33, of Logansport, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.  Sentencing has been set for April 16, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Darius Williams, 30, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.  Sentencing has been set for April 24, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Milton Bell, 51, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.  Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for April 23, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

• Crescencio Lozano Romero, 37, of Connell, Washington, pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute heroin. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for April 16, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

• Jose Ruiz, 37, of Illinois, pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for April 14, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Laquintin Abbey, 26, of East Chicago was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting the straw purchase of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 22, 2014, Abbey fraudulently represented to an employee of Cabela’s Retail, a licensed firearms dealership in Hammond, Indiana, that she was the actual purchaser of a firearm when in fact she was purchasing the firearm for someone else.  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 Thomas M. McGrath.

• Robert Barker, 29, of Calumet City, Illinois was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, Barker coerced an individual who later cooperated with law enforcement to purchase guns on his behalf. Barker utilized this individual to purchase or attempt to purchase 10 guns between October and December 2013.  During this time, Barker was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon. 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 Jennifer Chang.

• Dexter Eugene Howard, 36, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to two felony offenses of Bank Robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, Howard robbed the 5/3 Bank located at 6760 Broadway in Merrillville, Indiana on March 13, 2014. He stole $2,000 cash during this robbery and was ordered by the Court to pay restitution in that amount. Howard also robbed the 5/3 Bank located at 8477 Broadway in Merrillville, Indiana on March 20, 2014. He stole $2,813 cash during this robbery; because the money was  recovered , the court did not order restitution.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

• Andy Mitchell, 55, of Chicago was sentenced to 24 months’ probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

• Linda Rosenberg, 60, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to a three count information charging the following: Count 1, conspiracy to receive kickbacks for the referral of Medicare and Medicaid patients to service providers; Count 2 dispensing a controlled substance without legitimate medical purpose and; Count 3, misbranding.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Drug Administration and Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.