Northern District of Indiana

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

DISPOSITION

• Hayley VanDurmen, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon and aiding and abetting.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 26, 2013, VanDurmen knowingly aided and abetted in the selling of a firearm to 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 Lovita Morris King.

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

PLEAS

• Matthew Eash, 33, of Bristol, 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 April 8, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Derrick Smith, 40, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of 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 April 8, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Andre A. Forbes, 40, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine powder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and tampering with a government witness. 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 April 15, 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Kevin A. Hoffman, 40, of St. John, Indiana was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment with 10 years supervised release after being found guilty by jury trial to the felony offenses of production and possession of child pornography.  According to documents filed in this case, in September 2013, Hoffman was living with his girlfriend. Also living at the address were his girlfriend’s daughters ages 18 and 6.  Hoffman used his cell phone to take nude photographs of the youngest child.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

• Carla Latice Merriweather, 25, of South Bend was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, in the early morning hours of August 6, 2014, the defendant stole a white pickup truck in South Bend, Indiana.  Inside the truck was a loaded AMT pistol, model: Backup, caliber: .380. The defendant then used that  firearm  to shoot at a male who was pursuing her from whom she had obtained controlled  substances in the past  who she believed was following her in an effort to collect a drug  debt.   This occurred near the intersection of Western and Walnut in South Bend.  A little after 3:00 a.m. on August 6, 2014, police then saw the defendant driving the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle.    The defendant then led police on high speed chase.   At one point during the chase, the defendant ran a red light  and narrowly missed colliding with another vehicle who was proceeding through the intersection on a green light.    While police were in pursuit and attempting to apprehend her, the defendant fired multiple rounds from the stolen handgun at the pursuing officers.   The vehicle pursuit ended at Barbie Street and Main Street in South Bend where Merriweather initially refused to exit the truck despite police commands to do so.   Merriweather was subsequently taken into custody.  After being placed in a police vehicle, the defendant then began to kick at the windows of the police car.    Officers tried to restrain her,  and she attempted to bite the officers.   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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Marlon Carr, 31, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 30 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 April 30, 2014, Carr was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in the area of 2600 Jefferson in Gary, Indiana in possession of a firearm. Carr had been convicted of robbery in Lake County, Indiana .  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-Adiga.

• Akeem Dillon, 28, of Sauk Village, Illinois was sentenced to 41 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 February 24, 2014, Dillon possessed multiple firearms after being convicted of a felony drug crime in 2004.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Chicago Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Ola Mohammad 33, of Bridgeview, Illinois was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to pay $401,300.16 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of knowingly and willfully conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit program and defrauding the USDA SNAP benefit program through wire fraud.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture.  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

• Alfred Frank Dillard, 54, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day 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 October 27, 2013, Dillard was stopped on US31 in Fulton County, Indiana.  When stopped, he was found to be in possession of an AK-47 type rifle, specifically a SKS, with collapsible stock and bayonet that was carried in his truck.  This was a 7.62X39mm semi-automatic rifle.  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.

• Clifton Valentius Holiday, 27, of Winona Lake, Indiana was sentenced to 84 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 2, 2014, officers while responding to a fight call at a residence in Winona Lake, Indiana found a Ruger handgun with a jammed round in the breach belonging to the defendant.  Additional magazines and rounds of ammunition were also found.  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 Jesse Barrett.

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

PLEAS

• D’Andre Lamonte Hall, 33, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas 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.

       

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

DISPOSITIONS

• Steven M. McCloughan, 56, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 126 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of transportation of child pornography.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 4, 2013, McCloughan possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded from the internet numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”).  McCloughan also admitted emailing a short video file that depicted sadistic conduct. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

• John D. Burke, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 79 months imprisonment with 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.  According to documents filed in this case, on January 30, 2014, Burke possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”).  He knew the images were child pornography as defined by 18 U.S.C. 2256, which defines child pornography as a depiction which “involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” Burke also admitted that some of these depictions were of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years, and that some images depicted sadistic conduct.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

• Jeremy L. Hall, 38, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment with 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.  According to documents filed in this case, on February 27, 2014, Hall possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”).  He knew the images were child pornography as defined by 18 U.S.C. 2256, which defines child pornography as a depiction which “involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.”  Hall also admitted that some of the images and videos were depictions of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years, and that some images depicted sadistic conduct.    This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

• Carlis Young, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 22, 2014, Young was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend.  Before he was taken to jail, Young stated the apartment was his and denied consent to search.  His girlfriend, however, gave consent to search.  Inside the apartment, which smelled of burning marijuana, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was found within reach of the couch officers had Young sit.  A shotgun was also found in the closet of Young and his girlfriend’s bedroom, in addition to marijuana, crack cocaine and cocaine.   Young admitted that the drugs were his and that the he was a regular cocaine user.  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 Jesse M. Barrett.

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

DISPOSITIONS

• Creekside at Meadowbrook, LLC and Creekside at Meadowbrook West, LLC, two Indiana corporations with properties located in Lowell, Indiana, were ordered to authorize the release of assets totaling $189,953.24 dollars to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as restitution, as well as pay a special assessment of $800,  after pleading guilty to submitting false statements to HUD.  According to documents filed in this case, between March 2009 and continuing through March 2010, the defendants submitted materially false and fraudulent statements to HUD in that the submissions inflated  their financial status in order to obtain a HUD mortgage.  This case was the result of an investigation the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

• Tambra Ducker, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to three (3) years probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute heroin.  According to documents filed in this case, Ducker was one of the passengers in a vehicle stopped by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department on February 25, 2013. Ducker consented to a search of her purse and officers found 150 grams of heroin which she admitted belonged to her. This case was the result of an investigation by the DEA.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

• Jamol Hardin, 41, of Columbus, Ohio was sentenced to probation for 3 years after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 9, 2009, Harding, having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, knowingly possessed, in and affecting commerce, a firearm.   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 Padilla.

• Jeremy Lamar Lloyd, 23, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 3 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 July 21, 2011, Lloyd knowingly possessed, in and affecting commerce, a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol after previously having been convicted of a 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 Padilla.

• John Lytle, 37, of Gary, IN was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of cocaine base.  According to documents filed in the cases, in May of 2013, an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives revealed that Lytle was selling both cocaine base and firearms within Gary, Indiana.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.   

• Carey Ray, 31, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 320 months’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offense of transporting a minor child across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.  According to documents filed in the case, on October 8, 2012, Carey Ray picked up a child he knew to be 14 years old and transported her from Hammond, Indiana to a hotel in Lansing, Illinois.  Once there, Carey Ray provided the minor child with alcohol and marijuana.  Thereafter, Carey Ray made a sexual advance and, when rebuffed, forcibly committed a sex act on the child.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lansing Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Joshua Kolar.

• David Alan Resnick, 35, of Port St. Lucie, Florida was sentenced, following his convictions at trial of the federal felony offenses of transporting a minor under age 12 across state lines with intent to engage in a sexual (Count 1) of the indictment, transporting child pornography across state lines (Count 2), brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence ( that violent crime being the act alleged in Count 1 of the indictment) (Count 3) and possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction (Count 4).  Resnick was sentenced to life in prison on Count 1, twenty (20) years of incarceration on Count 2, seven (7) years of incarceration on Count 3 and ten  (10) years of incarceration on Count 4, with the sentences on Counts 1, 2 and 4 to run concurrently and the sentence on Count 3 to run consecutively, for a combined total prison sentence of life plus seven years.  If released from prison, Resnick will also have to serve a 15 year term of supervised release, during which time he will be required to register as a sex offender. According to documents filed in this case, in the summer of 2008, Resnick, who was employed as a commercial truck driver, took the 9 year-old victim from Indiana to various states on a two-week road trip.  During the trip, Resnick showed the victim child pornography featuring other prepubescent children and forced the minor to engage in sexual acts.  At one point when Defendant, a previously convicted felon, was pulled over by police for failing to stop at a truck weigh station, he brandished a firearm and pointed it at the child victim’s head, threatening to kill the child if he disclosed the sexual abuse.  The child did not speak to police and the trip continued.  A second child victim testified at trial that he was later invited to attend an overnight pool party with Resnick at a local Indiana hotel and he awoke to find Resnick fondling his genitals.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill R. Koster and Thomas M. McGrath.

• Percy Spurlock, 60, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, a federal search warrant was executed at Spurlock’s residence located at in the 1900 block of Central Drive, Gary, Indiana on October 4, 2012. Agents recovered five (5) firearms, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia from the residence.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT task force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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

PLEA

• Maurice Watts, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally manufacturing 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel C. Henson, and 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

• Tyson Allen, 27, of Bluffton, Indiana was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant.  According to documents filed in this case, as evidenced on surveillance camera at the Wells County Jail, on June 5, 2013, Allen was the lookout while an assault took place.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshal’s Service and the Wells County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Charles Walker, Jr., 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of maintaining a drug-involved premise and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, several controlled purchases for narcotics were made from Walker.  On July 8, 2014, a State Search Warrant was executed on Walker’s residence, wherein a firearm and controlled substances were found.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Allen County 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

• Ronnie Seward, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams. 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 March 12, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Justin Bowles, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams. 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 March 20, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Michael Smith, 60, of Mishawaka, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of tax evasion and structuring financial transactions. 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-CID.  Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.

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

• Marcus Northern, Sr., 54, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on July 23, 2013, Northern possessed a Glock handgun.  In 1995, Northern was convicted in federal court of Interstate Travel to Aid a Business Enterprise and was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for that conviction. 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 William T. Grimmer.

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

PLEAS

• Vincent LaVelle LANKING, 29, of Lafayette, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of escape.  The statutory maximum sentence for this felony is 5 years in prison. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by United States Probation and Pretrial Services.  Sentencing has been set for March 30, 2015 before District Court Judge Rudy Lozano.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall M. Stewart.

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

• Charles Seals, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relations to a crime of violence and forcibly assaulting and impeding a postal employee. 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, United States Postal Inspection Service, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Luis Juarez-Cabrera, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting another’s possession of a kilogram of cocaine intended for distribution. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel C. Henson and 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.

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

PLEAS

• Jared Marshall, 36, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly distributing 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 March 12, 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

• Aaron Mendoza, 34, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 4, 2014, Menodza possessed a SCCY 9mmhandgun in his home in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is undisputed that Mendoza is illegally in the United States and that this firearm had traveled through interstate or foreign commerce.  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.

• Santiago R. Ortiz-Ruvalcaba, 19, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while under indictment.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 2, 2014, the defendant was driving when he was pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign. The defendant fled from police and during the pursuit the defendant jumped out of his vehicle, without putting the car in park, and the car collided with a parked school bus that was dropping off kids.  When stopped by police, officers found marijuana on the defendant and a short distance away also found a loaded black semi-automatic handgun with the hammer cocked next to the defendant’s hat. When the defendant was patted down, he had a loaded black gun magazine with live rounds wrapped in a yellow bandana. The defendant admitted he was fleeing from police while he held the loaded weapon he used for protection.    This case was the result of an investigation by the South Bend Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Ryan Dean Smith, 28, of Peru, Indiana was sentenced to 34 months imprisonment with 2 years 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 August 3, 2013, the Wabash Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by defendant Ryan Smith. Smith was stopped for exceeding the speed limit and for traveling down a section of roadway that was marked as a closed road. Smith, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found to a have a shotgun lying on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.  The shotgun, and other contents of the truck, belonged to Smith. The officer who stopped Smith asked him if he was a felon. Smith told the officer he had convictions for burglary and theft.  Smith was given a ticketed, released at the scene but his vehicle was impounded.  During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to it being impounded, officers also found a baggie containing 35 Nucyntra pills, a Schedule II narcotic, in the area of the seat between the front passenger and drivers’ seat.  The narcotic pills, plastic baggies, and the shotgun were all collected as evidence by the police.  Mr. Smith has prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property (2006), burglary (2006), and residential entry (2014).   This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco 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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Kaled Mohammad, 29, of Cicero was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to pay $127,319.85 in restitution after pleading guilty to two felony offenses of wire fraud.  The guilty plea involved wire fraud related to the fraudulent redemption of SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits at Mohammad’s store, Kay Mart, Inc. in Gary, Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Agriculture.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

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

PLEA

• Ashley Taylor, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty to a felony Information (filed on November 19, 2014) which charged her with theft or receipt of stolen mail. 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and the Allen County Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.

• James Thomas, 67, of Dayton, Ohio pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. 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, 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.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Brenton Ennis, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 166 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, a $100 special assessment and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of committing a “Hobbs Act” robbery (i.e. a robbery that affects interstate commerce), and using of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  According to documents filed in this case, on November 13, 2012, Ennis, and a  codefendant, committed an armed robbery of a federally-licensed firearms dealer.  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

• Antonio King, 35, of Elkhart, IN 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 March 4, 2014.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Jeffrey Miller, 46, of Osceola, IN was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment,  2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1, 086,222.90 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of interstate transportation of stolen goods and money laundering.  According to documents filed in this case, from approximately June 2012 through January 2014, the defendant stole copper wire from his former employer, an RV manufacturer located in Elkhart, Indiana.   Miller then sold the copper to scrapyards after transporting the copper wire across the state line from Indiana to Michigan locations.  The defendant used these illegal funds to gamble at various casinos. The defendant deposited cash into his bank account when he won at the casino because then he was able to justify to the bank where the cash came from.  The defendant intentionally avoided putting money from his sells of stolen copper wire directly into his bank accounts because he did not want to justify the source of the cash.   The defendant intentionally made bank deposits of cash below $10,000 because he was told the bank would require persons to file a form with the government and he thought people would start to ask questions.   This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  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

• Chavonne Jackson, 28, of Chicago, Illinois, formerly of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit identity theft and bank fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen.   The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2015.  The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

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

• Yousef Muhamad, 44, of Chicago, IL was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment (followed by 2 years of supervised release) and ordered to pay $213,999.12 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally executing a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP benefit program, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 1343.  The fraud scheme involved the fraudulent redemption of SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits at multiple Gary, Indiana convenience stores.  Defendant, and his co-conspirators, purchased SNAP benefits for cash and allowed SNAP beneficiaries to use their benefits to purchase prohibited items like cigarettes and cell phones.  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.

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

PLEAS

• Laurence Rothschild, 62, of Harlan, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft of government money. 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 Social Security Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Martin Gonzalez Medina, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing with 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, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, IMAGE Drug Task Force, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s 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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Courtney Pickett, 20, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 25, 2014, Pickett knowingly and intentionally sold crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer. 

• Crystal Riggs, 48, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to pay restitution of $15,354 at a minimum rate of $100 monthly after pleading guilty to the felony offense of unemployment compensation fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, in or around September 2009 through in or around December 2010, in the Northern District of Indiana, Riggs knowingly stole money belonging to the United States in excess of $1,000.  In particular, she applied for and received in excess of $6,000 in federal unemployment benefits that she was not entitled to receive. This case was the result of an investigation by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the United States Postal Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

              

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

PLEAS

• Jonathan Heard, 36, of East Chicago, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing in and affecting commerce a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense.  This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 4/24/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom McGrath.

• Shannon Meegan, 33, of Hammond, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing hydrocodone. 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 Agency.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom McGrath. 

• Mary Lederleitner, 56, of Munster, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing hydrocodone. 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 Agency.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom 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

• Eddie Torres, 44, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distributing 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.   This case was the result of an investigation 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 was 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.

• Julie A Schroeder, 52, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 12 months of probation with 10 months on home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft from a program receiving federal funds.  According to documents filed in this case, Schroeder was the office manager of the food service office of Valparaiso Community schools. Schroeder stole approximately $37,000 from school lunch programs. 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.

• Armando Gomez, 64, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment, 1 year supervised release and to pay $42,979.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement under oath on a tax return.  According to documents filed in this case, Gomez filed a 2007 federal tax return and understated the total taxable income of by approximately $45,000.00. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

• Holly McManus, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months of probation and to pay $17,368.25 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of insurance fraud utilizing the mail.  According to documents filed in this case, McManus, along with others, participated in staged automobile accidents in order to collect funds and money by submitting false and fraudulent insurance claims. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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

PLEAS

• Silvestre Castaneda, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.   This charge was filed as a 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.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

• Harold Collins, 50, of Oakwood, Ohio, pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony 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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Jarvis Tolbert, 28, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams.  According to documents filed in this case, on February 22, 2014, Tolbert possessed a package containing a white rocklike substance that he believed was crack.  Tolbert possessed this item in a hotel room in South Bend, Indiana. It was his 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.

• Erskine A. Jones, 22, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment with 2 years of supervised after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, Jones had prior felony convictions for robbery (2012) and theft (2013).  On December 17, 2013, officers from the South Bend Police Street Crimes Unit were conducting surveillance at an apartment complex in Mishawaka, Indiana. Officers observed Erskine Jones looking out of an apartment window.  Officers were given permission to search that apartment.  Jones was located in that apartment; while searching the apartment,  officers found a Colt revolver hidden in a box of bread sticks in the freezer .  Jones admitted during an interview that he knew an individual put the revolver in the freezer and that he had a potential buyer for it.  This case was the result of an investigation by South Bend Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• David Rodriguez, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 2 years of 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 May 31, 2014, Rodriguez possessed a firearm in South Bend, Indiana.  Police recovered the firearm from a seat on the porch of a neighbor’s house where Rodriguez had been sitting.   This case was the result of an investigation by South Bend Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.

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

PLEA

• Kathryn Jackson, 29, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of 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 United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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

• Hudie Y Scott, 30, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack”.  According to documents filed in this case, in October 2013, law enforcement agents performed a controlled buy of narcotics which led to the arrests of Scott and Dajon Rowlett. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Dajon E Rowlett, 32, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack”.  According to documents filed in this case, in October 2013, law enforcement agents performed a controlled buy of narcotics which led to the arrests of Rowlett and Hudie Y. Scott.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Jose Alvarez, Jr, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, in April 2014, law enforcement investigators performed a search of Alvarez’s residence in East Chicago, Indiana.  In the premises, packages of marijuana were discovered including one of these packages containing approximately 3610 gross grams and another containing 801 gross grams.  Investigators also located cocaine in three different locations within the premises.  In the basement, investigators located approximately 1651 gross grams of cocaine in one location and approximately 350 grams of cocaine in another location and another package of 71 grams.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

•  Gladys Merriweather, 49, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay over $59,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of insurance fraud utilizing the mail.  According to documents filed in this case, between April 2006 and May 2009, the defendant participated in an insurance fraud scheme wherein she, along with others, staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago which resulted in claims and other documents being sent through the United States mail.  Merriweather was involved in staged automobile accidents which resulted in a loss of over $59,000 dollars.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

• Tomika Yates, 49, of Grand Prairie, Texas was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay over $55,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, between December 2005 and July 2009, multiple defendants were involved in an insurance fraud scheme wherein they staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago which resulted in claims and other documents being sent through the United States mail.  Yates was involved in staged automobile accidents which resulted in a loss of over $55,000 dollars.  . This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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

PLEAS

• James R. Cougill, 50, of Kendallville, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department and the Kendallville Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Michael A. Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking. 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 joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, the New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force (a taskforce comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police), Allen County Police Department, and 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

• Deandre Lee Mosley Walker, 18, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson. 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 February 12, 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

• Michael Dwayne English, 35, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being in possession of an unregistered 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 2/13/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

• Emmanuel Mendez, 26, of Hammond, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearms. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 02/05/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

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

• Kelvin B. Walker, 49, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of filing a false claim. 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, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Marvin Bennett, 38, of Fort Wayne, 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 and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Alejandro V. Luna, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in the case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Luna was identified as a distributor of one of the conspiracies. 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.

• Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to time served without any supervised release period after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, between July 2011 and February 2013 Paniagua-Pizano was involved in a large scale narcotics distribution conspiracy operating in Northwestern Indiana and Southern lower Michigan. Through the use of wiretaps, it was discovered that Paniagua-Pizano was involved in distributing and facilitating the distribution of quantities of cocaine to individuals.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  The New Haven Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff's Department, Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit, South Bend Police Department, and IMAGE Drug Task Force assisted with this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

TRIAL

• Antonio Burgos Sr., of Fort Wayne, was found guilty by a jury on each of three counts charging violations of 18 U.S.C. 514.  Burgos was charged with passing and mailing interstate, fraudulent and fictitious checks purported to be written off an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Virginia.  Burgos presented one of the fictitious checks for $10,000 at a local banking institution when he opened a checking account in March 2011.  Also in March 2011, Burgos mailed from Fort Wayne Indiana to Chicago Illinois two more fictitious checks in the amounts of $20,000 and $40,000 respectively, one of which was deposited into an Illinois bank and was returned to the bank unpaid.  At trial, a representative from the Federal Reserve Bank testified that the Federal Reserve does not maintain accounts for individuals. The case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district 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

• Gail Waymire, 58, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of wire 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 been set for 02/04/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.

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

• Maricruz Mendoza, 40, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months supervised probation, 6 months home detention and ordered to pay $81,452.25 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, from in or around August 2009 through September 2011, Mendoza applied for and received, at various times, extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development using another identity. Mendoza submitted weekly vouchers using another identity and intentionally falsely answered a question about whether she was working during the specified week. This case was the result of an investigation by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Department of Labor.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

• Alfonso Serrano, 46, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (more than 500 grams of cocaine).  According to documents filed in this case from March 2012 up to and including November 2013, Serrano conspired with several individuals in distributing cocaine in the Logansport area.  On several occasions Serrano delivered cocaine to an individual he did not know was working for law enforcement.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Demarcus Moran, 24, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 71 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, on December 11, 2013, South Bend Police were conducting surveillance and observed Moran and another individual enter a vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle and it was determined Moran had active felony warrants through St. Joseph County. As officers approached the passenger’s side of the car, they observed Moran attempting to close the glove box. Inside the glove box, officers located a 9mm firearm. Moran, a convicted felon, was interviewed and admitted to possessing the marijuana that was recovered from his pocket.  This case was the result of an investigation by the South Bend Police Department and 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

• Laquintin Abbey, 26, of East Chicago, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer in acquisition 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 01/13/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom McGrath.

• Nyega Shaqoi Host, 44, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearms. 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 Tom 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

• Robert Lemon, 49, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment,  2 years of supervised release and over to pay $191,449.47 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, between December 2005 and July 2009, multiple defendants were involved in an insurance fraud scheme wherein they staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago which resulted in claims and other documents being sent through the United States Mail.  Lemon was identified as one of the leaders in the staged automobile accidents which resulted in losses to several insurance companies. This case was the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

• Dwayne Ashford, 53, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced to sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and to pay $191,449.47 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, between December 2005 and July 2009, multiple defendants were involved in an insurance fraud scheme wherein they staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago which resulted in claims and other documents being sent through the United States Mail.  Ashford was identified as one of the leaders in the staged automobile accidents which resulted in losses to several insurance companies. This case was the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

• Dewayne Hutton, 45, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to three-year term of probation, to include 12 months home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, between November 2011 and January 2012, the FBI utilized a confidential source to purchase crack cocaine and powder cocaine from Hutton in Hammond. 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-Adiga.

• Jose Montoya, 41, of Summit, Illinois was sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of kidnaping.  According to documents filed in this case, Montoya was involved in a kidnapping that occurred from on or January 14, 2011 to on or about January 18, 2011.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla.
  
• Eugene Clarke, Jr., a/k/a Imhotep Bey, 64, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment and ordered to repay $900,000 to the Internal Revenue Service after being convicted by a jury of 7 counts of filing a false claim against the government.  Clarke represented himself as the fiduciary of a non-existent trust and filed 7 tax returns, each falsely claiming the trust was entitled to a refund of $300,000. The claims were entirely unsubstantiated.  Four of the seven returns Clarke filed were deemed frivolous by the Internal Revenue Service and not processed.  Three of the fraudulent were processed resulting in a total payment to Clarke of $900,000.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline Jacobs and Nick Padilla.         

• Rolando Luis Diaz, 32, of Whiting, Indiana was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  This 51 month federal sentence was ordered to be served in the following fashion:  20 months of the sentence will run concurrently to any undischarged term of imprisonment imposed in Lake County, Indiana in case number 45G01-1110-FA-00049, and the remaining 31 months to run consecutively to that state court case sentence.  According to documents filed in this case, on September 11, 2011, he knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce a firearm after being convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding 1 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 Padilla.

• Sandra McGuire, 51, of Gary was convicted of money laundering and sentenced to 1 year of probation to be served on home detention.  McGuire, an 18-year employee of the Gary Fire Department, helped a Gary based, drug trafficking organization hide proceeds from the distribution of marijuana and cocaine.  McGuire laundered thousands of dollars by running cash proceeds through her bank account, enabling the drug traffickers to legitimize cash and avoid detection by law enforcement.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

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

PLEAS

• Michael R. Eberle, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery with the use of a dangerous weapon. 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Northeast Indiana FBI Bank Robbery Task Force.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Alvaro Rivera-Arvayo, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of 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 Homeland Security Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, New Haven Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.  

• Sherri L. Miller, 48, of Howe, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department and the Kendallville Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Orlando Paschall, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit robbery. 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 & Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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

• Courtney Crusoe, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $86,338.26 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  According to documents filed in this case, during the course of an investigation, Crusoe was identified as an employee of Wells Fargo Bank.  Bank records were obtained, bank representatives were interviewed and it was discovered that during his employment a secondary joint account was opened without the customer’s knowledge from which Crusoe had made unauthorized withdrawals. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Bruce T. King, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 2 years 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 January 24, 2014, a FWPD officer was on patrol when King was driving and made a turn without signaling.  The officer conducted a traffic stop.  King ran from the vehicle and fell.  While falling to the ground, a handgun fell from King’s waist.  King had a prior felony conviction that precludes him from possessing firearms.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

• Brandon A. Peters, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced on two federal felony convictions:  first, to 16 months of imprisonment for robbery and second, a consecutive 84 months sentence on a gun count.  The court also imposed a term of 2 years supervised release, $3,817 in restitution to the pharmacy.  Peters had pleaded guilty to the felony offense of robbery involving a controlled substance and brandishing and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  According to documents filed in this case, on September 25, 2012, Peters robbed CVS Pharmacy of controlled substances at gunpoint.  Peters was identified driving a black Ford truck at a high rate of speed.  Officers gave chase and during the pursuit tire-deflation devices were utilized, and the truck eventually stopped, ending in the arrest of the sole occupant of the truck, Peters. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne 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:

PLEA

• Anthony Colley, 27, of North Liberty, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of interstate wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire/mail 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 Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for 1/28/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Luis Trevino, 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on February 5, 2014, Trevino possessed cocaine in his home in South Bend, Indiana that he intended to sell. 

• Javier Trevino, 33, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, on February 5, 2014, Trevino possessed marijuana in his mother’s home in South Bend, Indiana that he intended to sell. 

Both cases were the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and both were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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

DISPOSITION

• Rene Patterson, 32, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 3 years of 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, in June 2013, Patterson was found to be in possession of a semiautomatic pistol and two extended magazines of ammunition.  Patterson had a previous conviction in 2006 for carrying a handgun without a license. 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 Tom McGrath. 

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

PLEA

• Deantre L. Rogers, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly distributing a controlled substance (28 grams or more of crack cocaine). 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, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Robert Alphonse Deschepper, III, 24, of Edwardsburg, Michigan was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment and 3 months home detention with 2 years supervised release and to pay $5,681.24 in restitution after pleading guilty to lying to a licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of firearms.    According to documents filed in this case, on April 28, 2014, Deschepper went to a licensed firearms dealer and purchased a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .22 caliber pistol. Deschepper completed an ATF Form 4473 for the purchase of these two firearms.  Also on April 28, 2014, Deschepper made purchases from a gun exchange location in Mishawaka, Indiana. At that location, the defendant completed another ATF Form 4473 for the purchase of a Ruger, model 10/22 rifle, .22 caliber, a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .45 caliber pistol, and a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .22 caliber pistol.  On April 29, 2014, the defendant completed another ATF Form 4473 at Midwest Gun Exchange for the purchase of a Smith & Wesson, model 637, .357 caliber revolver, a Bond Arms, model USA Defender, 410/.45 derringer and a Sig Sauer, model 938, 9mm pistol. In addition to the three firearms, Deschepper also purchased firearm accessories and ammunition. Again on April 29, 2014, the defendant came back to Midwest Gun Exchange in Mishawaka, Indiana and filled out another 4473 form. The defendant made the purchase of a Ruger, model M-14, 5.56 caliber rifle, with serial number 582-50880, a Ruger, model M-30, 7.62 x 39 caliber rifle, a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .45 caliber pistol, and a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .22 caliber pistol. Along with the firearm purchases, the defendant purchased ammunition and firearm accessories. In total, the defendant made the purchase of approximately $9,260.00 worth of firearms, ammunition and accessories from two gun store locations. Each of the total five purchases was made using a personal checking account in the name of Robert Deschepper III that had been closed in 2013 and on each of the ATF 4473 forms the defendant falsely identified his current home address.  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.

• Brock Crowe, 39, of Delphi, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year Probation and to pay $1000 in fines after pleading guilty to knowingly possessing cocaine, a controlled substance.    According to the documents filed in this case, between June 28th and July 15, 2012 Crowe knowingly possessed cocaine purchased from Jose Patlan.  Crowe purchased cocaine before from Patlan and knew it was a controlled 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.

• Kenny Lee, 29, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 35 months imprisonments with 2 of supervised release and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearm.  According to the documents filed in this case, on October 31, 2013, officers responded to a six year old boy being shot.  The minor victim stated that his father Kenny Lee shot him while Lee was trying to shoot his uncle.  Lee is a convicted felon (two Class D felony charges for possession of cocaine.)  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.

• Jose Luis Lopez, 24, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced to time and to be deported after pleading guilty to knowingly distributing cocaine, a controlled substance.    According to the documents filed in this case, on November 14, 2013, Lopez was involved with an individual in distributing cocaine in the Logansport area.  On occasion, Lopez delivered cocaine to an individual he did not know was working for law enforcement.   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:

PLEA

• Juan A Preciado Marquez, 34, of Mexico pled guilty to the felony offense of illegal reentry after prior deportation for an aggravated felony. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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

• Darian Lyndon Brown, 36, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, Brown was caught when investigators from the insurance industry and the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that the loss documentation he submitted in his claims utilized fraudulent entities.  Brown submitted the paperwork through use of the United States mail. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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

• Phillip Biddle, 37, of Kendallville, Indiana was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of materials depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  According to documents filed in this case, on December 2 and December 3, 2011, detectives from the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department identified an internet protocol address that appeared to be sharing files containing images of child pornography.  During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the holder of the suspect IP address was Biddle.  On June 15, 2012, a search warrant was executed wherein several pieces of electronic media were recovered.  During the forensic examination of the electronic media, images of child pornography were located on nearly all of the media recovered from Biddle’s residence.  This case was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, ICAC Task Force, Kendallville Police Department and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

• Deyante Stephens, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $96,534.37 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting armed bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 14, 2013, a local bank was robbed.  During the course of the investigation, it was determined that one of robbers had stolen a teller’s cell phone.  Dispatch was able to determine the location of the cell phone, recovering it in a drainage ditch.  A latent fingerprint was located on the telephone and identified as the fingerprint of Stephens.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, and the Fort Wayne 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:

DISPOSITIONS

• Willie Long, 23, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 18 months 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, Long was driving an automobile in St. Joseph County, Indiana with a Smith & Wesson handgun in the car.  Long had been convicted of a felony in Elkhart County in 2007 in Circuit Court.  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.

• John Carlisle, 50, of New Haven, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonments to be followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in connection with a mortgage loan and mortgage insurance.  According to documents filed in this case, during the period 2008 through 2010, John Carlisle was a licensed loan originator in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Ryan Webb, in conjunction with Johnny Stine and others, purchased low-end homes in the Fort Wayne area, often using an entity called Sunset Properties of NI, LLC. Through the use of advertising and a website, Webb and Stine attracted buyers for these properties. Webb and Stine would then sell these low end homes to these buyers, most often for a sales price of two or three times what had been paid for the homes. Oftentimes, the purchasers of the homes were of very modest financial means and could not, on their own, qualify for the needed mortgage loan. As part of a fraud scheme, Webb and Stine provided monies to the home buyers/borrowers to cover loan closing costs and to give the appearance that the buyers had assets in reserve. To hide the fact that all of the monies for closing and reserves had come from Webb/Stine (monies that were supposed to come from the buyers/borrowers or persons who were relatives of them but in fact came from the seller/real estate broker), Webb and Stine with the knowledge and help of Carlisle prepared phony “gift letters” documenting falsely that the monies Webb and Stine provided had come from family or relatives of the buyers/borrowers. These sham gift letters with false representations violated applicable HUD/FHA mortgage insurance regulations and in fact deceived HUD/FHA. Because these buyers/borrowers could not on their own qualify for the mortgage loans, they frequently defaulted soon after getting the mortgage loans and the homes went into foreclosure, which caused substantial losses to the mortgage lenders and mortgage insurance provider HUD/FHA. This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI.  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

• Dexter Eugene Howard, 38, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery by force or 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.  Sentencing has been set for 1/14/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Elbert Johnson, 37, of Crown Point, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit identity theft, false claims, aggravated identity theft, and filing a false tax return. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Internal Revenue Service.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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

• Korean Daniels, 38, of Fort Wayne, 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 & Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Nathan Hasty, 36, of Huntington, Indiana was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of sexual exploitation of children.  According to documents filed in this case, Hasty had been using fake identities in Facebook posing as a female and flirting with boys in attempt to gain their trust and began to talk sexually with them.  Hasty admitted to being a Campus Life Director for Youth for Christ and admitted to using false Facebook accounts in which he posed as a juvenile female to communicate with the boys in his youth group.  Hasty admitted to having sexual conversations with the young boys, asked them to send nude pictures of themselves, and to skype in a one way conversation.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Cyber Squad.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

• Jose A. Soto, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment, 4 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.  According to documents filed in the case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Jose Soto was identified as distributor of one of the conspiracies. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, G-Net, 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.

• Charley J. Gonzalez, III, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of knowingly conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Charley Gonzalez was identified as the leader of one of the drug supply networks.  This case was the result of an investigation by 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.

• Julius W. Lawson, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment after being found guilty by a jury of the felony offenses of attempted robbery of a person having custody of mail matter, money or property of the United States and interfering with the performance of the official duties of a postal employee which sentence is to run consecutively to 60 months for the felony offense of using a firearm during and in relation to the robbery offense.  A 3 year term of supervised release was also imposed.  According to documents filed in this case, on December 19, 2012, Lawson and an unknown accomplice entered the United States Postal Office located in Diplomat Plaza wearing hoodies.  A postal employee, while hidden in the manager’s office, watching the surveillance monitor, observed Lawson jump the counter located behind the window of the clerks’ stations where cash money, bonds and other valuables were kept.  Lawson’s cell phone and fingerprint were recovered from the customer counter in the postal station and his accomplice was observed in possession of a firearm while inside the station that was pointed at a customer.  One of the individuals in the post office called 911 to report the crime after Lawson and his accomplice had fled the building.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, 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

• Carla Latice Merriweather, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a drug user 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 January 8, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

• Marie Roberts Henderson, 36, of Nappanee, Indiana pled 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. 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-CID.  Sentencing has been set for January 22, 2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

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

• Willie Long, 23, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 18 months 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, Long was driving an automobile in St. Joseph County, Indiana with a Smith & Wesson handgun in the car.  Long had been convicted of a felony in Elkhart County in 2007 in Circuit Court.  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.

• John Carlisle, 50, of New Haven, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonments to be followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in connection with a mortgage loan and mortgage insurance.  According to documents filed in this case, during the period 2008 through 2010, John Carlisle was a licensed loan originator in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Ryan Webb, in conjunction with Johnny Stine and others, purchased low-end homes in the Fort Wayne area, often using an entity called Sunset Properties of NI, LLC. Through the use of advertising and a website, Webb and Stine attracted buyers for these properties. Webb and Stine would then sell these low end homes to these buyers, most often for a sales price of two or three times what had been paid for the homes. Oftentimes, the purchasers of the homes were of very modest financial means and could not, on their own, qualify for the needed mortgage loan. As part of a fraud scheme, Webb and Stine provided monies to the home buyers/borrowers to cover loan closing costs and to give the appearance that the buyers had assets in reserve. To hide the fact that all of the monies for closing and reserves had come from Webb/Stine (monies that were supposed to come from the buyers/borrowers or persons who were relatives of them but in fact came from the seller/real estate broker), Webb and Stine with the knowledge and help of Carlisle prepared phony “gift letters” documenting falsely that the monies Webb and Stine provided had come from family or relatives of the buyers/borrowers. These sham gift letters with false representations violated applicable HUD/FHA mortgage insurance regulations and in fact deceived HUD/FHA. Because these buyers/borrowers could not on their own qualify for the mortgage loans, they frequently defaulted soon after getting the mortgage loans and the homes went into foreclosure, which caused substantial losses to the mortgage lenders and mortgage insurance provider HUD/FHA. This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI.  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:

PLEA

• Soulemayne Camara, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and the interstate transportation of stolen goods. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Department of Treasury.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

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

• Aalap Shah, 32, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 1 year probation and to pay $19,953.90 in restitution after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of knowingly and willfully aiding and abetting the submission of applications to Medicare and Medicaid that contained misrepresentations of material facts.  According to documents filed in this case, Shah specifically claimed to be the owner of the business when in fact the actual owner of the business was her father.  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.

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

PLEAS

• Preston R. Craig, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise. 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 & Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Derek C. Whetsel, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. 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 & Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Marcel T. Banks, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, with 3 years supervised release and to pay $87,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, during the course of an investigation, the Internal Revenue Service obtained bank records, interviewed bank representatives and other individuals and discovered that the brother of Marcel Banks, working as a personal banker at a local bank, had become, with Marcel Banks, secondary joint owners to an account that was opened without the knowledge of the customer.  Banks had attempted to withdraw $10,000 from the account and the attempted transaction was captured on bank surveillance camera.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Raul Resendiz, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, a 911 call came into Fort Wayne Police Department’s dispatch about an individual who had a gun and was in their home threatening to shoot police if they came after him.  Police arrived and apprehended the individual, identified as Resendiz and located an AK 47 assault type rifle within his reach.  Federal agents subsequently learned about the location of another weapon Resendiz had which he kept at his girlfriend’s residence and recovered from that location a Norinco SKS rifle.   Resendiz had a 2011 prior felony conviction in Allen Superior Court for dealing in a counterfeit substance and was, at the time of his arrest on the federal charges, on state probation for the drug offense. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

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

PLEA

• Adrian Williams, 41, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing 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.  Sentencing has been set for 1/8/ 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.

DISPOSITION

• Oscar Martinez, 35, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, between March 2012 and November 2013, Martinez was involved with several individuals in distributing cocaine in the Logansport area.  Martinez delivered cocaine to an individual working for law enforcement. 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

• Michael Radovick, 29, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of cocaine and distribution of cocaine offense committed while on release. 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 Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Sentencing has been set for 1/23/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Akeem Dillon, 28 of Chicago, Illinois, 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 1/9/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath. 

• Roberta Butler, 32, of Valparaiso, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 12/11/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston. 

• Marlon Carr, 21, 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 1/8/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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.

DISPOSITION

• Chauncey Hackett, Jr, 23, of East Chicago, Indian was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of 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, in February 2014, Hackett fled police and dropped a semi-automatic pistol, which had previously been reported stolen, as he fled.  Following a short pursuit, Hackett was arrested and the firearm was recovered. 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 Dean Lanter.

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

DISPOSITIONS

• Joseph R. Topp, 21, of Angola, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors.  According to documents filed in this case, a law enforcement agent, working in an undercover capacity, signed into an online publically available network via a file sharing program.  The federal agent proceeded to browse shared directories and observed several video files being shared.  Several of the titles were indicative of child pornography.  During the course of the investigation, the federal agent utilized a program in order to identify the location of the user.  A search warrant was executed that led to an interview of Topp, who admitted to using P2P (Peer to Peer) file sharing programs for several year.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

• Deandre Banks, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to time served for term of imprisonment with 3 years supervised release and to pay $87,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service revealed that from in or about July 2013 to in or about August 2013, Banks executed a scheme to commit bank fraud.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.

• James B Nelson, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ethylenedioxymethamphetaime and ketamine.  According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement agencies were alerted to Nelson using postal services to ship drugs nationwide.  After a search warrant was issued, Nelson’s residence was searched and items recovered included a hydraulic pill press, controlled substances, mailing labels and $123,647.00 in cash.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

• Brandon S Keister, 22, of Russell, Kentucky was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer.  According to documents filed in this case, in September 2012, a bait and tackle gun shop was burglarized.  Keister broke into the shop and stole 23 handguns.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and the Kendallville Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

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

PLEA

• Alfred Frank Dillard, 55, 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 an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/22/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Carlis Young, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while possessing 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 12/18/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Jesus A. Campos, 35, of Mexico pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana in excess of 100 kilograms. 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.  Sentencing has been set for 12/23/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William T. Grimmer.

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

• Melvin Darnell White, 27, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to time served with 3 years supervised release and 9 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, White had previously been convicted of a felony drug charged in LaPorte County, Indiana in 2009.   On July 2nd, 2012, White had in his possession an Iberia Hi Point JC caliber pistol that he had agreed to sell to someone. 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 William T. Grimmer.

• Shan Skinner, 44, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 30 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, Skinner possessed a Cobra handgun  in Laporte County, Indiana.  He had been convicted of a felony firearm violation in Illinois in 2005. 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.

• David Carranza, 31, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and to pay a fine of $1000 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of using a communication facility in causing or facilitating another felony.  According to documents filed in this case, Carranza used a telephone to facilitate a narcotics transaction. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer. 

• Africa Gunn, 37 of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and to pay $106,225.91 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims.  According to documents filed in this case, Gunn participated with others in a false tax return preparation and filing scheme in South Bend, Indiana.  Individuals prepared and submitted Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, with false or inflated Forms W-2 to obtain false tax refunds.  As a result of this scheme, approximately 1,189 tax returns were submitted in tax years 2008-2010, requesting approximately $3,543,794.00 in false tax refunds.  Gunn opened and controlled bank accounts that received refunds from the false taxes returned and shared in the proceeds from these false returns. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Department.  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

• Montrell Jolly, 24, 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 12/11/14.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Andy Mitchell, 55, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has been set for 12/10/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

• Toni Alexander, 43, of Calumet City, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has been set for 12/9/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.  

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

• James Gerodemos, 51, of Schererville, Indiana was sentenced to 6 months incarceration, to pay a fine of $50,000 with 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of engaging in the business of dealing in explosive materials without a license to do so.  According to documents filed in this case, in June of 2013, Gerodemos was found to be in possession of over 16,000 lbs. of commercial and illegal explosives that he intended to sell.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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

PLEAS

• Henry C. Purifoy, III, 23, 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Derrell L. Hayes, 29, 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allen County 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Edward Williams, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack.  According to documents filed in this case, Williams participated in selling cocaine and a firearm to a confidential informant (CI).  During the course of this investigation, Williams had made arrangements to meet the CI at an established location.  Williams was seen arriving, entering and exiting the residence carrying a Nike shoe box.  When Williams left the residence, he was stopped by police and a firearm and crack cocaine were found inside the Nike shoe box.  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 Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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

PLEAS

• Justin Magee, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled 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.  This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/15/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Isaiah Mark Samelton, 19, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/22/ 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

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

DISPOSITIONS

• Frederick Dotson 39, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, Dotson sold cocaine out of his residence in St. Joseph County and possessed a Hi Point .40 cal. handgun to protect his drug business. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jose Mario Sanchez, 40, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from September 2013 up to and including October 2013, Sanchez was involved with several individuals, in distributing cocaine in the Northern District of Indiana. On several occasions Sanchez and others delivered cocaine to an individual Sanchez was unaware was working for law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jose Guadalupe Leal, 39, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, on August 28th, 2013, Leal lived in Elkhart, Indiana and had in his possession about an ounce of cocaine he intended to sell. While executing a search warrant on Leal’s residence, law enforcement officers located the narcotics, drug dealing paraphernalia and a loaded semi-automatic pistol hidden in Leal’s bedroom.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

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

PLEAS

• Mark William Bartell, 28, 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 11/24/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Robinson Morales, 37, of Hammond, 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 12/5/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla. 

• Jordan Schwind, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  Sentencing has been set for 12/3/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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.