Northern District of Indiana

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Manuel Montalvo, 39, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 24 months of probation, with home detention of 4 months, and a $1000.00 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of filing a false tax return for the tax year 2009.According to documents filed in this case, Montalvo admitted that he provided false information about deductions including that he had $23,382 in business expenses and $17,063 in medical expenses.In fact, both figures were made up. Montalvo filed the false returns while employed as the Director of East Chicago Public Library. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Alexander Vargas, 36, of Highland, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 276 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering activity, one count of narcotics conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering and two counts of murder resulting from the use of a firearm in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking.According to the indictment, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters.The indictments filed in these cases allege that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 19 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; and the Houston Police Department.The investigation of the Chicago Police Department officers was conducted by Chicago City Public Corruption Task Force, a Chicago Police Department- Internal Affairs and FBI - Chicago law enforcement initiative.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, and Joseph A. Cooley, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice - Organized Crime and Gang Section.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Tenneil Selner, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein to the felony offense of distribution of pseudoephedrine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/30/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Horacio Hernandez, 50, of Goshen, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of reentry of a deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing has been set for 1/29/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Marshall.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Connie Horvath, 43, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 33 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and restitution of $249,390.11 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Horvath executed a scheme to defraud the bank at which she was employed.Horvath worked in commercial banking and sales and issued loans that benefitted her personally without the approval of the bank. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Christopher Akens, 36, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 78 months imprisonment and 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of sexual exploitation of minors.According to documents filed in this case, Akens utilized ARES Peer-2-Peer file-sharing to download a video of child pornography. Upon further investigation by law enforcement, Akens revealed he maintained a digital collection of additional similar material.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Mac.

Kandi Biggins, 44, of Spencerville, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 15 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and to pay restitution of $182,466 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Biggins executed a scheme and artifice to defraud a financial institution and to obtain moneys, funds, credits, and other property owned by or under the custody or control of a financial institution, Tower Bank, by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations.In particular, Biggins was employed by Tower Bank and used false statements and pretenses in order to obtain bank funds in the form of cashier’s checks from her employer, Tower Bank, that she used to pay her personal expenses. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Heriberto Hernandez-Fraye, 34, of East Chicago, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of re-entry of a deported alien.Sentencing has been set for 1/29/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Jose Mariscal-Rivas, 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.Sentencing has been set for 1/28/14. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Cahleb Smith-Conrad, 22, of Delphi, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Antonio Collins, 35, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 57 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement saw a vehicle parked in Collin’s driveway and observed the vehicle leave the premises and then fail to stop at a stop sign.The car was pulled over and the driver admitted he had marijuana in the car and that he had purchased the marijuana from Collins at his home.Using this information law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Mr. Collins home.During the search officers found a false wall in the bathroom under some shelving.Within the false wall was a duffel bag containing eight sealed bags with a green leafy substance and two guns.Collins admitted that he deals marijuana from his house. Collins has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Merrillville Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Brian Washington, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 123 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement found that Washington was selling large quantities of guns and drugs from a home in Gary. 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.

Styles Taylor, 33, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to lifetime imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release and $11,275.97 in restitution after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by threat of violence, use of a firearm to cause death during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Taylor and Keon Thomas robbed and murdered Frank Freund, Sr. to obtain numerous firearms to enhance their stature in the drug dealing community and to possibly trade some of the firearms for cocaine. When the trade deal fell through, the defendants began to sell the firearms throughout the Hammond area to any willing buyer, further endangering the citizens of the Hammond region.Mr. Freund, owner of Firearms Unlimited Gun Shop, was a 72 year old veteran who had a pacemaker and was virtually deaf. Mr. Freund was murdered execution style; shot from very close range inside his place of business.Taylor is a three time convicted felon who was involved in drug trafficking, the armed robbery of Fast Lane Foods causing serious bodily injury, one attempted murder of a pizza delivery man, an actual murder (Mr. Freund) and two other burglaries as a juvenile. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Benson and David Nozick.

David Beach, 25, of West Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 120 months imprisonment, 30 years of supervised release and $500 in restitution to the named victims after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, investigators observed than an individual later identified as Beach was downloading files containing images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.A search warrant was issued authorizing law enforcement to search Beach’s residence where at least 60 images depicting child pornography were found.Beach later admitted that he possessed more than 600 such images, that he distributed the material in return for more child pornography and that this child pornography depicted minor children who had not yet begun puberty.All told, the government recovered 1,637 images and 3 videos depicting child pornography from Beach’s computer. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and the Kokomo Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Jerome Burney, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of wire fraud. Magistrate Cosbey 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 Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Jamison Gudorf, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Magistrate Cosbey 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 and Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Jason Bridges, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 100 months imprisonment; 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana plants and marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Allen county law enforcement discovered marijuana plants after receiving information from a landowner about the discovery of an outdoor marijuana grow operation on the landowner’s property.Surveillance led to Bridges’ arrest. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Luther Vanhoosier, 44, of Redkey, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 5 months imprisonment and 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, law enforcement arrested Vanhoosier for domestic battery. At the time of his arrest, Vanhoosier was in possession of a shotgun and rifle.Vanhoosier has a previous conviction in 2012 for operating while intoxicated. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Juan Olivo, 36, of Milford, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 188 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing heroin.According to documents filed in this case, in 2012, while under surveillance Milford sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Allen County Drug Task Force. Milford continually distributed the narcotic throughout the year until his arrest.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

This week marked the end of the case against five individuals who were convicted in February of conspiring to harbor illegal aliens and conspiring to commit mail fraud.District Judge Jon DeGuilio sentenced:

Margarito Fuentes Reyes, age 52, of Goshen, to 48 months in prison;

Yalitza Exclusa Borrero, age 32, of Indianapolis, to 24 months in prison;

Luis Omar Montes Merino, age 34, of Indianapolis, to 60 months in prison, and

Omar Duran Lagunes, age 35, of Indianapolis, to 84 months in prison.

Earlier in October Judge DeGuilio sentenced Evelyn Rivera Borrero, age 44, also from Indianapolis, to 24 months in prison.

Judge DeGuilio ordered all of the defendants to serve one year on supervised release following their prison sentence.Although three of the defendants are in the United States illegally, Duran, Montes Merino and Fuentes Reyes, the judge imposed the supervised release terms to monitor their conduct should they return to the US after deportation.

All five defendants were convicted of all counts of the indictment.The defendants presented false information, forged documents, and made false representations to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State regarding the identity of the actual owners of motor vehicles in order to obtain registrations, license plates, and titles.The conspirators used false advertising, created thousands of business entities, used false notarizations on BMV forms, submitted fictitious insurance information, presented false vehicle sale price amounts to avoid sales taxes, and used intimate knowledge of BMV procedures to accomplish the crimes.By committing these and other misdeeds, the defendants concealed, harbored, and shielded from detection aliens who are in the United States in violation of immigration laws and encouraged aliens to enter and remain in the United States in violation of immigration laws.The conspirators typically charged their customers $350 and promised to register their vehicles in the customer’s name, but instead the conspirators registered the cars in the name of sham limited liability companies to avoid BMV scrutiny.The court found that the conspiracy victimized over 2500 individuals between 2009 and 2012.The conspirators operated in Elkhart, Goshen, and Indianapolis, Indiana.

“These sentences send a clear message about the consequences facing those involved in the illegal document trade," said Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent, detect and dismantle identity fraud schemes that adversely affect the public trust throughout Indiana and elsewhere. HSI will continue to move aggressively against those who put personal profit ahead of public safety.”

Inspector-In-Charge of the Detroit Division, Eddie C. Woodson stated, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to aggressively addressing and investigating these criminal acts and the victimization of the American public. I applaud the interagency cooperation of all involved.”

These charges were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service titled “Operation Title Check.”Other law enforcement agencies assisting in the investigation include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Elkhart Police Department, the Indiana State Police and investigators with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Indiana Secretary of State.The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana was also involved in the investigation and assisted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Kahley Vergon-Mayotte, 28, of Monticello, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Hoosier EMS Inc. et al., pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.Sentencing has been set for 1/8/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

Jacalyn Selman, 54, of Kouts, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of embezzling mail. Magistrate Nuechterleinis recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/30/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Evan Vanator, 23, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while being an illegal user of controlled substances. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/21/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Lorenzo Coben, 33, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Joshua Robinson, 23, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 33 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.According to documents filed in this case, Robinson, who has an extensive criminal history consisting of juvenile adjudications and adult criminal convictions, burglarized a residence where a .20 gauge shotgun and a .223 caliber rifle were taken. After the firearms were stolen, Robinson and a co-defendant proceeded to take the serial number off one of the firearms in preparation of selling the firearms in Chicago, Illinois. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Police Department and the Lafayette Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Che Williams, Jr., 21, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.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.

Ramon Salinas, Jr., 37, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 210 months imprisonment and 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement conducted an online Internet investigation to identify those possessing and sharing child pornography.The investigation identified an IP address belonging to the Salinas residence sharing files containing material depicting minors under the age of 16 engaged in sexual acts or poses.A search warrant was executed at this residence where law enforcement found that Salinas possessed at least 60 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Salinas also has a prior conviction for possession of child pornography in Marion County in 2005. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Indiana State Police, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Highland Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

James Urschel, 47, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of false impersonation of a federal officer.According to documents filed in this case, Urschel impersonated a Deputy United States Marshal while buying numerous firearms at Gander Mountain in Lafayette, Indiana.He would then pawn the guns at a local pawn shop for cash. 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.

Charles E. Johnson, Jr., 33, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 37 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and found 17.9 grams of crack cocaine in a safe.Johnson had a felony conviction for dealing in cocaine in 2008 and was on probation for that offense when he was charged in this case. 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-Adiga.

Daryl V. Johnson, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 180 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Johnson has 15 prior felony convictions and 9 misdemeanor convictions over a period of 18 years.Johnson was in a motor vehicle that was pursued by Hammond Police Department due to the occupants violating the seat belt law. After the vehicle fled from police, Johnson exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The police recovered a handgun from the route on which Johnson fled. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Regina Cabell, 39, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 18 months imprisonment and $79,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of health care fraud ---submitting a claim to Indiana Medicaid for providing a service to an Indiana Medicaid recipient to whom she did not actually provide the claimed service ---and failing to file a federal income tax return for her gross income of $297,567 in the 2011 tax year.According to documents filed in this case, Cabell, d/b/a L&G Transportation, submitted approximately $96,600 in false claims to Indiana Medicaid for providing transportation services that did not actually occur.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Demarcus White, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 46 months of imprisonment and 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, several firearms were discovered in White’s custody during a traffic violation stop. White had two rifles and one handgun in his possession.In June 2003, White was convicted of armed bank robbery and brandishing and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.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 Anthony Geller.

Ron Luthe, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann 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, in May 2012, Luthe was arrested with a Glock .40 handgun while working at a gun shop.In 2002, Luthe was sentenced for a conviction for Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.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 Tina Nommay.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

Ian T. Kideys, 49, of La Jolla, California, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 60 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $1.4 million in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.Kideys was also sentenced in a separate matter to 60 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to bankruptcy fraud. Both sentences will run concurrently.According to documents filed in this case, from 2009 through 2010, in the wake of the real estate market collapse, Ian Kideys operated US Mortgage Bailout and US Mortgage Bailout.com, which sought out mortgage loan modification business from internet users. US Mortgage Bailout made a variety of false representations while obtaining customers, including that it had attorneys on staff, had helped thousands of homeowners avoid foreclosures, and succeeded in obtaining loan modifications for its customers 90 percent of the time. US Mortgage Bailout obtained some mortgage relief for its customers through fraudulent representations to lenders, but otherwise simply collected money — thousands of dollars from each customer. Each customer received a money-back guarantee; few got any money back. Mr. Kideys also defrauded creditors and the U.S. Trustee in his personal bankruptcy case by leading them to believe he had deposited $283,000 and concealing his receipt of $228,721.28. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Raymond Belsan, 33, of Goshen, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 1/22/14.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Kendra Winston, 24, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being an accessory after the fact to bank robbery.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/16/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse 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:

Dayman Olivares, 34, of Bremen, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 70 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Olivares possessed cocaine and heroin which he intended to sell to a confidential informant.He arrived at the site of the drug deal with his girlfriend and two young children in the car.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Dedrick Bufkin, 20, of Merrillville, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Toney et al., was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.According to documents filed in this case, Diamond Toney established on online relationship with a victim through a dating website.Toney and Bufkin, armed with a gun, met the victim at an arranged site, tied him up with string and duct tape and ordered him into the trunk of his own vehicle.Toney and Bufkin took money, a cell phone and wallet from the victim and held him captive in the trunk for approximately 5 hours before letting him go.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-Adiga.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Lizbeth Correa, 35, of Wawaka, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Madrigal et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of profiting from managing and controlling a building for the purpose of storing and distributing methamphetamine. Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the IMAGE Task Force, the Noble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Ligonier Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Alicia Green, 27, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of the Treasury. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/3/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Javier Montoya, of Howe, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/3/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William 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:

Jose Nambo, 32, of Anne, Illinois was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 70 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over five hundred 500 grams of cocaine and/or over 100 kilograms of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, between May 29, 2012, and July 16, 2012, Nambo was involved with delivering marijuana and cocaine in the Logansport, Indiana area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Andre Bradford, 35, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 41 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of heroin.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Eugene Wilson, Sr., 57, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Simmuel Mobley, 46, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Jose Montoya, 40, of Summit, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Ramirez et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of kidnapping.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

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:

Wesley King, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.King has a prior felony conviction for murder, narcotics offenses and reckless driving.According to documents filed in this case, King fired a weapon at an individual who was attempting to burglarize his home.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Nalon Edmonds, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 18 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Edmonds approached individuals as they came to a gas station and attempted to sell marijuana to them. Edmonds, while attempting to sell the marijuana, was in possession of a Taurus .45 caliber firearm. The firearm was fully loaded, with 1 round of ammunition in the chamber. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana University Northwest Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Jesus Vasquez was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 21 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Monta Oliver, 36, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 27 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

Jon Erik Lilly, 28, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 144 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of receipt of child pornography.According to a Complaint filed in this case, a Hammond Police Department officer, while working off duty at Morton High School, was made aware of a situation involving a male teacher, later identified as Lilly, having a sexual relationship with a female student.During a subsequent investigation, law enforcement conducted a search of Lilly’s residence and found multiple hundreds of sexually explicit images of at least 10 different females, five or more of who were identified as former students. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Diontria Frazier, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Harris et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 1 day credit for time served, 3 years supervised release and restitution jointly and severally with all defendants after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit fraud with identification documents.According to documents filed in this case, the defendants obtained the account and personal information of individuals in over 21 states and fraudulently added their names to the victims’ accounts in an account takeover scheme. The defendants either utilized their own names or utilized aliases with the accounts which had been taken over. They purchased gift cards, Postal Money Orders, and made numerous retail purchases with the fraudulently obtained credit cards throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. They also made cash withdrawals on the accounts and utilized the convenience checks associated with the accounts at various financial institutions located in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Throughout the criminal conduct, the defendants would also mail gift cards, Postal money orders, and U.S. currency from Indiana and Wisconsin to Georgia. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Kameron Kutzli, 22, of Dunkirk, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Juan Corona, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Tyson Allen, 26, of Bluffton, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .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.

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on September 18, 2013:

Michael Radovick, 28, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Kiontay Pennington, 34, of Gary, Indiana, Oscar Cosme, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana, and Adron Tancil, 36, address unknown, were charged with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and the murder of Julio Cartagena in May 2003.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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

WASHINGTON – A Texas leader of the Latin Kings street gang was sentenced today in Hammond, Ind., to serve 262 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.

Dante Reyes, aka “DK,” 41, of Alton,Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano in the Northern District of Indiana.In addition to his prison term, Reyes was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.On March 14, 2013, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.

According to the third superseding indictment filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including the state of Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has well-defined leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. The third superseding indictment charges that the Latin Kings was responsible for more than 20 murders in southeast Chicago, northwest Indiana and Big Spring, Texas.

During a co-defendant’s trial, the government presented evidence of several murders committed by members of the Latin Kings. In addition, cooperating defendants testified that the Latin Kings were responsible for distributing more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana over the course of the racketeering conspiracy.

During his guilty plea proceeding, Reyes acknowledged that he became a member of the Latin Kings at an early age and ultimately rose to the level of South Texas Regional Inca. He admitted that he attended at least two meetings in Texas with other members of the Latin Kings leadership in order to solidify the relationship between the Latin Kings in Texas and Chicago. Reyes further admitted that on at least one occasion, he traveled to the Chicago area with other Latin Kings members to meet with local Latin Kings leadership.

According to court documents, Reyes distributed cocaine and marijuana to Latin Kings members in Texas.He also distributed cocaine in Michigan through the use of couriers.These couriers traveled from Texas by bus or other vehicles and passed through the Northern District of Indiana while en route.

Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case.Including Reyes, 21 defendants have pleaded guilty, one was convicted by jury and one remains a fugitive.

This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith, Ind., Police Department; the Highland, Ind., Police Department; the Hammond, Ind., Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Porter of the Northern District of Illinois and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag of the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, provided significant assistance.

The third superseding indictment is not evidence of guilt.The defendant who has not been convicted is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on September 11, 2013:

Tyrone Franklin, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana, was charged in a four count Indictment with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition and two counts of felon in possession of one or more firearms.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. 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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

James Tolson, 39, of Wabash, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing is set for 12/12/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Gary Wright, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/17/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Brock Crowe, 38, of North Delphi, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to deliver over 500 grams of cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/19/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Nora Guardiola, 35, of Shelton, Illinois, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/1/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Joseph Olivo, 33, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, distribution of heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm and maintaining a residence to distribute marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 12/5/2013.This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William 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:

Joseph Bradshaw, Jr, 31, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 80 months imprisonment to be served consecutive to an undischarged term of imprisonment in Indiana cause number 71D02-1206-FB-00098 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 April 7, 2011, Warsaw Police responded to a complaint of drug use and paraphernalia at a residence.The response led to officers finding a .22 cal. semi-automatic handgun at a second location.Bradshaw Jr. was questioned and admitted he stole the firearm from a relative. Mr. Bradshaw Jr. has theft and sexual battery felony convictions. 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 .

Ronald Brownlee, 47, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a stolen firearm.According to documents filed in this case, on or about March 13, 2013, law enforcement searched Brownlee’s home in South Bend and recovered four stolen firearms.Upon further inspection, law enforcement was able to determine the weapons in question were not manufactured in Indiana and thus affected 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 .

Darrius Agnew, 33, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 120 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a stolen firearm.According to documents filed in this case, Agnew was on home detention under the supervision of the Ducomb Center in November 2012. Agnew refused to let a Ducomb Center employee into his apartment in early November 2012. Local law enforcement did later search Agnew’s residence and discovered firearms including an Uzi 9mm, a Springfield XD pistol and a Winchester 1400 MK II 12 gauge shotgun.Upon further inspection, it was determined the Springfield was reported stolen in 2011.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.

Brison Williams, 20, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr to 97 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of racketeering.According to documents filed in this case, in 2010 and 2011, Williams was a member of the criminal enterprise, Cash Out Boyz.During his time with the organization, Williams trafficked in marijuana and was involved in the confrontation of a Boyz member which led to a shooting and beating. Williams was also involved in additional numerous violent criminal activities.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Abdkadr Mohammad, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the USDA’s SNAP benefit program.Sentencing has been set for 1/10/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Agriculture/Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

Miguel Herrera-Torres, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of re-entry of a deported alien.Sentencing has been set for 12/11/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

Julius Solis, 24, and Michael Castillo, 22, both of East Chicago, Indiana and defendants in the case US v Briseno et al., pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon this week.Both pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.Additionally, Solis pled guilty to the use of a firearm during a federal crime of violence and drug trafficking crime and Castillo pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA.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:

Amin Velazquez, 33, of Rensselaer, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release if not deported after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Velazquez was responsible for assisting with the transportation of a significant amount of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Daniel Roman, 33, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 56 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to documents filed in this case, Roman has a prior conviction for burglary and was on probation at the time of the instant offense. Roman’s illegally possessed a firearm while possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana.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.

Terry Carlyle, 56, of Mooresville, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine.Carlyle, a former Marshal with the Brooklyn, Indiana Police Department and police officer with the Indianapolis Police Department, along with John Smith, a former Brooklyn Police Department officer, used their police credentials in their efforts to protect drug shipments. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

David Finley, Jr., 32, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm and distribution of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Finley, a former Gary Police Officer, committed multiple crimes during a three week period by straw purchasing a handgun for a friend (a convicted felon) and selling marijuana.While awaiting sentencing on these crimes, Finley provided false information to the Court by submitting fake character letters .This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Gary Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Tamika Gayden, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months of probation to include 6 months of home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms.According to documents filed in this case, Gayden straw-purchased five firearms for other individuals.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

INDICTMENT:

Michael English, 33, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with 3 counts of distribution of marijuana, 1 count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon and 1 count of possession of an unregistered firearm.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

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

PLEAS:

Diamond Toney, 20, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.Sentencing has been set for 11/25/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Merrillville Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Jose Ortiz, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Yepez et al., pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang-Adiga and Thomas McGrath.

Antonio Wilson, 31, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a school.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gary Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Timothy Yatsko, 41, of Lake Station, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession of a firearm.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Steven Biggs, 61, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Crawford et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 1 year of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a communication facility to facilitate a conspiracy to distribute marijuana. According to documents filed in this case, Biggs purchased marijuana in a sufficient quantity to redistribute a portion to his friends for purposes of subsidizing his own use of marijuana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

Hector Garcia, 35, of Cicero, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Vasquez et al., was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 37 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession and distribution of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

David Hardin, Jr., 25, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Miller et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 365 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $79,919.56 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of the bank robbery of BMO Harris Bank in Hammond, Indiana.According to documents filed in this case, a Hammond police officer was shot three times in his leg during the robbery.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Jeffrey A. Smith, 33, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 84 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Smith “friended” the victim on MySpace and asked the victim, who he knew to be 15 years old at the time, to send him sexually explicit photos of herself.Smith also transported the victim in interstate commerce, in this case from Ohio to Indiana, with the intent that she engage in sexual activity. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Deanbra Martin, 33, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 33 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to documents filed in this case, Martin was on probation at the time of the instant offense.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Robert E. Miller, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 37 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and $264,951.70 in restitution after being found guilty of the felony offense of tax evasion.According to documents filed in this case, Miller committed tax fraud, specifically, eight years of tax payment evasion, during the ten-year period from 1999 through 2009.Miller did so despite being employed and having substantial assets and funds, including more than $2.1 million in adjusted gross income and more than $1.1 million in taxable income.Miller tried to hide his assets and income from the IRS by discontinuing his use of bank accounts in May 2007 and conducting all of his transactions in cash and pre-paid debit cards.

Miller attempted to obstruct justice when he made false statements during questioning by IRS agents when they interviewed him and also when he intentionally lied on material points during his testimony at trial.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on September 11, 2013:

Jose Gonzalez, 61, of Milford, Indiana, was charged in a two-count Indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

Antonio King , 33, of Elkhart, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Elkhart Police Department, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Vernado Ruben Malone, 41, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was charged in a three-count Indictment with one-count of mail fraud, one-count of wire fraud, and one-count aggravated identity theft.Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Joseph County Police, and Niles Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Ryan Dean Smith , 27, of Peru, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Wabash City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Quintien Walker, 22, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with providing false statements during the acquisition of a firearm. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be 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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, Indiana — United States Attorney David Capp announced today that since May 2013, as a result of an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana has prosecuted and convicted five (5) individuals who fraudulently collected government funds in the form of unemployment insurance benefit payments from the State of Indiana.Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook handled these prosecutions for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Christina Glen, 43, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced today by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to two years of probation and $15,210.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government funds.

According to documents filed in this case, Glen and four (4) other individuals fraudulently collected government funds in the form of unemployment insurance benefit payments from the State of Indiana.These individuals worked for the same company in Michigan City, Indiana and, while they received wages, fraudulently applied for and received these benefit payments to which they were not entitled. The total amount of restitution to be paid to the State of Indiana by each defendant ranged from $15,000 - $25,000, but collectively amounted to $97,523.

Previously convicted in this investigation were:

Keith Galassi, 33, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced May 28, 2013 to 2 years of probation and restitution of $15,210 after pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

Deandre Grant, 36, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced June 17, 2013 to 3 years of probation with 6 months of home detention and restitution of $19,657 after pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

Terry Smith, 33, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced June 21, 2013 to 3 years of probation and restitution of $18,330 after pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

Leon Thomas, 38, of Lynwood, Illinois was sentenced April 4, 2013 to 2 years of imprisonment after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft.Thomas worked and collected unemployment insurance benefit payments at the same company in Michigan City under a stolen identity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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FortWayne,Indiana - TheUnited States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on September 11, 2013:

Jovon C. Harvey, 44, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was charged with two counts of attempted tax evasion for tax years 2007 and 2008, three counts of failure to file a tax return for tax years 2007 through 2009 and one count of wire fraud.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

TheUnitedStatesAttorney'sOfficeemphasizedthatanIndictmentismerelyanallegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Scott Weaver, 29, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty before District Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/5/2013.This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.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:

Juan Gallardo, 30, of LaPorte, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 37 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, between February 2012 and December 2012, Gallardo and several others were involved in distributing cocaine in LaPorte County. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Allen Ray Evens, 25, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 27 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Evens had a previous conviction for robbery and wason probation at the time of his arrest. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Gary Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Michael Weatherford, 70, of Attica, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 108 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a stolen firearm. According to documents filed by the government in this case, Weatherford has six prior felony convictions including burglary, breaking and entering, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Weatherford was arrested and charged after a confrontation with a conservation officer in a wooded area near Attica, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Brandon Earl, 31, of Demotte, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Humphrey et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 41 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed in this case, Earl was charged along with eight others with participation in a heroin ring operating in the Newton County area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline Jacobs and Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Hammond, Indiana - United States Attorney David Capp announced that Raymond Campos, a member of the Imperial Gangster street gang, pled guilty today in US District Court to racketeering conspiracy.Campos admitted to being a member of the Imperial Gangsters and participating in the operation of that criminal enterprise through shootings and homicides.Campos also agreed to cooperate with the government in its ongoing investigation into criminal gangs.

In addition to his plea of guilty to the RICO conspiracy, Campos also pled guilty to murder in aid of racketeering activity that was charged in a separate Information.Campos admitted to the murder of Steven Rodriguez in East Chicago on February 9, 2002.Rodriguez was 14 years of age at the time of his death.

The Rodriguez homicide is the 20th previously uncharged homicide that the United States Attorney’s Office has charged in its ongoing efforts against organized street gangs, particularly the Imperial Gangsters and Latin Kings.

United States Attorney David Capp stated, “It does not matter how long ago some of these homicides may have occurred.We are actively investigating any number of cold homicides.When the evidence warrants, we will seek indictments.It is our intention to keep the pressure on these organized street gangs and hold them accountable for their criminal acts, regardless of when they occurred.”

There are 20 previously uncharged homicides being dealt with in federal court.Those attributed to members of the Imperial Gangster street gang are:

1. Steven Rodriguez, February 9, 2002 in East Chicago

2. Anuar Paez, July 24, 2004 in East Chicago

3. Guadalupe Trevino, July 24, 2005 in Gary

4. Juan Murillo, Sr., March 22, 2007 in East Chicago

5. Rene Alonzo, September 16, 2007 in East Chicago

6. Luis Ortiz, September 26, 2007 in Hammond

7. Mario Soriano, March 25, 2008 in East Chicago

8. Michael Sessum, June 3, 2008 in East Chicago

9. Miguel Meijias, June 3, 2008 in East Chicago

10. Harris Brown, October 9, 2008 in East Chicago

11. Miguel Colon, February 10, 2010 in East Chicago

12. Jesus Alvarez, March 26, 2010 in East Chicago

13. Latroy Howard, June 10, 2010 in East Chicago

Previously uncharged homicides attributed to members of the Latin Kings street gang are:

14. Jonathan Zimmerman, December 26, 2003 in Hammond

15. Edward Delatorre, November 26, 2006 in Chicago

16. James Walsh, February 25, 2007 in Griffith

17. Gonzalo Diaz, February 25, 2007 in Griffith

18. Jose Cortez, May 25, 2008 in East Chicago

19. Christina Campos, April 22, 2009 in Chicago

Last week, Oscar Cosme and Kiontay Pennington were charged with the previously uncharged murder of Julio Cartenaga on May 16, 2003 in East Chicago.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Bruce Hegyi of the Capital Case Unit.

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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Frank Piatek, 72, of Elkhart, Indiana pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to the felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender.Sentencing has been set for 12/4/2013.This case resulted from an investigation by the US Marshals Service .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Kelly Ann Norris, 49, of LaPorte, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 6 months imprisonment, 6 months location monitoring on home detention, 2 years supervised release and $697,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of health care billing fraud.According to documents filed in this case, from 2009 through early 2013, Norris defrauded Indiana Medicaid through fraudulent billing claims.Norris was the owner of Norris Medical Transportation and made claims for reimbursement for transportation services that were never provided.This case was the result of an investigation by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Brian Edwards, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 21 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and of $400,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statement in connection with a mortgage loan and mortgage insurance.According to documents filed in this case, during 2008 through 2010, Edwards was a licensed loan originator in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Edwards and others involved would sell low-end houses to purchasers unable to qualify for mortgage loans. Thru use of falsified gift letters, Edwards was able to falsely represent borrower assets to qualify individuals for mortgage loans they could not pay.Buyers soon after obtaining the homes could not maintain the locations and the homes went into foreclosure.Edwards knowingly submitted to lenders loan applications containing false representation of borrower assets and phony bank account documentation. The defendant received thousands of dollars from his part of the fraudulent business.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Eugene Jackson, Jr., 33, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the ATF HIDTA Task Force and the Hobart Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Rick Weatherford, 48, of Ladoga, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 151 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.The 151 month sentence is to run consecutively with Weatherford’s current sentence.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Weatherford has prior convictions for theft/habitual offender in 1993, murder in 1994 and trafficking with an inmate in 2002. Weatherford orchestrated a large semi-truck load shipment of marijuana that was driven from Texas to Indiana for further distribution.Weatherford took part in this conspiracy while he was incarcerated in the Indiana Department of Corrections with the use of an illegal cellular phone in prison. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Krystal Puntillo-Raggs, 22, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of passing counterfeit obligations.According to documents filed in this case, Puntillo-Raggs assisted in the illegal passing of counterfeit obligations at her place of employment in her capacity as a cashier.Her co-defendants would purchase items at her register and give her what she knew to be counterfeit bills as payment.They would later return many of the purchased items in exchange for genuine cash and things of value.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Daniel Loy, 32, of South Haven, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for a term of 30 months with 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Loy, in distributing cocaine on 2 occasions, sold approximately 115 grams.Loy has an extensive criminal history that includes a felony conviction and 5 misdemeanor convictions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Jason Rossiter, 30, of Lake Village, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Humphrey et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the custody of the Bureau Of Prisons for a term of 60 months with 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed in this case, Rossiter was charged along with eight others with participation in a heroin ring operating in the Newton County area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline Jacobs and Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Gelacio Martinez, 36, of Sturgis,Michigan, pled guilty before District Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of using a communication facility to facilitate a conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.Sentencing has not been set.This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

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

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

PLEA:

Shawn Hagler, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty before District Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of armed bank robbery.This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Sentencing has not been set.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Trey Jackson, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty before District Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery and with brandishing and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.Sentencing has not been set.This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Nicole Sprankles, 40, of Bluffton, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 5 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, Sprankles purchased a .40 caliber Glock pistol, model 22 from Parlor City Pawn in Bluffton and lied regarding the true identity of a firearm purchaser. 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 Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Harry Esterline, 75, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 2 days imprisonment (with credit for time served) and 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, Esterline utilized the file sharing software “Limewire” to download video files from the Internet.The files depicted scenes of prepubescent females engaged in sexual activity with adult males.Esterline’s computer was seized and child pornography video files were found on the hard drive. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Alex White, 48, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 188 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $877 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of robbery with a dangerous weapon.According to documents filed in this case, in October 2012, White entered a Wells Fargo bank, threatened a bank teller and demanded money. White fled the scene with the stolen money.He was arrested several days later due to video footage from the robbery.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.

Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on August 28, 2013: Damion Alexander, 19, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer on or about July 23, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of firearms and ammunition. 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. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Raul Resendiz, 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about July 21, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of firearms. 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. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Trevor Rodriguez, 22, and Hayley VanDurmen, 20, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, are charged in an eight count Indictment respectively. Both defendants are charged with knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon and aiding and abetting on or about April 26, 2013. In addition, Rodriguez is also charged with distribution of marijuana on or about May 24, 2013, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about May 24, 2013, knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon on or about June 25, 2013, July 1, 2013, July
15, 2013 and July 30, 2013, and maintaining a drug involved premise. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Dontae Travier, 29, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Cameron Patterson, 28 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, are charged in a single count Indictment with armed bank robbery and aiding abetting on or about May 29, 2013. The investigation of this bank robbery is being conducted by the Ossian Police Department, the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, and the FBI Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force. Both task forces are comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is also part of the Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Hammond, Indiana-United States Attorney David Capp announced that Oscar Cosme, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana, and Kiontay Pennington, 34, of Gary, Indiana, were charged by Complaint with allegedly committing murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting the same.

According to the Complaint, on May 16, 2003, Pennington, Cosme and others shot to death Julio Cartagena in front of an apartment complex in East Chicago in retaliation for the theft of narcotics.East Chicago police were nearby and began a chase of the vehicle fleeing from the scene that ended in a high impact crash.Pennington and Cosme were identified as two of the four occupants of the vehicle.A subsequent investigation revealed that the underlying narcotics theft involved a street gang, the “Two Six”, which was active in East Chicago at that time.

Cosme was arrested on August 23, 2013.Pennington was arrested this morning at his residence.Both had their initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge John Martin in Hammond and are scheduled for probable cause/detention hearings on August 29, 2013 at 9:00 and 9:30 AM.

United States Attorney Capp stated, “These arrests are part of our ongoing effort to remove violent offenders from the streets, particularly those allegedly associated with criminal street gangs.We will continue to investigate violent acts, even those, like here, that are more than ten years old.As I have stated publicly in the past, we are coming after those who are or were members of, or affiliated with, criminal organizations, regardless of when their criminal conduct may have occurred.”

These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Merrillville Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Taskforce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Chicago Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Shawn Fox, 28, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of bank robbery with the use of a firearm. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 11/25/2013.This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of InvestigationThis 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:

Rickey Hemphill, 20, of Riverdale, Illinois, and Timothy Whitfield, 21, of South Bend, Indiana, members of the criminal enterprise Cash Out Boyz, a violent and dangerous gang operating in South Bend during 2010 through 2012, were sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. this week.Hemphill was sentenced to 174 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of racketeering.Whitfield was sentenced to 320 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised released after pleading guilty to the felony offense of racketeering and carrying and using a firearm during drug trafficking and a crime of violence.

According to documents filed in this case, members of the COB, including Hemphill and Whitfield, attempted to commit and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and assault in order to protect and expand the enterprise’s criminal operations. Those criminal operations included robbery and illegal trafficking in Ecstasy and marijuana.During his time with the organization, Hemphill was involved in numerous violent altercations with rival gang members which included aggravated assault, exchanging gunfire, public retaliation and distribution of marijuana. Whitfield also had numerous violent altercations with rival gang members which led to shootings.Whitfield has prior convictions for hit and run – leaving the scene (2010), false informing and resisting arrest (2010), theft (2010), and aggravated battery (2011). This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Deneen Lewis, 42, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 24 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and $16,603 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed in this case, from 2010 to 2012, Lewis was receiving the Supplemental Social Security Income payment for her child.At the time that Lewis established herself as the payee, her child did not live with her.Lewis used the payments for personal purchases not intended for the recipient. This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Gabriel Franco, 31, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 6 months of imprisonment, 6 months location monitoring on home detention and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, in 2012, Franco was running a marijuana grow operation out of his home. This case was the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

The following Indictments were returned on August 22, 2013:

Antoine McClain, 31, of East Chicago, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the East Chicago Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Turrell Anderson, 41, of East Chicago, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Javante Toran, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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

PLEAS:

Lamar Johnson, 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of transportation of a minor with the intent that she engage in prostitution.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Tajuan Allen, 37, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of selling loaded firearms to a felon.Sentencing has been set for 11/19/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Tyrone Benson, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Manuel Montalvo, 39, of East Chicago, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of filing a false tax return.Sentencing has been set for 11/5/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Tiana Williams, 19, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Lake County Police Department.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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Eugene Baber, Jr., 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 42 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Gary Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

Chanel Bandy, 35, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 2 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of assisting in the preparation of false/fraudulent tax returns.According to documents filed by the government, Bandy worked for Quick Sam Tax Refund and was encouraged to and did prepare and file fraudulent tax returns to obtain grossly inflated refunds for her clients, to bring in business and fees for her employer, and to obtain cash tips for her own financial gain.Losses directly tied to Bandy’s preparation of fraudulent tax returns as of the date of her guilty plea was $87,784. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Joseph Jamal Smith, 20, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 24 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government, Smith has a prior conviction for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Luis Yanez, 41, of Lorain, Ohio, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 46 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, Indiana —United States Attorney David Capp announced that Sandra Alfaro, 36, Indianapolis, Indiana, the owner of Servicios Mi Tierra, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 39 months imprisonment on August 19, 2013 following her guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Ms. Alfaro engaged in identity fraud by creating dummy corporations for illegal aliens so that they could register and title their motor vehicles in order to harbor, conceal and shield them from detection by law enforcement officials.Her scheme helped people who were in the United States illegally by sidestepping BMV’s requirement that the owner of a vehicle have a social security number before they would register cars and issue titles, and also sidestepped the BMV’s requirement that drivers have insurance.In order to execute the scheme, Alfaro created corporations by falsely representing to the Indiana Secretary of State that the aliens owned businesses and the purpose of the corporations.Between 2009 and the middle of 2011, she helped at least 300 aliens remain in the United States by helping them secure plates, titles and registration documents from the BMV.

In addition to creating fictitious corporations, Alfaro worked with Mr. Paulino Ascencion-Apolino, 23 of Elkhart, Indiana, in the South Bend and Goshen area by completing BMV paperwork for him and then processing that paperwork at BMV branches in Indianapolis.She notarized signatures that she did not witness and submitted forged documents to the BMV to falsify residency and insurance coverage.Ascencion-Apolino, also using the name Servicos Mi Tierra, had offices in South Bend, Elkhart, and Highland, Indiana from the Fall of 2010 to May of 2011. Ascencion-Apolino, who helped harbor over 100 aliens, was sentenced February, 2012 to 33 months of imprisonment and forfeiture of over $60,000 seized from several bank accounts for his role in the conspiracy.On March 16, 2012, Ramon Garcia, 39, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, who had been working for Ascencion-Apolino, was sentenced to 27 months.

“Sandra Alfaro blatantly abused legitimate government services to unlawfully obtain vehicle registrations for hundreds of illegal aliens,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Hartwig. “Identity fraud erodes the integrity of our nation’s immigration system and has far-reaching implications. This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates HSI’s resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to stop this type of criminal activity.”

United States Attorney David Capp stated, “The validity of identification and licensing documents is a critical law enforcement and public safety issue. We have an excellent working relationship with our federal law enforcement agencies and with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.Their thorough and professional work here led to this result in federal court.This working relationship is ongoing and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize these types of investigations.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and investigators with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Hays.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Tyran Lenard, 23, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of unlawful transport of firearms. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 11/21/2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William 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:

Marcus Henderson, 42, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr to 39 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after being found guilty of the felony offense of possession of firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances.According to documents filed in this case, Henderson held a woman hostage until law enforcement arrived and intervened.Upon further investigation, five firearms were located in Henderson’s property, including a stolen handgun. 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.

Demerius Shaw, 20, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., to 600 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of racketeering and carrying and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime/crime of violence .Forty of the sentenced years are on Count 1 RICO which include a murder, two additional shootings and armed drug trafficking.According to documents filed in this case, in 2010 and 2011, Shaw was a member of the criminal enterprise Cash Out Boyz.During his time with the organization, Shaw was involved in the home invasion of a suspected drug dealer.During the invasion, an occupant of the home was shot and robbed of money and drugs. Shaw was also involved in additional numerous violent criminal activities including the murder of a rival gang member. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Tisha Martin, 44, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein to serve 6 months of probation and $350 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of obstructing the mail.According to documents filed in this case, Martin stole numerous first class greeting cards while working as a mail carrier.At least two items of stolen mail contained cash.The theft amount is estimated from $250 to $500. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Francisco Perez, 33, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 46 month imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, in February 2013, Perez was arrested in the Lighthouse Mall parking lot in Michigan City with over 500 grams of cocaine. Perez had received the narcotic delivery from Gilberto Galindo-Lopez.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Gilberto Galindo-Lopez, a/k/a Gabriel Ramirez, 33, of Los Angeles, California was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 65 months imprisonment (to run consecutive to the anticipated sentence in a state court case) and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, in February 2013, Galindo-Lopez was arrested in the Lighthouse Mall parking lot in Michigan City with over 500 grams of cocaine. He had delivered the narcotic to Francisco Perez. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Oscar Arzate, 26, of LaPorte, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Campos et al., was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 46 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distributing a mixture or substance containing cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Arzate sold cocaine while working with the Campos family, a local established crime enterprise. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Willis Fields, 47, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to serve 3 years supervised probation, 6 months location monitoring on home detention and $27,610.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed in this case, Fields applied for federal extended unemployment insurance benefits claiming that he was not working when in truth he was working at a company in Elkhart, Indiana.The total money defrauded was assessed at approximately $15,551.This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Brittini Anderson, 27, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.Sentencing has been set for 11/15/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Danilo Danti, 60, of Highland Park, Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of transportation of stolen goods.Sentencing has been set for 11/15/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Kevin Paul Brewster, 41, of Portage, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offenses of production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 10/31/13.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portage Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

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:

Alfonso Salinas, 53, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 42 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of receipt of a bribe by an agent of a local government receiving federal funds and failure to file a federal tax return.According to documents filed in this case, Salinas, an elected Hammond City Councilman at the time, readily accepted $10,500.00 from co-defendant David Johnson, to be influenced. Salinas corruptly accepted 10 checks during a 21 month period. During a 10 year time period (and overlapping the bribe payments), Salinas failed to file nine federal tax returns or pay any of the over $45,000.00 in taxes owed. Salinas also took in campaign contributions and deposited the money in his personal account.These contributions never appeared on campaign contribution account reports filed with the Board of Elections. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Shana King, 23, of Gary, Indiana, and Alnese Frazier, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Harris et al., were sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 1 day, time served, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy and attempt to commit fraud with identification documents.King was ordered to pay $27,061.59 in restitution and 2 years of supervised release.Frazier was ordered to pay $38,500.00 in restitution and 4 years of supervised release.The restitution amounts are to be paid jointly with all co-defendants in this case.According to documents filed in this case, the defendants obtained the account and personal information of individuals in over 21 states and fraudulently added their names to the victims’ accounts in an account takeover scheme. The defendants either utilized their own names or utilized aliases with the accounts which had been taken over. They purchased gift cards, Postal money orders, and made numerous retail purchases with the fraudulently obtained credit cards throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. They also made cash withdrawals on the accounts and utilized the convenience checks associated with the accounts at various financial institutions located in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Throughout the criminal conduct, the defendants would also mail gift cards, Postal money orders, and U.S. currency from Indiana and Wisconsin to Georgia.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

Justin Tiggs, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 77 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.Tiggs has prior felony convictions for aggravated use of a weapon by a felon, possession of a controlled substance and escape.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on August 14, 2013:

Eric Gainer , 44, of Kewanna, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with providing false statements during the acquisition of a firearm. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Dontrell Smith, 24, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in a three-count Indictment with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of heroin distribution, and one count of assaulting a federal officer. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the South Bend Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Michael Wilkman, 28, of Nappanee, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be 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. .

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

Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on July 30, 2013:

Jimmie J. Burnette, Jr., 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with passing, presenting and uttering, a false and fictitious security on or about March 15, 2011. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

FortWayne,Indiana - TheUnited States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on June 26, 2013:

Phillip Biddle, 36, of Kendallville, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with knowingly possessing visual depictions of minor(s) engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or aboutJune15,2012.TheIndictmentalsoseekstheforfeitureofacomputerandaharddrive. Thischargewasfiledasaresultof aninvestigationbytheInternetCrimesAgainstChildren (ICAC)TaskForce.Thiscasehasbeenassigned toandwillbeprosecutedbyAssistantUnited States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

Keith Kinney, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single countIndictmentwith knowingly possessing visual depictions of minor(s) engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or aboutJuly11,2012.TheIndictmentalsoseekstheforfeitureofacomputerandaharddrive. Thischargewasfiledasaresultof aninvestigationbytheInternetCrimesAgainstChildren (ICAC)TaskForce.Thiscasehasbeenassigned toandwillbeprosecutedbyAssistantUnited States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

TheUnitedStatesAttorney'sOfficeemphasizedthatanIndictmentismerelyanallegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Bryant Rios, 25, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing set for 11/13/2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Abdul Shabazz, 37, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of unlawful transport of firearms. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing set for 11/13/2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Ruben Fernandez, 31, of Cassopolis, Michigan, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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 set for 10/31/2013. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William 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:

Kristopher Brooks, 40, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr to 46 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of failing to register as a sex offender.According to documents filed in this case, in 1993, Brooks was convicted of assault with intent towards sexual penetration.As a convicted sex offender, Brooks is required to register with local law enforcement when he relocates.After moving to Indiana, Brooks failed to register. This case was the result of an investigation by the US Marshals Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

James Braun, 68, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 63 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. According to documents filed by the government in this case, Braun admitted that he possessed a computer which contained approximately 81 digital images and 8 videos that depicted minors that had not yet reached 12 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Dale Hite, 27, of Plymouth, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 292 months imprisonment (to run concurrently with the defendant’s state sentence) and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to manufacture over 50 grams of a mixture or substance that contained methamphetamine.According to documents filed in this case, during the course of ten months in 2010, Hite manufactured methamphetamine for sale. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, 48, of Rochester, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 2 years supervised probation and 4 months of home detention (location monitoring) and $13,490 restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.According to documents filed in this case, the defendant’s husband was previously unemployed and receiving assistance. After her husband found employment, Rodriguez continued to file vouchers for unemployment benefits.The defendant claimed that she committed this offense without her husband’s knowledge.This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Anthony Cerrillos, 45, and Brian Cerrillos, 50, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of conspiracy to transport in interstate commerce stolen goods that had a value in excess of $5,000.00.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

Jeffery Williams, 30, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of distribution of heroin.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lake Station Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Yohinnest Herrod, 23, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

George James Black, 53, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a stolen firearm.Sentencing has been set for 11/14/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Indiana State Police.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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Keon Thomas, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to life imprisonment and $11,275.97 in restitution after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit robbery and murder, robbery, murder by means of a firearm during a robbery and 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (robbery).Thomas, along with defendant Styles Taylor and two others, was charged with the robbery and murder of Hammond businessman Frank Freund in April of 2000.Freund had owned and operated the Firearms Unlimited Gun Shop in Hammond for several years.Freund, who was 73 years old at the time, was shot twice at close range with a pistol while alone in his shop.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Benson and David Nozick.

Sisto Bernal, 47, of Chicago, Illinois, and Santiago Gudino, 29, of Hammond, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Vargas et al., were sentenced Thursday by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano after both pled guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana.Bernal was sentenced to 288 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Gudino was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. According to the indictment, Bernal and Gudino are members of the Latin Kings, which is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The indictments also alleged that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 20 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Immigration and Custom Office of Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; and the Houston Police Department.The investigation of the Chicago Police Department officers was conducted by Chicago City Public Corruption Task Force, a Chicago Police Department- Internal Affairs and FBI - Chicago law enforcement initiative.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, and Joseph A. Cooley, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice - Organized Crime and Gang Section.

Jose Gonzalez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 18 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement was conducting surveillance in Merrillville, Indiana on a subject connected to a drug trafficking operation when they observed him meet with Gonzalez.The subject handed a white bag to Gonzalez, who then drove away.Officers followed Gonzalez until they could conduct a traffic stop.Officers found the bag which contained approximately 2.3 kilograms of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Phyllis Lark, 46, of Hammond, Indiana, doing business as Absolute Care, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 37 months imprisonment, $1,863,585.92 in restitution to the Indiana Medicaid program and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of submitting fraudulent claims to Indiana Medicaid.According to documents filed in this case, Absolute Care was a targeted case management service dedicated to severely disabled Medicaid recipients.An investigation revealed that Lark and others billed Medicaid for services to over 60 of its recipients when in fact the recipients had never heard of Lark or her company and had not received any of the billed services. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

Joniette Davis, 29, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Amber Fields, 24, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Lauren Price, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Harris et al., were sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon.Davis was sentenced to 1 day imprisonment (time served) and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy and attempt to commit fraud with identification documents.Fields and Price were sentenced to 1 day imprisonment (time served) and 3 years of supervised release after both pled guilty to conspiracy and attempt to commit fraud with identification documents and fraud with identification documents.According to documents filed in this case, the defendants obtained the account and personal information of individuals in over 21 states and fraudulently added their names to the victims’ accounts in an account takeover scheme. The defendants either utilized their own names or utilized aliases with the accounts which had been taken over. They purchased gift cards, Postal money orders, and made numerous retail purchases with the fraudulently obtained credit cards throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. They also made cash withdrawals on the accounts and utilized the convenience checks associated with the accounts at various financial institutions located in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Throughout the criminal conduct, the defendants would also mail gift cards, Postal money orders, and U.S. currency from Indiana and Wisconsin to Georgia. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Arturo DeLuna, 46, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.No sentencing date has been set.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

John Bennett, 35, of Sturgis, Michigan, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and use of communications in conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. No sentencing date has been set.This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Nicholas J. Zimmerman, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of receiving stolen property of the United States.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This investigation was conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Sentencing has been set for 12/2/2013.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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Kenneth McCreary Jr., 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 2 years of probation and $733.06 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft or receipt of stolen mail matter.According to documents filed in this case, McCreary stole checks mailed to another individual.The defendant then used numerous checks for unauthorized purchases totaling over $700. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Investigation Services.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

Scot Silvers, 47, of Angola, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 54 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and $1,342.16 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of production and trafficking in counterfeit device, fraud with identification documents, and uttering counterfeit obligations.Additionally, the United States was granted forfeiture of the electronic devices he used to commit these crimes.According to documents filed in this case, Silvers used a sophisticated arrangement of color printer and scanner technology in attempts to create counterfeit money.The paper currency was detected by department store employees who applied standard, anti-counterfeit procedures during check out of an accomplice. Silvers was later arrested while in the process of generating such items.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Adam Snyder, 28, of Warsaw, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing has been set for 11/6/13. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by United States Secret Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Kandi Biggins, 43, of Spencerville, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of bank fraud. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 10/31/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Thomas C. Touhey, 55, of Walkerton, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of unlawful transport of firearms. Sentencing has been set for 11/6/2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Abigail Marin-Flores, 41, of Ligonier, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to time served after pleading guilty to the felony offense of unlawful re-entry into the United States after deportation.According to documents filed in this case, on February 25, 2012, Marin-Flores was deported to Mexico at Laredo, Texas, after having been found in the United States without having been properly admitted. The defendant was arrested in Elkhart County, Indiana, in April of 2013 for identity theft and forgery charges after her illegal re-entry. This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Marquis Broadway, 19, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 162 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of carjacking and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.According to documents filed in this case, in July 2011 Broadway used a handgun to demand and steal a vehicle.In August 2011 Broadway was stopped and arrested in the stolen vehicle.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Pablo Bueno III, 25, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 27 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Bueno went to Midwest Gun and Range with two other people for the purpose of target shooting. Ammunition was purchased for several firearms. During the target shooting, Bueno handled all firearms that were rented and brought to the range. He signed a document at the desk indicating he was not a convicted felon. However, Bueno had a prior conviction for attempted residential entry and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. 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 Grimmer.

Scott Reahard, 46, of Wabash, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 120 months imprisonment, $5000.00 in restitution and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed this case, Reahard possessed a laptop computer and media which contained digital images that depicted child pornography.Reahard admitted to possessing over 600 images, some of which portrayed minors who had not attained the age of 12 years.This case was the result of an investigation by United States Marshal’s Service and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Robert Pulliam, 52, of New Carlisle, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to time served and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Pulliam had a small grow operation in the home in which he lived alone. He also had 22 firearms of various types and hundreds of rounds of ammunition that he kept in an unlocked gun safe next to the grow room. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Tenando Osborne, 39, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 10/30/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Antonio DuPree Collins, 37, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Brian Washington, 26, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offenses of distribution of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Gabriel Jalomos, 25, of Chicago, Illinois a defendant in the case US v Vargas et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 240 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, and in a separate matter, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and marijuana, and the robbery of a 7-Eleven store in Hammond, Indiana.According to the indictment charging racketeering, Jalomos is a member of the Latin Kings, which is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The indictment also alleged that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 19 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Immigration and Custom Office of Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; and the Houston Police Department.The investigation of the Chicago Police Department officers was conducted by Chicago City Public Corruption Task Force, a Chicago Police Department- Internal Affairs and FBI - Chicago law enforcement initiative.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, and Joseph A. Cooley, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice - Organized Crime and Gang Section.

Bradley Jefferson, 24, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to 6 months of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a weapon within a National Park.This case was the result of an investigation by the National Park Service-Indiana Dunes.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Cortez Humphrey, 38, of University Park, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 168 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Humphrey was charged along with eight others with participation in a heroin ring.Humphrey admitted to being a mid-level supplier of heroin and to regularly fronting heroin to co-conspirators, who paid him after selling the heroin to others in and around the Newton County area.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang-Adiga and Jacqueline Jacobs.

Willie G. Flowers, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 46 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, East Chicago Police Department Officers saw Flowers, who was walking towards them, place an item near a garbage dumpster. That item was recovered and found to be a .38 caliber revolver loaded with six (6) rounds of ammunition.Flowers has prior felony convictions for possession of cocaine and battery on a police officer.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Shawn Pitts, 42, of McKinney, Texas, a former East Chicago Police Officer from 1997 to 2011, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 8 months of home detention and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of mail fraud.Pitts was caught “double-dipping”.Pitts would claim to be working two jobs at the same time on many days. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

Gerardo Martinez-Gaston, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This investigation was conducted by the 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Joseph R Topp, 20, of Angola, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography. Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Brenna Underwood, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 1 year of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug involved premises.According to documents filed in this case, Underwood managed a building in Fort Wayne for the use and manufacture of crack cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

James Rogers, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 46 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to documents filed in this case, Rogers was convicted in 2003 for distribution of crack 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 Lovita Morris-King.

Ku-La Lwin, 19, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 24 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of receipt and possession of a non-registered short barreled shotgun. According to documents filed in this case, Lwin was in possession of a New England 12 gauge sawed off shotgun with both the barrel and stock illegally modified.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 Tina Nommay.

Leonard Riley, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 21 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Riley was arrested while in possession of a handgun and had been previously convicted of auto theft.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEA:

John Carlisle, 49, of New Haven, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of making false statements and reports regarding mortgage loans and aiding and abetting in such conduct. Carlisle also admitted to the indictment’s forfeiture allegation. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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 10/17/2013 3:30 PM before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Carmen Leon, 41, of Edinburg, Texas, pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Carmen Leon also admitted to the indictment’s forfeiture allegation This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.Sentencing has been set for 12/9/2013 1:30 PM before Judge Robert L. Miller Jr.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Cesar Leon, 22, of Edinburg, Texas, pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and structuring transactions to evade bank reporting requirements. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.Sentencing has been set for 12/9/2013 1:30 PM before Judge Robert L Miller Jr. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William 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:

Joseph Brownlee, 49, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after being found guilty of the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm.According to documents filed for the case, Brownlee attempted to discard a Smith & Wesson handgun during a police pursuit.Brownlee was convicted of murder in Cook County, Illinois in 1983.The defendant also has prior felony convictions for intimidation and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.As part of the sentence, the Smith & Wesson handgun was also forfeited to the United States.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Dedrick Bufkin, 20, of Merrillville, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Toney et al., pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Sentencing has been set for 10/16/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Merrillville Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Scott Filbey, 47, of Walton, Kentucky, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of production of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 10/8/13.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Indiana State Police, the Franklin County Ohio Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force and the Cincinnati Police/Hamilton County Sheriff Electronics Computer Investigation Section.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Raynell Vaxter, 52, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 10/23/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Kolar.

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:

Javorious Raggs, 22, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Puntillo-Raggs et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 2 years of probation to include 12 months on home detention and $13,910.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of passing counterfeit obligations.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Raggs passed the counterfeit currency in payment for “purchased” items from the victim store. He later returned many of the items “purchased” with the counterfeit currency in exchange for genuine cash or other things of value. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.