Northern District of Indiana

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:

Troy Ditiway, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of materials depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.No sentencing date has been set.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Leroy D Wilson, Jr , 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court’s sentence also included an order of forfeiture. The defendant was convicted in 2002 of criminal recklessness.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Walter J. Ridley, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 12 months imprisonment (time served) 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, Ridley was convicted for possession of Marijuana in 2008.In June of 2012, Ridley was found in possession of a PT140 .40 caliber 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 Lesley Miller-Lowery.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

FortWayne,Ind. TheUnitedStatesAttorney'sOfficeannouncedthataGrand JurysittinginFort Wayne,Indiana,returnedthefollowingIndictmentsonJuly24,2013:

Keana M.Davis,33,andAmandaMcBride,30,bothofFortWayne,Indianaarechargedina6 countIndictment(respectively)withconspiringtodistributeanddistributionandpossessionwithintentto distributecocaineandcocainebase,commonlyknownas“crack”fromonoraboutApril15,2013and continuingtoonoraboutJune27,2013,anddistributionofcocainebase,commonlyknownas“crack”or aboutApril15,2013.Davisisalsochargedwithdistributionofcocainebase,commonlyknownas “crack”onoraboutApril24,2013,May3, 2013,andMay28,2013.McBridewasalsochargedwith profitingfrommaintainingadruginvolvedpremisesfromonoraboutApril15,2013,toonoraboutJune 27,2013.Thesechargeswerefiledasaresultofaninvestigationby theFederalBureauofInvestigation SafeStreetsTaskForceandtheFortWaynePoliceDepartment.ThisIndictmentalsoseekstheforfeiture ofanypropertyderivedthecommissionofsuchcharges.Thiscasehasbeenassignedtoandwillbe prosecutedbyAssistantUnitedStatesAttorneyAnthonyW.Geller.

RickeyD.James,Sr.,55,ofFortWayne,Indiana,ischargedinatwocountIndictmentwithbeing afeloninpossessionofafirearmandammunitiononoraboutMay29,2013andpossessinganunregistered firearmonoraboutMay29,2013.ThischargehasbeenfiledasaresultofaninvestigationbytheBureau ofAlcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosivesandtheFortWaynePoliceDepartmentBombSquad.This casehasbeenassignedtoandwillbeprosecutedby AssistantUnitedStatesAttorneyTinaL.Nommay.

WilliamSallee,20,ofOssian,Indiana,BrandonBetz,21,ofBluffton,Indiana,KameronKutzli, 22,ofDunkirk,IndianaandTysonAllen,26,ofBluffton,Indianaareeachchargedinasinglecount IndictmentwithretaliatingagainstawitnessonoraboutJune5,2013.Thischargewasfiledasaresultof aninvestigationbytheBureauofAlcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosives,UnitedStatesMarshals Service,andtheWellsCountySheriff’sDepartment.Thiscasehasbeenassignedtoandwillbe prosecutedbyAssistantUnitedStatesAttorneyAnthonyW.Geller.

TheUnitedStatesAttorney'sOfficeemphasizedthatanIndictmentismerelyanallegationand thatallpersonschargedarepresumedinnocentuntilandunlessprovenguiltyincourt.

Ifconvictedincourt,anyspecific sentencetobeimposedwillbedeterminedbythejudgeaftera considerationoffederalsentencingstatutesandtheFederalSentencingGuidelines.

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:

Decarlo Knighten, 36, of LaPorte, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being a felon in possession 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.Sentencing has been set for 10/17/2013 before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Ian T Kideys, 49, of La Jolla, California, pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to the felony offense of wire fraud. Sentencing has been set for 10/21/2013 9:00 AM before Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Department of Housing and Urban Development.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Brian Purvines, 41, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 57 months imprisonment and 20 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed with this case, Purvines was detected based on his having files available for distribution via file sharing software known as “Frostwire.”Purvines possessed approximately 291 images of child pornography and 33 videos.The images and videos contained prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults.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 John Maciejczyk.

Clifton Vortice, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to 24 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, Vortice has a 2006 marijuana possession conviction. In September 2011, he purchased and possessed a Desert Eagle 9 mm pistol.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.

Kevin Howell, 46, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (“crack.”)According to documents filed in this case, in January 2013, Howell possessed 28 grams of a white rock like substance at his residence in LaPorte County, Indiana.This substance was later tested by the Indiana State Police Lab and found to be cocaine base.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Cedric Hill, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce.Hill has a prior felony firearms conviction. According to documents filed in this case, in November 2012, South Bend Police Officers stopped Hill after he left the Water Works Car Wash in South Bend, Indiana. Hill had been involved in an altercation at the Car Wash. Officers found a handgun outside the Car Wash. Hill admitted to having dropped this handgun outside the Car Wash and that he had possession of the 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 Frank Schaffer.

Randell Hargrove, 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to total of 63 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release on each count (concurrent) for a total of 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distributing marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed with this case, Hargrove distributed both hydroponic and non-hydroponic marijuana.Hydroponic marijuana is the growing of plants in an inert, sterile growing medium rather than soil. At the time of law enforcement’s search of a relevant location, firearms belonging to Hargrove were retrieved.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.

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:

Monta Oliver, 36, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 9/25/13.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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

Regina Cabell, 36, of West Lafayette, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of submitting a claim to Indiana Medicaid for service to an Indiana Medicaid recipient that she did not actually provide and failure to file a 2011 federal income tax return.Sentencing has been set for 10/25/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

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:

Terrence Benson, 23, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Puntillo-Raggs et al., was sentenced on July 12, 2013 by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months of probation and restitution of $4,000.00 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of passing counterfeit obligations.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Benson 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.

Tyrone Reynolds, 34, an illegal alien living in Chicago, Illinois, and a defendant in the case US v Blades et al., was re-sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 384 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release if not deported after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and use of a firearm during a crime of violence in relation to a narcotics offense.According to documents filed in this case, Reynolds and seven others robbed the victim, a self-admitted drug dealer, at his residence in Gary, Indiana.The group looted the victim’s residence, finding over $15,000 in cash.Believing there were more drugs and money they beat the victim and demanded that he cooperate.Eventually, the victim hatched a plan to escape by proposing to Reynolds that he could take the group to a cache of marijuana being stored in Chicago.Reynolds believed the victim and the group decided they would go to the location in Chicago.The victim was able to escape from the vehicle on route to the location and called law enforcement.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Jon Zondor, 71, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 120 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.Zondor was also ordered to pay $500 in restitution to each of two victims.According to documents filed by the government in this case, 9,433 images and 248 videos were found in Zondor’s possession, many of which depicted prepubescent children being caused to engage in sexually explicit conduct .Zondor was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in 1989. 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.

Dwayne Crawford, 40, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 97 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and engaging in a monetary transaction with criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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.

Joshua Atwood, 29, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 97 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography involving visual depictions involving a minor who had not attained twelve years of age.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.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Montell Williams, 34, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 120 months imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution.According to documents filed by the government in this case, the Gary Police Department received information from an Illinois citizen who reported her daughter was being held against her will. The investigation subsequent to that initial lead established that Williams, acting as a pimp, was recruiting women into prostitution, advertising them on internet sites, transporting them across state lines and using force to ensure they continued to work for him. From 2010 to 2012, the victims resided with Williams in Gary, Indiana, and two different locations in Illinois. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gary 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:

DISPOSITIONS:

Francisco Garcia-Hernandez, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 37 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely 500 grams or more of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, undercover law enforcement was able to purchase cocaine from Garcia-Hernandez.Garcia-Hernandez was involved in numerous drug transactions of which the last involved transacting approximately 528 grams of cocaine pressed into a hard brick form.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.

Clara M Haught, 64, of Garrett, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 3 years of probation, to include10 months of home detention, and $31,075.42 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of production/trafficking in counterfeit devices.According to documents filed in this case, Haught opened multiple credit cards in a friend’s name without their permission or consent.Haught gained knowledge of the information by claiming to help the individual with a local cable bill.This case was the result of an investigation by United States Postal Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

U.S. Department of Justice

UnitedStatesAttorney

NorthernDistrictof Illinois

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

GaryS. Shapiro EverettMcKinleyDirksenUnitedStatesCourthouse

UnitedStatesAttorney219SouthDearbornStreet,5thFloor

HAMMOND,Ind.—Asuspendedphysician whoownedweightlossclinicsinnorthwest IndianaandsouthsuburbanChicagowassentencedtotwoyearsinfederalprisonforillegally dispensingmillionsofpillscontainingamphetamine-basedcontrolledsubstancestopatients,and heandhiswifewerealsosentencedforfederalincometaxevasionrelatingtotheiroperationof theclinics.Thedefendants,DR.RAKESHANANDandMEENAANAND,whoownedand managedDoctorsWeightLossClinicsinMerrillville, Ind.,andTinleyParkandOrlandParkin Illinois, werealsoordered topay$745,872inrestitution totheIRSfromnearly$5.2million that was seizedfromthemandorderedforfeited.

Rakesh Anand ,57,a suspendedphysicianinIllinoisandwhowasalsolicensedinIndiana, andhiswife,MeenaAnand,53,bothofTinleyPark,weresentenced yesterday byU.S.District JudgeJosephS.VanBokkeleninFederalCourtinHammondafterbothdefendantspleadedguilty inJanuary. TheU.S.Attorney’sOfficeinChicagoishandlingtheprosecutionintheNorthern DistrictofIndiana.JudgeVanBokkelenfinedRakeshAnand$750,000andorderedhim tobegin

serving histwo-yearsentenceonAug.30.MeenaAnandwasfined$100,000andorderedto beginservingher30-daysentenceon Sept.3.

Inadditiontothefines,forfeiture,andrestitution, theAnandsremaincivillyliabletothe InternalRevenueServiceforanyandallbacktaxesandacivilfraudpenaltyofupto75percent of theunderpaymentplusinterest.

TheAnandshadagreed,andthejudgeorderedthem,topayrestitution of$745,872tothe IRSfortaxestheyowedonnearly $2millionofunreportedincomebetween2005and2008. The restitutionistobepaidfromfundsfrozeninabrokerageaccountwhentheAnandswereindicted inAugust2011. Inaddition,theyagreedtoforfeitmorethan$4.45millioninadditionalfunds thatwerefrozenorseizedduringtheinvestigation,bringingtonearly$5.2millionthetotal amountof funds beingappliedtoforfeitureandrestitution.

Rakesh Anand admittedthatbetweenJanuary2002andFebruary2010,heandanother physician, Dr.DineshSaraiya,purchased anddispensedmorethan1millionpillscontaining Phendimetrazine,aScheduleIIIcontrolledsubstance,andmorethan3millionpillscontaining Phentermine,aScheduleIVcontrolledsubstance.TheAnandsgrossedmorethan$5million fromtheiroperationof thethreeweightloss clinics.

(Saraiya,75,ofTinleyPark,cooperated inthecaseandpleadedguiltytoconspiracy to distributecontrolledsubstances. Heisscheduled tobesentenced onJuly30inFederalCourtin Chicago.)

Accordingto court records,between2002 and February2010, RakeshAnand hired Saraiya,whoagreedwithhimtoillegallydispensetheamphetamine-basedcontrolledsubstances asweightlossmedicationstopatientswithoutperformingphysicalexaminationsoranymedical

tests ,andwithoutreviewingpatients’records, obtaining acomplete medicalhistory,orproviding anysubsequentmonitoring. Inreturn,RakeshAnandpaidSaraiyabasedonhowmanypatients hesawandhowmanypillshedispensedtopatientsonadailybasis.Indispensing the medications,RakeshAnandandSaraiyafailedtodeterminewhetherpatientshadfirstmadea reasonableefforttoloseweightthroughdietandexercise, aprerequisite toprescribingcontrolled substancesforweightloss. Insomeinstances,RakeshAnandemployedclerkstodispensethe controlledsubstanceseventhoughhewas notpresentandhadnotconsultedwiththem.

Duringthecourseoftheinvestigation, severalundercoverlawenforcementagents, including twowithslightbuildsandbodymassindexeswellbelowtheobesitylevel,purchased controlledsubstancesattheclinicswithoutanyof theappropriatemedicalprotocols.

The sentences were announcedby Gary S. Shapiro,United States Attorney for the NorthernDistrictofIllinois.Theinvestigation wasconductedbytheFederalBureauof Investigation, theDrugEnforcementAdministration,theInternalRevenueServiceCriminal InvestigationDivision,theFood andDrug AdministrationandtheIndianaStatePolice.

Thegovernment isbeingrepresentedbyAssistantU.S.AttorneysMatthewSchneider, DianeBerkowitz,andOrest Szewciw.

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 today:

Jeremy David Evans, 31, of Glendale Heights, Illinois, was charged with the bank robbery of TCF Bank in Munster, Indiana and Fifth Third Bank in Hammond, Indiana on August 8, 2012.These charges were filed as the 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 David Nozick.

Joshua Mijares, 34, of Griffith, Indiana, was charged with illegal re-entry into the U.S. after deportation and illegal re-entry into the U.S. after deportation subsequent to a conviction for an aggravated felony.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Sonyinee Davis-Pope, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged with 11 counts of making false statements by falsifying information on an application for a position with the United States Postal Service.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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:

Terry Williams, 47, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a firearm in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce. 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 10/15/2013 before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. 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.

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:

PLEAS:

Carl Powers, 54, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.Sentencing has been set for 10/16/13.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 Jill Koster.

Anthony Stewart, 23, of East Chicago, 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 HIDTA Task Force and the East Chicago Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Jose Lechuga-Carrasco, 38, of Cicero, Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 10/18/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hammond Police Department.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:

Laurie Brezinski, 43, of Schererville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 36 months imprisonment, $659,048.63 in restitution to Ticor Title Insurance Company and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of embezzlement from 2001 through 2008 and filing false tax returns for tax years 2003 to 2008.This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

Charles Standifer, 37, 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 aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Tracey R. Tigner, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 3 months imprisonment, restitution of $30,462.35 and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of embezzlement of funds from Painters District Council 91 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, a labor organization.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Julian Rebeles, 22, of Hammond, 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 possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Rebeles has prior convictions for burglary and resisting law enforcement.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 David Nozick.

Octavio Alejandre-Mata, 45, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, if not deported, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Mata had been deported and reentered the U.S. twice and was selling cocaine in and around the Hobart area.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 Jacqueline Jacobs.

Jesus Ramirez, 42, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 188 months imprisonment, restitution of $20,000 and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of kidnapping.According to documents filed by the government, this case began with the kidnaping of an identified victim in East Chicago, Indiana, on January 14, 2011. The victim was attacked, pinned to the ground, and told that if he did not go with Ramirez and others, his attackers would take not only him, but also members of his family. Multiple ransom calls were made to the victim’s family, including those threatening to kill the victim. Finally, on January 18, 2011, the victim’s family paid the ransom demand. Ramirez was arrested following the ransom payment.Ramirez’ prior criminal activity ranges from traffic violations to burglary, battery and narcotics charges. 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 Joshua Kolar.

Mark Ciesiolka, 39, of Columbus, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 120 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted transmission of obscene material to a minor.According to documents filed by the government in this case, in February of 2008, after a trial by jury, Ciesiolka was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor and sentenced to 300 months incarceration. His conviction was set aside by the Court of Appeals. On November 26, 2012, the defendant pled guilty to a lesser charge of transferring obscene material to a minor. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Jazneen Williams, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Williams straw-purchased a firearm for another individual who was a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chicago Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Alejandro Marquez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, 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 marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Marquez assisted in arranging for the transportation of over 100 kilograms of marijuana from Texas to Indiana.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

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Dashawn Jones, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 18 months imprisonment, concurrent with any remaining un-discharged term of imprisonment as ordered by Allen County Superior Court, and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jones has a prior conviction for burglary.In December of 2012, during a residence check, Jones was discovered to have a firearm on his person. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Antonio Sewell, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 76 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.According to documents filed, Sewell maintained a place for the purpose of distributing cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

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

Cheryl Green, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictmentwithfalse statementsinapplicationof socialsecuritybenefitsandtheftofgovernmentpropertyboth occurring on or about November 2010 and continuing to on or about August 2012.This charge wasfiledasaresultofaninvestigationbytheSocialSecurityAdministrationandtheUnitedStates PostalInspectionService.ThiscasehasbeenassignedtoandwillbeprosecutedbyAssistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

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

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

DISPOSITIONS:

James L. Williams, 45, of Kankakee, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 87 months imprisonment, restitution of $284,218.29 and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of the armed bank robbery of Kentland Bank in Lake Village, Indiana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Newton County Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Johana Jatzhiry Velazquez, 29, a Mexican national residing in Rensselaer, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to time already served and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent 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.

Imaru Jones, 29, of Griffith, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 2 years of probation to include 8 months of home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, the offense involved the Jones selling approximately 8,642 grams of marijuana over the course of three sales to a confidential informant. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Miguel Villegas-Marin, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Montoya Gonzalez et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 37 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Villegas-Maris was involved in picking up a load of marijuana that was transported from Texas.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Robert Thompson, Jr., 25, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 37 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 by the government in this case, an AK-47 rifle was found in a vehicle occupies by Thompson during a traffic stop.Thompson has prior convictions for dealing in cocaine in 2008 and a controlled substance crime in 2008.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 Nicholas Padilla.

William Weigand, 43, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 6 months imprisonment, six months of home detention 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 by the government in this case, Weigand has a prior conviction for burglary in 1989.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Linda Lyrla, 58, of Demotte, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 46 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of mail fraud and tax evasion.Lyrla also was ordered to pay restitution totaling $1,426,057.85 to the victims and forfeiture of $1,384,600.00.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Lylra embezzled funds from her employer, Alliance Technology Group.In 2001, Lyrla began her scheme to siphon money by creating an internal fund for a credit card.During the next nine years, she used the credit card for personal purchases and paid the balances with company funds.She used the money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and did not pay income taxes to the IRS on her ill-gotten income. 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.

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:

Ron Luthe, 46, 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 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Rico Parrish, 27, of Warsaw, 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 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar.

Juan Olivo, 36, of Milford, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing heroin. 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 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:

Brandon Terry, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 37 months imprisonment (time served & ordered released) and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of crack cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

FortWayne,IN C TheUnited States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returnedthe following Indictment on May 22, 2013:

DavidWilliams,28,ofFortWayne,Indiana,is chargedinasinglecountIndictmentwith making a false statement on an FFL application onor about February 15, 2013.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.Thiscasehasbeenassignedtoandwillbeprosecutedby Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

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:

Jonathan Parahams, Jr., 35, 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 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing set for 10/3/2013 before District Judge Jon E DeGuilio. 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.

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:

Jaleen McGee, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, a defendant of the case US. v Shaw, et al., was sentenced by Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to 87 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of racketeering.According to documents filed, McGee was a member of the “Cash Out Boyz,” a gang in South Bend, Indiana. The gang was involved in a pattern of criminal activity including drug trafficking and use of firearms, robberies and intimidation.McGee was arrested carrying marijuana for distribution and was involved in the shooting and robbery of a fellow Cash Out Boyz 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.

Wilbur Crawford, 21, of South Bend, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Shaw, et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr to 79 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime/crime of violence.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Crawford was involved in a home invasion in which a man was shot and a pound of marijuana was stolen. 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.

Omar Lewis, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 151 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (“Crack”).According to documents filed by the government in this case, Lewis sold crack cocaine in the LaPorte area in 2011.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Harry Kiste, 56, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 5 years supervised probation, 10 months location monitoring on home detention and a $500 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of failing to register as a sex offender.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Kiste was convicted for attempted criminal sexual conduct in 1996.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshal’s Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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:

Michael Delgado, 21, of Hammond, 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 10/3/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by 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.

Matthew Jasek, 30, of Schererville, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.Magistrate Cherry 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Nalon Edmonds, 21, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of marijuana in possession of a firearm.Sentencing has been set for 9/24/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana University Northwest Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Deanbra Martin, 23, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 9/17/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department.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:

Joseph Gilman, 23, and Derek Muilenburg, 25, of Demotte, Indiana and defendants in the case US v Humphrey et al., were sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano.Both Gilman and Muilenburg were sentenced to 46 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. 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.

Nicole Smith, 31, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich to 1 year of probation after pleading guilty to the felony misdemeanor of theft of government property.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Smith admitted that during the 2008-2009 academic school year at Purdue University-Calumet she submitted an application to receive federal funds for student aid and failed to report additional income received from Action for Children, which provides financial assistance for childcare for families living in the state of Illinois.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.

Ronald Slusser, 49, and Joseph Kumstar, 42, both of Crown Point, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Kabella et al., were sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody on June 27, 2013.Slusser was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 1year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to provide false information to a Federal Firearms Licensee, conspiracy to defraud the FDA, making false statements on a tax return and laundering/structuring of monetary instruments.Slusser was also ordered to pay $198,817.71 in restitution to the IRS for tax years 2005-2010.Kumstar was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to provide false information to a Federal Firearms Licensee, conspiracy to defraud the FDA and making false statements on a tax return.Kumstar was ordered to pay $22,612.62 in restitution to the IRS for tax years 2005-2009.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Slusser, while a patrol officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and Kumstar, while the Deputy Chief for the Lake County Sheriffs Department, conspired to obtain restricted firearms and defraud the FDA in order to retain restricted laser sites.The conspiracy involved the trafficking of between 25-99 firearms.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Nancy Stofko, 37, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 21 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and restitution to the victim in the amount of $572,173.09 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Stofko admitted that while employed as an office manager at the Complete Valve Repair Services, Inc. she wrote checks and used the company credit cards to make hundreds of unauthorized purchases for her personal use and benefit. 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.

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:

Joseph Brewington, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 36 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly maintaining a premise for the purpose of distributing 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 Anthony Gellar.

Jermorris Sewell, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 110 months imprisonment and 8 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on June 26, 2013: Darnell Bontempo, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment with being a violent felon in possession of body armor on or about May 31, 2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. 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.
##END##

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:

Jose Nambo, 32, of St. Anne, Illinois, pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over 500 grams of cocaine and/or 100 kilograms of marijuana. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.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:

Deandre Grant, 35, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to 3 years of probation, $19,657 restitution and 6 months home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed, Grant repeatedly lied in order to continue receiving unemployment insurance benefits while actually employed.This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Andres Garcia, 56, of Hoopeston, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to serve 71 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over 500 grams of cocaine and/or 100 kilograms of marijuana.According to documents filed, Garcia was involved in drug trafficking activity that spanned Indiana and Illinois.When his home was raided in June of 2012, 26 pounds of marijuana was retrieved by law enforcement officials.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Aurelio A Guerra, 46, of Weslaco, Texas, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 106 months, 3 years supervised release on each count (to run concurrently) for a total of 3 years after pleading guilty to the felony offense of selling, distributing, or dispensing marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and aiding & abetting.According to documents filed, Guerra was involved with several others in the distribution of several hundred pounds of marijuana in LaPorte County.During his involvement with the aforementioned distribution, Guerra possessed a firearm and remained near additional weapons maintained to protect the drugs and the sales.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Joint Drug Enforcement Agency/State or Local Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Terry W. Smith, 44, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 3 years supervised probation and $18,330.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed, Smith collected regular unemployment and then extended the benefits while actually employed.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:

Charles Johnson, Jr., 33, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.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 Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Christopher Castro, 33, of Lorain, Ohio, a defendant in the case US v Yanez et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession 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 Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Jon Erik Lilly, 27, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of receipt of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 9/26/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond 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:

Eugene Wilson, Sr., 56, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of felony offenses of wire fraud and structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements. Wilson stole approximately 1.5 million dollars from three groups of investors.The FBI received a complaint that Wilson had defrauded individuals of money through a Ponzi type scheme.Essentially, Wilson convinced individuals to invest money with him by promising a very high rate of return.To lure the investor into the scheme, Wilson created a written agreement and promised to keep the funds in an escrow account.In all three events, upon receiving the money, Wilson immediately wire transferred the funds to third parties, most who banked in Europe.Wilson then lied about the whereabouts of the funds and finally ended communications with the investors.In 2008, Wilson received a series of wire transfers.He then engaged in a series of bank transactions to avoid the bank reporting that he had received more than $10,000 in cash.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.

Scott R. Becker, 47, and Christina Becker, 49, of Lafayette, Indiana, were sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on June 19.

Scott Becker was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of mail fraud, wire fraud and possession of child pornography. The Court also ordered Mr. Becker to pay restitution as follows:$250,000 to Stelko, and the balance due on the mortgage to his Colorado home (jointly and severally with Christina Becker, his wife and co-defendant). To accomplish the payment of restitution, the Beckers forfeited the Colorado property to the U.S. government.From January 1, 2002 and continuing to July 27, 2009, Scott Becker devised a scheme and artifice to take advantage of his position as General Manager of Stelko Electric to fraudulently obtain tools, building materials, labor and money, which rightfully belonged to Stelko, totaling over $250,000.00 in value to aid in the building of a home in Colorado.There were three different aspects to Becker’s scheme: the theft of labor, materials and tools used to build his Colorado home; the theft of funds from Stelko via contract fraud; and the theft of Stelko materials which Becker sold for cash.In June 2009, a search of Becker’s work computer for evidence of employee theft revealed video images of a minor teenage girl in a state of undress.

Christina Becker was sentenced to 1 day imprisonment with time considered served and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud affecting a financial institution. From on or about January 1, 2009 and continuing to on or about March 4, 2009, the Beckers devised a scheme and artifice to obtain mortgage funds totaling $275,000.00 from Regions Bank d/b/a/ Regions Mortgage Corporation (hereafter “Regions Bank”) located in Birmingham, Alabama, by providing false and fraudulent information on and with their mortgage application for the Colorado home and knowingly caused to be transmitted by means of a wire communication in interstate commerce, any signs, signals, or sounds, to wit: a wire transfer of $270,737.44 from Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama to a title company located in Durango, Colorado.

This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Kokomo Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster. 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:

DISPOSITIONS:

Michael A Banks, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 50 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed, Banks was convicted in 2010 of being in possession of narcotics.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

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on June 21, 2013:

Shamekka Thomas, 25, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with making a false material statement to a licensed firearms dealer with the intent of deceiving as to legality of purchase, knowingly making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer with respect to information required to be kept on record and aiding and abetting.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 Tom McGrath.

Timothy Thomas, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with making a false material statement to a licensed firearms dealer with the intent of deceiving as to legality of purchase, knowingly making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer with respect to information required to be kept on record and aiding and abetting.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 Tom McGrath.

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

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on June 20, 2013:

Subir Maitra, 73, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with health care fraud and forfeiture.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

David Alan Resnick, 33, of Lucie, Florida, was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, transportation of child pornography, brandishment of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.This charge was filed as the 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 Jill Koster.

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

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on June 19, 2013:

Steven Borchert, 52, of West Lafayette, Indiana, was charged with filing false tax returns for the years 2001 through 2009.This charge was 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 Gary Bell.

Miguel Herrera-Torres, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with reentry of a removed alien.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas, Jr.

Daniel Thomas Eckstrom, 30, of Lake Station, Indiana, was charged with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Tyrone Benson, 37, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.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.

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:

Sylvester Mayes, 29, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (“Crack”). 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 9/16/2013 9:00 AM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Ricky Ruiz, 36, of LaPorte, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing 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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Jose Martinez, 38, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount 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 set for 9/16/2013 9:00 AM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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

DISPOSITION:

Jeffrey Alan Sheppard, 21, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to serve 72 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime/crime of violence.According to documents filed, Sheppard was involved in a home invasion in which a man was shot and a pound of marijuana was stolen.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.

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:

PLEA:

Hector Garcia, 35, of Cicero, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Vasquez et al., pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 9/18/13.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 David Nozick.

Deanbra Martin, 23, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon./set This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Daniel Loy, 32, of South Haven, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 8/27/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Tamika Gayden, 32, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm. Sentencing has been set for 9/12/13.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 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.

DISPOSITION:

Moses Tarawali, 58, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 3 years of supervised release to include 36 months of home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of unlawful acts-controlled substance distribution by using a DEA registration number that he was not authorized to use, specifically the DEA registration number for a hospital in Northwest Indiana, to prescribe a controlled substance to a patient.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.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:

PLEA

Derrick Tennant, 36, of Defiance, Ohio, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar.

Glenda Brickey, 27, of Ligonier, Indiana pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of possession with intent 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar.

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

DISPOSITION:

Ricky Winston, 53, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 33 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.In 2004, Winston was convicted of battery.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on June 12, 2013:

Emilio Santana-Esquivel, 27, of Macy, Indiana, was charged in a three count Indictment with one count of falsely representing to be a United States citizen, one count of identity theft, and one count of illegal use of a false social security number.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.

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

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, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on June 12, 2013:

Kandi Biggins , 43, of Spencerville, Indiana, was charged in an eight-count Indictment with eight counts of bank fraud.Charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Bryant Rios, 25, of South Bend, 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 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.

Abdul Amin Shabazz, 38, of South Bend, 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 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

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.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on June 12, 2013: Deyante Stephens, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment with armed bank robbery on or about February 14, 2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
##END##

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:

Dayman J. Olivares, 34, of Bremen, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute more than 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 9/9/2013 9:00 AM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Juan Gallardo, 29, of LaPorte, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. 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 9/5/2013 1:45 PM before District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Jarvis Ward, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of racketeering and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and aiding and abetting.Magistrate Miller 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 9/18/2013 9:00 AM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and State County Municipal Authorities.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Germaine B Hadley, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as 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 has been set for 9/9/2013 9:00 AM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Harold Leroy Snyder, III, 20, of Bremen, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of obstructing the mail.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 9/11/2013 2:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Joseph Bradshaw, Jr, 31, of Warsaw, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possessing a firearm in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce. 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 9/10/2013 1:00 PM before District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. 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 Shaffer.

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:

Larry N. Harris, Jr, 25, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 15 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.Harris was previously convicted of firearms violation. 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.

Mark Weaver, 40, of Niles, Michigan, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to time served with 2 years supervised release and 18 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements during the acquisition of firearms.According to documents filed in this case, Weaver purchased over sixty firearms (including machine guns) while making false statements.Weaver also falsely presented himself as a police officer while purchasing firearms.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.

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:

DISPOSITION:

Kenneth Myers, 21, of Monticello, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months and 1 day 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, Myers took a pistol and a shotgun from his father’s firearms collection and sold them to federally licensed firearms dealers. Myers has a prior felony conviction for a 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 Dean Lanter.

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:

Jennifer Santiago, 33, of Milford, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 135 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing cocaine and knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Kosciusko County Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar.

Kristen A. Hitzfield, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 12 months and 1 day with 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement regarding the true purchaser of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, Hitzfield purchased three 9mm firearms for actual use by other individuals.One of the weapons was utilized in a robbery.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.

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 June 5, 2013:

Jeffrey Williams, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with two counts of distribution of heroin and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lake Station Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Christopher M. Bour, 39, and Natisha Hillard, 24, of both of Gary, Indiana, were each charged in a superseding indictment with two additional counts of production of child pornography.Bour was also charged with one additional count of possession of child pornography.Bour was charged in the initial indictment with one count of purchase of a child and Hillard with one count of sale of a child. 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, the Gary Police Department and the Michigan City Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

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.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on July 25, 2012: Ron Luthe, 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 8, 2012. This Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a firearm and a magazine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department Warrants and Fugitive Division. 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.
##END##

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:

Damar S. Howell, 38, of Michigan City, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a firearm in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce. 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 9/4/2013 09:00 AM in US District Court - South Bend before Judge Robert L Miller Jr. 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.

Miguel Perez, 44, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Sentencing has been set for 9/4/2013 01:00 PM in US District Court - South Bend before Judge Robert L Miller Jr. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Christina Glen, 43, of La Porte, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of theft of government property. 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 Department of Labor. Sentencing has been set for 9/5/2013 01:00 PM in US District Court - South Bend before Judge Robert L Miller Jr. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Pedro Caldera-Pacheco, 41, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Sentencing has been set for 9/4/2013 09:00 AM in US District Court - South Bend 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:

Keith Galassi, 33, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Robert L Miller, Jr. to serve 3 years of probation with $19,110 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

David J. Oldham, 43, of La Porte, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to serve 27 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of destruction of digital images and videos containing child pornography with the intent to impair their integrity or availability for official proceedings. According to documents filed in this case, Oldham reinstalled the operating system software on his computer in order to destroy evidence of child pornography. Law enforcement computer forensic officials were still able to recover 73 images and 7 movie file fragments which were child pornography from Oldham’s computer. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the United States Secret Service and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Laef Wade, 40, of Macy, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Robert L Miller, Jr. to 37 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly using a communication facility in causing or facilitating another felony. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. 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:

Daniel Roman, 22, address unknown, 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 8/27/13.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.

Allen Evens, 24, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 9/4/13.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.

Kenneth Robinson, 35, of Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of health care fraud.Sentencing has been set for 12/17/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Labor.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

Sammy Earl Jones, 30, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 7/24/13.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 Thomas McGrath.

Justin Tiggs, 29, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 8/14/13.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 Thomas McGrath.

Joseph Jamal Smith, 20, of Chicago, Illinois, 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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Roman Perez, 41, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offenses of making false statements on a tax return and making false statements in a bankruptcy proceeding.Sentencing has been set for 11/14/13.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 Philip Benson.

DISPOSITIONS:

Justin Sullivan, 26, 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 by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Sullivan has multiple convictions, including a narcotics conviction and an offense for a domestic dispute. 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 Joshua Kolar.

Richard Hawkins, 29, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 51months 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, Hawkins has 3 felony convictions and 8 misdemeanor convictions.In less than a 10 year period, the defendant was convicted of the following: maintaining a common nuisance, a felony, in 2003; theft, a misdemeanor, in 2003; leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor, in 2003; resisting law enforcement, a misdemeanor, in 2003; escape, a felony, in 2006; battery, a misdemeanor, in 2006; domestic battery, a misdemeanor, in 2008; operating while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, in 2008; resisting law enforcement, a misdemeanor, in 2011; operating a vehicle while suspended, a misdemeanor, in 2011; and dealing in cocaine, a felony, in 2012. Additionally, the defendant has continuously violated his probation in the majority of his criminal cases. 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.

Rufus Williams, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 51months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Williams has an extensive adult criminal history.In 2001 he was convicted of misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon for possessing a firearm at a time when he was not on his own land, abode, or fixed place of business. In 2006, the defendant was convicted of the misdemeanor failure to stop after an accident resulting in non-vehicle damage and misdemeanor driving while suspended with prior conviction.In 2006, the defendant was convicted of the violent misdemeanor of battery.In 2006, the defendant was also conviction of the felony of auto theft and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.In 2006, the defendant was also conviction of the felony of residential burglary and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment and 2 years mandatory supervised release. In 2009, the defendant was convicted of misdemeanor retail theft. Lastly, the defendant also has a 2009 misdemeanor conviction for carrying a weapon without a license. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Manolo Lopez-Ramirez, 27, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 27months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Lopez-Ramirez was arrested by U.S. Customs in 2011 for fraud and was under deportation proceedings when arrested.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Douglas Bryant, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 2 years of supervised release to include 6 months of home detention and restitution of $8,062.19 after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to defraud the United States and social security fraud.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.

Roy Cast, III, 31, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 51months 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 by the government in this case, Cast was convicted of attempted robbery while armed with a handgun of an Arby’s restaurant located in Merrillville, Indiana. The defendant was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on the defendant’s residence and recovered firearms, marijuana and 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.

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:

Sergio Alvarez-Arellano, 26, of Warsaw, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B Cosbey to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of 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 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 Anthony Gellar.

Demarcus White, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B Cosbey to the felony offense of felon in possession of a firearm.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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gellar.

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:

Russell F Cowherd, 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa L Springmann to serve 70 months imprisonment with 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.

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:

Darmaile Sutton, 29, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.Sentencing has been set for 8/21/13.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department 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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Justin Weaver, 20, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 63 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit racketeering activity.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Weaver possessed a gun, and shot three rival gang members, in furtherance of the gang activity and drug sales of the Imperial Gangsters. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Earkle Tyler, 36, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 87 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine base.According to documents filed by the government in this case, after a controlled buy, a federal search warrant was executed at Tyler’s residence. Investigators recovered a small amount of crack cocaine and items indicative of drug distribution (cutting agent, plastic baggies for packaging, digital scales, approximately $3,000 U.S. Currency).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.

Aaron Sokolowski, 27, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 3 years of supervised release to include 18 months of home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, the Hobart Police Department responded to a shooting at the Sokowloski’s residence. The shooting was a result of one of his drug customers carrying a firearm to a drug deal. Sokolowski admitted to selling approximately a half a pound of marijuana a week for three to four years, making $500 to $1000 a week from the sales and, on at least one occasion, driving with his source of supply with approximately sixteen (16) pounds of marijuana and $55,000 in the vehicle. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Christopher Cannon, 45, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 30 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $14,000.00 in restitution after being found guilty at trial of the felony offense of mail fraud by filing an insurance claim with Farmers Insurance Company after the destruction of his insured residence to obtain settlement money for living expenses to be paid to cover rent based on false information, including the name of the landlord, the address of the rental location and the amount of money charged.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Cannon has four felony convictions and over ten other significant convictions prior to being charged in this case. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Elias Gaytan, 38, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 41 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

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:

Donald Smith, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.

DISPOSITION:

Kenneth Schambers, 36, of Butler, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 98 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, Schambers has a significant criminal history, including a wide range of offenses for theft, resisting law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and breaking and entering. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

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:

Six members of the Latin Kings street gang were sentenced before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano in federal court this week for racketeering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney David Capp and Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Oscar Gonzalez, 23, of Hammond, was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment and, if not deported, 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty on June 26, 2012 to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana.

Martin Anaya, 42, of Chicago, was sentenced to 360 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after a jury returned a guilty verdict on Sept. 25, 2012, to racketeering and drug conspiracies.

Jason Ortiz, 29, of Chicago, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty on July 30, 2010, to racketeering conspiracy.During his guilty plea proceeding, Ortiz acknowledged that on Feb. 25, 2007, he, along with four other defendants, rode on a “mission” from Illinois to Griffith, Indiana.  While armed with three firearms, they were ordered to ambush rival gang members who were attending a party. Once two Latin Dragon members James Walsh, aka “Jim Boy” and  Gonzalo Diaz left the party, the Latin Kings, including Ortiz, rode up in a vehicle and two of Ortiz’s co-defendants got out of the vehicle and shot and killed Walsh and Diaz.

Jermaine Ellis, 23, of Chicago, was sentenced to 205 months imprisonment and years of supervised release after pleading guilty on October 21, 2010 to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. Ellis, who became a Latin King member at an early age, admitted that while a juvenile he participated in the shooting deaths of James Walsh and Gonzalo Diaz in Griffith, Indiana.

Antonio Martinez, Jr., 42, of Chicago, a former officer with the Chicago Police Department, was sentenced to 144 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty on December 2, 2011to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. According to court records, Martinez and another officer committed armed robberies on behalf of a Latin Kings gang member, at times while in uniform and driving police-issued vehicles. They stole drugs, weapons and cash, and in some instances were given a portion of the funds they stole as payment for committing the armed robberies.

Hiluterio Chavez, 37, of Chicago, was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty on January 24, 2012 to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. Among other crimes, Chavez participated in a robbery with Martinez and presented himself as a law enforcement officer.

According to the indictments filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States.  The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. The Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings.  Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as “missions.”The indictments charge that the Latin Kings were responsible for more than 20 murders.

Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case.Fourteen have now been sentenced.Of the nine remaining, seven have pled guilty, one case was dismissed and one is a fugitive.

These cases were investigated by 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.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on May 22, 2013: Rico Parrish, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 17, 2013. 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 Anthony W. Geller.
Christopher Seals, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a three count Indictment with armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 14, 2013. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Armando Herrera-Velasquez, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Manuel Herrera, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013 and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on or about November 20, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Elida Herrera, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013 and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on or about November 20, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Maria Patricia Herrera, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Luis Tapia, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013, and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on or about July 28, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Juan Perez, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. This case was superseded to include defendant Perez in the conspiracy. These charges were filed as a result of this investigation 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 has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United 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.
##END##

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:

Michael A Volpe, 44, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of wire fraud and money laundering.Magistrate Nuechterleinis 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 and the Indiana State Police.Sentencing is set for 8/15/2013 10:00 AM in US District Court - South Bend before Judge Jon E DeGuilio.This case is being 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:

Alfonso Salinas, 52, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offenses of bribery involving federal programs and income tax evasion.Sentencing has been set for 8/13/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Joshua Robinson, 22, of Lafayette, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.Magistrate Cherry 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Police Department and the Lafayette Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Che Williams, 21, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.Magistrate Rodovich 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana University Northwest Police and the Gary Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Jesus Vasquez, 35, of Cicero, Illinois, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 7/24/13.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 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.

DISPOSITION:

Jennifer Guelinas, 55, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 4 years of probation, to include 12 months of detention, and restitution of $1,122,540.00 to Ameriprise Financial Services after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Noe Diaz, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 121 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Cesar Diaz, 39, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 30 months imprisonment and 3 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Marquis Young, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 84 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a firearm in furtherance of 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 Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Hammond, Indiana C United States Attorney David Capp announced that three indictments were returned as a result of investigations by the public corruption task force.

Vahan Kelerchian, 53, of Richboro, Pennsylvania, is charged in a nine count indictment.Kelerchian is the principal owner and operator of Armament Services International, a company located in the Philadelphia area engaged in the sales of firearms, primarily through the internet. The indictment alleges that Kelerchian, from November 2008 to January 2010, conspired with Joseph Kumstar and Ronald Slusser to make false statements concerning the acquisition of firearms.Kumstar and Slusser are both former Lake County Sheriff deputies who were indicted for this conduct in September 2010.Both have since plead guilty, are awaiting sentencing and cooperating with the United States Attorney’s Office.

Essentially, the indictment alleges that Kelerchian, Kumstar and Slusser utilized the Lake County Sheriff ‘s Department to acquire approximately 71 machine guns representing that those firearms were to be owned and utilized by the sheriff’s department for law enforcement purposes.In actuality, it is alleged that Kelerchian, Kumstar and Slusser acquired these firearms for themselves and broke the firearms down into certain component parts and sold those parts at considerable profit.

The indictment also alleges a conspiracy among the same individuals to defraud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the acquisition of approximately 74 restricted laser sights which can only be obtained by law enforcement or the military.Similar misrepresentations concerning the acquisition and use by the Lake County Sheriff’s department are alleged in this count.

Kelerchian is also charged with conspiring with Joseph Kumstar to provide the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with letters purportedly from the sheriff’s department requesting demonstrations of machine guns when in fact they knew there would be no such demonstrations.

The indictment also charges that on or about July 31, 2008, Kelerchian gave Kumstar a certain firearm intending to award or influence Kumstar in connection with transactions concerning the Lake County Sheriff’s department. The final count of the indictment alleges a conspiracy by Kelerchain, Kumstar and Slusser to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of specified unlawful activity.

Roman Perez, 41, of Crown Point, Indiana, is charged with one count of making false statements under oath on a tax return and one count of making a false statement in a bankruptcy proceeding.The Indictment alleges that Perez understated his total taxable income for 2007 by approximately $110,108.00, of which approximately $80,000 constituted payments from both the Treasurer of Lake County, Indiana, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Commissary Fund, to Roman Art Inc., a graphic design business owned and operated by Perez; and that Perez understated his gross income for the year 2009 by an amount in excess of $40,000 in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case.The United States Attorney’s Office will today file a plea agreement wherein Perez has agreed to plead guilty to these charges and will cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office.

Current Lake County Surveyor George Van Til, 65, of Merrillville, Indiana, is charged with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of obstruction of justice.

The indictment alleges that Van Til,beginning in or about November 2007 and continuing through December 2012, devised a scheme to defraud Lake County of money and property by utilizing county employees to perform personal services and political services so that Van Til would be re-elected as Lake County Surveyor.

The indictment also alleges that Van Til directed an employee to remove a hard drive from a Lake County computer and to replace it with another hard drive.Van Til gave that employee $100 cash in order to purchase the replacement hard drive from a local retailer.Van Til was concerned that federal authorities might come to the Surveyor’s office and confiscate the hard drive.

The indictment further alleges that Van Til told that same employee “And by the way, if by some chance down the line there’s ever a conversation, we never had these conversations.”

Van Til’s alleged conduct with respect to this particular employee forms the basis for the two obstruction of justice counts.

United States Attorney Capp advised that these indictments were the result of the ongoing investigative effort by the public corruption task force.That task force is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Indiana State Police and the United States Attorney’s Office.In the Kelerchian indictment, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Food and Drug were principally involved.Capp thanked these agencies and departments for their continued cooperative efforts in the important area of public corruption.Capp stated, “As I have said before, our public corruption effort is ongoing and we will continue to investigate and, where appropriate, seek federal indictments against those who abuse the public trust.”

These cases have been assigned to and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Benson, Gary Bell and Joshua Kolar.

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:

PLEAS:

Ricky Hemphill, 20, and Timothy Whitfield, 21, of South Bend, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Shaw et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of racketeering.Whitfield also pled guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty pleas.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing for both has been set for 8/8/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Omar Lewis, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack 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 6/26/13.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.

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:

DISPOSITION:

Ivan Quiroz, 32, of Posen, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Vargas et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy to 25 years 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 activity, and two counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking .This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center (GangTECC); the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Lake County, Indiana, HIDTA and the Houston, Texas Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph Cooley of the Department of Justice Criminal Division, Gang Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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:

James Dodson, 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Luther Vanhoosier, 54, of Redkey, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jay County Sheriff’s Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Craig Whigum, 19, and Brenton Ennis, 19, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offenses of robbery of firearms and money and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty pleas.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department.These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Evangelos Doublas, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. 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 Pulaski County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.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.

DISPOSITION:

Danny Villarreal, 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 70 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General and the Allen County Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

Fort Wayne, Indiana — United States Attorney David Capp announced today that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne returned 14 Indictments on March 28, 2013 charging several conspiracies to distribute narcotics as well as firearm charges.

In March 2011, an investigation by the Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force under the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed the existence of a large scale narcotics distribution conspiracy operating in northeastern Indiana. The initial stages of the investigation identified Pedro Salud Rubio-Garcia an alleged drug supplier in the Steuben County area, and the subsequent use of several court authorized wiretaps of various telephones identified Manuel Herrera and Armando Herrera-Velasquez and others, as operating an illegal drug supply network in northeast Indiana.The following 20 individuals are named in the 14 Indictments:

#1

Pedro Salud Rubio-Garcia, 25, of Fremont, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and the selling and transfer of a firearm to a known convicted felon.

Jose Noe Perea Casteneda, 40, of Goshen, Indiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.

#2

Armando Herrera-Velasquez, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Manuel Herrera, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine.

Elida Herrera, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine.

Maria Patricia Herrera, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Luis Tapia, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine.

#3

Armando Gonzales-Gutierrez, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#4

Darwin Altamirano, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#5

Juan Corona, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#6

Damian Dubose, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#7

Leobardo Gaona, 39, of Huntertown, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#8

Gelacio Marintez, 36, of Sturgis, Michigan is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#9

Gerardo Martinez-Gaston, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#10

Juan Pena, 20, of Sturgis, Michigan is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#11

Guadalupe C. Luna, of Fremont, Indiana is charged with distribution of cocaine.

#12

Cynthia L. Sanchez, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged with distribution of cocaine.

#13

Jerry Sell, 45, of Van Wert, Ohio is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility.

#14

John Bennett, 35, of Sturgis, Michigan is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and use of a communication facility.

These charges were filed as a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is  comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Marshals Service; Angola City Police Department; Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit; IMAGE Drug Task Force; Michigan State Police; New Haven Police Department; South Bend Police Department; and the Steuben County Sheriff's Department assisted with this investigation.

On Thursday May 9, 2013, law enforcement arrested the following individuals in the Fort Wayne area: Efren Paniagua-Pizano, Luis Tapia, Pedro Salud Rubio-Garcia, Guadalupe Carmona Luna, Armando Gonzalez – Gutierrez, Gerardo Martinez – Gaston, Juan Corona, Jose Noe Perea Casteneda, Jerry Sell, Maria Patricia Herrera, Cynthia Lynn Sanchez, Damian Dubose, Juan Pena, and Leobardo Gaona.Arrested in Las Vegas Nevada were Manuel Herreraand Elida Herrera.Arrested in Michigan were Gelacio Martinez and John Bennett.

On that same date, the FBI served search warrants on several residences and seized multiple vehicles to include:

1606 Saint Louis Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46819

117 E. DeWald Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803

3026 Pennsylvania Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803

1024 East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46806

600 West North, Lot 13, Fremont, IN

3009 Oliver Street Fort Wayne, IN

7555 Decatur Road lot 28, Fort Wayne, IN

Blue 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Silver 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Red 2006 Ford F-150

Black 2007 GMC Yukon

White 2009 Lincoln MKS

Black 2003 GMC Yukon

White 2008 Pontiac G6

United States Court Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey has set initial appearances for the arrested individuals from this area which were held May 9 and to be held on May 10, 2013.The individual defendants have made and will be making their appearances, detention hearings and arraignments in front of Magistrate Judge in the coming days.

These cases have been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United 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.

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:

COMPLAINT:

Nathan Demar Huey-Dingle, 31, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged by Complaint with sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and transporting across state lines for the purpose of engaging 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.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Raymond Alger, 49, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 27 months imprisonment, a $5000.00 fine and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 John Maciejczyk.

Jeremy Dyer, 32, of Iroquois, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 48 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a phone in the distribution of marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Karla Ruelas, 23, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 15 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and mail fraud.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Ruelas admitted that she worked for Servicios Mi Tierra (SMT) in South Bend, Indiana.She was hired by Paulino Ascencion-Apolino to perform assorted services for members of the Hispanic community in the South Bend area, in part because she could speak Spanish as well as English.Among other things, she helped aliens of Hispanic descent who were in the United States in violation of immigration laws. Illegal aliens cannot register their motor vehicles with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) because they cannot obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).Ruelas would generate an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a substitute for an SSN and then use that EIN in the BMV registration process. As part of her duties at SMT, she would sign other peoples' names, both buyers and sellers, to vehicle titles and other paperwork without their permission.She would also change the vehicles' purchase price in order to reduce the amount of tax that SMT's customers would have to pay to the State of lndiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Hays.

Richard Hodges, 69, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 2 years of supervised release and $31,302.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of Social Security Retirement Income Benefits.Hodges continued to collect his father’s monthly benefit payments after his father had passed away.This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Jeffrey Cripe, 38, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 20 years imprisonment and 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Cripe made child pornography available to be downloaded between January 2012 and July 2012.The material he made available included sadistic images of minors being sexually abused. Messages recovered from Cripe’s computer also indicated that he had approached numerousfemale minors between the ages of 12 and 16 years old online for a period over a year and a half,and enticed them into performing sexual acts and creating pornographic images of themselves for him. 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 Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Eric Arnold, 40, of Macy, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 27 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a communication facility to distribute marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.