Northern District of Indiana

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:

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.

PLEA:

Joshua Atwood, 29, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 Jill Koster.

Francisco Perez, 32, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing has been set for 8/1/13.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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Michael Hostetler, 29, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 96 months imprisonment, $2000.00 in restitution to each of two victims, a $5000.00 fine and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.According to documents filed by the government in this case, a Michigan City Police Department officer using a computer connected to the Internet launched a publicly available peer-to-peer ("P2P") file sharing program from his office in the Michigan City Police Department. The officer browsed the shared directories and was able to download at least three images that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The IP address was identified as belonging to Hostetler.A search warrant was obtained authorizing a search of Hostetler’s residence where law enforcement found videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct saved to a laptop computer belonging to Hostetler.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Michigan City Police Department and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Maria Sustaita, 50, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 24 months plus 12 days imprisonment, $6,836.14 in restitution and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of aggravated identity theft and obstruction of correspondence.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Sustaita added her name, or an alias, to the existing credit card accounts of victims without their knowledge; made purchases on these takeover credit accounts of the victims without their knowledge; opened new credit card accounts utilizing the personal identifying information of the victims without their knowledge;made personal purchases on these fraudulently opened credit cards without the knowledge of the victims; redirected U.S. mail from the address of the victims to her residence; and redirected the victims mail, as well as any other correspondence or packages associated with the fraudulently obtained credit cards. The victims were seniors - one victim was born in 1925 making him 87 years of age and the other victim was born in 1926 making her 86 years of age. The defendant entered the homes of these individuals with the express purpose of victimizing them based upon their age. 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.

Jose Zambrano, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Vargas et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 240 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.Zambrano, a member of the Latin Kings street gang, conspired to conduct and participate in the conduct of the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity consisting of multiple acts involving murder, robbery and narcotics trafficking. This case is being investigated 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.

Marcus McCants, 35, of Sauk Village, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Powell et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 57 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute one kilo or more of 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.

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:

DISPOSITION:

Mark Honer, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 92 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, during the course of the investigation, crack cocaine was purchased from Honer and all were “controlled” drug transactions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne 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

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on May 1, 2013:

Antonio Collins, 36, of Merrillville, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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 Thomas McGrath.

Brian Washington, 26, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and two counts of dealing in firearms without a license.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 Thomas McGrath.

Tony Bronson, 53, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, Indiana -- United States Attorney David Capp announced:

Robert E. Miller, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty at trial on one count of tax evasion.According to the indictment filed by the government in this case, Miller willfully attempted to evade and defeat the payment of a substantial part of the income tax due and owing by him for the calendar years 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the cumulative amount of more than $150,000 by, among other things, failing to pay taxes due and owing despite having employment and substantial income; asking his employer not to make out checks to him in his name; avoiding the use of personal bank accounts and using Green Dot cards to conduct his financial business; and making several false statements to IRS personnel including falsely denying that he had income, falsely denying that he had a job, and falsely denying that he had a bank account. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.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

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

PLEAS:

Robert Pulliam, 52, of New Carlisle, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana.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 7/31/13.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.

Dale Hite, 27, of Plymouth, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 7/25/13.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.

DISPOSITION:

Shawn Lunsford, 35, of Peru, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 63 months imprisonment and 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. Based on an ongoing investigation, a gents from the FBI Cybercrimes Unit and other affiliated agencies executed a search warrant at Lunsford’s residence in order to search any computers that were found in the home for the presence of child pornography. Lunsford was found to be in possession of approximately 7,073 images, approximately 1000 of which were prepubescent minors. 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.

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:

Jose Gonzalez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, 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 8/7/13.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 Joshua Kolar.

Johana Velazquez, 29, of Rensselaer, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 6/27/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Krystal Puntillo-Raggs, 21, Javorious Raggs, 22, and Terrence Benson, 22, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of passing counterfeit obligations.Sentencing for Raggs and Benson has been set for 7/12/13.Puntillo-Raggs will be sentenced on 8/13/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Darren Williams, 34, of Lafayette, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 7/10/13.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Columbus, Indiana Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Julian Rebeles, 22, of Hammond, 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 7/10/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Phillip Ramos, II, 25, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 27 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed by the government, during a traffic stop involving Ramos, Hammond Police found a black duffle bag holding eight plastic bags containing a total of 3600 gross grams of a green leafy substance purported to be marijuana. Additionally the duffle bag contained six ounces of a white rock like substance purported to be cocaine, along with a Volunteer Enterprises and Smith and Wesson revolvers.A Sentry Safe was also located in the trunk of the vehicle that contained 647 gross grams of marijuana, a bag that contained 22.5 gross grams of cocaine and assorted prescription pills. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Nathan Elmore, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 121 months imprisonment, $21,440.80 in restitution and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of the robberies of Rally’s, Family Dollar, Church’s Chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Auto Zone in Gary, Indiana; Game Stop and Auto Zone in Hammond, Indiana; and the armed robbery of Tech Credit Union in East Chicago, Indiana.

Seandell Rounds, 21, of Riverdale, Illinois, a co-defendant in the Elmore case, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 57 months imprisonment, $189.00 in restitution and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of the robberies of Subway in Gary and Auto Zone in Merrillville, Indiana.

These charges were brought as a result of a cooperative law enforcement effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Merrillville Police Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on April 24, 2013: Trey Jackson, 24, and Deangelo Copeland, 36, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana were charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Indictment with armed bank robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about April 15, 2013, and Nicole Andrews, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Indictment with armed bank robbery and accessory after the fact on or about April 15, 2013. These charges were 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.
Matthew Lester Vanschoick, 28, and Michael Clayton Bure, 26, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were charged in a single count Indictment with bank robbery on or about October 28, 2011. 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 New Haven Police Department. 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:

Kristopher Brooks, 39, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender.Sentencing has been set for 7/24/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Marshal’s Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Clinton Vortice, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 7/17/13.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.

Kori Ann Donovan, 44, of Plymouth, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offenses of health care fraud and fraud with identification documents.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 7/15/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Kenneth McCreary, Jr., 26, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of theft of stolen mail matter.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 United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.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:

Chhit Taing, 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 37 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana. According to documents filed by the government in this case, Taing was involved with nine sales of marijuana and was arrested while selling marijuana and trying to buy cocaine.Mr. Taing was found in possession of a large amount of cash at the time of his arrest.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.

Tommy Webster, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 168 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, manufacture of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, an investigation by law enforcement found cocaine (powder and cocaine base) individually wrapped for distribution; a substance used for cutting cocaine; loose marijuana; six dozen growing marijuana plants; and drug paraphernalia, such as scales and baggies. Webster also had electronic security consisting of police scanners and a video system with monitors and carefully placed cameras; a loaded shotgun, a sawed-off shotgun, and a bullet proof vest. Webster has a prior felony conviction for armed drug dealing and several misdemeanor convictions.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Lynn Little, 42, of West Lafayette, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Patlan et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to time served and 4 years of supervised release, to include 8 months of home detention and 200 hours of community service, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Little admitted that she was involved with supplying Jose Patlan with marijuana that she believed he was distributing in the Logansport, Indiana, area.When law enforcement searched her home in West Lafayette, Indiana, officers found $12,000 in United States Currency from drug transactions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hayle Doty, 24, of Milford, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 30 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Doty participated in a sophisticated drug conspiracy involving marijuana in a range of 100-400 kilograms that had several players, spanned several years and generated large cash profits.During the search of the residence firearms, cash and drugs were located.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Laporte County Prosecutor’s Offices, the Laporte County Drug Unit and the ICE Unit for Elkhart County also participated.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

INDICTMENT:

Demetrius Moore, 42, of Merrillville, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment returned on 2/7/13 with theft of government property (designated unemployment benefits).These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

PLEAS:

Luis Yanez, 41, of Lorain, Ohio, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.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 Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Amin Guillermo Velazquez, 32, of Rensselaer, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 6/27/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Tracey Tigner, 42, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of embezzlement and theft from a Labor Union.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by United States Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Labor Management Standards.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Marilyn Krusas, 69, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of tax evasion.Sentencing has been set for 7/11/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Octavio Alejandre-Mata, 44, of Hobart, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of distribution of 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 Jacqueline Jacobs.

Phyllis Lark, 46, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Nwaka et al., pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of submitting fraudulent claims to Indiana Medicaid.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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:

Maxie Rallings, Jr., 42, Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Rallings delivered over 28 grams of crack cocaine to an individual who was working for law enforcement.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Lynn Little, 42, of West Lafayette, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Patlan et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to time served and 4 years of supervised release, to include 8 months of home detention and 200 hours of community service, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Little admitted that she was involved with supplying Jose Patlan with marijuana that she believed he was distributing in the Logansport, Indiana, area.When law enforcement searched her home in West Lafayette, Indiana, officers found $12,000 in United States Currency from drug transactions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the Cass county Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police.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

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

PLEAS:

Scot Silvers, 48, of Angola, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offenses of use of counterfeit access devices, fraud with identification documents and making counterfeit obligations.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 United States Secret Service and the Angola Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Alex White, 47, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of the armed robbery of Wells Fargo Bank.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, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Northeast Indiana Bank Robbery Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

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

Chhit Taing, 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 37 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana. According to documents filed by the government in this case, Taing was involved with nine sales of marijuana and was arrested while selling marijuana and trying to buy cocaine.Mr. Taing was found in possession of a large amount of cash at the time of his arrest.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

South Bend, Indiana —United States Attorney David Capp announced:

Brett Keiling, 49, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 27 months imprisonment (time served) and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of threatening to assault an employee of the United States with intent to impede the performance of official duties.On January 24, 2011, Keiling made a telephone threat to an employee of then Congressman Joseph Donnelly’s office.Keiling has been in federal custody since that date.

Keiling is subject to numerous conditions while on supervised release including having no contact with any public official’s office without first obtaining the permission of the United States Probation Office.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.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

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

PLEAS:

Brison K. Williams, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Shaw et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of racketeering.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 7/15/13.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 the South Bend Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Cedric Hill, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing has been set for 7/18/13.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 Frank Schaffer.

Sandra Alfaro, 35, of Indianapolis, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offenses of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation.Sentencing has been set for 7/18/13. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Hays.

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:

Lorenzo Jackson, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 117 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Jackson admitted that he sold and distributed marijuana to other persons in 2012 and possessed a shotgun during this period in order to protect himself from robbery while distributing the marijuana.Jackson has prior felony convictions including dealing in cocaine and possession of 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 Donald Schmid.

Efrain Castenada, 31, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 151 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and unlawful hostage taking/detention.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Castenada used a firearm to threaten to kill his wife, and taking her and two children hostage. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Jose Nevarez, 37, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to two years of supervised release and a $2000.00 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Nevarez structured several deposits into his bank account under $10,000 t in June and July of 2010 to avoid the reporting requirements banks have to make to the federal government when cash deposits are made that exceed $10,000. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Ronald Parks, 60, no known address/homeless, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offenses of kidnapping and, in a separate matter, the bank robbery of Citizens Bank in Hammond, Indiana.Sentencing in both cases has been set for 7/11/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department.These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Imaru Jones, 29, of Griffith, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana.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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Jazneen Williams, 22, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chicago Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

William Weigand, 43, of Portage, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Robert Lockhart, 20, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 240 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. Lockhart, a member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang, admitted that during the course of the conspiracy he was responsible for the murder of Miguel Colon. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.

Aaron Grant, 33, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.Grant has a prior conviction for possession of cocaine in 2005.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Jeremiah Stevenson, 23, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Elmore et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 78 months imprisonment, $17,954.35 in restitution and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of the robbery of Auto Zone and the robbery of Gamestop in Hammond, Indiana; and the armed robbery of Tech Credit Union in East Chicago, Indiana.

Lavelle Hatley, 18, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Elmore et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 108 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of the robbery of Rallys, Family Dollar, and Church’s Chicken restaurants in Gary, Indiana; the robbery of Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Merrillville and Hammond, Indiana; the robbery of Domino’s Pizza in Merrillville, Indiana; and the robbery of Auto Zone in Merrillville and Hammond, Indiana.

These cases were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Merrillville Police Department.These cases were 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:

DISPOSITION:

Patrick O’Quinn, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of methamphetamine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and 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

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

PLEAS:

Kevin Howell, 46, 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 7/17/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force.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:

Brian Newman, 46, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 360 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Newman admitted that in April 2012 he contacted a 16 year old female on Facebook who resided in New York.He told her in a Facebook chat that a male she knew as Mark had hacked into her iPad and had video of her dressing in her room.He told her she could get the videos back if she would Skype with him.He asked her to engage in sexually explicit conduct and then e-mail the photos to him.Pursuant to a federal search warrant, law enforcement discovered numerous photos that the girl had sent to Newman’s e-mail account.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Michigan City Police Department, the Mound, Minnesota Police Department, the Cary, North Carolina Police Department and the New York State Police.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:

DISPOSITION:

Leon Thomas, 38, of Chesterton, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 24 months imprisonment, $25,216.00 in restitution and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aggravated identity theft.According to documents filed by the government in this case, f rom June 2009 through July 2010, while employed at a manufacturing company in Michigan City, Indiana, Thomas applied for unemployment insurance benefits and extended unemployment benefits using the identity of his brother by using his social security number and date of birth. While working for the company he unlawfully received unemployment insurance benefit payments that consisted of federal and state money. When asked on the weekly claim voucher whether he was working, Thomas answered no, when in truth he was working and receiving a paycheck.Thomas unlawfully received a total of $11,590 in Federal funds as well as $13,626 in State funds for the unemployment benefits. 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

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

PLEAS:

Ku-La Lwin, 18, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of receipt and possession of a non-registered 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.

Leonard Riley, 21, 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 Lovita Morris King.

James Rogers, 28, 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. These charges were 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 Lovita Morris King.

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

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on March 27, 2013: Arturo Deluna, 46, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a three count Indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and use of communication facility in the conspiracy to possess and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, all occurring on or about May 4, 2010. These charges were filed as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department. 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##

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on March 27, 2013: Ayad Al-Shaibani, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a ten count Indictment with acquiring or possessing supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits in a manner not authorized by regulations on or about December 3, 2008, February 10, 2009, January 25, 2013, January 31, 2013, and February 6, 2013 and redemption of illegally received supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits between on or about April 1, 2008, and continuing through on or about December 31, 2008, between on or about January 1, 2009, and continuing through on or about December 31, 2009, between on or about January 1, 2010, and continuing through on or about December 31, 2010, between on or about January 1, 2011, and continuing through on or about December 31, 2011 and between on or about January 1, 2012, and continuing through on or about December 31, 2012. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the offense. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
##END##

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 April 3, 2013:

Eugene Jackson, Jr., 32, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Terrance Winton, 48, of Merrillville, Indiana, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Sammy Earl Jones, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Simmuel Lamont Mobley, 45, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Joseph Jamel Smith, 20, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas 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

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

PLEAS:

Andres Garcia, 56, of Hoopeston, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Patlan et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.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 6/20/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Harry Kiste, 55, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender.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 6/27/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Marshal’s Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Demerius Shaw, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of racketeering and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.Sentencing has been set for 7/17/13.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.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:

Jesus DeLeon, Sr., 50, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 4 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release, including 6 months of home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of furnishing false written statements in the acquisition of a firearm.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Deleon Sr. straw purchased an IAC Regent .45 caliber pistol for Oscar Ruelas. In particular, Deleon Sr. bought this firearm from Midwest Gun Exchange in Mishawaka, Indiana while falsely stating on the “Firearms Transaction Record” for over-the counter-firearms transactions (ATF Form 4473) that the firearm was for Deleon Sr. when in fact the firearm was really being purchased for and at the behest of Oscar Ruelas, a trafficker in controlled substances.Police recovered the firearm at the home of Ruelas in July 2012 when a search warrant was executed there. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Bend Police Department and the MSOS.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:

DISPOSITIONS:

Brian Levesque, 27, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 46 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and recovered a High-Point brand .45 caliber loaded pistol, baggies of crack cocaine, marijuana and a digital scale. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Walter Ridley, 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. These charges were 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 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:

Jarrod Vroom, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US Bridges et al., was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 60 months imprisonment and 4 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, the Allen County Sheriff‘s Department and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Otaimond McFarthing, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 8 months imprisonment (time served) and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of 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 Geller.

Jason Davis, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 27 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on March 27, 2013: Glenda Brickey, 27, of Ligonier, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, both occurring on or about December 21, 2012. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IMAGE Drug Task Force, comprised of Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Kendallville Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department; Noble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Indiana State Police, ISP ACE Team, and ISP Emergency Response Team; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Northeast Indiana SWAT; Ligonier Police Department; Fort Wayne Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Indiana State Excise Police and FWPD Emergency Services Team. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Juan J. Sandoval, 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a four count Indictment with distribution of methamphetamine on or about February 27, 2013, and March 12, 2013; domestic violent felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 21, 2013, and possession of a firearm not registered to him on or about March 21, 2013. This Indictment also seeks forfeiture of firearms and ammunition. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IMAGE Drug Task Force, comprised of Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Kendallville Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department; Noble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Indiana State Police, ISP ACE Team, and ISP Emergency Response Team; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Northeast Indiana SWAT; Ligonier Police Department; Fort Wayne Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Indiana State Excise Police and FWPD Emergency Services Team. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Javier Madrigal, 48, and Lizbeth Correa, 34, of Wawaka, Indiana. Madrigal is charged in
5 of 6 counts in the Indictment with distribution of methamphetamine on or about January 31, 2013, February 7, 2013, February 15, 2013, March 14, 2013 and March 21, 2013. Correa is charged in 2 of 6 counts in the Indictment with distribution of methamphetamine on or about March 21, 2013, and profiting from maintaining a drug involved premises from on or about January 31, 2013 to on or about March 21, 2013. This Indictment also seeks forfeiture. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IMAGE Drug Task Force, comprised of Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Kendallville Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department; Noble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Indiana State Police, ISP ACE Team, and ISP Emergency Response Team; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Northeast Indiana SWAT; Ligonier Police Department; Fort Wayne Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Indiana State Excise Police and FWPD Emergency Services Team. 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 L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

PLEAS:

Jaleen McGee, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Shaw et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of racketeering.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 6/18/13.

Alvin Blade, III, 21, of South Bend, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Shaw et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of carrying a firearm and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime/crime of violence.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 6/13/13.

The charges against McGee and Blade 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.The case in which both are charged 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:

David Dircks, 53, of, South Bend, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Wells et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 114 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Dircks has multiple prior felony convictions including possession of controlled substances (1992, 2004, 2007), forgery (1992), and residential burglary (1996). He has many other convictions as well, including forgery (misdemeanor), criminal trespass, possession of a fraudulent ID card, theft, deceptive practice, false informing, Illinois vehicle code offenses, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, panhandling, hit and run, resisting a police officer, domestic battery, and battery. He committed his federal offenses while he was on probation in LaPorte County, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

INDICTMENT:

Rebhi Mohammad, 59, Ola Mohammad, 32, and Abdkdar Mohammad, 28, of Chicago, Illinois, were charged in a Superceding Indictment with conspiracy to defraud the USDA “SNAP” program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance) and wire fraud by claiming that they and the business known as Moses Foods were legitimately entitled to reimbursements when in fact they were trading cash and ineligible items for SNAP benefit redemptions.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

PLEAS:

Dwayne Crawford, 40, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and engaging in a monetary transaction with criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 .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. Sentencing has been set for 5/17/13.These charges were 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 Jacqueline Jacobs.

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:

Miguel Chavez, 46, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 41 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

COMPLAINTS:

Glenda R. Brickey, 27, of Ligonier, Indiana, was charged in a Complaint with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ligonier Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Juan Sandoval, 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a Complaint with distribution of methamphetamine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the IMAGE Drug Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Javier Madrigal, 48, and Lizbeth Correa, 34, of Wawaka, Indiana, were charged in a Complaint with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ligonier Police Department and the IMAGE Drug Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

DISPOSITIONS:

Michael Watkins, 55, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 121 months imprisonment and 60 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution child pornography and possession of child pornography.According to documents filed by the government in this case, a d etective with the Noblesville, Indiana Police Department, located the IP address of a user who possessed, and was advertising for share, image and video files that had been previously identified as child pornography in other investigations by law enforcement.A response to a summons on the internet service provider revealed that the IP address belonged to Watkins.Pursuant to a federal search warrant, law enforcement recovered a computer, external hard drive and compact discs which contained images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.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 Noblesville Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ mary.hatton@usdoj.gov

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

Miguel Angel Herrera, 32, address unknown, was charged in an Indictment with distribution of cocaine.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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas, Jr.

Tareq Al-Hindi, 31, of Orland Park, Illinois, Azzam Al-Hindi, 55, of Blue, Island, Illinois and Hosam Abul-Husn, 67, of Whiting, Indiana were charged in an Indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

Tambra Ducker, 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with possession with the intent to distribute heroin.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana - United States Attorney David Capp announced that Jack Allen Schaap, 55, of Crete, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 144 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to documents filed by the government in this case, Schaap, as the Pastor of Hammond Baptist Church, Superintendent of its schools and a trusted advisor to the victim and her family, involved himself with counseling the victim, a then-16 year old church member who had been identified by an administrator at the school as vulnerable.Once their sessions began, Schaap met with her for longer durations and with increasing frequency over time, beginning with a few hours per week in April and May 2012, to semi-weekly in June and then daily or several times a day in July.Schaap encourage the victim to view him as not just her Pastor but also as her friend and finally, love interest.Schaap’s phone records revealed that in one month’s time he and the victim spoke on the phone or texted one another approximately 662 times.He also arranged to have the victim transported to Illinois and to Michigan so they could spend extended periods of time alone together.The government recovered photos taken at his property in Illinois and inside a cabin in Michigan which depicted Schaap and the victim in intimate poses.

This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Susan Collins.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

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 March 13, 2013:

Christina Glen, 43, of LaPorte, Indiana, was charged in a five-count Indictment with one count theft of government property and four counts of wire fraud.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the United States Department of Labor.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Z. Brook.

Francisco Perez, 32, of Gary, Indiana, and Gilberto Galindo-Lopez, age 32, of Los Angeles, California, were charged in a one-count Indictment with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

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 L. Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

Marquis Broadway, 19, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Jon DeGuilio to the felony offenses of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Sentencing has been set for 6/27/13.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.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

Willie Flowers, 31, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Kenneth Myers, 21, of Monticello, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Sentencing has been set for 6/6/13.These charges were 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Michael Scott, 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department Gang Unit.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

Jeremiah Thompson, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of maintaining a place for the purpose of distributing heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Charles Martin, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 36 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, Martin has a prior conviction for carrying a handgun without a license, receiving stolen auto parts and identity deception.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.

Rachel McMillan, 40, of Hamilton, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Rivera et al., was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 51 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.According to

documents filed by the government in this case, Rivera was stopped for a traffic violation. The officer making the stop retrieved his drug dog which alerted to the presence of narcotic odor.The truck was subsequently impounded.A state search warrant was obtained to search the truck.Officers located drugs hidden in the truck’s front axle.McMillan then contacted law enforcement to retrieve the impounded truck by presenting what appeared to be a fraudulent power of attorney signed by Rivera.Officers found that McMillan had an expired driver’s license and, after observing her driving the truck, arrested her for the driving offense.McMillan admitted during an interview after her arrest to involvement with Rivera’s transporting a drug shipment to northern Indiana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the IMAGE Drug Task Force and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

Hammond, Indiana – announced U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Dante Reyes, 35, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

Previously charged and entered a plea of guilty in the case are:

Alexander Vargas, 35, of Highland, Indiana

Sisto Bernal, 46, of Chicago, Illinois

Jose Zambrano, 33, of Chicago, Illinois

Jason Ortiz, 30, of Chicago, Illinois

Brandon Clay, 26, of Chicago, Illinois

Jermaine Ellis, 23, of Chicago, Illinois

Martin Anaya, 42, of Chicago, Illinois

Ivan Quiroz, 30, of Posen, Illinois

Hiluterio Chavez, 37, of Chicago, Illinois

Sergio Robles, 24, of Hammond, Indiana

Emiliano Esparza, 40 of Chicago, Illinois

Santiago Gudino, 28, of Hammond, Indiana

Gabriel Jalomos, 26, of Chicago, Illinois

Oscar Gonzalez, 23, of Hammond, Indiana

David Lira, 39, of Lansing, Illinois

Victor Meza, 24, of Hammond, Indiana

Antonio Gudino, 31, of East Chicago, Indiana

Bianca Fernandez, 23, of Chicago, Illinois

Alex Guerrero, 43, of Chicago, Illinois

Antonio C. Martinez, Jr., 42, of Chicago, Illinois

Also charged, and still at large, is Paulino Salazar, 30, of Chicago, Illinois.

Six of the defendants have been sentenced:

Brandon Clay was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment,David Lira was sentenced to 180 months imprisonmentand Antonio Gudino was sentenced to 175 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

Victor Meza, Jr. was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana.

Bianca Fernandez was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment for conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering activity.

Alex Guerrero was sentenced to 228 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana. Interference with commerce by threats or violence and use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking.

According to this indictment, the Latin Kings is nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters.The indictments filed in these cases allege that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 19 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas.

United States Attorney David Capp stated, “The Latin King indictments and the subsequent arrests and guilty pleas by all has had a major, positive impact on the level of violence in our communities. My thanks to all for the tireless efforts by our local and federal law enforcement and our attorneys.We are not finished – we will continue to investigate and prosecute members of organized criminal gangs or those who deal with such individuals.”

This case is being 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.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

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

South Bend, Indiana -- United States Attorney David Capp announced:

Yulia Yurevna Abair, 43, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty at trial on all eight counts of an Indictment charging her with structuring transactions to evade reporting requirement.According to documents filed by the government in this case, structuring includes breaking down a single sum of currency over $10,000 into smaller sums, or conducting a series of cash transactions all at or below $10,000, with the purpose of evading currency transaction reporting requirements. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

Ruben Trevino, 35, of Weslaco, Texas, a defendant in the case US v Doty et al., pled guilty before District Judge Jon DeGuilio to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 6/13/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Laporte County Prosecutor’s office, the Laporte County Drug Unit, the Elkhart County ICE unit.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:

Javon Thomas, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 120 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of carrying a firearm which discharged during a drug trafficking crime and crime of violence.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Thomas was one of four armed men who broke into the home of a known drug dealer and the drug dealer’s girlfriend and four children. One of the men (not Mr. Thomas) shot the drug dealer. The four men stole drugs and money, split the money, and distributed the marijuana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

Wesley King, 42, 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 5/22/13.These charges were 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 Joshua Kolar.

Maria Guadalupe Sustaita, 50, of East Chicago, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of aggravated identity theft and obstruction of correspondence.Sentencing has been set for 4/16/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Richard Jenkins, 39, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 33 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, law enforcement conducted multiple trash pulls at Jenkins’ residence after receiving a tip regarding drug dealing occurring at the residence. The pulls uncovered evidence indicative of drug packaging material, drug trafficking activity and drug sales taking place.A search warrant was executed on the residence where law enforcement recovered a knotted plastic bag containing 20 clear plastic bags, each containing crack cocaine, digital scales, a compact disc case containing two razor blades and a scale with white powder residue confirmed to be cocaine and marijuana.Jenkins admitted that he had been selling crack cocaine for months. 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 Dean Lanter.

Gregorio Valencia, 29, of Griffith, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 121 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute five hundred grams of more of methamphetamine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, a confidential source made arrangement to meet with Valencia to receive a free sample of methamphetamine and to negotiate a future purchase of 5 kilograms of methamphetamine.After the agreement was made, Valencia met with the source to deliver the drugs.Agents moved in and arrested Valencia.The Agents recovered a black duffel bag from Valencia’s vehicle containing 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and another 1 kilogram from his residence during a subsequent search.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 Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Dante Christopher Vasquez, 44, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 210 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of production of child pornography.According to documents filed by the government in this case, the Hammond Police started an investigation after receiving a complaint of an adult family member taking nude pictures of a juvenile.The responding officer interviewed the mother and her child about the complaint and learned that Vasquez was related to her and had frequently cared for her children and had used the mother’s camera to take nude pictures of the child.Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Vasquez residence, locating multiple computers revealing images indicative of child pornography that included the child involved in the initial complaint.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEA:

Antonio Sewell, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Buchanan et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute crack 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation/G-NET, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on March 6, 2013:

Christopher M. Bour, 39, and Natisha Hillard, 24, both of Gary, Indiana, were charged in a five count Indictment alleging buying/selling, production of and possession of child pornography.Bour is charged with one count of purchase of a child for production of child pornography, one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography featuring a minor under the age of 12.Hillard is charged with one count of sale of a child by a parent for production of child pornography and one count of permitting a child by a parent to participate in the production of child pornography. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by 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.

Stacy Davis, 44, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a superseding Indictment adding two additional bank robbery counts to the original indictment; the bank robbery of TCF Bank in Munster, Indiana on October 2, 2012 and the robbery of Chase Bank in Merrillville, Indiana on October 3, 2009.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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 February 27, 2013: Curtis Wittwer, 65, of Spencerville, Indiana, is charged in a four count Indictment with two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises from on or about September 12, 2012, to on or about September 25, 2012, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm on or about September
25, 2012. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of U.S. currency, firearms and ammunition. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police, IMAGE Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department and the DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office. 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 L. Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

Larry Harris, Jr., 25, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 6/5/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Aurelio Guerra, 46, of Weslaco, Texas, a defendant in the case US v Doty et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offenses of distribution of marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.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 6/21/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laporte County prosecutor’s office as well as the drug unit for Laporte County and the ICE unit for Elkhart County.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:

Willie Caldwell, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Caldwell admitted he was distributing marijuana and possessed a Ruger .45 pistol and a Winchester rifle.Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home and recovered the pistol, the rifle, assorted ammunition, 18 baggies of marijuana and a scale.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Oliver Collins, 49, of Key West, Florida, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 2 years of supervised release, 6 months of location monitoring on home detention and restitution of $32,542 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft from a program receiving federal funds.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Collins admitted that he purchased a camera valued at over $5,000 in July of 2005 with funds granted by the National Science Foundation for a science project through the University of Notre Dame. The project had received over $10,000 in a one year period under the grant. He purchased the camera for personal, professional use, and to assist himself on the grant work. However, the camera was not part of the approved grant or project approved by the NSF nor did he get approval to use the camera for personal matters. This case was the result of an investigation by the National Science Foundation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEAS:

David Finley, Jr., 32, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offenses of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and distribution of marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 5/8/13.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 Gary Bell.

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:

Mark Bailey, 52, of, Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 24 months imprisonment and 12 months of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aggravated identity theft.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 Lovita Morris King.

Corey Dawson, 32, of Sauk Village, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 37 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Dawson was part of a conspiracy that involved distributing a large quantity of heroin to various individuals who were largely young people from the northern Indiana area.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.

Orlando Alvarez-Barrientos, 34, of South Albany, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 63 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute heroin.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEA:

Dashawn Jones, 23, 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allen County Community Corrections.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Jose Soto, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Buchanan et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and 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:

Osiris Espinoza, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Castaneda et al., was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 168 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case Espinoza and others were involved in shipping drug proceeds in a package from Fort Wayne to California.As part of the conspiracy, Espinosa shipped a 49-pound package to California, with himself listed on the return address. The box was shipped overnight and was claimed to be frozen food. Based upon interceptions, Espinoza had been gathering money at his apartment, and based upon expert opinion, the Defendant was sending drug proceeds to California for eventual transport to the supplier in Mexico. 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.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on February 27, 2013: Jamison Gudorf, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receipt and possession of a non-registered firearm, both occurring on or about December 7, 2012. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of firearms. These charges were filed as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, the New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, 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 assisted with this investigation. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Michael Fabini, 33, and Marshall Butler, 33, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were charged in a 44 count Indictment. Both defendants were charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012; maintaining a drug-involved premises from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about March 6, 2008; and maintaining a drug-involved premises from on or about October 8, 2009, and continuing to on or about November 1, 2011. Michael Fabini was also charged with possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute on or about March
5, 2008, and on or about December 6, 2012; distributing marijuana on or about October 24, 2012; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity on or about August 7, 2009, and on or about February 10, 2012; and laundering monetary instruments from on or about May 14, 2010, to on or about March 21, 2011; from on or about June 11, 2010, to on or about February 14, 2011; from on or about August 6, 2010, to on or about February 11, 2011; and from on or about October 13, 2010, to on or about March 28, 2011. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of a residence and lawn care equipment. These charges were filed as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, the New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, 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 assisted with this investigation. 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##

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on February 27, 2013: Ronald C. Bodley, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base “crack”, cocaine and marijuana on or about January 28, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of U.S. currency. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Contrel J. Johnson, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 3, 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 Lovita Morris King.
Ku-La Lwin, 18, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with receipt and possession of a non-registered firearm and being an unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm, both occurring on or about January 18, 2013. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Leonard C. Riley, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 4, 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 Lovita Morris King.
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 L. Hatton

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

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

INDICTMENTS:

Andre Bradford , 35, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 3 counts of distribution of heroin.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

David Lee Robinson , 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 3 counts of distribution of heroin.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

PLEAS:

Christopher Akens, 35, of Mishawaka, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 5/23/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Deneen Lewis, 41, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of theft of government funds (social security benefits).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 5/23/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Jeffrey Farmer, 42, of Knox, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 84 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of accessing with intent to view child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, Starke County Detectives obtained a state search warrant to search Farmer’s residence and seize computers and digital storage devices.Farmer admitted he used the computer to view digital images from the internet that depicted prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including ICE - Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Timothy Lewis, 41, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 51 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed in this case, Lewis was selling small quantities of heroin to people, including a confidential informant, in late 2011 and 2012. Police searched his home in June and found heroin and a loaded firearm. After Lewis was released on bond, he again sold heroin to the confidential informant. Police searched his home again in August finding heroin and another loaded firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Metro Special Operations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Darnell Jackson, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Carlia Wells et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Jermaine Davis, 31, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 24 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, South Bend Police initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver Jermaine Davis and his two passengers fled the scene in the car. During the vehicle pursuit, a firearm and a bag of marijuana were tossed from the vehicle. South Bend Police recovered the marijuana and a Springfield XD40 pistol. Police also recovered more than $1,500 cash and a small amount of marijuana on the person of Jermaine Davis.Davis has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

John Hodowaniac, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson of a vehicle.According to documents filed in this case, Hodowaniac admitted that, along with his son Michael Hodowaniac and another person, he attempted to set fire to an automobile in exchange for a cash payment from this other person. He took substantial steps toward the execution of the plan to set fire to and maliciously destroy the automobile by directing that gasoline be put in a plastic bottle, traveling to the area where the automobile was located, and accepting cash for the arson. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

INDICTMENT:

Lakita Lee, 35, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment returned on 2/21/13 with theft of government property.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell and Emily Cremeans.

PLEAS:

Eddie Torres, 43, 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 and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 12/5/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

DISPOSITIONS:

Thomas R. Philpot, 55, of Highland, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of $10,000 and 2 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of mail fraud and theft from a federally funded program.According to documents filed in this case, Philpot, while serving in the elected capacity of Lake County Clerk, used IV-D incentive funds received by the Lake County Clerk’s office from the federal government as bonus money for himself without obtaining the authorization of the County Council as required by law.Philpot was ordered to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons or the US Marshal’s Service on 4/3/13 to begin execution of his sentence.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Thomas Scott Spangle, 32, of Lake Village, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 84 months imprisonment and 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, in May 2010, an undercover FBI agent working in Miami, Florida was using the peer-to-peer file sharing program “Gigatribe” to download child pornography files being distributed by others online. The undercover officer browsed the shared files and observed many depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit activity.During the download, the undercover agent used a program to identify the IP address being utilized, which was later identified as belonging to Spangle.Spangle’s computer equipment was seized and a full forensic examination was conducted on each piece of equipment.The examination revealed that Spangle collected a total of 5,269 images and 504 videos depicting minor children being sexually exploited and abused. Because each video counts as 75 images for Guideline calculation purposes, Spangle possessed the equivalent of 43,069 child pornography images.If played back to back, the videos in Spangle’s collection would run for 26 hours, 44 minutes and 58 seconds This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and the Lafayette Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Martin Jonassen, 57, of Elwood, Kansas, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 480 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of kidnapping and intimidation of a witness.According to documents filed in this case, Jonassen kidnapped his 21 year old daughter in Missouri and drove her to Portage, Indiana, where she tried to escape from him by running naked from the bathroom of their rented motel room to a nearby liquor store where she begged for help.Jonassen chased her and physically dragged her out of the store and forced her into his waiting vehicle.After his arrest, Jonassen embarked on a relentless campaign of calls and letters in which he employed manipulation and persuasion to try to get her to retract her statements to law enforcement.The government admitted evidence of that conduct at trial including numerous recorded telephone calls during which Jonassen offered cash or other bribes to her, and copies of letters Jonassen sent to the victim and others wherein he urged her (or others to encourage her) to retract her prior statements to law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portage Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Victor Meza, Jr., 24, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Vargas et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 96 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana.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, 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 and Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Osvaldo Herrera, 23, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 45 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.

Nicholas Jackson, 21, of Lafayette, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Robinson et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 18 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user/addict in possession of firearms. Jackson, an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance (marijuana), possessed a .20 gauge shotgun with an obliterated serial number. After learning that his co-defendants were arrested for a burglary, Jackson called his friend to pick up the gun so that it could be disposed of in the Wabash River.Subsequently, after an interview with ATF agents, the shotgun was located and recovered. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Police Department and the Lafayette Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

PLEA:

Jemorris Sewell, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute crack 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

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

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

Roberto Ramirez Cardona, 53, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with distribution of heroin.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 Nicholas Padilla.

Julian Robert Rebeles, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Scott Filbey, 47, of Walton, Kentucky, was charged in an Indictment with production of child pornography.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Indiana State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Franklin County Ohio Sheriff’s Department and the Cincinnati/Hamilton County Sheriff Electronics Computer Investigation Section.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Anthony Edward Stewart, 23, of East Chicago, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

William Weigand, 43, of Portage, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.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 L. Hatton

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

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

JURY VERDICT:

Omar Duran Lagunes, 35, Luis Omar Montes Merino, 34, Yalitz Exclusa Borrero, 31, Evelyn Riviera Borrero, 44, all of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Margarito Fuentes Reyes, 51, of Goshen, Indiana, were found guilty at trial on all counts of an Indictment charging them with immigration fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.The indictment, returned in June 2012, charged that the defendants presented false information, forged documents, and made false representations to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State, including making false representations regarding the identity of the actual owners of motor vehicles, to obtain motor vehicle registrations, license plates, and titles.By committing these and other misdeeds, the defendants concealed, harbored, and shielded from detection aliens who are in the United States in violation of immigration laws and encouraged aliens to enter and remain in the United States in violation of immigration laws.The conspirators operated at locations in Indianapolis, Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana.

"These individuals abused legitimate government services and circumvented this nation’s immigration laws – all in the name of profit,” said Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “Identity fraud affects all of us and has far-reaching implications. Today's verdict demonstrates ICE's resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to stop this type of criminal activity."

These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.Others assisting in the investigation include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Elkhart Police Department, the Indiana State Police and investigators with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State.Assistant United States Attorney’s for the Southern District of Indiana were also involved in the investigation and assisted.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Hays.

PLEAS:

Scott Reahard, 46, of Wabash, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 5/13/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by United States Marshal’s Service and the Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Gigi Riley, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty to in Information charging her with the felony offenses of conspiracy to defraud the US Department of Treasury and filing false tax returns.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Robert Troup, 54, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 180 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, Troup admitted that in December 2010 he worked as a custodian at Penn High School, which is located in Mishawaka Indiana. His area of responsibility included the swimming pool and the boys and girls swimming locker rooms and showers. Troup placed a small video camera in a locker in the boy’s locker room at the high school. He positioned the camera in such a location that it would capture the midsection of any boys who happened to stand in front of the locker, or pass close by the locker. He also positioned the camera so that it was aimed at the showers where boys would be showering before or after using the swimming pool.He intended to obtain nude photographs of the teenage boys who were using the locker room and understood that many of the boys were under the age of 18. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Michael Hodowaniac, 22, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson of a vehicle.According to documents filed in this case, Hodowaniac admitted that he agreed with his father John Hodowaniac and another person to set fire to an automobile in exchange for a cash payment from this other person. He took substantial steps toward the execution of the plan to set fire to and maliciously destroy the automobile by placing gas in a plastic bottle, traveling to the area where the automobile was parked and accepting cash for the arson. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.