Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND – Yesterday, Tyrus Veals, 30, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Access Device Fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Veals was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.  He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $127,667 to the victims of the offense. 

According to documents filed in the case, Veals used stolen debit card information to fraudulently obtain at least $127,667 from a bank account belonging to a retired Arizona couple.  Veals connected the victims’ debit card to certain online gambling accounts he owned or controlled, enabling him to make regular withdrawals from the victims’ account over the course of approximately 6 months.  Veals then moved the stolen funds out of his online gambling accounts in the form of cash withdrawals and deposits into a personal bank account.  He ultimately spent the stolen funds on personal expenses including vacation travel and other big-ticket purchases.  Veals’ conduct depleted the retirement savings of the victims, one of whom had retired after 40 years of public service.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Purdue University Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater.

HAMMOND – James Venable, 63 years old, of Attica, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Venable was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, on or about September 13, 2022, Venable possessed child pornography while having a previous conviction for possession of child pornography.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

HAMMOND- Charles Thompson, 49 years old, of Forest Park, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Thompson was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on three occasions between January 2021, and August 2021,

Thompson conspired with others to distribute cocaine.  Thompson’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions for aggravated traffic and controlled substances offenses, including a prior 1995 delivery of cocaine conviction.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.     

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.   

SOUTH BEND – Danisha Lane, 46 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of attempted robbery affecting commerce, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lane was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in May 2021, Lane robbed and attempted to rob multiple stores/businesses that are engaged in interstate commerce in the South Bend area. She also used and brandished a firearm during one of the robberies. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Jerome W. McKeever.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results

SOUTH BEND – Koby Eldridge, 31 years old, of Goshen, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm after being adjudicated mentally defective, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Eldridge was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in May, 2023, Eldridge was found to be in possession of five loaded firearms that were recovered from his car.  On that same date, another loaded firearm and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition that were recovered from his residence.  Eldridge had previously been adjudicated to be incompetent to stand trial in Elkhart Superior Court in February 2021, and had been committed to a mental institution, such that he was precluded from possessing these firearms. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Goshen Police Department, the Elkhart Police Department, and the Elkhart Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Payne T. Randle, 40 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after being found guilty by a jury for possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

Randle was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on February 4, 2021, the Allen County Drug Task Force was notified by a commercial carrier of a suspicious package addressed to Randle’s residence.  A search warrant for the package revealed it contained approximately 368 grams of methamphetamine and 444 grams of marijuana.  A subsequent search warrant and stop resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, a loaded firearm, a 50-round drum-style magazine, and numerous boxes of ammunition as well as additional methamphetamine and four more firearms.  Randle has previous felony drug convictions and a felony robbery conviction, which prohibited him from possessing the firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Justin C. Sheridan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Dejon Parks, 28 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

Parks was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in October 2022, Parks mailed two packages containing a large amount of fentanyl pills from Tempe, Arizona, to an address in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  A United States Postal Inspector intercepted the packages and obtained a federal search warrant, discovering the packages contained a total of more than three kilograms of fentanyl pills. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

HAMMOND- Late yesterday, Hamidullah Tribble, 28 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial before United States District Court  Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Tribble’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly L. Schultz.         

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced an important new resource for prosecutors. The Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims, written by prosecutors for prosecutors, sets out five principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“When investigating and prosecuting the heinous crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence, prosecutors must pursue justice in a manner that does not retraumatize victims and survivors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This framework for prosecutors reflects the Justice Department’s commitment to strengthening our collective response to sexual assault and domestic violence, and to setting the standard for how prosecutors should respond to victims and survivors.”

Declinations of meritorious allegations may result from misconceptions about how crimes involving sexual assault and domestic violence are committed and reported, how victims give their accounts, and the evidence required to prove their accounts beyond a reasonable doubt. This guide addresses that phenomenon by discussing: (1) relying on the evidentiary value of the victim’s account to frame the investigation; (2) the fundamental importance of prosecutors, investigators, and victim specialists working together and meeting with victims; (3) using the law and evidentiary rules effectively; (4) being thoughtful about what justice and accountability look like; and (5) sustaining a productive, healthy, and committed workforce by redefining success– all of which are rooted in a prosecutor’s primary obligation to seek the truth and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.

“Achieving justice for victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence is one of the Department’s highest priorities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This guide provides a framework that we encourage prosecutors throughout the country to use when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting these critically important cases.”

More than 120 state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators from an array of jurisdictions were consulted in developing this guide. The principles set forth in this guide are designed to encourage and assist prosecutors of all levels of experience to handle cases involving sexual assault and domestic violence. This guide further serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.

“The Justice Department is committed to strengthening the prosecution of sexual assault and domestic violence crimes and ensuring a trauma-informed approach to working with victims,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This guide provides a practical, accessible framework that prosecutors can use when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting these crimes. We thank everyone who contributed to this guide for sharing their expertise and experience and for their years of dedicated work to address and combat sexual assault and domestic violence.”

“The framework announced today reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to justice for all survivors, who deserve respect and the right to be heard,” said Director Rosie Hidalgo of the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). “Enhancing the prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence in a trauma-informed manner is a key piece in ending gender-based violence, as part of a broader coordinated community response that includes services and support for survivors, and can have a real, immediate impact on the safety of survivors and entire communities.”

In conjunction with this guide, OVW launched a new webpage with resources designed to assist prosecutors in implementing the guide and its principles.

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW funds national training and technical assistance and undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

SOUTH BEND – Tonya Robinson, 61 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of federal program theft on November 1, 2023, following an eight-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Robinson was sentenced to 108 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3,236,949.97 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) provides housing opportunities and services to the South Bend community, managing more than 800 public housing residential units. From approximately 2015 through 2019, Robinson served first as Interim Executive Director and then Executive Director of the HASB. She was found guilty of conspiring with employees at the HASB and with outside contractors to defraud the HASB. The fraud scheme involved the issuance of HASB payment checks to four outside contractors for contracting work that had not actually occurred. These contractors would then deposit the HASB payment checks, withdraw a portion of each check in cash, and hand-deliver the cash back to co-conspirators at the HASB’s main office. Robinson was involved in creating hundreds of fraudulent documents to conceal the fraud.

“This Office continues to focus on prosecuting public corruption and fraud,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “Defrauding taxpayers in schemes that divert federal funds from their intended purpose will not be tolerated.  Ms. Robinson’s criminal scheme injured both federal taxpayers and South Bend Housing Authority tenants because federal monies that were intended to keep those housing units safe and habitable were not available for that purpose. This case demonstrates how our law enforcement partners and my Office will work together to hold federal fraudsters accountable.”   

“Robinson was supposed to be a public servant in her role at the South Bend Housing Authority, but she chose to use her position of trust to line her own pockets,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Office.  “The FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate all public officials who use their positions for personal gain.”

“Tonya Robinson and her co-conspirators engaged in an egregious false billing and kickback scheme resulting in the theft of critical taxpayer dollars,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Manuel Colin with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “Moreover, they violated the trust of the communities who rely on HUD programs and risked damaging the programs’ integrity. HUD OIG will continue to work with its prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.”

“Stealing from taxpayers is not just theft—it’s a betrayal of the public trust and an assault on our democracy,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Trust in our institutions at every level of government is non-negotiable, and IRS Criminal Investigation and its fellow law enforcement partners will continue to hold individuals like Robinson accountable for betraying the trust taxpayers bestow upon public servants.”

Robinson’s co-defendants who were previously convicted, received the following sentences:

Tyreisha Robinson was sentenced to a total term of time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $363,122.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Douglas Donley was sentenced to a total term of 27 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $303,920.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Archie Robinson III was sentenced to a total term of 6 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,152,636.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Ronald Taylor, Jr. was sentenced to term of imprisonment of 44 months, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,714,956.87 in restitution to victims of the offense.

This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Jerome W. McKeever.

SOUTH BEND – Nathan Keosackdy, 24 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty following a two-day jury trial on November 14, 2023, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Keosackdy was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in September 2022, Keosackdy, a felon, who was prohibited from possessing or purchasing a firearm, took another individual to a federally licensed firearm dealer to complete the purchase of a firearm he had chosen.  After the firearm purchase, Keosackdy carried the gun out of the store and paid the individual for the gun.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Lydia T. Lucius.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson salutes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement.  This year, National Police Week is observed Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, 2024.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Every year, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Based on preliminary data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), approximately 136 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty nationwide during 2023.  This is a sizeable decrease of approximately 39% from the 224 officers killed in 2022. The decrease of line-of-duty deaths for 2023 has occurred in most major categories that are tracked, including another year of substantial reductions in Covid-19 related deaths. Of the 136 officers killed in the line of duty in 2023, 47 officers died as result of gun fire. 

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “I am grateful for the work law enforcement officials undertake every day to protect the citizens in their communities.  Running toward danger to protect others is one of those selfless acts which deserves the utmost honor and respect.  It is my solemn duty to honor all law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting others.”

Tragically, seven (7) law enforcement officers from Indiana were killed in the line of duty in 2023.  The names of these seven (7) officers, as well as the names of seven (7) other officers who died in Indiana in other years will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial as part of this year’s ceremony.

The names of  the fallen officers have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and will be read on Monday, May 13, 2024, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.  There are currently 24,067 names engraved on the Memorial.

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FORT WAYNE –Brandon K. McBride, 38 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

McBride was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 1, 2023, just 13 days after being discharged from parole for a felony handgun conviction, McBride was found with a stolen handgun containing a 50 round drum style magazine.  Then on September 22, 2023, McBride was found with three firearms, one of which was a machine gun, in his vehicle after taking officers on an hour-long pursuit through the streets of Fort Wayne and New Haven, in which he struck two police vehicles before being taken into custody.  McBride has eight (8) prior felony convictions and twenty-one (21) misdemeanor convictions.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Erin Alldredge, 42 years old, of Sturgis, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Alldredge was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on three separate occasions in September 2022, Alldredge sold 180 grams of pure methamphetamine in Howe, Indiana.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

SOUTH BEND – Martin Devalois, 40 years old, of Romeoville, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after being found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a 2-day jury trial in December of 2023, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Devalois was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in March 2021, Devalois led police on a 30-minute car chase throughout LaPorte County, at one time reaching 90 miles per hour while driving through the city of LaPorte. The chase ended when Devalois crashed into a snowbank, and police recovered a loaded handgun from the center console. Devalois has multiple prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibit him from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Joel L. Mathur.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Kenneth Thomas, 43 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Thomas was sentenced to 140 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February and March 2023, Thomas sold methamphetamine multiple times in the South Bend area. During the approximate two week period, Thomas distributed a total of two pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the North Central Laboratory with assistance from the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit and the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

HAMMOND- Briana White, age 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to armed bank robbery and murder resulting from the discharge of a firearm during the bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

White was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, White’s convictions stem from a June 11, 2021, bank robbery  in Gary, Indiana.  White, along with, Hailey Gist-Holden, and two other co-defendants formulated a plan to rob the bank.  White was involved in the planning stages and her role included facilitating a three-way call between herself, Gist-Holden and the getaway driver during the robbery and getaway.  She also listened to a police scanner during the robbery to advise her co-defendants about police response.  On his way to entering the bank, Gist-Holden, at point blank range, shot and killed the bank’s security guard who was outside the bank at the time.  Approximately $9,000 was taken during the armed bank robbery.        

Previously, co-defendant Gist-Holden was found guilty by a jury of armed bank robbery and murder resulting from the discharge of a firearm during the robbery.  For his role in the offense, Gist-Holden was sentenced to imprisonment for two life sentences. White is the last of the defendants to be sentenced for this crime. 

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office; the Indiana State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Gary Police Department.  Additional investigative assistance was provided by the FBI Chicago, FBI Miami, and FBI Atlanta along with the Georgia State Police, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Lowndes County (GA) Sheriff’s Department.  In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Georgia, Middle District of Georgia, and Middle District of Florida were involved in this cooperative effort.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Michael J. Toth.     

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Michael Querry, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Querry was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in the spring and summer of 2023, Querry supplied methamphetamine to multiple individuals in the South Bend area, and within a three month period, supplied law enforcement with nearly a pound and a half of methamphetamine.  During the same period, traffic stops on Querry resulted in the recovery of a total of five and one-half ounces of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Mishawaka Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, the Porter County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the DEA Regional Drug Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

HAMMOND – Oliver Coverson, 41 years old, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Coverson was sentenced to 96 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,013,543.86 in restitution to the victims of the offenses.  

According to documents in the case, between May 2019 and December 2020, Coverson supervised and executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.3 million from the proceeds of 17 stolen business checks. Coverson and his co-conspirators registered fictitious corporations with the Indiana and Illinois Secretaries of State, opened fraudulent corporate bank accounts, and deposited the stolen checks into the fraudulent accounts. Coverson’s actions contributed to the loss of $1,013,543.86 to multiple banks and businesses. 

This case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Zachary D. Heater.

FORT WAYNE – Ryan Steele, 26 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to Attempted Transportation of a Minor, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Steele was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in March 2023, Steele traveled from his home in Indiana to Texas to meet up with a minor female with whom he had been talking online for five years. Steele was located traveling to Texas and once there, law enforcement discovered he was attempting to locate the minor.  After his arrest, Steele admitted to traveling to Texas to bring the minor back to Indiana to live with him and engage in sexual activity. Steele also admitted to talking online with the minor since she was approximately 11 years old and to knowing she was a minor.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Kendallville Police Department, the Lagrange Police Department, and the LaPorte, Texas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

HAMMOND – Damiane Harris, 49 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody upon his plea of guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property and to a supervised release violation in a prior case, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harris was sentenced to 41 months in prison in the new case followed by 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $35,503.58 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, Harris broke into a truck sales business in South Bend, Indiana, and stole a semi-tractor. He drove the semi-tractor to a crane rental business in Griffith, Indiana, and used it to steal three semi-trailers loaded with more than 68 tons of crane counterweights and other equipment. He then hauled the counterweights to a scrapyard in Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he sold them for profit. The total intended loss was $310,059.

Harris committed this new offense while on federal supervised release for a similar offense. He received a 21-month sentence for his supervised release violation, which will run consecutive to his sentence for the new offense, for a total sentence of 62 months in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Bend Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, and the Chicago Heights Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa.

HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana joins the nation in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed this year from April 21-27, 2024. This annual observance, led by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), honors victims of crime, recognizes victim advocates, and promotes the rights and services available to victims. President Ronald Reagan established National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to raise awareness of these crucial issues.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “My Office prioritizes collaboration with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners.  We emphasize the importance of providing support to victims at the earliest stages of investigations and litigation. This year, we have increased our efforts by implementing more efficient policies and procedures to align with Attorney General Garland’s revised Victim Rights Guidelines issued on March 31, 2023.   Timely and sustained interactions with victims prevents re-victimization and promotes healing as cases move through the criminal justice system.”

In 2022, there were nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States.  More than 6.6 million were the result of violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.  Of that 6.6 million, only about 42% were reported to police.  This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” We must create an environment in which victims and survivors feel safe talking about what happened to them. The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community knows where and how crime victims and survivors can find help — including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community. We must all be prepared to offer support.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. On the evening of Wednesday, April 24th, a candlelight vigil will be held on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol from 7:00pm-8:00pm EST.  In recognition of this year’s theme, the vigil is an opportunity to engage and empower community members to offer support to all types of victims and survivors.  For additional information on the candlelight vigil as well as other events, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events.  Locally, please check city/county websites for any events planned in your area.  For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov. 

SOUTH BEND – Cornelius Nelson, 34 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Nelson was sentenced to 66 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from June through mid-August 2021, Nelson conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Michigan City area. Nelson delivered controlled substances and was present and helped facilitate other transactions when co-defendants sold pills purporting to be oxycodone that were actually fentanyl. Nelson admitted to selling fentanyl to customers, handling money, and aiding in resupplying controlled substances.  Nelson is the final member of this group to be sentenced in this case. Others previously sentenced were:

• Rico Marion - 444 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release;
• Brandon Harris - 151 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release;
• Meliki Marion - 130 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release; and
• Carissa McCoy - 63 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Chicago Field Division, the Merrillville District Office, the Amarillo Texas Resident Office and the Albuquerque New Mexico District Office) with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, and the Michigan City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Joel Gabrielse.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND ― United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced a Department of Justice Grant Award of $450,000 to Elkhart County.  This funding will help build continuums of care to support youth success in the Northern District of Indiana. The grant was awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) “Building Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success” initiative and is part of more than $17 million going to communities nationwide.  

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “I am delighted to announce this award since bolstering both prevention and intervention resources is a cornerstone strategy for my District.  This grant award is aimed at reducing youth involvement in violence and decreasing recidivism rates which aligns with my commitment to increase public safety of District residents.”

The Continuum of Care framework supports a network of services and opportunities to foster positive youth development and prioritizes community safety and effective program outcomes. This new OJJDP investment leverages decades of evidence-based learning to prevent youth from entering or deepening their involvement in the juvenile justice system and steer them on a path to success. At its core, the continuum of care approach is community-driven, leverages local insights, and addresses youth needs through mentoring, after-school programs, and other prosocial activities.  

More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page. 

About the Office of Justice Programs 

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. 

About the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and victimization. The Office helps states, localities, and Tribes develop effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that create safer communities and empower youth to lead productive lives. 

SOUTH BEND – Marcus Harris, 40 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Harris was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in April 2023, Harris distributed methamphetamine on several occasions between December 2022 and May 2023.  On one occasion, Harris and co-defendant Stephen Johnson sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine. At the time of their arrest in May 2023, Harris and Johnson brought more than three kilograms of methamphetamine and 250 grams of heroin to a deal planning to trade for ten kilograms of cocaine. 

Co-defendant Stephen Johnson was sentenced in February 2024 to 288 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with assistance from the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit and the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

HAMMOND- Herman Lamont Banks, 49 years old was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Banks was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on September 29, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to a welfare check outside a bar located in Gary, Indiana.  Law enforcement discovered Banks asleep or unconscious behind the wheel of a running car with its headlights on.  As Banks eventually woke up and got out of the car, officers saw and recovered a firearm with a loaded drum magazine attached to it from under the driver’s seat.  Bank’s criminal history revealed he had two prior federal felony narcotic convictions, and as such was prohibited from possessing the firearm or ammunition in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel L. Mathur and Kevin F. Wolff.     

This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Xavier M. Scott, 57 years old, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Scott was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 3, 2021, Scott was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 469. Scott, a drug courier who transported and delivered controlled substances across the United States, was found in possession of cocaine and cocaine base along with 12.4 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine, an amount consistent with distribution, along with multiple cell phones, zip lock baggies and a digital scale.  Scott was also in possession of a loaded firearm used for protection in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Angelica Ortiz, 37 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ortiz was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in the fall of 2022 Ortiz and co-defendant, Kyle Kirkland, distributed methamphetamine to multiple individuals in Michigan City. 

Co-defendant Kirkland was sentenced in October 2023 to 137 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

FORT WAYNE – Kendrick D. Bates, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty of three drug trafficking offenses and one firearm offense late last night following a four-day jury trial, presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Fort Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, the Fort Wayne Police Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Teresa L Ashcraft.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Randi Scannell, 66 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to wire fraud.

Scannell was sentenced to 10 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $460,182.69 in restitution.

According to documents in the case, Scannell was the owner of Custom Drying Solutions, a company that built and refurbished drum dryers.  In 2015, Custom Drying Solutions started managing Company A’s production facility in exchange for a fixed amount of money each week. Company A also agreed to reimburse Custom Drying Solutions for labor and payroll. Between September 2015 and August 2020, Scannell sent scores of fraudulent invoices to Company A for reimbursement of payroll expenses incurred by Custom Drying Solutions. These invoices concealed weekly paychecks that Scannell directed a third-party payroll service to issue to herself and her family members. By paying the invoices, Company A unwittingly funded unearned paychecks totaling $460,182.69 for Scannell and her family members.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa.

SOUTH BEND – Charlie Easton, 29 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Easton was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in April 2023, South Bend law enforcement responded to a notification of shots being fired from an automatic weapon.  Officers encountered Easton who led them on a high-speed car chase as he fled from the scene.  When Easton reached a dead end on the road, he took off on foot   Officers recovered a firearm that Easton dropped as he ran. The firearm contained an extended magazine and an auto sear, which device turned the firearm into a fully automatic machinegun. Easton has a prior felony conviction, and as such, is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Andrew Majors, 46 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to two counts of making a threat through interstate communications, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Majors was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in June 2022 Majors called the Juvenile Justice Center in South Bend and reported that bombs were around the building. Several hours later, he called again to say that he was going to kill a person at the facility.  Ultimately, no bombs were discovered and no one was injured. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

FORT WAYNE –Yesterday, Ronday L. Tinker, 35 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Tinker was sentenced to 190 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on April 26, 2023, Tinker possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine.  Tinker was also in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration North Central Laboratory, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Jalen Drake, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Drake was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Drake possessed a firearm in March of 2023 after previously being convicted of a felony offense.  In 2018, Drake was convicted in Allen County of dealing in marijuana, and as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Jose Jesus Lopez-Verduzco, 54 years old, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lopez-Verduzco was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Lopez-Verduzco was a leader in a drug organization receiving large drug shipments from the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico for distribution in Northeast Indiana.  During the service of a search warrant at a house in Columbia City in August of 2018, agents seized approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine, about 200 pounds of marijuana, and 9 firearms.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Ronald Holley, 41years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Holley was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on August 4, 2022, Holley distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Jade Sims, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Sims was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in June and July 2022, Sims distributed methamphetamine.  A short time later, a search warrant was executed on his residence, wherein Officers located marijuana, cocaine, digital scales, a grinder, a pill press along with ammunition, a magazine and a handgun box.  Two days prior to the execution of the search warrant, a traffic stop of Sim’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a handgun.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND –Douglas Donley, 42 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and one count of bank fraud on November 1, 2023, following an eight-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Donley was sentenced to 27 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $303,920 in restitution to the victim of the offense.

According to documents in the case, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) provides housing opportunities and services to the South Bend community, managing more than 800 public housing residential units. From approximately 2015 through 2019, a number of employees at the HASB conspired with each other and with outside contractors to defraud the HASB. The fraud scheme involved the issuance of HASB payment checks to four outside contractors for contracting work that had not actually occurred. These contractors would then deposit the HASB payment checks, withdraw a portion of each check in cash, and hand-deliver the cash back to co-conspirators at the HASB’s main office. Donley was one of the four outside contractors who participated in the scheme. From October 2017 to March 2019, a total of 29 fraudulent HASB payment checks were issued to the payee “Doug Donley.” None of the checks corresponded to legitimate contracting work. The total value of checks issued to “Doug Donley” was $310,920, which was the amount of the lost benefit intended to maintain and fix the housing units in which HASB tenants lived.  

Donley is the first to be sentenced of the three individuals who were found guilty at trial.

This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Jerome W. McKeever.

HAMMOND- Markith Dushawn Williams, 38 years old, of West Lafayette, Indiana, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Williams is scheduled for sentencing at a later date.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay and Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.            

SOUTH BEND – De’Quan Briggs, 28 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Briggs was sentenced to 70 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, in June 2021, Briggs, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for violating his federal supervised release, was found in a car with a loaded handgun.  The firearm contained a high-capacity magazine and had been reported stolen two weeks previously from a gun shop burglary. Briggs had previously been convicted of at least one felony offense and, as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and former AUSA Frank E. Schaffer.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Jonnathan Tyler Lee, 25 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer during the purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lee was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from June 2020 to July 2021, Lee purchased at least 19 guns from gun stores throughout the Northern District of Indiana.  When making the firearm purchases, Lee provided false information on the ATF form 4473.  Several firearms recovered from crime scenes in Chicago were found to have been purchased by Lee. Some of the firearms Lee purchased were also recovered from felons, and at least one was used to shoot at a moving car.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana is pursuing this prosecution as a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Chicago Gun Trafficking Strike Force. On July 22, 2021, the Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. These gun trafficking strike forces are designed to ensure coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C

HAMMOND – Nurldon Green, III, 30 years old, of Highland, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to theft of mail, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Green was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from February 2022, through June 5, 2022, Green, while impersonating a United States Postal carrier, stole mail from various receptacles, which included checks made out to victims within the Northern District of Indiana. At the time of his apprehension, Green was dressed as a United States Postal Employee and was in possession of approximately 60 pieces of stolen United States mail.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance of the DeMotte Police Department, and the Rensselaer Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Emily Morgan.

FORT WAYNE –Seth Bireley, 35 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to theft of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Bireley was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on or about February 24, 2023, and March 2, 2023, Bireley, who had multiple felony convictions, entered a residence and removed firearms and ammunition from the property of a deceased person without authority to do so. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Nolan Thomas, 36 years old, of Angola, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Thomas was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in December 2022, law enforcement received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child sexual abuse material being uploaded to an online storage site. After investigation, law enforcement determined the origin of the upload to be an account associated with Thomas. After obtaining a search warrant in January 2023 for Thomas’ Angola home, law enforcement recovered evidence of Thomas’ possession of child sexual abuse material.  During a post-Miranda interview, Thomas admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material. 

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Angola Police Department and the Lagrange Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

SOUTH BEND – Lincoln Glass, 30 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Glass was sentenced to 132 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in 2021, Glass sold different types of controlled substances on three separate occasions: September one pound of methamphetamine; November and December fentanyl pills. Thereafter, in March 2022, law enforcement recovered a loaded handgun stored with dealer amounts of marijuana from Glass’ residence. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the DEA North Central Laboratory, the Indiana State Police, and the Mishawaka Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

SOUTH BEND – Tyshawn Kellogg, 29 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Kellogg was sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in January of 2023 Kellogg led police officers on a high-speed chase that ended when Kellogg crashed his car into a fence.  Kellogg ran from the car, leaving behind a handgun, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and other controlled substances. Kellogg had previously been convicted of felony offenses and, as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, Indiana State Police, and St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Shauntay Wade, 43 years old, of Niles, Michigan, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Wade is scheduled for sentencing on June 13, 2024. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Payne T. Randle, 40 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty of drug trafficking and firearms offenses following a three-day jury trial, presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Randle by a separate court order.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Justin C. Sheridan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Jessie Warren, 44 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Warren was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in December 2022, Warren possessed over 220 grams of methamphetamine. When police found him, he was alone in a car with the controlled substance, a firearm and a digital scale located in the trunk. Warren also had approximately $2,000 cash in his possession.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome McKeever and Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Guadalupe Guerra, 70 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to Possession of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Guerra was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, on or about January 31, 2023, Guerra possessed material involving the sexual exploitation of minors while having a previous conviction for aggravated criminal sexual assault.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit, and the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.