District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of taking a minor across state lines for prostitution, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Taylor Kinsey, 22, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation for prostitution. In her plea, she admitted she recruited a 17-year-old victim to engage in prostitution. Kinsey transported the minor from Wichita to Oklahoma City to engage in commercial sex acts.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 5. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 90 months in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Kansas City, Kan., men have been charged in federal court here with offering to kill a man for $10,000 and make it look like robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Miguel A. Pizarro, 20, and Brian Pizarro, 19, both of Kansas City, Kan., are charged with traveling from Kansas to Missouri for the purpose of carrying out a contract killing.

According to an affidavit by a member of an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives task force, the Pizarro brothers planned to shoot the victim from a distance with an AR-15 rifle and then steal the victim’s billfold. The murder never happened because what the defendants did not know is they were dealing with an undercover sting operation carried out by federal agents and a detective from the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department who was assigned to an ATF task force.

“These allegations are deeply disturbing,” U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. “The price of a man’s life is set at $10,000. A would-be hitman offers a description of a previous killing as his credentials for the job. The defendants don’t even ask why the victim is to be killed.”

James Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City Field Division, said: “This case embodies ATF’s core mission of holding armed, violent criminals accountable for their actions. Investigations such as this one are making our communities safer places to live, work and play.”

In documents filed in federal court, prosecutors allege the investigation began in Kansas City, Kan., in June 2020 with a series of meetings arranged by the Pizarro brothers during which undercover investigators were able to buy guns, including a .40-caliber Glock pistol, a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol, an HS Produkt .45-caliber pistol and a Glock 9 mm pistol. During one of the transactions, Miguel Pizarro said one of the guns he was selling was “dirty.” In subsequent meetings with an undercover agent, the Pizarro brothers admitted their involvement in two separate Kansas City, Kansas homicides.

The ATF conducted ballistic testing and matched shell casings from a homicide with one of the guns they bought from the Pizarros.

During a subsequent conversation, the undercover agent asked Miguel Pizarro if he had someone he trusted for a possible job. Pizarro said he trusted his brother. Brian Pizarro was known to police in Kansas City, Kan., as an F-13 gang member. The ATF undercover told both Pizarros that he needed someone to perform an execution and make it look like a robbery. The Pizarros said they were the ones for the job.

The undercover agent told the Pizarros that the murder was to be carried out in Springfield, Mo. The Pizarros said they would charge $10,000 for the two of them to do the killing, or $15,000 if they had to bring along a third person.

On Nov. 4, 2020, the undercover officer met in his car with the Pizarros. He gave Brian Pizarro $800 as a down payment. The Pizarros said they would drive a stolen to car to Springfield and would expect the rest of the payment after the murder.

On Nov. 9, 2020, the Pizarro brothers were arrested in Springfield after arriving there armed to carry out the murder.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

 

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who was arrested on a city bus pleaded guilty today to robbing a Topeka bank, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Clinton Adam Richards, 38, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Police responded to a robbery at U.S. Bank, 3600 SW Topeka Boulevard. A tall, bald man carrying a backpack approached a teller, demanded money and left the bank with the cash. A witness reported seeing the robber board a Topeka Metro bus at a bus stop near the bank. Police stopped the bus and arrested Richards.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 16, 2021. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted sex offender who lives in Wichita was indicted today on federal charges of sexually exploiting a minor, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Bryan Anthony Hale, 35, Wichita, is charged with one count of producing child pornography, one count of committing a crime involving a minor while registered as a sex offender, one count of providing child pornography to a minor and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred during September and October 2020 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

In 2016, Hale was convicted in Sedgwick County District Court of a sex act involving a 6-year-old victim. He is registered on the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website at https://www.nsopw.gov/ .

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following potential penalties:

Producing child pornography: Not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Crime involving a minor: Up to 10 years (consecutive).

Providing child pornography to a minor: Not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Possession: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS 

 

Clinton Wade McElroy, 49, Ellis, Kan., is charged with one count of producing child pornography and one count of committing a crime involving a minor child while registered as a sex offender. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 27 through June 23, 2020 in Ellis, Kan.

In 2017, he was convicted in Ellis County District Court of sexually exploiting a 14-year-old victim. He is registered on the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website at https://www.nsopw.gov/ .

If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the production charge, and up to 10 years (consecutive) on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

 

Jorge Aaron Valdez-Torres, 27, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of failure to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred from May 2018 to July 2020 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

         

Christina Cook, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 28, 2020, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.

 

Anthony Garcia, 58, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of obstructing justice. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 27, 2020, in Wichita, Kan.

The indictment alleges Garcia retaliated against a family member of a witness in an official proceeding.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for driving a getaway car during a robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

 

Justin Alexander McClelland, 33, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a commercial robbery. In his plea, McClelland admitted he drove a co-defendant to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant where the co-defendant committed the robbery. Then McClelland drove the co-defendant away from the robbery.

 

Co-defendant Joshua Musgraves, 27, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to robbery and is set for sentencing Jan. 25.

 

McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - Law enforcement agencies in Kansas will receive a total of $2.7 million in federal grants to fight violent crime, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.

The grants include:

• $1 million to the City of Wichita from the Community Based Crime Reduction program for enforcement focused on crime hotspots in the city.
• $999,958 to Wyandotte County from the Community Based Crime Reduction program for enforcement focused on crime hotspots.
• $782,324 to the Executive Office of the State of Kansas for improvements to the electronic record system for criminal justice and background checks.

The awards are part of $458 million in Justice Department funding announced today by Attorney General William P. Barr.

“The safety of Kansas communities is at the top of our priorities,” McAllister said. “These resources will help support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”

The funding announced today continues the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing increases in crime. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.

“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components is available at www.ojp.gov.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas woman was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison after a hearing in which prosecutors said she sold heroin laced with fentanyl while ignoring overdoses among buyers in Leavenworth, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Amber L. Juarez, 37, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Juarez sold heroin on three separate occasions to a confidential informant. The heroin from two of the three purchases was mixed with fentanyl.

The investigation revealed Juarez sold more than a kilogram of heroin over the course of approximately five months.

At a sentencing hearing Monday, prosecutors argued that Juarez knew buyers were overdosing but continued to sell heroin.

McAllister commended the Leavenworth Police Department, the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man from Mexico pleaded guilty today to driving more than one kilogram of heroin to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

 

Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara, 24, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. He and another man were stopped on I-70 in Logan County, Kan. Gaxiola-Guevara presented an identification that said he was from a city in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Officers found more than one kilogram of heroin hidden in the quarter panels of the car.

 

Sentencing is set for January 25, 2021.  He could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. McAllister commended the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Canadian man who was stopped on a Kansas Highway with 99 pounds of cocaine pleaded guilty today to federal charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Vincent Muller, 36, Saint Jerome, Canada, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, Muller admitted the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped his car on I-70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. During a search of the vehicle, troopers found 99 pounds of cocaine. The drugs were in a suitcase in the trunk of the car.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 16, 2021. Muller could face a sentence of not less than 10 years in federal prison, as well as a fine up to $10 million. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted today on federal charges that he stole 22 firearms from a pawnshop in Overland Park, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Darrin Taylor, 54, who is homeless and has been living in Overland Park, is charged with one count of theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Taylor is alleged to have burglarized Penguin Pawn & Gun at 10229 West 75th Street in Overland Park, Kan., and taken the guns.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Overland Park Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.        

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 

James Pugh, 58, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 21, 2020, he robbed the Landmark Bank at 2710 Iowa St. in Lawrence, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

 

Amber Dawn Johnson, 26, Hobbs, N.M., and Angel Estrada, 34, Hobbs, N.M., were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants are alleged to have transported 38 pounds of methamphetamine and 39 pounds of cocaine to Kansas.

According to court records, on July 16, 2020, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped two vehicles traveling together near milepost 102 in Chase County, Kan. A trooper found the drugs in one of the cars.

If convicted, the defendants could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 

Cody Justice, 31, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 17, 2020, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on the drug charge, not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

 

Michael E. Thomas, 54, is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman Residential Reentry Center in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 10, 2020.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Arizona pleaded guilty today to driving 11.5 pounds of pure methamphetamine from Phoenix to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Sergio Martinez-Carlos, 22, Monahan, Ariz., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office stopped him and discovered the drugs hidden in his vehicle.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 19, 2021. He could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Andrusak for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister is reminding educators and parents in Kansas not to let COVID-19 distract from keeping students and children safe on the Internet.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in so many ways,” McAllister said. “We should not forget, however, that young people still face more online threats than ever.”

“In this new environment,” he continued, “I want to remind parents, educators, caregivers and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation. I urge adults to watch for signs of such exploitation and abuse and to report to and engage federal and state law enforcement authorities when exploitation and abuse are suspected or discovered.”

McAllister said children sometimes are too trusting online and befriend people they do not know. Predators take advantage of this and target children, often between the ages of 10 and 17, typically through social media. Children across all demographics and genders can be targeted and exploited. Sexual exploitation, even when there is never any physical contact, causes very real harm and has a lasting impact. Images and videos do not disappear from the Internet, and the long term effects can be devastating.

Online sexual exploitation can come in many forms. Sextortion occurs when a predator entices a victim into providing sexually explicit images or videos—usually by falsely pretending to be a teen, someone much younger and different than their real identity—and then threatens to share the images publicly if the victim fails to comply with the predator’s demands for increasingly explicit and degrading images and videos.

“In order for such victimization to stop, children need adult intervention and assistance,” McAllister said. “They have to come forward to someone they trust — a parent, teacher, friend, or caregiver—who can then cut off the communications and report the situation to us, which will permit law enforcement to go after the predator.”

McAllister urged parents to review the resources regarding child exploitation and other crimes related to COVID-19 at https://www.fbi.gov/coronavirus. If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact the FBI, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, or your local law enforcement agency and report it. Such exploitation is a serious federal crime carrying severe federal penalties.

You can call the FBI office in Kansas City at (816) 512-8200 or make a report online at https://www.ic3.gov/ .

“Federal law enforcement has taken an aggressive approach toward the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 related crimes such as fraud, price-gouging and hoarding of essential medical supplies,” McAllister said. “But we stand ready to act just as aggressively against those who might seek to take advantage of this situation to exploit our children.”

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty today to a charge of distributing heroin, which could send him to federal prison for 12 years, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Titus Sanders, 23, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin.

According to court records, the investigation began when Westwood, Kan., police were called to a Walmart where they found a man suffering from a drug overdose. He was found with a syringe containing heroin. The man was hospitalized and later died.

Investigators found evidence on the victim’s cellphone that he had purchased heroin from Sanders.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 13. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 12 years. McAllister commended the Westwood Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trent Krug and Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister is reminding Kansans to be vigilant against fraudsters who are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit American consumers and organizations and to cheat disaster relief programs.

In particular, McAllister urges Kansans to be aware of scams perpetrated through websites, social media, emails and robocalls peddling fake COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments and protective equipment. Criminals who fabricate businesses and steal identities in order to defraud federal relief programs and state unemployment programs are another threat.

“Thieves are trying to use the very real dangers of the pandemic to promote fear and confusion in an effort to fleece victims,” McAllister said. “I urge Kansans to review solicitations carefully. Be skeptical. If it sounds almost too good to be true, that is a red flag.”

“A pandemic is a time when people should come together to pursue the common good, but sadly there are some who instead use it as an opportunity to deceive and thieve,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “From the outset, the Justice Department has acted quickly to detect, investigate, and prosecute wrongdoing relating to this crisis.  Pursuing these criminals and deterring would-be bad actors will remain a priority for the foreseeable future.”

To date, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has received more than 76,000 tips concerning COVID-19-related wrongdoing.  Similarly, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has also received more than 20,000 tips regarding suspicious websites and media postings.  These tips, as well as reports made directly to the offices of U.S. Attorneys, FBI field offices, and other law enforcement agencies, have led to federal law enforcement opening hundreds of investigations.

The department charged its first COVID-19-related fraud case on March 25. Since then, the department has filed criminal charges in 33 cases across the country involving scam vaccines, treatments, or testing or price gouging in the sale of scarce medical supplies. Additionally, the department has initiated civil actions in 11 cases to enjoin fraudulent coronavirus schemes targeting consumers, including cases against defendants marketing ozone gas, silver-ion solution, and bleach-based solution as treatments.

The department has also focused on prosecuting bad actors who have exploited federal relief programs enacted on March 27 under the CARES Act that are intended to assist hard-hit Americans and businesses.  In particular, the department has charged 65 defendants in 50 separate cases to date that relate to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The total intended loss to the PPP in those cases is more than $227 million.  The defendants in these cases include those brazen enough to submit PPP loan applications for fabricated businesses named after “Game of Thrones” characters and to spend PPP loan proceeds on exotic cars, boats, and expensive jewelry.  

The department encourages the public to continue to report wrongdoing relating to the pandemic to the NCDF and to remain vigilant against bad actors looking to exploit this national emergency.  To report a scam relating to COVID-19, or if you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies necessary to respond to the spread of COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the NCDF Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form, available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to seven robberies at local businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said Friday.

Joshua Alexander Musgraves, 27, Topeka, pleaded guilty to seven counts of robbery including:

• • Jan. 6, 2017, Plato’s Closet, 1580 SW Wanamaker, Topeka.
  • Jan. 20, 2017, Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1812 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka.
  • March 23, 2017, Burger King, 2817 SE California Ave., Topeka.
  • March 30, 2017, McDonald’s, 1100 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka.
  • April 3, 2017, Subway, 1601 W. 23rd, Lawrence, Kan.
  • April 4, 2017, Wing Stop, 2233 Louisiana St., Lawrence, Kan.
  • Dec. 10, 2016, Denison State Bank, 3640 SW Fairlawn, Topeka.

 

Sentencing is set for Jan. 25, 2021. Both parties have agree to recommend a sentence of no less than nine years and no more than 12 years in federal prison.

McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman was sentenced today to serve three years on federal probation for making false statements when she purchased guns from a pawnshop, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Kristi S. Praseuth, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of providing false information in order to purchase firearms. In her plea, she admitted she bought two 9 mm pistols and a .357 caliber revolver from Loan at Last, a pawnshop at 3375 E. 47th South in Wichita. She was required to fill out an ATF form 4473, in which she falsely stated that she was buying the guns for herself. In fact, she turned the guns over to other people who were the real buyers.

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, see https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.

McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal prosecutor will be on duty on Election Day to respond to complaints of possible election fraud or voting rights violations in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

McAllister said he has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag to serve as the District Election Officer for Kansas. Maag will be responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department officials in Washington.

Maag will be available to the public at 785-295-2858 while the polls are open on Nov. 3.

“I don’t expect any problems during voting,” McAllister said. “However, I want to remind Kansans that there are penalties under federal law for any efforts to influence the outcome of an election through fraud or to improperly prevent another person from exercising the right to vote. The Department of Justice has the authority to monitor polling places or take other measures to protect Kansans’ right to vote in free and fair elections.”

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and may have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” McAllister said. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

WICHITA, KAN. – A New Mexico man was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for concealing 40 pounds of methamphetamine in his fuel tank, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Miguel Angel Ramirez, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

In his plea, Ramirez admitted he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol on Highway 54 in Liberal, Kan. Troopers found 40 pounds of methamphetamine in the fuel tank of the Dodge Challenger he was driving. Ramirez had driven from New Mexico with orders to deliver the drugs to Wichita. He kept other conspirators advised of his progress by telephone.

McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man and woman who are in custody in Topeka were indicted today on federal charges of robbing three Kansas businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Lekeith Markez Mosley, 29, Liberal, Kan., and Shelbi Paige Ricks, 25, Liberal, Kan., are charged with three counts of robbery. The indictment alleges they committed the following robberies:

• • Sept. 27, 2020: Jimmy John’s restaurant, 1025 Southwest Wanamaker Road in Topeka.
  • Sept. 7, 2020: Family Dollar, 303 E. Kansas Avenue, Greensburg, Kan.
  • Sept. 6, 2020: Subway restaurant, 711 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, Kan.

           

          If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 

Daniel Ray Galloway Jr., 22, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 17, 2020, in Topeka, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

Shannon J. Wright, 30, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 13, 2020, in Topeka, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

TOPEKA, KAN. – Federal prosecutors charged 144 defendants with firearm-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 on the criminal justice process, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Nationally, the Department of Justice charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during the same time.

“Investigating, prosecuting and combatting gun crimes are critical parts of our anti-violence strategy,” McAllister said. “We are partnering with federal law enforcement agencies and state and local police departments to reduce gun violence.”

Attorney General William P. Barr said: “The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe. By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences.

“The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms,” he continued. “Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien and an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is required to purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.

The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law-abiding people of this country safe from gun crime. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to an armed carjacking in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.

In his plea, Simpson admitted he stopped a man near SW 13th and College Avenue in Topeka and demanded his wallet. The victim refused and during a struggle Simpson shot him. Simpson took the victim’s keys and drove away. He left behind a hat and wig he had been wearing. A DNA test on those items tied Simpson to the crime. When the victim’s Toyota Tacoma was recovered in Kansas City, Mo., it had been destroyed by fire.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 2. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 15 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman was sentenced Tuesday to six years in federal prison for providing a gun to a man who later was convicted of killing three people, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Myrta Rangel, 35, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of giving a gun to a person she knew would use it in a drug trafficking crime and one count of giving a gun to a person she knew was a previously convicted felon.

In her plea, Rangel admitted she took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy including Jereme Nelson and others. She gave Nelson a handgun and he carried it to a meeting in rural Harvey Count to collect a drug debt. At that meeting, Nelson shot and killed three people: Travis Street, Angela Graevs and Richard Prouty. After the killing, Rangel and Nelson fled to Mexico. Eventually, Mexican authorities returned them to the United States for prosecution.

McAllister commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Kansas will receive more than $16.8 million in Department of Justice grants to fund victim assistance programs and provide compensation to victims of crime, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.

“Promoting justice by providing support to victims of crime is an important part of our mission,” McAllister said. “These funds will be used both to assist victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and to support them over the longer term as they rebuild their lives.”

The grants to Kansas include:

• $750,000 to the Wichita Children’s Home from funds committed to supporting victims of human trafficking.
• $14.9 million for victim assistance to the State of Kansas from the Crime Victims Fund that was established by the Victims of Crime Act.
• $1.15 million to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General for crime victim compensation.

 

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has released awards totaling more than $1.8 billion to state victims’ assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and to provide millions of dollars in compensation to victims of crime.

“Advocates, service providers and law enforcement agencies from around the country stand ready to help crime victims exercise their legal rights and reclaim their lives,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The new funding resources continue the administration’s commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crime to be able to heal and recover.”

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A married couple was sentenced to federal prison today for being part of a drug ring that distributed methamphetamine from Mexico in the Kansas City metro area, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Marlon Gutierrez, 41, Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison. Karen Ortega, 43, Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison. Previously, co-defendant Edelfonso Gonzalez-Gonzalez was sentenced to 30 years.

Gutierrez and Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In their pleas, they admitted they rented a house from co-defendant Gonzalez-Gonzalez in the 3000 block of North 34th Street in Kansas City, Kan. They lived there with Ortega’s minor children. One condition of renting the house was to monitor the property including a detached garage where the traffickers stored narcotics. Gutierrez, who was a drug courier for Gonzalez-Gonzalez, had a key to the garage. When investigators served a search warrant at the residence they found approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.8 pounds of heroin and more than $230,000 in cash.

In her plea, Ortega admitted federal investigators had her under surveillance when she met another conspirator in a Wal-Mart parking lot at 10824 Parallel Parkway and sold almost two pounds of methamphetamine for $4,500.

McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – Corrine N. Bowman, 41, Medicine Lodge, Kan., is charged with one count of bank fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2017 to 2019 in Medicine Lodge.

The indictment alleges Bowman, who was working for Bowe Chevrolet, used company funds to pay expenses for her and her family.

If convicted, she could faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 

 Dennis Tapscott, 23, Emporia, Kan., former contract driver for the U.S.Postal Service, is charged with one count of delaying mail. The crime is alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2020 in Lyon County, Kan, and other counties.

The indictment alleges Tapscott opened and destroyed mail containing cash.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison and a fine up to $100,000. The U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.

 

 Codaniel Jones, 39, Independence, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 21, 2020, in Montgomery County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge and up to a year and a fine up to $1,000 on drug count. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.

 

Lemuel Geovani Espinosa, 30, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 25, 2020, in Riley County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

WICHITA, KAN. – A woman from Los Angeles was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for transporting 60 pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 47, Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted that the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car Feb. 12, 2019, in Ellis County, Kan. A trooper found the methamphetamine in heat-sealed bags hidden in a real quarter panel and in both rear doors.

McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – An Ohio man who was stopped in Kansas with more than $1 million in his vehicle pleaded guilty today to a federal drug trafficking charge, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Joseph Michael Martin, 41, Euclid, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. On Sept. 20, 2018, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Martin on I-70 in Ellsworth County for speeding. When troopers searched the 2016 GM pickup truck Martin was driving, they found $1,124,840 in bundles wrapped in red plastic. The bundles were concealed in metal pipes with welded caps that were in the bed of the truck.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 12. He could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.

 

TOPEKA, KAN. – Two Kansas Indian tribes will receive a total of more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants for public safety, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi will receive $841,082 from the Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program and $694,698 from Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program Awards.

The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska will receive $505,757 from Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program Awards.

“These funds will assist these important tribes and their leaders in Kansas in their efforts to protect and support the victims and survivors of violence, to hold violent actors responsible and to prevent future violence by addressing the causes of violence in their communities,” McAllister said.

The grants are part of a Justice Department announcement that it has awarded more than $295.8 million nationally to improve public safety, serve victims of crime and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

WICHITA, KAN. – A second defendant pleaded guilty today to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, Stephen McAllister said.

Rico Montes, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Montes admitted he and co-defendant Jorge Correa, 25, Wichita, robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton, Kan., while another man waited in the car. Montes and Correa were armed when they entered the store.

Montes is set for sentencing Dec. 16. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Correa pleaded guilty last week and is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He admitted firing several shots during the robbery. No one was injured. A third defendant, Jeremiah Urias, 18, Wichita, who is alleged to have driven the getaway car, is set for a change of plea hearing Oct. 13.

McAllister commended the FBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Newton Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who trafficked methamphetamine in the metro Kansas City area was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Michael Pruitt, 50, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

In his plea, Pruitt admitted he supplied methamphetamine in pound quantities to dealers who were part of a drug trafficking organization operating in metro Kansas City. Pruitt had storage units where he kept firearms and drugs that he sold. He was observed leaving a unit that was found to contain 48 firearms.

McAllister commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Michael Panethiere, 42, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted he committed the crime while he was employed by Palmer Electric Company in Pleasant Valley, Mo. He used his position to generate and sign company checks that he made payable to himself. He transferred the money to his control using his account at Community America Credit Union in Olathe. The total loss was more than $280,700.

McAllister commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A member of a Traviesos street gang in Kansas City was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Cristiane Maese-Salano, 24, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. The Kansas City, Kan., Police department arrested Maese-Salano when he drove an armed juvenile to a McDonald’s to sell some marijuana. The juvenile fled on foot and was found in a dumpster with a .45 caliber handgun. Maese-Solano remained in the car and was arrested with a 14-round magazine that fit the juvenile’s gun.

The defendant’s criminal history shows that he has been arrested repeatedly since he joined the Traviesos gang when he was 12. He was twice shot, once at age 19 and again at age 22. He has a scalp tattoo identifying him as a “Traviesos gangster.”

McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trent Krug and Terra Morehead for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for committing two armed robberies at local hotels, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Darrell E. Black, 27, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on May 27, 2017, he robbed the Extended Stay America at 9450 E. Corporate Hills, and on May 29, 2017, he robbed the Days Inn and Suites at 7321 E. Kellogg, both in Wichita.

In both robberies, he held a clerk at gunpoint while demanding money from the hotel cash drawer.

McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Antonio Wright, 33, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 10, 2020, in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge and up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug charges. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 

Raul Valenzuela-Arce, 28, is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 2, 2019, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting.

 

Francisco Alvarenga-Cuellar, 53, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Aug. 24, 2020, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka is prosecuting.

 

Cesar Carrasco-Carrasco, 44, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Jan. 29, 2020, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Jorge Correa, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Correa admitted that on Feb. 4, 2020, he and two co-defendants robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton, Kan. Both Correa and another man were armed when they entered the store. Correa had a military style rifle. The clerk gave them cash, but Correa demanded more. While the clerk was getting money from her purse, Correa fired several shots that hit the ceiling, aisle displays and an ATM machine.

Co-defendant Rico Montes is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 30. Co-defendant Jeremiah Urias is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 28.

Correa is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the FBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Newton Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

 

WICHTA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Luis M. Hernandez, 40, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by an alien unlawfully in the United States.

According to court documents, investigators found 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 11 firearms when they served a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence in the 300 block of North Seneca.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 16. He could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the conspiracy count and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka woman was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison today for identity theft, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, she was ordered to pay approximately $47,668 in in restitution.

Danielle Hutchens, 47, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted she and a co-defendant stole mail and used the information to create counterfeit checks and counterfeit identity cards. They passed counterfeit checks at retailers including Walmart stores in Overland Park, Kan., and Olathe, Kan.

McAllister commended the U.S. Postal Service, the Overland Park Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister made the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“Justice Ginsburg joined the Court after I was a law clerk. That said, she replaced my first Justice, Byron R. White, after he retired in 1993. She visited the KU Law School while I was Dean, and I had the pleasure of co-teaching a summer study abroad course with her in Istanbul, Turkey, a course that focused on equal protection law, her particular passion. She and her husband, Marty, were a delight in that summer program. Every one of my nine oral arguments before the Supreme Court included Justice Ginsburg, who often had pointed questions for me, but who also made a point of referring to me as “General McAllister” when I appeared for Kansas in my role as Solicitor General. She was fastidious in both her respect for advocates and her preparation for oral arguments. 

“Physically tiny, the Justice was in so many ways a giant. No one who is objectively and intellectually honest can deny that claim. I firmly believe my mentor Justice Thomas would agree with my assertion, as would have her dear friend Justice Scalia. 

“Irrespective of jurisprudential or philosophical views, I had the utmost respect for Justice Ginsburg as a person. I, my wife who soon will become an elected state prosecutor, and our four daughters, are profoundly grateful to RBG for forever changing for the better the legal landscape for American women and equal rights, allowing them to seek opportunities, achieve their goals, and excel on equal footing with men across the entire spectrum of American economy and its variety of professions and pursuits.”

TOPEKA, KAN. – A $500,000 federal grant to YWCA of Northeast Kansas will help the agency serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.

“Our goal is to reduce violence against women and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking,” McAllister said. “Statistics show that a shocking number of women and girls are the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Department of Justice strongly supports partners such as the YWCA Northwest Kansas and Jana’s Campaign in their important efforts to combat such violence and assist survivors.”

The grant comes from the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) through its Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program. The OVW issued a grant notification this week saying YWCA of Northeast Kansas and its partner Jana’s Campaign will use this award to enhance and expand access to direct advocacy services to victims and survivors in Brown, Jackson and Wabaunsee counties.

Other goals include increasing awareness and understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault dating violence and stalking for youth through outreach and training in schools, youth programs and community meetings on healthy relationships and stalking. Grant funds will be used to support three full-time and one part-time staff position, provide crisis counseling and individual counseling and support groups, assistance with Protections from Abuse and Protection from Stalking Orders, provide case management, advocacy with medical, court and social service systems and provide school- and youth-based prevention programs. The timing for performance of this award is 36 months.

For more information about this grant, contact the Office on Violence Against Women at 202/307-6026 and ask for the Outreach and Communications Division.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Shawnee man was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison for buying a membership to access a child pornography site on the internet, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, he was fined $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Daryl Miller, 36, Shawnee, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of access with intent to view child pornography.

Miller was identified during an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into the trafficking of child pornography on the Dark Web. Investigators in Washington, D.C., accessed a child pornography web site that sold access to users. They served a search warrant for the web site’s server, from which they learned that Miller had made 10 payments to the web site in 2016 and 2017. He used bitcoin virtual currency to make payments.

A forensic analysis of electronic devices in Miller’s home confirmed he had downloaded child pornography.

McAllister commended HSI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – An operator of the Wamego Wastewater Treatment Facility was indicted today on federal charges of violating the Clean Water Act, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

David Schleif, 47, Belvue, Kan., was charged with discharging untreated or inadequately treated sewage from the Wamego Wastewater Treatment Facility into the Kansas River. The crime is alleged to have occurred between May 2017 and August 2019.

In addition, he was charged with 19 counts of including falsified data in discharge monitoring reports. The falsified reports showed lower levels of biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and E. coli than indicated by actual tests results.

If convicted, Schleif could face a penalty of up to three years in federal prison on the discharge count and up to two years and a fine up to $10,000 on each of the other counts. The Environmental Protection Division – Office of Criminal Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 Angelica Maria Alvarez, 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 27, 2020, in Shawnee County, Kan.
 

If convicted, she could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The U.S. Postal Service investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting.

         

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to five years on probation for importing and selling misbranded pharmaceutical-grade erectile dysfunction drugs from China and marketing them as herbal remedies for men, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Rick Shepard, 60, Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import misbranded drugs. In his plea, he admitted he was doing business as Epic Products when he sold a product called Euphoric to adult novelty stores in multiple states. He marketed Euphoric as “all natural herbal supplements for male enhancement.” In fact, the product contained prescription drugs Tadalafil and Sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. Shepard purchased the drugs from a supplier in China. He repackaged the capsules, applied his own labels and distributed them to stores in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

“American consumers are put at serious risk when they are unknowingly exposed to undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in products falsely labeled as natural dietary supplements,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “FDA remains committed to pursuing those who endanger the U.S. public health by importing and distributing fraudulent and potentially dangerous products.” 

McAllister commended the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California woman who was stopped in Kansas with eight pounds of heroin in her car was sentenced today to 26 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Rufina Valdovinos-Anacleto, 24, Pomona, Calif., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car in Saline County, Kan. Troopers found more than 8.8 pounds of heroin in the car.

McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – Gage H. Clausen, 20, Cheney, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat via interstate communications. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 27, 2020, in Cheney, Kan.

Clausen is alleged to have used social media to send a threat to a 15-year-old student at Derby High School. The threat was couched in racist language and referred to the victim as a “filthy farm animal.”

If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

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UPDATE

A federal judge dismissed the indictment against the defendant, Jean Trummel, in the case described in the press release below.

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WICHITA, KAN. – Audrey Elkins, 42, Winfield, Kan., is charged with one count of embezzlement. The crime is alleged to have occurred November 2010 to November 2017 in Cowley County, Kan.

The indictment alleges that while she was an employee of William Newton Memorial Hospital Credit Union she stole more than $599,000. The indictment alleges she created fictitious loans and converted the money to her own use.

If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

           

 Gina Hutson, 58, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of bank fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 2011 to May 2018. She is alleged to have used to her company-issued credit card to make payments for personal expenses.

If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.

Kathy De La Torre, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and August 2020 in Wichita.

If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug counts, and not less than five years and a fine up to $250, 000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

Hernan Romero, 25, Goodland, Kan., is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number. The indictment alleges that from 2016 to 2020 Romero used another person’s Social Security number.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.  

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.

 

John Canada, 41, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 22, 2020, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.

Carey Hall, 43, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 31, 2020, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.

 

Jean Trummel, 62, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of Social Security fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2012 to 2017 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

The indictment alleges she received more than $104,000 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.

 

Fidel Gonzalez Hernandez, 44, Sublette, Kan., is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 3.5 pounds of pure methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 29, 2020, in Haskell County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Liberal Police Department and the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.

Kenneth Butler, 31, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August 2020 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.         

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

TOPEKA, KAN. - Individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.

“Do not provide personal information over the telephone – even if the caller claims to be from the Department of Justice,” McAllister said. “These are fraudulent calls.”

The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam and appear to target the elderly.

Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.

“Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization. The scams being reported to our National Elder Fraud Hotline are especially heinous because they show the perpetrators are preying upon one of the most vulnerable segments of our society – the elderly,” said OVC Director Jessica Hart. “As if this were not despicable enough, the scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency that serves as a bastion of fairness and lawfulness while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain. The first step to identifying these criminals is to have their crimes reported.”

Those who receive these calls are encouraged to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.

 

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Lyon County man pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Jimmy Dwayne Leger, 26, who used to live in Allen, Kan., and now lives in Kuntz, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in Topeka. The investigation began when law enforcement officers used a file sharing program to download child pornography from an IP address in Allen, Kan. They served a search warrant at a house in Allen where they seized electronic devices from Leger’s bedroom. An examiner found 100 videos and 1,200 images of child pornography on an external hard drive.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 15. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Texas man who oversaw a drug ring in the Kansas City metro area was sentenced Wednesday to 262 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Jorge Portillo-Uranga, 36, Teague, Texas, pleaded guilty to seven felony counts including conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in 2016 of a drug trafficking organization headed by Portillo-Uranga that was selling kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana to buyers in the Kansas City metro area. Portillo-Uranga managed the operation from his home in Teague, Texas. Investigators intercepted communications between Portillo-Uranga in Texas and other members of the organization as he directed their movements in obtaining cocaine and delivering it to Kansas City. In various conversations, Portillo-Uranga expressed his suspicions that some of the traffickers were skimming cocaine from the shipments.

McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance to identify potential victims in the case of U. S. v Jeffrey Pierce. Pierce, a high school basketball coach at Seaman High School in Topeka, KS, was charged Sept. 2, 2020, with sexually exploiting minors. Using social networking platforms, Pierce is alleged to have contacted his victims while pretending to be a female teenager. He would then solicit explicit photos or videos from the juvenile victims.

Pierce used the following user/vanity names when contacting his victims through Instagram, Snapchat, KiK, and Grinder:

 

Instagram : addie8651, addiestrode111, Addie Strode, Kennedy Addison Strode

 

Snapchat : jp131780 (Addilyn), Jordan_reh (Kennedy), Kennedy Lacrone, Jordy Rey Rey, jacy townsend

 

KiK: jordyreyrey (Addie Strode) (Kennedy)

 

Grinder: Discreet

 

Pierce, a 40-year-old U.S. citizen, is currently in federal custody and is charged in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.

 

If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim, please email TopekaVAP@fbi.gov. Your response is voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the response provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

 

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes that it investigates and provide these victims with information, assistance services, and resources.

 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two defendants who were arrested after their meth lab caught fire were sentenced today to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Orlando Cortez-Nieto, 43, Kansas City, Kan. and Jesus Cervantes-Aguiler, 23, Kansas City, Kan., were sentenced to 20 years each.

During a jury trial in July 2019, the defendants were convicted on charges including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on Dec. 1, 2017, firefighters responded to a house fire at 2739 Cleveland in Kansas City, Kan. They discovered a methamphetamine conversion lab inside the house. Prosecutors introduced evidence tying the defendants to the drug lab, including a blue spiral notebook in which cash transactions were recorded, as well as multiple receipts and corresponding business surveillance videos showing both defendants purchasing items found in the meth lab.

McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.