District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender living in Kearny County was sentenced Monday to 20 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mark A. Wireman, 44, Lakin, Kan., pleaded guilty in July 2015 to five federal counts of distributing child pornography.

Wireman was indicted in Kansas in February 2015. Prosecutors alleged he used his Gmail account to send a photograph of a toddler being sexually assaulted by an adult to another man in Michigan. Google identified the photo as child pornography and filed a CyberTipline report. Investigators followed an electronic trail to Wireman, who made unauthorized use of his neighbor’s wireless Internet service to send the photograph. On Wireman’s phone, investigators found more child pornography he had distributed. Investigators learned Wiremen and the man to whom Wireman sent child pornography became friends in prison while Wireman was serving time for a sex offense.

Wireman has prior convictions in 2007 and 1994 in Michigan for sex offenses.

Grissom commended the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Wichita Police Department, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man who was arrested after putting a gun to his girlfriend’s head was sentenced Monday to 77 months in federal prison on a firearm charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Teagan C. Gulley, 35, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted that Wichita police officers responding to a report of domestic violence saw him pointing a gun at his girlfriend. He was arrested and officers seized a .45 caliber handgun. He was a previously convicted felon at the time and he was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

A four-count indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio charging four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.

The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37; Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36; Asif Ahmed Salim, 35; and Sultane Room Salim, 40, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.  Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad both face an additional count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

“According to the allegations in the indictment, Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim conspired to provide and did provide material support to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.”

“The charges in this case outline a plan to send thousands of dollars to a known terrorist, a plan which came to fruition shortly before one of the most notorious attempted attacks in recent memory – an attack claimed by that same terrorist,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “This indictment is a testament to the perseverance of those who stand watch over our nation and is a clear message to those who support terrorism – we will not forget and you will face justice.”

“In today’s world, Kansas is not far removed from the battlefields of the war on terror,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “We will do everything in our power to prevent funding and material support from finding its way from the heart of America to terrorists in foreign lands.”

“These individuals conspired and then acted on their radical beliefs by providing support to a known terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “The identification of their conspiracy and the subsequent investigation demonstrate how members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate terrorist’s threats in order to protect our citizens.”

Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004.  In or around March 2008, he married a U.S. citizen.  His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005.  In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen.  He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.

Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005.  He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007.  His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago-area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus-area.

According to the indictment, from January 2005 through January 2012, the four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki.  Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010.  The indictment also alleges that the defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.

The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East.  Allegations in the indictment charge that Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions.

The indictment further alleges that on July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki.  They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates.  Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki.

An indictment is only a charge is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Farooq Mohammad et al Indictment

WASHINGTON – A four-count indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio charging four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Alwaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. One of the men used to live in Kansas.

The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37; Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36; Asif Ahmed Salim, 35; and Sultane Room Salim, 40, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.  Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad both face an additional count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

“According to the allegations in the indictment, Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim conspired to provide and did provide material support to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.”

“The charges in this case outline a plan to send thousands of dollars to a known terrorist, a plan which came to fruition shortly before one of the most notorious attempted attacks in recent memory – an attack claimed by that same terrorist,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “This indictment is a testament to the perseverance of those who stand watch over our nation and is a clear message to those who support terrorism – we will not forget and you will face justice.”

“In today’s world, Kansas is not far removed from the battlefields of the war on terror,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “We will do everything in our power to prevent funding and material support from finding its way from the heart of America to terrorists in foreign lands.”

“These individuals conspired and then acted on their radical beliefs by providing support to a known terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “The identification of their conspiracy and the subsequent investigation demonstrate how members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate terrorist’s threats in order to protect our citizens.”

Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004.  In or around March 2008, he married a U.S. citizen.  His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005.  In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen.  He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.

Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005.  He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007.  His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago-area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus-area.

According to the indictment, from January 2005 through January 2012, the four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki.  Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010.  The indictment also alleges that the defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.

The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East.  Allegations in the indictment charge that Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions.

The indictment further alleges that on July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki.  They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates.  Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki.

An indictment is only a charge is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE  CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

 

TOPEKA, KAN. – A former insurance company service representative in Topeka pleaded guilty Monday to an embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Erin Rebecca Thomas, 47, formerly of Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea she admitted the crime took place while she worked for American Home Life Insurance Company.

In her position, she processed death claims, policy loans, beneficiary changes and so on. Between July 2010 to July 2012, she created 22 separate fraudulent transactions for a total loss to the insurance company of $214,000. In one instance, she processed the policy of a person who died in 2010. She created a fictitious change of beneficiary request naming herself as beneficiary and had the benefit check deposited in her personal account.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 1, 2016. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Assistant Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.

 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Shawnee man was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of armed robbery at an Overland Park bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mamoudou M. Kaba, 19, Shawnee, Kan., was charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. The grand jury indictment alleges that on Sept. 22, 2015, Kaba brandished a Ruger 9 mm handgun when he robbed U.S. Bank, 9900 West 87th Street in Overland Park, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Overland Park Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting

OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

Susan Wooten-Robb, 24, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with five counts of embezzlement and one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that while she worked for Community America Credit Union at 5601 W. 95th in Overland Park she embezzled more than $32,000. She made unauthorized debits from customers’ accounts and she removed cash from her teller drawer. To conceal the crime she entered false information in a currency transaction reporting system.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each embezzlement count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine u to $250,000 on the wire fraud count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Mikayla Kiefer, 56, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of embezzling public money and one count of bank fraud. The indictment alleges she fraudulently received more than $10,000 in unemployment benefits while she was working for the Keebler Company in Kansas City, Kan. She received the money through a Citibank Visa debit card.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the embezzlement count, and a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the wire fraud count. The Kansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.

Wanda R. Ewing, 48, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of embezzling public money, one count of bank fraud, one count of concealing property from creditors in a bankruptcy, one count of making a false statement under oath and one count of making a false declaration in a bankruptcy filing. The indictment alleges she fraudulently received more than $19,800 in unemployment benefits while she was working for the Keebler Company in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the embezzlement count, a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the wire fraud count, and maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Kansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the United States Trustees investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.

Gerren K. Love, 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 11, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Terra Morehead 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 City, Kan., was sentenced Monday to 30 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jesus Octavio Valdez-Aguirre, 25, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The factual basis for the plea states that from January 2014 to September 2014 Valdez-Aguirre was part of drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine in the metro Kansas City area. The methamphetamine was manufactured in Mexico, smuggled to California and then to Kansas.

On Aug. 14, 2014, FBI agents were watching when Valdez-Aguirre and another man drove a white Chevrolet Astro van into an alley behind a barber shop in Kansas City, Kan. They delivered 13 pounds of methamphetamine that conspirators hid in a Jeep Liberty at 1201 Minnesota. On Sept. 5, 2014, investigators arrested Valdez-Aguirre and other conspirators at 1248 Osage in Kansas City, Kan. Among the items seized were more than $5,000 in cash and a drug ledger.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.

The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City, Kansas, Housing Authority (KCKHA) and its former hearing officer, Victor L. Hernandez.  The lawsuit alleges that Hernandez sexually harassed a female public housing applicant and a female public housing tenant, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, alleges that Hernandez subjected these two women to unwanted sexual conduct as a condition for favorable hearing decisions, including asking them sexual questions, showing pornographic pictures and videos, making explicit sexual comments and exposing himself.  The complaint alleges that Hernandez engaged in this conduct while exercising his authority as an employee of KCKHA.

“No one, including those who seek public assistance for housing benefits, should be subjected to sexual harassment, particularly by the very people tasked with providing critical assistance,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue its vigorous enforcement of the Fair Housing Act against those who abuse their power and authority.”

“The Fair Housing Act is about more than providing a shelter,” said U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas.  “It’s about equal opportunity and equal justice as well.  Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated.”

The lawsuit arose from complaints filed by the two women about Hernandez’s conduct with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  After HUD investigated the complaints, it issued a charge of discrimination and the matter was referred to the Justice Department.

“Women have a hard enough time finding a decent affordable place to live without having their access to that housing conditioned upon submitting to unwanted sexual advances,” said Assistant Secretary Gustavo Velasquez of HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office.  “HUD applauds the action the Justice Department is taking in this matter and remains committed to working together to protect the housing rights of women when those rights are violated.”

The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate victims and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring additional preventive measures.

The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct.  The allegations must still be proven in federal court.

Individuals who believe they were victims of the defendants’ conduct or who may have other information related to this lawsuit should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 8, or e-mail the department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov. 

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.  Persons who believe that they have experienced unlawful housing discrimination elsewhere can contact the department at 1-800-896-7743, or e-mail fairhousing@usdoj.gov or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.

KCKHA Complaint

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Texas man pleaded guilty Friday to selling designer drugs manufactured in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Michael Myers, 36, Montgomery Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Myers was indicted in April 2014 along with co-defendants Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett, the owners of an Olathe-based business that produced and sold dangerous controlled substances and controlled substance analogs of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants). Picanso and Ehrett are scheduled for sentencing April 18, 2016.

Picanso and Ehrett sold products to distributors under names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the counterfeit drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on “testers” who helped tweak the recipes.

Myers and co-defendant Michelle Reulet lived together in Houston, Texas, and owned and operated Bully Wholesale, an independent wholesaler and distributor of products purchased from Picanso and Ehrett.

Ehrett routinely traveled from Kansas City to Houston to pick up cash from Reulet and Myers. On at least two occasions Myers met Ehrett in Oklahoma to transfer in excess of $100,000 cash to him. Investigators collected emails and text messages exchanged among the defendants. In an October 2011 email, for instance, Myers claimed the fake weed he was selling would not show up on a drug test. In a January 2012 email to Ehrett, Myers says he and Reulet were buying $600,000 to $900,000 worth of products each month from Ehrett and Picanso.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 25, 2016. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of seven years in federal prison and a civil forfeiture of more than $1.3 million.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the Overland Park Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Olathe Police Department, the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man who was part owner of a Lawrence night club and six of his associates are charged with sex trafficking in an indictment unsealed today, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The indictment alleges the defendants provided female commercial sex workers – including a 17-year-old girl – to clients in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas. The indictment alleges the defendants recruited females who needed money and a place to live from various places -- including homeless shelters -- to be commercial sex workers.

On Oct. 21, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment against the following defendants:

Frank Boswell, 41, Topeka, Kan., who was part owner of Club Magic in Lawrence and Magic Lawn Care in Topeka. (Club Magic is now closed.) Boswell is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count three (sex trafficking of a minor), counts 4, 5, 6 and 7 (using a phone in furtherance of an interstate prostitution business), count 8 (transporting a person from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution), count 9 (enticing a person to travel from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution) and count 10 (transporting a minor from Kansas to Missouri for prostitution).

Rachel Flenniken, 33, Topeka, Kan., worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker and also managed his business operations, including Club Magic until it closed. She is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count three (sex trafficking of a minor), counts 4 and 5 (using a phone in furtherance of an interstate prostitution business).

Michaela Hekekia, 35, Topeka, Kan., worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker. She recruited and trained new commercial sex workers, including at least one who was younger than 18.

Shannon Nelson, 22, Topeka, Kan., who worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker and who filled a trusted role in Boswell’s prostitution organization. She is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count 8 (transporting a person from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution) and count 9 (enticing a person to travel from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution).

Sean P. Hall, 46, Topeka, Kan., who worked for Boswell. He set up Web site advertisements and on-line reviews for commercial sex workers. He also transported sex workers to and from jobs. He In addition, he worked as a manager at Club Magic. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business) and count three (sex trafficking of a minor).

Andre C. Rhoiney, 47, Topeka, Kan. worked as an enforcer to keep sex workers under control. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor) and count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business).

Barry M. Johnson, 39, Topeka, Kan., recruited sex workers. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor) and count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business).

The indictment alleges Boswell relied on the Internet to promote his sex workers and kept in touch with them via mobile phones. At times while they were out of state commercial sex workers wired their earnings back to Boswell in Kansas.

Upon conviction, the crimes charged carry the following penalties:

Count one, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking: Any term of years up to life.

Count two, conspiracy to engage in interstate prostitution: A maximum penalty of five years.

Count three, sex trafficking of a minor: Not less than 10 years.

Counts 4, 5, 6 and 7: Using a phone in furtherance of interstate prostitution: A maximum penalty of five years.

Count 8: Interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution: A maximum penalty of 10 years.

Count 9: Enticing a person to travel interstate for prostitution: A maximum penalty of 10 years.

Count 10: Transporting a minor for prostitution: Not less than 10 years.

The Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI investigaged. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway are prosecuting.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Mexican citizen who entered the United States illegally was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mario Saucedo-Avalos, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that beginning in January 2014 he was part of an organization trafficking methamphetamine in the Kansas City metro area.

On March 21, 2014, investigators watched as Saucedo-Avalos arrived at a meeting with an undercover buyer. Saucedo-Avalos was driving a white Cadillac Escalade and the meeting took place in the parking lot at a Lowe’s store in Roeland Park. Saucedo-Avalos sold the buyer methamphetamine from a cardboard box containing several pounds of methamphetamine. Four months later, on July 22, 2014, Saucedo-Avalos sold an undercover buyer half a pound of methamphetamine during a meeting in a parking lot at a Lowe’s store in Kansas City, Kansas. On August 14, 2014, Saucedo-Avalos’s drug trafficking organization delivered thirteen pounds of methamphetamine to a Kansas City, Kansas barber shop.  The methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement.  Investigators also seized money transfer receipts from two of Saucedo-Avalos’s drug residences which proved that Saucedo-Avalos had transferred thousands of dollars to Mexico to pay for drug shipments sent to the United States in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

Grissom commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri woman was sentenced Tuesday to 20 months in federal prison for defrauding a federal program that set aside contracts for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, she was ordered to pay a $30,000 money judgment.

Mary Parker,70, Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted she assisted her husband, Warren Parker and her son, Michael J. Parker, in making false claims in order for their company, Silver Star Construction LLC of Blue Springs, Mo., and Stilwell, Kan., to obtain more than $6.7 million in contracts from the Veterans Administration. The contracts were awarded under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program.

Mary Parker admitted she was responsible for all Silver Star Construction’s finances. She accepted monies on the company’s behalf that were paid from government contracts that were fraudulently obtained. An investigation by federal agents determined that Warren Parker never was classified as a service-disabled veteran by the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense

Warren K. Parker was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.                                                                                            

Grissom commended the Small Business Administration=s Office of Inspector General; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division and the General Services Administration's Office of Inspector General; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak during an all-day hate crimes symposium Nov. 4 in Kansas City, Kan. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“The public – and law enforcement – need to be more aware of the problem of hate crimes generally, and against the LGBTQ community in particular,” Grissom said. “We need more and stronger partnerships with local communities to prevent hate crimes and to enhance prosecutions against offenders when they occur.”

Featured speakers will include Dennis and Judy Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Their son was beaten, tortured and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming, in October 1998. The case helped to raise public awareness of hate crimes and led Congress to pass the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Prevention Act.

Other speakers will include Dave O’Malley, who investigated Shepard’s death, Kristi L. Donahue of the FBI, Kristy Parker of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Amanda Spee, FBI Special Agent, and Crystal Middlestadt an OVC Consultant /Resource Development Director, Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training.

The event is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 2015, at the Reardon Civic Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 North Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. Registration is required. A registration form is available online at http://www.continuinged.ku.edu/register/n/event_details.php?pn=LE160244 or email hbuller@kletc.org for a form.

WICHITA KAN. – A Garden City man was sentenced Tuesday to 110 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Alfredo Franco, Jr., 33, Garden City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. He admitted that from June 2012 to November 2013 he used a file-sharing program to download and share child pornography over the Internet. In September 2013, law enforcement downloaded images of child pornography from his shared files via the Internet. When investigators served a search warrant at his residence, they found child pornography with creation dates spanning a year’s time on his computer.

Grissom commended the Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

 

WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita woman was charged in federal district court in Wichita Friday with the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Natasha L. Harper, 32, Wichita, is charged with one count of providing a 17-year-old girl for commercial sex. In court documents investigators allege Harper was arrested in a sting operation conducted by the Wichita Police Department. On Oct. 8, 2015, officers arranged for the 17-year-old girl to meet them at Springhill Suites by Marriott at 6633 W. Kellogg in Wichita. Harper transported the victim to the hotel, where Harper was arrested.

Investigators learned that Harper had been advertising on the Internet that the victim would perform sexual services for $150 to $200 a session. Part of that money -- $20 to $50 a session – went to Harper. Harper paid the rent for the hotel rooms.

If convicted, Harper faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

WICHITA, KAN. - A Chanute man was indicted Tuesday on charges of manufacturing silencers in violation of federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Shane Cox, 44, Chanute, Kan., who owned an Army surplus store called Tough Guys, is charged with 12 counts. The charges include making a false statement during a federal investigation, possession of an unregistered firearm, conspiracy, transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act, making a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act and engaging in business as a dealer and manufacturer of firearms.

The indictment alleges Cox:

• Advertised for sale silencers that were not registered as required by federal law.
• Manufactured silencers without paying federal taxes.
• Possessed silencers that were not manufactured, sold or registered as required by federal law.
• Manufactured a silencer that was not identified by a serial number as required by federal law.

The indictment alleges that on April 21, 2015, Cox made false statements to agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

• Making a false statement: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Possession of an unregistered firearm: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
• Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $10,000 on each count.
• Making a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Engaging in business as a dealer and manufacturer of firearms: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.

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

OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

Danielle E. Lewis, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of bank fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July, August and September 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each bank fraud count, and a mandatory two years (consecutive) on each identity theft count. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service 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.

 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The former city attorney of Manhattan, Kan., is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., today on charges of distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Bill D. Raymond, 53, Andover, Kan., is charged with three counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in November 2014, February 2015 and May 2015 in Butler and Riley counties.

A federal grand jury indicted Raymond on Sept. 30, 2015.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years on each distribution count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession charge. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart 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 Pennsylvania man stopped on a highway in Kansas with more than 13 pounds of cocaine was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jamal Shareef Williams, 37, Homestead, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a rented pickup on July 23, 2014, when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him on I-70 near exit 322 in Shawnee County. Investigators found the cocaine in metal compartments attached to the rims inside spare tires.

Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 20 years for supplying crack cocaine to a drug trafficking operation in Junction City and Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Johnny Lee Ivory, III, 29, Topeka, Kan., was convicted after a jury trial in June on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in late 2012 and early 2013 agents of Kansas Bureau of Investigation and detectives from the Junction City Police Department investigated a large crack cocaine trafficking organization in Junction City and Manhattan. The organization was led by co-defendants Albert Banks and Anthony Thompson, who acquired the drugs from Ivory and two other suppliers. Banks and Thompson sold the drugs to distributors who resold them on the streets.

Ivory’s co-defendants include:

Albert Dwayne Banks, 33, Junction, City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Oct. 26.

Martye Madabuti Madkins, III, 34, Junction City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 23.

Anthony Caryle Thompson, 33, Junction City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 23.

Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Junction City Police Department, the Geary County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Denver man who flew a plane loaded with marijuana into an airport in Iola, Kan., was sentenced Monday to a year in federal prison followed by a year on supervised release, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration administratively forfeited his plane, more than $450,000 in cash and two cars.

Kenneth E. Weaver, 59, Denver, Colo., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In his plea, he admitted that on July 11, 2014, he flew his plane into the Iola airport carrying 207 pounds of medical grade marijuana.

The Drug Enforcement Administration administratively forfeited his plane (a 1979 Israel Aircraft Industries Model 1124 jet) $457,580 in cash, a 2007 Bentley Continental auto, and a 2010 BMW X auto.

Grissom commended the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence man was sentenced Tuesday to 201 months in federal prison in a marijuana trafficking case. He also was sentenced to a consecutive 30 months on a supervised release violation in a prior case.

Roosevelt Rico Dahda, 33, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in July 2014 on conspiracy (count 1), using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking (counts 42, 45, 53, 55, 70) possession with intent to distribute marijuana (counts 43, 49, 73) possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of Holcomb Sports Complex in Lawrence (count 56).

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence Dahda was a member of a drug trafficking organization that was responsible distributing $16.9 million worth of marijuana in the Lawrence area. Starting in 2008 law enforcement agencies began receiving information that Dahda’s brother and co-defendant, Los Rovell Dahda, was distributing marijuana in the Lawrence area. When Roosevelt Dahda was released from prison in November 2010 in a prior case, he joined his brother in the trafficking organization.

The Dahdas used a business they owned in Lawrence, Gran-Daddy’s BBQ at 1447 West 23rd Street, as well as other properties to receive, store and process marijuana for distribution.

The Dahdas bought marijuana from suppliers in California for $1,800 a pound to $2,800 a pound and sold it in the Lawrence for $3,500 to $4,800 a pound. It is estimated the traffickers distributed more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana from 2005 to 2012.

Co-defendant Los Rovell Dahda is awaiting sentencing.

Agencies involved in the investigation and the arrest of defendants include the Douglas County Sheriff=s Office, the Johnson County Sheriff=s Office, the Lawrence Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Service, the Alameda County, Calif., Sheriff=s Drug Task Force, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Lenexa Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Hayward, Calif., Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Preparing false income tax returns in the names of prison inmates was one of the schemes a Kansas City tax preparer used to defraud the Internal Revenue Service of more than $400,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Tuesday.

Prayshana Washington, 28, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of preparing false income tax returns and one count of aggravated identity theft. In her plea, she admitted that from 2012 to 2015 she was in the business of preparing individual income tax returns for clients, who generally paid between $500 and $1,000 for her services. She admitted:

• Preparing a 2012 return for a client that included false claims about dependents, false household help income, and false American Opportunity Credits.
• Directing the IRS to deposit fraudulent returns onto prepaid debit cards and mail them to addresses she controlled.
• Obtaining names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers for prison inmates and preparing fraudulent income tax returns in their names.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 37 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and Matthew Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. -  A Topeka woman pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Lisa M. Davenport, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of embezzled funds. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was an officer manager for Kansas Associates, Inc., which was the Prudential Real Estate franchise in Topeka. The company is now known as Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. She embezzled money from KAI by taking proceeds from the company’s commissions and depositing them into her personal account. A forensic audit determined she embezzled approximately $416,000 from the company.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 4. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.

 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A California man who was arrested in Kansas with 15 pounds of heroin was sentenced Monday to 46 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Juan Carlos Ahumada, 21, San Fernando, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, he admitted he was hired to drive a load of heroin from California to Kansas City. On June 25, 2014, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper stopped Ahumada on eastbound Interstate 70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. Investigators discovered a hidden compartment in the cowl of the vehicle where approximately 15 pounds of heroin was concealed.

Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – An Olathe gun dealer was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for paying bribes to employees of the company that makes Glock firearms, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

John Sullivan Ralph, III, 42, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud Glock by paying bribes and kickbacks to Glock employees for preferential treatment. Ralph owned Global Guns & Hunting, Inc., of Olathe, Kan., doing business as OMB Guns. From 2003 to 2009 Ralph paid 140 bribes and kickbacks to co-defendants totaling approximately $900,000.

Co-defendants include:

Lisa Delaine Dutton, who was sentenced to 12 months and a day.

Welcome D. Wood, Jr., who is set for sentencing Nov. 16.

James Craig Dutton, who is set for sentencing Nov. 9.

Paula Ann Wood, who is set for sentencing Nov. 16.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway is prosecuting.

 

WICHITA, KAN. - A federal judge Thursday resentenced a former Haysville physician and his wife without changing the amount of time they must spend in prison for illegally distributing prescription pain killers to patients who overdosed on them, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Stephen J. Schneider, 62, currently in federal custody, was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in federal prison. His wife, Linda K. Schneider, 57, also in federal custody, was sentenced Thursday to 33 years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot originally sentenced the Schneiders in October 2010 after they were convicted in an eight-week jury trial on charges including conspiracy, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, health care fraud and money laundering. Belot set the case for resentencing after a Supreme Court ruling last year that a victim’s drug use must be the actual cause of death – not just a contributing factor – to impose the harshest penalties under the federal Controlled Substances Act. The judge threw out some of the original sentences.

During trial, the government=s case centered on the years from 2002 to 2008, when Stephen Schneider saw patients and Linda Schneider, a licensed practical nurse, managed the business of Schneider Medical Clinic at 7030 S. Broadway in Haysville. Prosecutors presented evidence that the Schneiders billed more than $4 million to Medicaid and other health insurance providers while they operated the clinic unlawfully, distributing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, falsifying insurance claims, and engaging in unlawful financial transactions with the proceeds of the crimes.

Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals who worked on the case: The Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Attorney General=s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanya Treadway, Jon Fleenor, and Jabari Wamble, who prosecuted the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - An Ottawa man was indicted Wednesday on a charge of making an interstate phone call threatening to bash in the head of a Kansas City, Mo., lawyer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Rick Draskovich, 52, Ottawa, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 31, 2015, Draskovich made a phone call in which he said: “I am about to go to the law firm and bash his … head in.” Draskovich went on to suggest the lawyer get a restraining order, adding that, “…honestly that restraining order is not going to help him, just by the time he even understands what’s happening, he’s going to get his head bashed in.”

If convicted, Draskovich faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

Renard Alston, 19, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 28, 2015, in Topeka, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

Juwuan D. Jackson, 18, who lives on the Fort Riley Army base, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 11, 2015, he handled a firearm in a reckless manner resulting in the death of 16-year-old Kenyon Givens, who also lived on Fort Riley.

Jackson initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Sept. 16, 2015, in U.S. District Court in Topeka.

If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. Army Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi are prosecuting.

Travis Ray Crum, 43, who is in custody in Topeka, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of knowingly possessing stolen firearms. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 27, 2015, in Topeka, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the felon in possession charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $1 million on the stolen firearms charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway is prosecuting.

Phillip Scott Krites, 31, who is in custody in Topeka, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 22, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi 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 Monday to a bank robbery that ended when he rolled his car in a residential neighborhood, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Harold Carl Deloach, Jr., 41, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to robbing the Credit Union of America at 212 S. Ridge Road in Wichita on Jan. 15, 2015. He entered the credit union at about 5 p.m. and gave the teller a note saying, “Put the money in the bag.” He was arrested after rolling his car in a homeowner’s front yard near 13th North and Tyler, about three miles from the bank.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 14. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney for their work on the case.

 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Leavenworth man was sentenced Friday to a year in federal prison for fraudulently collecting more than $46,000 in government benefits, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Michael James Munsterman, 42, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds. In his plea, he admitted he received Supplemental Security Income, food stamps and Medicaid even though he did not qualify for those benefits. In April 2011 he applied for SSI benefits claiming that he had a drug-induced heart condition that prevented him from working. He did not reveal to the government that he owned and operated a heating and cooling company and received substantial income from the business while he was receiving benefits. He also admitted that he concealed from the federal government his financial resources that far exceeded the eligibility criteria of the aforementioned needs-based programs.

He fraudulently received a total of approximately $46,367 in government funds.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Munsterman must also pay restitution to the victim-agencies. Grissom commended the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Law enforcement agencies in Kansas will receive more than $593,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services program, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Monday. The grants are aimed at expanding community based policing as recommended by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

The list of this year’s grantees includes:

• The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, one officer position, $125,000.
• The Concordia Police Department, one officer position, $118,568.
• The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, one officer position, $123,398.
• Osage City, one officer position, $125,000.
• Unified School District 501, one officer position, $101,344.

 

“These grants put more officers on the streets and support law enforcement efforts to build trust and work more closely with the communities they serve,” U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The grants pay for salaries and benefits for officers for three years.

Nationally, more than $107 million is being awarded through the COPS Hiring Program. Priority consideration was given to agencies that are focusing on building trust or school based policing through school resource officers as recommended in the report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The report is online at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/policingtaskforce .

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded federal grants to buy law enforcement body cameras in Wyandotte County, Wichita and Dodge City, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

The grants awarded through the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance are designed to support body cameras as a law enforcement strategy aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime, and improving trust between police and the public.

The agencies receiving the grants are:

• Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., $352,500.
• City of Wichita, $250,000.
• Dodge City Police Department, $45,205.

“Body cameras are a big step forward in our efforts to protect officers and the public – and to build trust between police and the communities they protect,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Nationally, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Monday announced grants totaling more than $23.2 million to 73 law enforcement agencies in 32 states to expand the use of body cameras. The grants are part of President Obama’s proposal to purchase 50,000 body worn cameras for law enforcement agencies within three years.

The grants, which require a 50/50 local match, can be used to purchase equipment and require that applicants establish a strong implementation plan and a robust training policy before purchasing cameras. The long term costs associated with storing information from body cameras will be the financial responsibility of each local agency.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance has launched a comprehensive online toolkit that consolidates research, promising practices, model policies and other tools that address issues surrounding body cameras including implementation requirements; image retention; concerns of policy makers; prosecutors; victim and privacy advocates; and community engagement and funding considerations. The tool kit is online at https://www.bja.gov/bwc/

 

WICHITA KAN. -  A Cherryvale, Kan., man was sentenced Monday to seven years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Daniel Hosier, 35, Cherryvale, Kan., was convicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on March 28, 2013, Hosier emailed images of child pornography on Yahoo. They also presented evidence that on July 13, 2013, he possessed child pornography on laptop computers and on a smartphone.

Grissom commended the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

 

WICHITA, KAN. – Le Grande Tetons, LLC, the company that owned and operated the Twin Peaks bar and restaurant in east Wichita, has pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern or practice of employing aliens not authorized to work in the United States, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Grissom said the guilty plea was entered by a lawyer for the company in federal court Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne E. Birzer. Pursuant to a plea agreement in the case, Judge Birzer imposed a fine of $50,000. Companies or persons who engage in a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens can be fined up to $3,000 for each person so employed.

Le Grande Tetons, LLC, has sold or is in the process of selling its Twin Peaks location and franchise, which is at 8310 E. 21st St.

According to plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s office has agreed not to pursue any additional charges against the owners, current employees or former employees of Le Grande Tetons, LLC, with the exception of two former management employees who remain under investigation.

“The word is getting out: Employers who knowingly hire foreign workers who are not authorized to work in the United States face criminal prosecution,” Grissom said. “I blame employers for this practice, not the employees. It isn’t very hard to figure out whether someone from another country has permission to work in the United States.”

According to the plea agreement, the Twin Peaks east location underwent an I-9 employment authorization form inspection by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in September 2013 that identified more than 20 unauthorized workers employed primarily in the east Twin Peaks kitchen area. A Twin Peaks manager agreed to fire the employees immediately, but HSI received word several months later than many of the same employees had been rehired. Federal search warrants were executed at both Wichita Twin Peaks locations in July.

Grissom praised HSI for its investigation of the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for its prosecution. Other agencies, including the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Department of Labor, the Kansas Department of Revenue and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General also assisted in the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Shawnee Mission man pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges he embezzled more than $6 million from an Overland Park company, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Kenneth Voboril, 46, Shawnee Mission, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. In his plea, he admitted he was hired in 2005 by Commodity Specialists Company to run its subsidiary, TransMaxx. TransMaxx brokered trucking deliveries for customers and occasionally provided services to CSC.  

Voboril devised a scheme to defraud CSC by creating fake companies and billing CSC for deliveries that never occurred. He caused false truck load information to be entered into TransMaxx’s computer system, resulting in invoices being created by TransMaxx’s account software program.

Over the course of time, he embezzled more than $6 million from CSC. In addition, he failed to report the income on his federal tax returns.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 7. He faces maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the wire fraud count, and a maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000 on the tax count. Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Indian tribes in Kansas are being awarded more than $950,000 in public safety grants from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

“Our goal is to strengthen and sustain native communities in Kansas by improving public safety and promoting the fair administration of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

The grants, awarded through the Justice Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance program, include:

• Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska: $426,465 for justice systems and alcohol and substance abuse through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and $449,741 for prevention of violence against women and tribal governments program through the Office of Violence Against Women, for a total of 876,206
• Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: $74,764 for comprehensive tribal justice systems strategic planning from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

          Nationally, the Justice Department announced 206 awards for FY 2015 to American Indian tribes totaling more than $97 million to enhance law enforcement practices and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. The grants are awarded in purpose areas including public safety and community policing, justice systems planning, alcohol and substance abuse, corrections and correctional alternatives, violence against women, juvenile justice and tribal youth programs.

          A listing of the awards is available at www.justice.gov/tribal/ . A fact sheet on is available at /media/791821/dl?inline.

TOPEKA, KAN. – Federal prosecutors Wednesday filed an involuntary manslaughter charge against a Riley County man in connection with a shooting death at Fort Riley, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Juwuan D. Jackson, 18, who lives on the Fort Riley base, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter. A criminal complaint alleges that on Sept. 11, 2015, Jackson handled a firearm in a reckless manner, resulting in the shooting death of 16-year-old Kenyon Givens, who also lives on Fort Riley.

If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. Army Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi are prosecuting.

 

WICHITA, KAN. - Seven Wichita area residents were indicted in separate cases Tuesday on federal charges of fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The indictments allege each of the defendants submitted false information to the Kansas Department of Labor in order to receive unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled.

Each of the defendants was charged with one count of wire fraud. The defendants include:

John C. Hutchinson, 36, Wichita, who worked for The Specialists Group, LLC and Home Depot USA Inc., and is alleged to have fraudulently received $25,888 in benefits.

Ricky J. Henderson, 32, Wichita, Kan., who worked for CNH America, LLC, and is alleged to have fraudulently received $12,405 in benefits.

Edward L. Schwartz, 46, Colwich, Kan., who worked for CNH America, LLC, and Angela D. Schwartz, 41, Colwich, Kan. They are alleged to have fraudulently received $10,320 in benefits.

Terrance Turner, 32, Wichita, Kan., who worked for CNH America, LLC, and is alleged to have fraudulently received $10,879 in benefits.

David J. Smith, 34, Wichita, Kan., who worked for CNH America, LLC, and is alleged to have fraudulently received $9,582 in benefits.

Ignacio Calderon, 49, Wichita, Kan, who worked for CNH America, LLC, and is alleged to have fraudulently received $15,401 in benefits.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Department of Labor investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster are prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Brandon L. Hutchinson, 30, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 13, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

 

Jose Francisco Beltran, 39, Tucson, Ariz., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 27, 2015, in Lincoln County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

 

Martin A. Garcia-Corona, 23, and Ana L. Armenta, 31, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 3, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 

Joel Zamarripa-Favela, 28, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Sept. 3, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 

Fernando Delgado-Ornales, 39, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Aug. 10, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 

Roberto Castro-Alaniz, 39, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Aug. 27, 2015, in Seward County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson 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 married couple from India having no lawful status in the United States pleaded guilty Thursday to charges related to unlawful employment of undocumented workers, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The couple, Satishkumar A. Patel, 47, and Daxaben S. Patel, 36, both of McPherson, Kan., entered their guilty pleas Thursday before U.S. District Eric F. Melgren. Judge Melgren set sentencing for Nov. 25.

Satishkumar Patel pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern or practice of employing undocumented workers, failure to collect federal income and Social Security taxes, and operating an unlicensed money remitting business.  His wife, Daxaben Patel, pleaded guilty to the unlicensed money remitting business charge. The charges carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

As part of the plea agreement, the Patels agreed to forfeit more than $700,000 in cash, money from bank accounts, and gold seized by the government in the case. Those assets represent proceeds of the Patel’s unlawful activities.

“This is what happens when employers ignore U.S. employment, business and tax laws,” Grissom said. “They face prosecution for their crimes and the loss of assets obtained in connection with those crimes. Contrary to what some may think, it is not legal to employ people not authorized to work in this country, nor is it legal to ignore our business and tax laws.”

The case came about when inspectors from the Kansas Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Control division observed employees at the Route 56 Express gas station and convenience store in McPherson selling tobacco products to minors. The investigators determined that several employees at Route 56 Express were not lawfully in the United States, nor were they authorized to be employed. Local and federal investigators then assisted, which led to the return of federal indictment in June.

Grissom praised the investigative agencies that worked on the case, which included the KDOR Office of Special Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the McPherson, Kan., Police Dept., the Kansas Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Pittsburg, Kan., man was sentenced Thursday to 136 months in federal prison on federal firearms and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

James D. Russian, 57, Pittsburg, Kan., was convicted June 17 on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on March 27, 2013, Russian led police on a car chase from Barton County, Mo., to Crawford County, Kan., when they tried to stop him to investigate a report he threatened two people with a machete and a gun. Russian abandoned his car and hid in a wooded area before he was arrested. Investigators found marijuana, firearms and ammunition in his possession. Because of a prior felony conviction, Russian was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Grissom commended the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberal (Mo.) Police Department, the Pittsburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - Two people living in Liberal were indicted Wednesday on charges of trafficking more than four pounds of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jose Alaniz-Hernandez, 37, and Anna Noreiga-Perez, 20, both of whom have been living in Liberal, Kan., were charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In court records, prosecutors allege that on Aug. 26, 2015, investigators served a search warrant at Space Station Secure Storage, 1120 E. Second Street in Liberal, Kan. In the unit, which was being used by the defendants, investigators found three Tupperware containers and 17 clear plastic bags containing approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.

“Methamphetamine is a principal drug threat in Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. “Whether it comes from laboratories in Mexico or it is locally produced, it is readily available in our communities, along with the violence and related crimes it supports.”

If convicted, the defendants face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Azucena Garcia-Ferniza, 21, who has been living in Salina, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 7, 2015, in Saline County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Calvin M. Hymon, 31, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 2, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

Antonio Garcia-Viveros, 32, Kansas City, Kan., and Asuncion Cortez-Chavez, 27, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Garcia-Viveros is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 6, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan.

Upon conviction, the methamphetamine charge carries a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million; and the firearm charge carries a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

Jose Luis Garcia-Flores, 44, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Aug. 21, 2015, in Finney County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Victor Ruiz-Arias, 45, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Aug. 22, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Darnell Sharon O’Connor, 34, Overland Park, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 8, 2014, in Lawrence, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward is prosecuting.

Stephen M. Nelson, 26, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 8, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward 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 Georgia woman was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for helping conceal bribes an executive of the company that makes Glock firearms received from a Kansas firearms distributor for preferential treatment, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Lisa Delaine Dutton, 43, Acworth, Ga., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

In her plea, she admitted she assisted her husband, co-defendant James “Craig” Dutton, 43, Acworth, Ga., who was the Assistant National Sales Manager for Glock, to receive bribes from co-defendant John Sullivan Ralph, III, 41, Olathe, Kan. Ralph was owner of Global Guns & Hunting Inc. of Olathe, Kan., doing business as OMB Guns.

Lisa Dutton created a company called Supreme Solutions LLC and used it to receive payments from Ralph to James Dutton. The bribes were to pay James Dutton for helping Ralph to receive preferential treatment over other distributors of firearms, including directing customers to OMB Guns, giving it priority relative to the allocation of limited products, steering government contracts and sales to government agencies of firearms and accessories to OMB , as well as providing confidential Glock information to Ralph and OMB Guns.

Co-defendants include:

John Sullivan Ralph, II, who is set for sentencing Sept. 28.

James Craig Dutton, who is set for sentencing Sept. 22.

Welcome D. “Bo” Wood, Jr., who is set for sentencing Nov. 16.

Paula Ann Wood, who is set for sentencing Nov. 16.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

Airport Worker Intended to Use his Access to Secure Areas to Commit Terrorist Attack

A Wichita, Kansas, man working as an avionic technician for an aeronautics company and possessing restricted access to secure airport areas, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison today for attempting to explode a car bomb at the airport in Wichita, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas announced.

Terry Lee Loewen, 60, pleaded guilty on June 8 to one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.  Loewen was arrested in December 2013 when he tried to enter the grounds of the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport for the purpose of exploding a bomb.  (The airport was recently renamed the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport).

“Terry Loewen abused his privileged airport access to attempt to perpetrate a terrorist attack in Wichita,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The National Security Division’s highest priority is protecting the United States against terrorist threats.  We will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to carry out violent attacks against Americans, whether at home or abroad.”

“Here in the heartland, terrorism will never shake our faith in the things this country stands for – freedom, fairness and opportunity,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “We won’t give way to those who would inflict violence on their fellow citizens.”

In his plea, Loewen admitted he came to the attention of the FBI late in May 2013 when he became a Facebook friend of a person who was posting comments advocating violent jihad.  The FBI began communicating with Loewen through an undercover employee.  After Loewen expressed his desire to engage in violent jihad, the undercover employee offered to introduce him to someone who could help him do it.

Loewen told the undercover employee he was waiting for what he called “the green light” from Allah to carry out a violent attack on a civilian target.  He said that he did not expect to live through any of the attacks he had in mind.  Loewen also said that he was inspired by the teachings of Osama bin Laden and Anwar Al Awlaki, and that he had downloaded thousands of pages of information on jihad.

In September 2013, Loewen sent photos of airplanes on the tarmac at the Wichita airport.  He commented that he could have “walked over there, shot both pilots … slapped some C4 on both fuel trucks and set them off before anyone even called TSA.”

In October 2013, Loewen met with a second undercover FBI employee who Loewen believed was a “brother” and would help him blow up a plane.  Loewen said that he had scouted the airport to determine a time and place for an attack that would be sure to kill as many people as possible.

Loewen assisted the second FBI employee in the final assembly of an improvised explosive device.  He was not aware that the explosive materials used in the device were inert.  In the early hours of Dec. 13, 2013, the second FBI employee picked up Loewen at a Wichita hotel.  They drove to where the bomb was stored and finished wiring the device.  When they reached the airport, Loewen used his badge twice at a card reader to attempt to get onto the tarmac before he was arrested.

Loewen was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Monti L. Belot of the District of Kansas.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom commended the Wichita FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Sedgwick County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol.  Assisting with the investigation were the FBI Kansas City, Missouri, Division, the Transportation Security Administration, the Wichita Airport Authority and the Wichita Police Department.  Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom also commended the prosecutors on the case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Smith and Tony Mattivi of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Erin Creegan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

WICHITA – A Wichita, Kansas, man working as an avionic technician for an aeronautics company and possessing restricted access to secure airport areas, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison today for attempting to explode a car bomb at the airport in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom  and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced.

Terry Lee Loewen, 60, pleaded guilty on June 8 to one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.  Loewen was arrested in December 2013 when he tried to enter the grounds of the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport for the purpose of explodig a bomb.  (The airport was recently renamed the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport).

“Here in the heartland, terrorism will never shake our faith in the things this country stands for – freedom, fairness and opportunity,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “We won’t give way to those who would inflict violence on their fellow citizens.”

“Terry Loewen abused his privileged airport access to attempt to perpetrate a terrorist attack in Wichita,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The National Security Division’s highest priority is protecting the United States against terrorist threats – both international and domestic.  We will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to carry out violent attacks against Americans, whether at home or abroad.

In his plea, Loewen admitted he came to the attention of the FBI late in May 2013 when he became a Facebook friend of a person who was posting comments advocating violent jihad.  The FBI began communicating with Loewen through an undercover employee.  After Loewen expressed his desire to engage in violent jihad, the undercover employee offered to introduce him to someone who could help him do it.

Loewen told the undercover employee he was waiting for what he called “the green light” from Allah to carry out a violent attack on a civilian target.  He said that he did not expect to live through any of the attacks he had in mind.  Loewen also said that he was inspired by the teachings of Osama bin Laden and Anwar Al Awlaki, and that he had downloaded thousands of pages of information on jihad.

In September 2013, Loewen sent photos of airplanes on the tarmac at the Wichita airport.  He commented that he could have “walked over there, shot both pilots … slapped some C4 on both fuel trucks and set them off before anyone even called TSA.”

In October 2013, Loewen met with a second undercover FBI employee who Loewen believed was a “brother” and would help him blow up a plane.  Loewen said that he had scouted the airport to determine a time and place for an attack that would be sure to kill as many people as possible.

Loewen assisted the second FBI employee in the final assembly of an improvised explosive device.  He was not aware that the explosive materials used in the device were inert.  In the early hours of Dec. 13, 2013, the second FBI employee picked up Loewen at a Wichita hotel.  They drove to where the bomb was stored and finished wiring the device.  When they reached the airport, Loewen used his badge twice at a card reader to attempt to get onto the tarmac before he was arrested.

Loewen was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Monti L. Belot of the District of Kansas.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom commended the Wichita FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Sedgwick County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol.  Assisting with the investigation were the FBI Kansas City, Missouri, Division, the Transportation Security Administration, the Wichita Airport Authority and the Wichita Police Department.  Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom also commended the prosecutors on the case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Smith and Tony Mattivi of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Erin Creegan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man who pointed a gun in the face of a bank employee during a robbery in Overland Park pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Landein Craddock, 33, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Jan. 20, 2015, he displayed a revolver when he and another man robbed the Bank of the West at 9400 Antioch in Overland Park, Kan. Both robbers wore masks and gloves. Craddock shouted at employees and customers to get on the ground and he pointed a gun in the face of one of the bank employees, while the other man jumped the counter and collected money from tellers.

Shortly after the robbery, police spotted Craddock and the other man in a black Honda and pursued them until the driver crashed his car in Kansas City, Mo. Craddock fled on foot and was arrested about a block from the scene of the accident.

Sentencing will be set for a later time. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years or less. Co-defendant Jerome Davis, 32, Kansas City, Mo., is scheduled for jury trial Dec. 7.

 Grissom commended the Overland Park Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A policeman’s life was never easy – and it’s harder now.

Time magazine described it well recently in an article called “What It’s Like Being a Cop Now.” The article said: “There are some 680,000 sworn police officers in the U.S. And in the past 12 months every one of them has had to answer in one way or another for the actions of colleagues they will never meet except on the screens running the latest viral incident.”

Law enforcement officers don’t have the luxury of being like everybody else.

Nobody pulls out a cell phone and posts a video on the Internet of you and me turning in anything less than perfect performance at our jobs. We aren’t responsible for life and death decisions. We don’t have to respond to every call for help, and nobody holds a news conference to demand we explain why we used the stun gun, the hand cuffs or the service revolver we carry on our belts.

Most of us would quit a job that routinely required us to chase a burglar down a dark alley, stop an angry husband from beating his wife or put up with a stranger’s drunken tirade.

In recent months, we’ve seen a series of tragedies in cities across the country that has turned our attention to the devastating consequences when police are not trusted and respected in the communities they serve. Those of us in law enforcement have a lot of work to do to restore that trust. I hope that is clear to every one of us, from the rookies on the streets to the chiefs behind their desks.

At the same time, I want everyone to remember that there is no question we need the police in our communities. They ensure our safety by patrolling our neighborhoods, defending the rights of victims and deterring crimes. They are our first responders in many emergency situations. They are role models for our young people. The overwhelming majority of women and men who police our streets do their jobs with honor, pride and distinction.

We have every right to hold our law enforcement officers to the highest standards of conduct, of course. At the same time, I hope we remember to give them credit when they are brave, honest and patient while performing a difficult job in even more difficult circumstances.

Barry Grissom is the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –A federal jury Thursday returned a guilty verdict in the case of a Junction City man who stole his father’s identity to apply for a loan to buy a $490,000 house, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Matthew Williams, 47, Junction City, Kan., was convicted on one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Williams filled out a loan application with Pulaski Bank using his father’s name, Social Security number and other identifying information in an attempt to get a loan to buy a house in Shawnee, Kan. The defendant was in bankruptcy proceedings at the time.

The government presented evidence that Williams claimed to be an Army veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart award for valor in Vietnam. In fact, Williams’s father, Earl, fought in both Vietnam and Desert Storm and earned a Purple Heart, as well as other commendations.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the bank fraud charge, and a penalty of 2 years consecutive to any other sentence on the identity theft charge. Grissom commended the Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector Genera, Special Agent Tim Mugrage and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - An El Dorado company was ordered Wednesday to pay $97,612 in restitution and a $10,000 fine for mishandling waste chemicals, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The company also must pay a $400 special assessment and serve three years on probation to include participating in a compliance and ethics program.

Integrated Plastic Solutions, LLC, a plastics recycling company in El Dorado, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful storage of a hazardous waste. In its plea, the company admitted that from 2009 to July 16, 2013, the company knowingly stored hazardous waste without a permit at its facility in El Dorado. The waste included paints and solvents. Many of the chemicals were highly inflammable and subject to flash fire or explosion if not properly stored.

Co-defendants include: company owner Sean M. Riley, who previously was sentenced to 18 months on probation and restitution of $118,807, and company owner Brian J. Riley, who was sentenced to three years on probation and $118,807 restitution.

Grissom commended the Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., man pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges he pointed a gun at a woman and pushed her out a driver’s side door before stealing her car, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

John Michael Devosha, 25, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.

In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 22, 2013, was already under federal indictment in another case when he wrecked a stolen pickup truck near 59th and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kan. He abandoned the car and fled on foot in search of another car.

A woman who was driving a 2002 Cadillac Deville was stopped in traffic congestion created by the wreck. Devosha used the handle of his gun to break the woman’s front passenger window and enter her car. He pointed a gun at the woman and told her to drive away fast. Before she could do it, he pushed her out the driver’s side door and onto the road, where she stumbled and injured herself. Then he drove away in her car.

Three days later, Pottawatomie Tribal Police arrested him in Jackson County, Kan., after a 45-mile high speed chase on U.S. Highway 75.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 2, 2015. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 180 months to run consecutively to a 10-year sentence in the previous federal case. Grissom commended the Pottawatomie Tribal Police, he Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic, as well as agencies that participated in the arrest including officers from Brown, Jefferson and Jackson counties, as well as police from Holton and Sabetha and the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 84 months in federal prison for downloading child pornography from the Internet, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Mark A. Hastert, 55, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.

“Consumers of child pornography help create a market and demand for the production of images of sexual abuse and exploitation of real children,” Grissom said. “They contribute to the cycle of abuse and are in part responsible for the harm suffered by children.”

In his plea, Hastert, admitted that the investigation began in September 2011 when a task force with the FBI cyber crime unit in Kansas City, Mo., downloaded child pornography from Hastert’s computer using a file sharing program. Investigators followed an electronic trail to Hastert’s home in Topeka. A forensic examination located 875 images and 58 videos of child pornography on Hastert’s computer.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 13 years in federal prison for robbing a Valero gas station and shooting the clerk, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Corey Eugene Johnson, 41, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 28, 2013, he robbed a Valero gas station at 1161 S.W. Gage in Topeka.

In his plea, Johnson admitted he was carrying a .40 caliber handgun when he entered the gas station and demanded money from the cash register. Seeing a customer at the counter, Johnson ordered him to the floor and put his foot on the customer’s head. When a clerk refused to turn over money from the cash register, Johnson shot the clerk several times. Then Johnson ordered the customer to open the cash register. Johnson fled the store in a black Monte Carlo. Police found the wounded clerk, who was taken to the hospital and survived the shooting.

In June, co-defendant Shawn Michael Sneed, 22, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison.

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