District of Kansas

KANSAS CITY, KAN. A Lawrence man has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Bradley Stoneking, 31, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to making false statements in his income tax return for 2010. He falsely claimed federal tax withholdings on gambling winnings in the amount of approximately $330,000. In fact, the federal tax withholding on his gambling winnings was $300.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. –Paul F. Grimm, 43, Goddard, Kan., is charged with seven counts of producing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

The indictment alleges he sexually exploited a 13-year-old girl in order to make the images.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on each count, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

 Grimm has been charged in federal court in Texas in a separate indictment alleging he had sex with a minor girl on a cruise ship.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Michael Muoghalu, 61, Pittsburg, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. The crime is alleged to have occurred beginning in 2006 in Pittsburg, Kan.

 The indictment alleges that while Muoghalu worked for Pittsburg State University and managed a program for recruiting Nigerian graduate exchange students he fraudulently obtained more than $148,000 in Pittsburg State University refunds to Nigerian graduate exchange students. The money came from fees paid by Nigerian exchange students who were accepted into Pittsburg State’s Masters of Business Administration program.

The students were required to pay a deposit for tuition and fees to Pittsburg State upon being accepted into the program. After the students were enrolled, they were to receive partial refunds of their deposits. The indictment alleges the defendant fraudulently directed students to pay a portion of their refunds to him for acting as the students’ agent in obtaining the refund. The defendant filed fraudulent paperwork causing the university to issue partial refunds totaling $148,430.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the wire fraud count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on the money laundering count. The Pittsburg State University Police, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

Gerardo Arzate-Arzate, 23, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with attempting to enter McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita using a counterfeit identification indicating he was a legal permanent resident of the United States.

 Azarte-Azarte is charged with one count of possessing false documents, four counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of producing a false identification document, one count of making a false statement to the U.S. government and one count of misusing a Social Security number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013, 2014 and 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

The indictment alleges he was arrested Nov. 17, 2014, while attempting to enter McConnell using a counterfeit U.S. Department of Homeland Security Permanent Resident Card bearing his photo and an alien registration number assigned to another person. He was working for Central Missouri Countertops, Inc., of Columbia, Mo., a subcontractor for Warden Construction Corp. of Jacksonville, Mo., which has a contract with the U.S. Air Force for improvements related to the KC-46 air refueling aircraft project.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Possession of false documents: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutive to the underlying sentence and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Producing a false identification: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $4250,000.
Making a false statement to the U.S. government: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Immigration and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Andris Cukurs, 68, Glendale, Calif., is charged with one count of attempted money laundering. The government is seeking forfeiture of more than $314,800 seized Nov. 14, 2014. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Dickinson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $500,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

Michael L. Shelton, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged one with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession with of heroin with intent to distribute, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of possession of a stolen firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Oct. 21, 2014, in Clark County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Possession of heroin with intent to distribute: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million.
Possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, possession of a stolen firearm: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Curtis D. Wooten, II, 30, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of possession of a stolen firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 18, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

John P. Stark, 47, Great Bend, Kan., Kan., Deona L. McNutt, 24, Great Bend, Kan., Alyssa Dannebohm, 30, Hutchinson, Kan., and Keith M. Dannebohm, 22, Hutchinson, Kan. are charged with counterfeiting $100 bills. In the same case, Justin E. Herren, 30, Great Bent, Kan., is charged with one count of passing two $100 bills.

In addition, Stark is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and three counts of making counterfeit bills.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearms charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts.

The U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Joseph Anthony Ransom, 29, Ellis, Kan., and Carly Marie Dreiling, 21, Hays, Kan., are charged with one count of growing181 marijuana plants in the basement of their residence, one count of possessing 181 marijuana plants, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 25, 2014, in Ellis County, Kan.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug charges; and a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Pedro Garcia-Cordero, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found July 7, 2014, 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.

Teodoro Erasmo Luna, 53, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with three counts of making a false statement to the U.S. government, three counts of misusing a Social Security number, five counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of document fraud, one count of unlawful production of an identification document, one count of making a false statement on a passport application and one count of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 in Ford County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: False statement: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two-year sentence and a fine up to $250,000.
Document fraud: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The U.S. Department of State and Defense Security Services investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Antonio Perez-Vargas, 47, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with two counts of making false statements to the U.S. government.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General 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. – Two former officers of the Bel Aire Police Department were charged Tuesday in a federal indictment alleging that one of them devised a scheme to buy and sell firearms by falsely claiming the firearms were property of the Bel Aire Police Department and would be used for law enforcement purposes, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The second former officer is accused of trying to cover up the crime.

Nathan A. Mavia, 26, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of mail fraud. Mavia was a Bel Aire officer from Feb. 2012 to June 2014.

Robert S. McCaslin, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of making false statements during a federal investigation. McCaslin was a Bel Aire Officer from August 2007 to February 2014.

The indictment alleges that in order to buy firearms at reduced prices for personal use or resale Mavia devised a scheme to falsely certify that the firearms would be owned by the Bel Aire Police Department and would be used for law enforcement purposes. The indictment alleges:

• Mavia ordered three rifles from Sig Sauer, falsely certifying that they were being acquired for performing official duties, not for personal use. The order form was accompanied by a letter on police department letterhead, a form signed by the former chief of police in Bel Aire, a copy of Mavias’ police identification card and a cashier’s check. On Nov. 15, 2013, one of the rifles (a Sig Sauer Model 716 Patrol, 762 caliber) was delivered to the Bel Aire Police Department. Two other rifles were delivered to another location.

• On Jan. 29, 2014, the interim police chief in Bel Aire found an FNH, model PS90, 5.7X28 caliber rifle in the department armory. Department policy did not allow officers to carry such a firearm on duty. He contacted FNH and learned that two other PS90 rifles were purchased at the same time. The order for the guns was accompanied by a letter stating that the guns were being ordered for officers’ official duties, not for personal use or resale. The City of Bel Aire sent information to the Kansas Department of Revenue stating that the rifles were tax exempt because they were being purchased for the exclusive of the Bel Aire Police Department.

• On Dec. 20, 2013, McCaslin was interviewed by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. He stated that he understood the PS90 firearms were purchased for personal use. He said that Mavia and another officer each ordered one. He said he did not know who received the third PS90. During a second interview on Dec. 23, 2013, McCaslin stated the third PS90 possibly was sold to one of his friends. Investigators located a man who purchased a PS90 from a Bel Aire officer for $699. No ATF Form 4473 was completed for the purchase.

• The indictment alleges Mavia paid another officer for one of the PS90 rifles, knowing that the rifle was being purchased by the officer, and that Mavia did not complete the required ATF form. Mavia knew at the time of the purchase that police department policy did not allow officers to carry this type of firearm.

If convicted, Maria faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the mail fraud count; and McCaslin faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of making a false statement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal judge has found former Kansas City builder F. Jeffrey Miller violated the terms of his release from federal prison after hearing evidence Miller was involved in a new real estate scam, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Monday.

In a 16-page order dated Nov. 26, U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson cited evidence that Miller lied to his probation officer about his involvement with his son, Brandon, in a company called Tri-States Holding, LLC (TSH). She cited “substantial evidence about the fraudulent practices and transactions” by the company.

Miller, 53, will remain in custody awaiting sentencing. Miller was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering and criminal contempt. In August 2012, he was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. He began supervised release Jan. 10, 2014.

During sentencing hearings, prosecutors submitted evidence that Miller began planning the new business while he was in prison. He formed the new company with his 23-year-old son, Brandon. Although Brandon Miller was represented as the owner, his father controlled the company. The Millers claimed to be in business to buy, refurbish and sell houses. In fact, Judge Robinson said in her order, the business was engaged in a “contract for deed scam.”

The company purchased more than 40 houses at Jackson County, Mo., tax sales and then advertised the houses for sale to low-income people in the urban core of Kansas City. The company advertised home ownership for just $500 down, sweat equity of no more than $2,000 in the form of cosmetic repairs including painting and clean up, and then monthly payments of $399. The buyers signed contracts for purchase prices in the $35,000 range.

Prosecutors presented evidence the company failed to complete promised repairs, performing shoddy repairs or virtually no repairs at all and then harassed and threatened buyers who ceased to make payments.

Judge Robinson ruled Miller violated four conditions of his supervised release by:

• Controlling the new company even though he was prohibited from working in any capacity involving authority in financial matters.
• Telling his probation officer that that he was a mere laborer at the new company when in fact he controlled the company.
• Making false monthly reports to the probation office that he was not committing any federal crimes.
• Making threats of bodily harm to a woman who purchased a house from the new company.

 Miller is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 15 in U.S. District Court in Topeka.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A former manager of a credit union in Lawrence was sentenced Tuesday to three years on supervised release for embezzling from the company, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She was ordered to pay more than $173,600 in restitution.

Karolyn J. Stattelman, 43, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a credit union. In her plea, she admitted the crime took place while she was manager of the Jayhawk Federal Credit Union at 2901 Lakeview Road in Lawrence, Kan. She manipulated credit union accounts for money orders, share drafts, ATM and returned checks in order to conceal the thefts.

She also allowed co-defendant Christi Marie Hout, who was a teller, to write checks on Hout’s personal and business accounts when Hout did not have sufficient funds to cover them. Hout pleaded guilty to one count of theft of credit union funds. She is set for sentencing Jan. 7.

Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Monday to failing to report that a 17-year-old girl was working as a prostitute, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Brittany L. Morris, 25, Winfield, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. In her plea, she admitted that on April 11, 2013, she received a call from two officers working undercover who called in response to an advertisement on the Internet. Morris arranged for herself and a 17-year-old girl to meet the officers at a hotel off K-10 Highway near DeSoto, Kan., to exchange sex acts for money.

At the hotel, Morris told the officers the price would be $600 an hour. When Morris was arrested, officers learned that the girl with her was 17 years old. The girl admitted to working as a prostitute in New Orleans, Wichita and Kansas City with Morris. Both Morris and the girl posted advertisements on the Internet offering sexual services.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 18. Both parties agreed to recommend a sentence of between eight and 14 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A Smith County, Kan., man who tried unsuccessfully to suppress evidence gathered by Internet provider AOL was sentenced Monday to 170 months in federal prison for possessing and sending child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Walter E. Ackerman, 56, Lebanon, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. At sentencing, prosecutors said Ackerman possessed more than 750 sexually explicit images of prepubescent children.

In his plea, he admitted using AOL email to send child pornography to another user. The child pornography was detected by AOL using an automated image detection and filtering process that scans for malware, viruses and illegal images such as child pornography. AOL sent the information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which in turn notified the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in the Wichita/Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit (EMCU).

Ackerman’s attorney moved to suppress the email evidence on the grounds that the evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure with AOL and NECMEC acting as government investigators without a search warrant. U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren ruled that neither AOL nor NCMEC are state actors and the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable search and seizure does not apply to them.

Grissom commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Wichita/Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A seven-foot man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for robbing a Franklin County Bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on March 19, 2014, he robbed the Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona, Kan. During the robbery, he wore a black ninja mask belonging to a co-defendant’s son and carried a BB gun modified to make it look more like a real gun.

Investigators used surveillance photos and other information to identify Jeffcoat, who is seven feet tall. He was arrested two days after the robbery.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A professional hunting guide from Reno County pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday for violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Ryan Warden, 36, Haven, Kan., pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In his plea, he admitted the violations occurred while he was guiding two agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who were working undercover when they hired him. Warden was a co-owner of a guiding business called Misty Morning Outfitters with a business location at 109 South Kansas Street, Haven, Kan.

During the hunt, Warden shot a mourning dove from a motor vehicle, which is a violation. He also took one more than the daily bag limit of 15 mourning doves. He did not tag the birds when he took them back to the company’s lodge for storage.

Warden was sentenced to five years on probation, a fine of $2,500 and restitution of $5,000 to the state of Kansas. During probation he is prohibited from hunting, trapping, guiding or outfitting – as well as deriving any income from those activities. He also is prohibited from possessing firearms and archery equipment.

Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A LaCrosse woman pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $500,000 from the company where she worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Crystal Lynn Jones, 34, LaCrosse, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money. The crime occurred from 2008 to 2013 while she was officer manager for Teel’s Trucks at 1200 Vine Street in Hays, Kan. She wrote unauthorized checks from Teel’s company accounts at Commerce Bank and the Bank of Hays for her personal benefit. She also conducted transfers on the Automated Clearing House electronic network from Teel’s accounts for her own personal benefit. She hid the thefts by altering entries on the company’s accounting software and by forging checks.

Sentencing is set for March 2. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A hunter pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act when he and seven friends met in Kansas to hunt mourning doves, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

George Morgan, 52, Gordonville, Texas, was sentenced to a year on probation in which he is not allowed to hunt, fish or trap; a $2,000 fine; and $3,000 restitution to the state of Kansas.

Seven other hunters in the same party already pleaded guilty and were sentenced. The men admitted they violated the federal law protecting migratory birds when they participated in an annual opening weekend dove hunt in Graham County, Kan., on Sept. 1-2, 2013.

Morgan pleaded guilty to one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act classifies mourning doves as migratory game birds.

Morgan’s co-defendants included Daniel R. Dinkel, 63, Hill City, Kan.; Kent A. Webber, 52, Derby, Kan.; Evan Webber, 25, Derby, Kan.; Kenneth R. Beran, 67, Derby, Kan.; Clark Law, 57, Hill City, Kan.; Tracy D. Higgins, 54, El Dorado, Kan.; and John Kobler, 62, Topeka, Kan.

Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Friday to 12 years in federal prison for committing robberies at businesses in Topeka and Manhattan, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Christopher James Wilhoite, 26, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a robbery. In his plea, Wilhoite admitted that on March 29, 2014, he robbed a clerk at Car Toyz, 5849 S.W. 21st in Topeka. The store sells mobile audio, video and vehicle security systems.

Wilhoite entered the store, browsed for a few minutes, and told the clerk: “I know what I want – the money.” He took money from the register and from the clerk’s wallet before loading some electronic items into a bag. When he noticed a surveillance camera, he forced the clerk to show him the recorder and threw that in the bag, too. Then he fled the store. Investigators later found his fingerprints in the store.

Wilhoite also admitted that on April 16, 2014, he robbed the Dollar General at 2321 Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, Kan. He pointed a gun at a clerk and said: “Hey, I need money.” He put the clerk and another employee in a bathroom at gunpoint and told them to count to 200 while he fled the store.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who owns property in Jackson County, Kan., pleaded guilty Friday to violating the federal Clean Water Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Rodney Heinen, 38, Dawson, Neb., pleaded guilty to one count of discharging pollutants into a stream without a permit. In his plea, he admitted he caused earthen fill and wood debris to be placed in streams flowing through properties he owns in Jackson County.

A regulatory specialist with the Corps of Engineers discovered the violations on one of Heinen’s properties on Feb. 2, 2012. Heinen refused to allow the Corps of Engineers access to the property to make an environmental assessment. The violation affected several unnamed tributaries to Straight Creek, which drains into the Delaware River, which is classified as a Traditionally Navigable Water.

 In 2013, the Corps of Engineers found a similar violation on another property in Jackson County owned by Heinen. The violation affected two unnamed tributaries to North Cedar Creek, which drains into the Delaware River.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 6. The government is recommending a sentence of five years supervised probation and a fine between $20,000 and $150,000. The Environmental Protection Agency investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Federal indictments were returned Thursday charging that eight people who worked for Keebler Company in Kansas City, Kan., fraudulently received unemployment benefits, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

In September, similar indictments were filed against 16 people who worked for Keebler.

The new indictments allege that while working for Keebler each of the defendants received unemployment benefits by submitting false reports to the Kansas Department of Labor.

Defendants, who are charged in separate indictments with one count each of theft of government funds and one count of bank fraud, include the following:

Anthony Quiroga, Jr., 48, Shawnee, Kan., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $13,105.
Brian Parker, 51, Grandview, Mo., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $19,966.
Darren Coby, 52, Kansas City, Kan., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $10,824.
Darren Lewis, 46, Kansas City, Mo., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $11,100.
Jerry Jenkins, 51, Linwood, Kan., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $10,738.
Keith Holmes, 43, Kansas City, Mo., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $17,325.
Tammye Hill, 46, Kansas City, Mo., who is alleged to have fraudulently received $10,439.
Terry Richardson, 39, Kansas City, Mo., who is alleged to have received $10,682.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the theft of government funds, and a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the bank fraud charge. 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.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Enrique Torres-Sanchez, 36, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found Oct. 30, 2014, in Wyandotte 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 investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

Sajjad S. Chaudhry, 46; Saima Sajjad, 38; and Brian D. Parker, 47, are charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, food stamp fraud counts and wire fraud counts. Chaudhry also is charged with aggravated identity theft counts. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from May 2011 to March 2014 at the KC Gas Mart, 2859 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan. Chaudhry and his wife, Saima Sajjad, operated and managed the store.

The indictment alleges the defendants took part in fraudulent transactions in which employees of the store gave food stamp recipients cash instead of authorized food items at a rate of about 50 cents on the dollar.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Food stamp fraud: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Wire fraud: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years consecutive to other imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.

Dan Kelly, 45, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in September and November 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million on one count, and a penalty of not less than 5 years and a fine up to $2 million on the other count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Christopher S. Kemp, 31, is charged with escaping from a federal halfway house in Leavenworth, Kan., on Nov. 14, 2014.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley 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. - U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced today that the District of Kansas collected more than$11.4 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $5 million was collected in criminal actions and $6.4 million was collected in civil actions

“We work very hard to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. “Our collections in Fiscal Year 2014 almost equaled our office’s total direct budget of $11.9 million.”

On the national level, Attorney General Eric Holder announced today that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billionin civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014.The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.

“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”

Grissom said an investigation of a cancer clinic in Kansas this year was a good example of how his office recovers money for taxpayers. In April 2014, the Hope Cancer Institute, and Dr. Raj Sadasivan, agreed to pay $2.9 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare, Medicaid and the Federal Health Benefits Program for drugs and services that were not provided to the beneficiaries.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

          The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man from Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced Wednesday to 216 months in federal prison for trafficking crack cocaine near a playground in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Arrick Warren, 29, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Bethany Park playground in Kansas City, Kan., one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of the playground, and one count of maintaining a residence within 1,000 feet of the playground in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Warren initially was charged in June 2013 in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. A criminal complaint alleged investigators with the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department arranged to make two controlled buys of crack cocaine from Warren, who was dealing drugs from a residence at 1026 Reynolds Ave., in Kansas City, Kan. On Jan., 16, 2013, investigators served a search warrant at the house, where they seized drugs, more than $25,000 in cash and a .45 caliber pistol.

Grissom commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka postal employee was indicted Wednesday on a federal charge of stealing prescription medications from the mail, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Terry D. Ricley, 44, Burlingame, Kan., who worked sorting mail at the Topeka Post Office North Station, was charged with one count of theft by a postal employee. The indictment alleged he stole Hydrocodone and Tramadol being delivered by mail.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service - OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Daeshawn Lavar Bryant, 19, who is in custody in the Riley County Jail, is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to a robbery of a commercial business. The indictment alleges that on April 16, 2014, he provided assistance to a person who committed a robbery.

In September, Christopher James Wilhoite pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a robbery. It is alleged Bryant aided and abetted Wilhoite in connection with an April 16, 2014, robbery at the Dollar General store at 2321 Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, Kan.

If convicted, Bryant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Riley County Police Department, the Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

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

WICHITA, KAN. – Seven hunters in Kansas pleaded guilty and were sentenced Wednesday for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The men admitted they violated the federal law protecting migratory birds when they participated in an annual opening weekend dove hunt in Graham County, Kan., on Sept. 1-2, 2013.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act classifies mourning doves as migratory game birds. It classifies owls as migratory non-game birds. Restrictions on hunting mourning doves include a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of three times the daily bag limit.

PLEAS

Defendants pleading and sentenced were:

Daniel R. Dinkel, 63, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Kent A. Webber, 52, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
Evan Webber, 25, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
Kenneth R. Beran, 67, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Clark Law, 57, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Tracy D. Higgins, 54, El Dorado, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
John Kobler, 62, Topeka, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.

Another defendant, George Morgan, 52, Gordonville, Texas, who is charged with one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, is set for a change of plea hearing Nov. 24.

SENTENCES

Dinkel, Kobler, Law and Beran were sentenced to a year on probation in which they are not allowed to hunt, fish or trap, a $2,000 fine, and $3,000 restitution to the state of Kansas.

Kent Weber, Evan Weber and Higgins were sentenced to two years on probation in which they are not allowed to hunt, fish or trap, a $2,000 fine and $5,000 restitution.

Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

WICHITA, KAN.- A man from Nevada was sentenced Tuesday to 135 months in federal prison after being stopped in June with 80 pounds of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Tomas Serrato-Jaimes, 31, Las Vegas, Nev., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped his car June 20, 2014, on Interstate 70 near Hays, Kan. Investigators found 80 pounds of methamphetamine and 11 pounds of cocaine in the car.

Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A man from Arizona was sentenced Tuesday to 37 months in federal prison after being stopped with almost 100 kilograms of marijuana in his car, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Pilar Angel Leon-Beltran, 35, Tucson, Ariz., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. In his plea, he admitted that on Dec. 30, 2013, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a car in which he was a passenger in Ellis County, Kan. In the Chevrolet Impala, officers found 10 bales of marijuana with a gross weight of 101.76 kilograms, including packing. Leon-Beltran fled on foot when the car stopped. He was arrested about three hours later.

The parties agreed that the net weight of the marijuana without packing was less than 100 kilograms but more than 80 kilograms. The vehicle in which the defendant was riding had been rented the day before in Denver.

Co-defendant Crystal Amarillas-Norzagaray, 23, Tucson, Ariz., is set for sentencing Nov. 24.
Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A Texas man was sentenced Wednesday to 75 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Felipe Balleza, 49, Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him Oct. 28, 2013, in Thomas County, Kan. Investigators found 4.9 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the dash behind the glove compartment of the 2005 Dodge Ram Balleza was driving.

Co-defendant Alberto Vergara-Manzo of Lynwood, Calif.,was sentenced to 108 months.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years and a month in federal prison for a robbery at a bank in Shawnee, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Scott Thario, 22, Lee’s Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

A grand jury indictment filed in December 2013 alleged that on Dec. 16, 2013, Thario robbed Intrust Bank at 19501 West 65th Terrace in Shawnee, Kan. The indictment alleged he was carrying a short-barreled shotgun during the robbery.

Grissom commended the Shawnee Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Topeka store clerk was indicted here Wednesday on federal charges of aiding and abetting an armed robbery and carjacking at the store where he worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Ahmad Salim Salti, 20, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of aiding and abetting armed robbery, one count of aiding and abetting carjacking and one count of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the robbery.

The indictment alleged that Salti aided and abetted a Sept. 16, 2014, armed robbery and carjacking at the Low Cost Plus convenience store at 3101 S.E. 6th Avenue in Topeka.

In September, Pattrick J. Towner, 24, Topeka, Kan., was indicted on one count of armed robbery and one count of carjacking. According to court documents, on Sept. 16, 2014, Towner held at gunpoint a technician who was working on the ATM in the Low Cost Plus convenience store. Towner forced the technician to give him the keys to a Ford Freestar van containing cash used for restocking ATMs. Then Towner fled with the van.

If convicted, Salti faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the carjacking 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 Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Leo Jimenez, 25, Adelanto, Calif., and Monica Sarenana, 25, Chino Hills, Calif., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 5 kilograms of methamphetamine, and one count each of traveling from California to Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Nov. 6, 2014, in Ellis County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million.
Interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Briand L. Welch, 33, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on a premises where children reside and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 22, 2013, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug charges and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Charles Taylor, 43, Wichita, Kan., is charged with escaping from federal custody at Mirror Inc., Incorporated, which is a halfway-house at 3820 N. Toben in Wichita. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 22, 2014.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

David E. Parker, 27, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in October 2013 and July 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

Toni R. Beerbower, 40, Redfield, Kan., is charged with one count of theft of federal funds and three counts of making false statements. The indictment alleges she fraudulently received more than $150,000 from the Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program that provides benefits to eligible survivors of U.S. military service members who die in the line of duty or from a military service related injury or disease. The crime is alleged to have occurred from April 2001 to September 2014 in Bourbon County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the theft charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Veterans Administration - Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Francisco Guadalupe Banuelas-Carpio, 30, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Oct. 22, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

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

 Brandon Thomas Finnesy, 25, Plainsville, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 7, 2014, in Ellis 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 Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Lamont Alfonzo Ward, Jr., 24, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 8, 2013, in Geary County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on the drug charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and a penalty of not less than five years on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Junction City Police Department and 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.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri tax preparer was sentenced Monday to 51 months in federal prison for preparing false income tax returns resulting in a total tax loss of more than $316,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Cynthia M. Raymond, Jackson, Mo., pleaded guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns and one count of aggravated identity theft. In her plea, she admitted submitting approximately 98 false tax returns under the names of 36 clients for the tax years 2007 through 2010. Her clients were not aware that she prepared returns including false deductions for business losses, charitable contributions, unreimbursed business expenses, medical expenses and false tax credits including education and residential energy credits.

She filed the returns electronically and provided her clients with different tax returns than she filed with the IRS. She routinely directed the Internal Revenue Service to deposit part of the refund to her clients’ accounts and to deposit the rest of the refund into her personal account.
Grissom commended IRS-Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A man and a woman who operated massage parlors in Topeka were sentenced in federal court here Friday for running a prostitution business, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Yong Jin Zhang, 56, Topeka, Kan., and Yu Lan Su, 50, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to time served and a year on supervised release. They were arrested

 Zhang and Su pleaded guilty to one count of transporting women in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution. In his plea, Zhang admitted the crime occurred while he and Su were operating Life Long Foot Massage at 5620 SW 29th Street in Topeka and JJ’s Massage at 1107 SW Gage in Topeka. Working undercover, a detective with the Topeka Police Department posed as a customer and arranged for an Asian female employee of Life Long Foot Massage to perform a sexual act. The employee was a citizen of China who was in the United States unlawfully. The defendants were aware employees were performing sex acts with customers.

Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Federal charges were filed Thursday in a Lenexa bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Donald Rucks, 42, was charged with one count of bank robbery. Rucks is accused of robbing the Arvest Bank in Lenexa on Nov. 4, 2014. Investigators alleged he entered the bank and was talking on a cell phone for several minutes before giving a teller a note saying, “BE QUIET, 100s, 50s and 20s PLEASE.” He put the money in the pocket of the white hoodie sweatshirt he was wearing and fled with the money.

After surveillance footage from the bank was made public, police received tips leading them to Rucks. He was arrested Nov. 5 in Olathe, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Olathe Police Department and the FBI investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in federal prison for computer fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Ryan Cauble, 41, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud. In his plea, he admitted he committed the crime while he worked for G.E. Consumer Finance, a saving and loan holding company with an office in Merriam, Kan. Cauble sent an email to a vice president of the company claiming there was a security breach and credit card numbers of the company’s customers had been compromised. The email – sent from an address of optimuscrime44@tormail.org – included 20 credit card numbers. The email stated, “If you want to identify the person who is responsible, message me immediately to discuss compensation for the information.”

A review of the 20 account numbers confirmed that there were fraudulent ATM transactions on those accounts in New York and California. Cauble used various employee credentials to login to the company’s databases and transfer account numbers and information including customers’ names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers in exchange for Bitcoins. He told investigators he sold the account numbers in batches of 40 for $1,000. He said that over time he sold 250 to 300 account numbers.

Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – Eight Kansas hunters were charged in federal court here Tuesday with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

A criminal complaint alleged the men violated the federal law protecting migratory birds when they participated in an annual opening weekend dove hunt in Graham County, Kan., on Sept. 1-2, 2013.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act classifies mourning doves as migratory game birds. It classifies owls as migratory non-game birds. Restrictions on hunting mourning doves include a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of twice the daily bag limit.

Charged are:

Daniel R. Dinkel, 63, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Kent A. Webber, 52, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
Evan Webber, 25, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
George Morgan, 52, Gordonville, Texas, one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Kenneth R. Beran, 67, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Clark Law, 57, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
Tracy D. Higgins, 54, El Dorado, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
John Kobler, 62, Topeka, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of six months in prison on each count and a fine up to $15,000. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for selling stolen firearms, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Joshua S. Bailes, 32, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of stolen firearms. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 16, 2012, he and two co-defendants sold a total of four firearms to undercover agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On Aug. 21, 2012, Bailes and one co-defendant sold a total of 17 firearms to undercover ATF agents. It was determined later that the firearms were stolen. Among the firearms Bailes sold were handguns, rifles and shotguns. At the time of the crime, Bailes was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a prior convicted felon.

Co-defendant Richard Fisher was sentenced to 15 years. Co-defendant Vincent Leuzinger was sentenced to 70 months.

Grissom commended the ATF and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Wichita chiropractor was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison for defrauding health care insurers, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He also was ordered to pay restitution of more than $1.8 million.

Jeffrey D. Fenn, 33, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of tax evasion. In his plea, he admitted that from March 2011 to October 2013 he executed a health care fraud scheme through his businesses, including Wichita Health and Wellness, Fenn Chiropractic, P.A. and Wichita Pain Associates, P.A. Fenn submitted false claims to Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas and Coventry Health Care of Kansas, Inc., and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Chiropractors have a limited scope of practice. They are not allowed to perform injections, dispense drugs or supervise ARNPs and physicians. Fenn developed what he called an “integrated practice,” hiring physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners and physical therapists and ostensibly having them perform procedures he was not qualified to perform. He misrepresented to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts that medical doctors had an ownership in his clinic. He used the names of physicians he employed to submit false claims for services.

Fenn fraudulently billed for nerve conduction tests, nerve block injections, subcutaneous infiltrate proceedings, fine needle aspirations and ultrasound procedures.

He also made fraudulent claims for business and personal income taxes. For example, he claimed a $9,400 business expense for purchasing a server. In fact, he spent the money to make a down payment on a residential lot in Wichita. He claimed a $15,100 expense for advertising. In fact he used the money to make a down payment on a ski boat.

Grissom commended Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A man from Crawford County, Kan., was sentenced Monday to 41 months in federal prison for receiving millions of dollars in refunds based on filing false federal tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution of more than $4 million.

Jerold D. Fisher, 49, Arma, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false federal tax return. In his plea, he admitted that from 2006 to 2009, while he was a registered agent for Fisher Alfalfa Farms, he prepared false federal tax returns both for himself and for his mother in order to receive tax refunds that were not owed to them.

In 2006, he started to test the tax system by filing false income tax returns claiming Fisher Alfalfa Farms had withheld taxes from his wages and paid them to the federal treasury. As a result, he fraudulently received a refund of $17,175. As he continued to fraudulently receive tax refunds without being detected, he increased the amount of his claims. By 2009, he fraudulently claimed withholding of more than $3.8 million on income of more than $8 million.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A bank employee was dragged by the hair during an armed robbery at a bank in Overland Park, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Friday.

Clifton B. Cloyd, 53, and Steven A. Watts, 54, were charged with one count of bank robbery and one count each of brandishing a firearm during the robbery.

A criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleged Cloyd and Watts were arrested Oct. 29 as they fled with money they stole from the Bank of America at 9500 Mission in Overland Park, Kan.

The affidavit alleges that during the robbery:

• Five bank employees and a customer where held at gunpoint.
• Cloyd, who was carrying a handgun, grabbed one of the bank employees and pulled her by the hair and scarf to the teller station. He struck her in the face three times with a handgun.
• Cloyd struck a customer so hard her glasses flew off and she was knocked to the floor.
• Cloyd struck a male bank employee with such force that his head started bleeding.
• Watts pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded she open the safe.

If convicted, the defendants face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than 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, the Prairie Village Police Department, the Leawood Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal prosecutor will be on duty during election day to respond promptly to complaints of possible election fraud and voting rights violations in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
                                                                
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton will be available to the public at 913-551-6730 while the polls are open on Nov. 4.

“Anyone who has evidence of possible electoral corruption or voting rights abuses should call my office immediately,” Grissom said.

Grissom said he does not expect any problems during the voting, but warned that there are penalties under federal law for any efforts to fraudulently influence the outcome of the election or to improperly prevent another person from exercising the right to vote.

As the lawyer in the Kansas U.S. Attorney’s Office responsible for election matters, Patton will join other federal prosecutors across the nation as part of the election-day program of the U.S. Department of Justice. They will be responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department headquarters.

The FBI’s Kansas City Field Office will also have Special Agents available to receive allegations of election fraud, intimidation, suppression, and other election abuses.  The public can provide information regarding possible election crimes to the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office’s toll-free hotline, 1-855-527-2847, or email kcpctip@ic.fbi.gov .

Citizen complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax at 202-307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov, or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

Any questions involving state or local issues may be referred to the Elections Division of the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office at 785-296-4561 or 1-800-262-8683, or to the pertinent county election office.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence, Kan., man was indicted Wednesday on a federal charge of distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Tyler B. Padden, 33, Lawrence, Kan., was charged with one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred on May 1 and May 2, 2013, in Douglas County, Kan.

The indictment alleges he used peer-to-peer software and a computer connected to the Internet to distribute child pornography.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years on the distribution charge, 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 Kim Martin is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Paxton L. Graves, 25, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 16, 2014, in Mission, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

Stephen Loren Clark, 42, is charged with one count of failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The indictment alleges that he traveled to Kansas where he did not register. The indictment alleges he had been convicted in St. Charles County, Mo., on a charge of rape.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshall Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.

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

WICHITA, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak on the fifth anniversary of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crime Prevention Act Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Wichita State University.

Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Protecting Our Communities Against Violence and Bigotry.” The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 209 of Hubbard Hall at Wichita State University

Five years ago, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. Written as a response to the brutal murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., the act makes it a federal crime to injure anyone because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Grissom will talk about how the act marked a new milestone in the pursuit of the goal of equal justice for all.

The School of Community Affairs at Wichita State University is hosting the free event.

Grissom was appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2010. The U.S. Attorney has three offices in Kansas – Kansas City, Kan., Topeka and Wichita – and a staff of approximately 100 employees, including about 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison on a carjacking charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Shaun Lee Kendall, 29, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking. In his plea, Kendall admitted that on Jan. 29, 2014, he and a co-defendant threatened a driver with violence in order to steal a 1999 Dodge Dakota truck.

Co-defendant Michael Richard Wilkins is set for sentencing Dec. 15.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. - A man pleaded guilty Monday to stealing public funds from the Army’s family and morale fund at Ft. Riley, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Michael Steffens, 59, Junction City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of stealing public money. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was a business manager at Ft. Riley for the U.S. Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program (MWR). The fund provides programs and services to soldiers and their families.

Steffens managed the change fund, which consisted of non-appropriated funds generated from MWR sponsored programs and activities. From August 2013 through August 2014, he stole approximately $62,000 in cash and coins.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 9. Both parties have agreed to recommend two years’ probation and restitution in an amount yet to be determined. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The former technology director for the City of Lenexa pleaded guilty Monday to a federal wire fraud charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Andrew L. Davey, 44, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred from 2010 to 2012 while he was the director of technology for the City of Lenexa. After he left the city to take another job, city officials discovered he had purchased numerous electronic devices, such as iPads, computers, digital cameras and televisions which he gave to friends, traded for other merchandise or services, or sold on eBay and kept the proceeds.

For instance, he gave iPads to members of his church, and traded an iPad to another city employee for wheels and tires. The other employee was not aware the iPad belonged to the city. He gave his mother a 50-inch television and iPad that were purchased with city funds. He told her the equipment was obsolete and the city no longer needed it.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 20. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 12 months and a day in prison and restitution of approximately $103,677. Grissom commended the Lenexa Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – Three defendants were convicted on drug charges Thursday during a federal jury trial in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Convicted were:

Raymond Alcorta, 41, Downey, Calif., one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Adrienne Lopez, 27,Pico Rivera, Calif., one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Angela Marie Lopez, 35, El Monte, Calif., one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine,and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

During trial before U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Crabtree, prosecutors presented evidence that Adrienne and Angela Lopez were arrested June 21, 2013, in Seward County, Kan., when they were caught hauling approximately four pounds of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Kansas City. Subsequent investigation tied them to Alcorta, who headed the drug trafficking organization.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 9, 2014. They face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million. Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday in federal court here on a charge of robbing a convenience store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Wesley Lavern Harris, 25, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of robbery. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 25, 2014, he robbed the Kwik Shop at 102 S.W. 37th Street in Topeka. He is alleged to have stolen cash and Kansas Lottery tickets.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 Ramiro Madrigal, 19, Kansas City, Kan., and Armando Rodriguez, Jr., 19, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count each of traveling from Nevada to Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Oct. 15, 2014, in Thomas County, Kan.

 If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million on each of the first two counts and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the third count. The Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. - A man pleaded guilty Monday to an armed robbery at a Wendy’s restaurant in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
George Christopher Walton, Jr., 37, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. In his plea he admitted that on Aug. 4, 2014, he entered the Wendy’s restaurant at 728 S.W. Topeka Blvd. dressed all in black, wearing a mask and brandishing a firearm. He demanded cash from the register and then fled with the money.

Walton got into a car driven by his daughter and co-defendant Tashaun Desanic Walton. Police chased the car for several minutes before it stopped and Walton jumped out. He was captured a short while later in a residential area.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 26. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 84 months in federal prison.

His daughter, co-defendant Tashaun Desanic Walton, is set for a change of plea hearing Nov. 3.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man who owned Chinese restaurants in Olathe and Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to employ and harbor workers who were in the United States illegally, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Three other defendants also pleaded guilty to federal charges.

The following defendants entered guilty pleas:

Wei Liu, 41, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain. He was the owner of Wei’s Super Buffet on South Strang Line Road in Olathe, Kan., as well as Wei’s Super Buffet No. 2 on Wornall Road in Kansas City, Mo.
Xiang Liu, 36, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to agents of the Department of Homeland Security. She was Wei Liu’s wife, and she helped manage the business.
Huiqing Liu, 25, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud. She is Wei Liu’s sister.
Bin Liu, 40, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to agents of the Department of Homeland Security. He lived at Wei Liu’s residence in Olathe.

A fourth defendant, Huiming Liu, 43, was sentenced Monday to time served, which was approximately 10 months. She pleaded guilty to one count of failing to depart from the United States after being ordered to do so. She is Wei Liu’s sister.

In his plea, Wei Liu admitted that he employed at least 12 illegal aliens at his two restaurants. He paid them in cash and provided housing for them without charging them for the housing.

The defendants, who will be scheduled for sentencing at a later date, are facing the following penalties:

Wei Liu faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Xiang Liu faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Huiqing Liu faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Bin Liu faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Grissom commended the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Department of Labor, the Missouri Department of Labor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – The former city clerk of Auburn, Kan., was sentenced Friday to one year and a day in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $189,500 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Alice Riley, 61, Mayetta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds. In her plea she admitted the crime occurred beginning in 2009 while she was city clerk of Auburn, Kan., a town of 1,200 in Shawnee County. She issued duplicate payroll checks to herself and other unauthorized checks which she deposited into her personal accounts. She covered up the embezzlement by creating false entries in the city’s books and bank statements.

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

WICHITA, KAN. – A former civilian employee at McConnell Air Force Base pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzling more than $54,000 in public funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Deidra N. Sanders, 44, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred between March 2013 and April 2014 while she worked as a deputy dispersing officer for the U.S. Air Force at McConnell. In her position, she had access to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Fund. She stole a total of $54,348 from the fund.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 6. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the U.S. Air Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Tuesday to 92 months in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Michael Ortega-Alvarez, 46, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, Ortega-Alvarez admitted that on April 29, 2014, he met a Wichita police officer, who was working undercover, at a Quick Trip at 6011 W. Central and sold him an ounce of methamphetamine for $1,100.

On May 6, 2014, Wichita police stopped Ortega-Alvarez’s truck at 3100 E. 31st South. Police found a pound of methamphetamine in a red and white cooler in the truck. In addition, they found two bags of methamphetamine that weighed about a pound each hidden in a brown pillow in the truck. An additional pound of methamphetamine was located at his residence.

Co-defendant Manuel Bencomo-Rodriguez is set for sentencing Jan. 5.

Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – An Oklahoma man who was stopped with a pound of heroin hidden in the car pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal drug charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Nestor D. Duenas-Vazquez, 26, Glenpool, Okla., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, he admitted that on June 26, 2014, a Wichita police officer stopped a car in which Duenas-Vazquez was a passenger. In the trunk, officers found a bucket of detergent with a broken seal. Hidden in the detergent they found a package containing 496 grams (more than a pound) of heroin.

Investigators learned that Duenas-Vazquez was on the way back to Oklahoma after traveling to Denver to obtain the heroin.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 5. He faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years. Co-defendant Kyndal Upson is set for sentencing Dec. 8.

Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to operating a prostitution business, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Saundra J. Lacy, 60, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in interstate commerce in furtherance of prostitution. In her plea, she admitted Jessie’s Primetime Entertainment was a prostitution business that employed at least 20 women escorts. Customers would pay $160 for a half-hour date or $185 for an hour date with an escort. During dates, escorts engaged in sexual contact customers.

Lacy accepted cash, credit card and checks for escort services. The credit card transactions were processed by Merrick Bank in Utah. Payment was deposited into her account at Bank of America in Wichita.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 29. Both parties have agreed to recommend 24 months on federal probation. Grissom commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

Indictment: Former Official Made $300,000
In Unauthorized Agriculture Disaster Payments

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former Farm Service Agency director in Sumner County was indicted Wednesday on a charge of making $306,000 in agriculture disaster payments to applicants who had been denied approval for the money, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
         
Ellen A. Love, 51, Argonia, Kan., was charged with one count of unlawfully conveying federal funds. The indictment alleges the crime occurred while she worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Executive Director of the Sumner County Farm Service Agency (FSA). The Sumner County FSA Service Center is located in Wellington, Kan.

The USDA provides assistance to farm producers who have suffered losses as a result of agricultural disasters. One program USDA administers is the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). To be approved, applicants must have suffered significant crop losses in a disaster-designated county and they must have had crop insurance through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

Applications for SURE are reviewed by the FSA County Office Committee. The indictment alleges that in June 2013 Love processed payments to four applicants even though they had been disapproved for failing to meet SURE crop insurance requirements.
She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Ernest Opuku Acheampong, 44, is charged with making false statements in order to obtain U.S. citizenship. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 29, 2004, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

The indictment alleges he falsely stated he had never been deported. In fact, in 1994 he had applied for asylum under another name and been denied.  He was ordered deported, but failed to leave the United States.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Adina Aguilar-Miranda, 25, Denver, Colo., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 23, 2014, in Ellis County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million on the charge of possession with intent to distribute, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Justin Russell Bennett, 29, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of unlawfully using a VISA card, one count of unlawfully possessing a machine to make credit cards, and one count of unlawful possession of credit cards. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 22, 2014, in Sherman County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the cocaine charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years and fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful use of a credit card, a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawfully possessing a machine to make credit cards, and a mandatory two years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawfully using a credit card. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Laron Walker, 30, Gladstone, Mo., is charged with one count of escaping from custody from the Grossman Community Corrections Center, a halfway house in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 17, 2014.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Jose Luis Hernandez-Hernandez, 37, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Kansas City, Kan., is charged with four counts of transferring a false identification document and four counts of possessing a false identification document, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May, June, August and September 2014 in Wyandotte County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Transferring a false identification document: Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Possessing a false identification document: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Unlawfully re-entering the United States: A maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.

Manuel Ramirez-Cuevas, 47, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with 10 counts of transferring false identification documents, and 10 counts of making false immigration documents. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July and August 2014 in Wyandotte County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of transferring false documents, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of making false documents.

          Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley 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 Beloit man pleaded guilty Thursday to defrauding a bank in Ottawa County, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Matthew R. Shurts, 42, Beloit, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted he provided false information when he applied for a loan from the Bank of Tescott. On July 19, 2013, he showed representatives of the bank 71 cows, 71calves and eight bulls the he claimed were his and would serve as collateral on his loan. In fact, he owned only 17 cows and 17 calves among those he showed the representatives of the bank.

On Aug. 1, 2013, he filed a financial statement with the bank representing that he had 70 cow/calf pairs and six bulls worth a total of $152,000. In fact, he had 13 cow/calf pairs valued at a total of $26,000. In December 2013 he told bank representatives he had sold cattle and would be paying off some of his loan. He wrote a check for $53,000 that did not have sufficient funds on account to clear.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 22. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Manhattan woman pleaded guilty Monday to taking part in a marriage fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jacqueline Michaelle Reed, 48, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. In her plea, Reed, who is a United States Citizen, admitted she entered into a marriage contract with co-defandant Yun Chiu for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws. Chiu was a foreign national who was seeking lawful permanent residency status in this country. Their arrangement was part of a conspiracy led by Quong Bow Low, who was paid for helping aliens seek residency. Low’s fees covered such services as coaching the defendants as to how to answer questions during an immigration interview so that officials would believe the couple had entered in a valid marriage.

Reed and Chiu submitted fraudulent paperwork to immigration authorities, including a marriage license that never was filed with the state of Kansas, as well as a false declaration they were in a valid marriage and resided together at the same address in Lawrence, Kan.

Reed is set sentencing Jan. 12. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Co-defendants include: Yun Chiu is set for trial Nov. 12.
Quong Bow Low is set for sentencing Nov. 14.

Grissom commended the Department of Homeland Security and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.