District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – Three Topeka men were indicted Wednesday on federal gun charges in unrelated cases, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Courtney Douglas Grayson, 32, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. He was convicted in 2013 in Shawnee County on a felony charge of criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building. The gun crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 29, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan.

Lamont T. Keeling, 37, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .357 caliber revolver and ammunition after felony convictions. His previous convictions include felony vehicular burglary in 2008 in Shawnee County and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2012 in Shawnee County.

Lenard Ramirez, Jr., 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. He was convicted in 2005 in Pottawatomie County on a felony charge of sale of narcotics. The gun crime is alleged to have occurred April 3, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan.

 If convicted, each of the defendants faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The ATF Violent Crimes Task Force and the Topeka Police Department investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Jermaine A. Rayton, 31, Topeka, is charged with one count of possessing a .45 caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (possession with intent to distribute cocaine). The crime is alleged to have occurred April 29, 2014, in Topeka, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years. 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.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri man pleaded guilty Monday to a robbery in December 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.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 5. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Grissom commended the Shawnee Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man pleaded guilty Wednesday to 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.

WICHITA, KAN. – A former employee of Cabela’s in Wichita was indicted Tuesday on charges of stealing ammunition and other merchandise from the store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Garrett T. Alley, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession of stolen merchandise and one count of possession of stolen ammunition. The indictment alleges that from December 2012 to July 2013, Alley stole merchandise including clothing, optics and binoculars worth more than $5,000 from the Cabela’s store where he worked at 2427 N. Greenwich Road. It also alleges he stole 3,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, 1,000 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition, and 250 rounds of 28 gauge ammunition.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Deandre A. Freeman, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. An affidavit filed in the case alleges that on April 14, 2014, Wichita police responded to a report of a disturbance in the street in the 6400 block of East Cottonwood. Witnesses said they saw Freeman beat a woman with a gun and fire shots at an unidentified man who tried to stop him.

If convicted, Freeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Kelly Tunnell, 42, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and April 2014 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 drug count and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Ernesto Romo, 48, Wichita, Kan., is charged with eight counts of distributing methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013 and 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on each count. The Sedgwick County Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Jose Ambriz-Lara, 20, El Monte, Calif., and Magellan Jimenez, 19, El Monte, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 11, 2014, in Thomas County, Kan.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Jose Manuel Penuelas-Valenzuela is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 27, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan. The government is seeking forfeiture of $15,000 seized from the defendant.

 If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

 Jose Macario Mendoza-Saldivar, 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found April 10, 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 Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Miguel Soltero-Marin, 39, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of immigration documents, two counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of misusing a Social Security number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at various times from 2002 to 2014 in Finney County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Unlawful possession of immigration documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two-year sentence and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Homeland Security Investigations 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.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A woman was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison in a federal drug trafficking case from Salina, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Abigail Torres Soto, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In April 2013, Soto was indicted along with co-defendants Jon Reed Woodbridge, 23, and Delaine Rae Romeo, 48, Salina, Kan. The indictment alleged that beginning in January 2013 the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Saline County, Kan.

In June 2013, Romeo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted that on Feb. 7, 2013, agents with the drug task force based in Salina executed a search warrant at the Koyotee lounge in Salina and seized more than $6,000 in cash, marijuana, methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Agents had made three controlled buys of methamphetamine from the Koyotee lounge. Romeo admitted that she had been receiving methamphetamine from Soto to sell.

Co-defendants include: Jon Reed Woodbridge, who was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
Delaine Rae Romeo, who was sentenced to 41 months.

Grissom commended the 1-70/I-35 Drug Task Force, the Salina Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing a local bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

John Lee Cline, 49, Halstead, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. At the hearing, prosecutors told the judge that on Jan. 21, 2014, Cline robbed the Intrust Bank located in the Dillon’s store at 3932 West 13th in Wichita. He handed the teller a note that read: “All of the $ out of your drawr (sic), no questions asked no dye paks (sic) everyone will be fine!!! No alarms!” He left the bank in a maroon, four-door car.

He was arrested several days later after he was identified from bank surveillance photos.

THUTCHINSON, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak at the NAACP’s Law Day event on Thursday, May 1, at Hutchinson Community College.

Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Law Enforcement, Equal Justice and Equal Opportunity.” The presentation will begin at 6:45 p.m. on May 1 in the Shears Technology Center on the Hutchinson Community College campus.

Grissom was appointed by President Barack Obama 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.

EL DORADO, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak to the Butler County Bar Association on Friday, May 2, at Butler Community College.

Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Law Enforcement, Equal Justice and Equal Opportunity.” The presentation will begin at noon at the Hubbard Welcome Center, Building 2000, 901 S. Haverhill in El Dorado on the Butler Community College Campus.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to a year and a day for making a bomb, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Joseph E. Rogers, 36, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of making a destructive device. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 12, 2012, officers of the Topeka Police Department stopped him and co-defendant Kyle C. Roe. Roe was immediately taken into custody on an active felony warrant. Roe told police that he had a bomb in his pocket.

When Rogers was interviewed, he told investigators that he had constructed explosive devices for the entertainment value. Rogers talked about using PVC pipe, wrapped in tape and filled with smokeless powder removed from ammunition.

Co-defendant Kyle C. Roe was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.

Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 37 months in federal prison on a federal firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Kalun James Purucker, 22, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. In his plea, he admitted that the Salina Police Department stopped a car in which he was a passenger on April 9, 2012. Police recovered a .380 caliber handgun and ammunition. At the time, Purucker was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.

Grissom commended the Salina Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

        WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita restaurant owner and his wife were sentenced Monday for harboring a Chinese girl who worked at their restaurant, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

        The owner, Yong “Tony” Lin, 33, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to two years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to harboring an alien unlawfully in the United States. His wife, Zhuo Mei “Mandy” Weng, 29, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to one year on probation. She pleaded guilty to hiding the crime. Both charges are federal felonies.

        As part of their guilty pleas, the couple agreed to forfeit about $8,000 in cash seized by Homeland Security agents investigating the case. The money will go to employees who are owed back wages.

        In September 2013, the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) received a report that a minor teenager from China was being housed with other restaurant workers at a west Wichita apartment complex and that she also was employed at the World Buffet Grill, 2243 N. Ridge Road. With the assistance of the Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, EMCU confirmed the reports and was able to place the minor elsewhere.

        An indictment was filed in the case Sept. 11 alleging that Lin and Weng harbored and employed at least three restaurant employees they knew were unlawfully in the United States. They often paid the employees in cash, failed to follow wage and hour guidelines, and failed to maintain I-9 employment eligibility verification forms, according to the indictment.

        Grissom commended the EMCU, the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Manhattan woman who worked in a doctor’s office was sentenced Monday to two years on federal probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Sarah Harding-Huffine, 30, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs. In her plea, she admitted that she conspired with co-defendant Dr. Michael P. Schuster while he was doing business as Manhattan Pain and Spine and New Medical Group PC at 1135 Westport Drive in Manhattan, Kan. Although the defendant was not a licensed health care provider and she did not have a drug registration number from the Drug Enforcement Administration, she distributed controlled substances to Schuster’s patients using pre-signed blank prescription pads.

She distributed controlled substances including Oxycodone to patients while Schuster was out of the office at various times traveling to Russia, South Africa, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Israel, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Co-defendant Michael P. Schuster pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

Grissom commended the Riley County Police Department; the FBI; the Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who has been living in Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. His sentence will be followed by 10 years on supervised release.

Bryan Shuck, 32, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In his plea, he admitted that he was convicted on a charge of deviate sexual assault on July 27, 2004, in Shelby County, Mo. He later registered at an address in Missouri. In May 2013, investigators determined that he was living and working in Kansas City, Kan., without registering in Kansas.

Grissom commended the U.S. Marshals Service, the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Ft. Riley man has pleaded guilty to making false material statements to the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant agreed to pay $71,734 in restitution to the SSA and an additional $250 to the United States Treasury for a stimulus payment he was not entitled to receive.

James Scott Nickerson, 37, Ft. Riley, Kan., pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of making a false official statement to a federal agency. In his plea, he admitted he was paid a total of $71,734 in disability benefits by the Social Security Administration that he was not eligible to receive. Beginning in October 2009, Nickerson applied for disability benefits under the Wounded Warrior Program. He claimed he was unable to work because of “organic mental disorders” he developed while serving a deployment in Iraq.

While receiving disability benefits, he worked full time for the Army doing various duties, including serving as a platoon sergeant while he claimed to be disabled. He also supervised other soldiers during this period. Nickerson attempted to conceal his actual work activity from SSA by claiming he worked no more than 20 hours a week. On three separate occasions, the defendant completed Work Activity Reports, documents used by SSA to determine if a beneficiary is eligible for disability benefits. On each of these occasions he was asked to identify his supervisors so that SSA could verify his work activity. On all three occasions, he identified persons other than his supervisors. In the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on a Work Activity Report he completed on Sept. 6, 2010, he falsely reported to SSA that one of his subordinates was his supervisor. He admitted that this was a false material statement to a federal agency. 

Sentencing is set for September 8, 2014. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A law school graduate who operated a non-profit business pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to launder drug money, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mendy Read-Forbes, 39, Platte City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. In her plea, she admitted that in March 2012 she began meeting with an agent posing as a drug dealer. Read-Forbes, a law school graduate who was not licensed to practice law, operated Forbes & Newhard Credit Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit corporation registered in Missouri to provide educational and social welfare services.

The agent told Read-Forbes he had assets to conceal from the sale of marijuana. She boasted she could use her legal training and her connections with federal attorneys and law enforcement officers to help him launder the money. She told the agent she would launder his cash by running it through her business. She said a lot of her customers paid in cash. So it would not be suspicious for her to be doing transactions involving cash. The plan also involved her listing the agent as an employee of her business and putting him on her company’s board of directors. As part of the scheme, she created a fictitious company called Maximus Lawn Care LLC.
Over the course of the investigation she laundered a total of more than $200,000 in purported drug funds. She also agreed to invest $40,000 of her money with the agent for the purchase of marijuana.

Sentencing is set for July 22. Both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of no less than seven years and no more than 15 years.

Co-defendants are: Ronald E. Partee, 67, Kansas City, Mo., who was sentenced to five years.
Laura Shoop, 47, Platte City, Mo., who is awaiting sentencing.

WICHITA, KAN. - A former employee of a bank in Neosho County pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $180,000 from the bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Sherrie Landell, 42, Erie, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted that from September 2007 to May 2013 she embezzled from Exchange State Bank.

Landell worked in the bank’s branch in St. Paul, Kan. She was responsible for maintaining the bank’s general ledger account and an account designated for accounts receivable on certificates of deposit. Money she stole included interest due on certificates of deposit. She fraudulently altered the bank’s records to conceal the crime. The shortage was discovered during a bank regulatory exam and subsequent audit by an independent accounting firm in 2013.

Sentencing is set for July 14. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Canadian citizen who was convicted on charges of using his deceased brother’s identity was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He also was ordered to pay restitution of $15,186 to a former business partner.

A jury found Leslie Lyle Camick, 58, a citizen of Canada, guilty on all charges including three counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of making a false statement to the U.S. Patent Office and one count of obstruction of justice.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that:

• Beginning in 1997 Camick used the identity of his deceased brother, Wayne Bradly Camick, who died as an infant in 1958.
• He used the stolen identity to unlawfully enter and remain in the United States for at least 10 years.
• He used the stolen identity to obtain a Canadian Social Insurance card and a driver’s license in the Cayman Islands.
• Using his brother’s identity, he signed documents for the purchase of real estate in Winfield, Kan., and documents to obtain a U.S. patent.
• He filed a federal civil rights lawsuit containing false allegations against a witness in Camick’s criminal case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury returned indictments here today against three people who are charged with robbing a bank in Pomona, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan.; Christel Collins, 37, Quenemo, Kan.; and Robert Martin, 39, Quenemo, Kan., were charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleged that on March 19, 2014, they robbed the Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa Police Department, the KBI, the Franklin County Attorney’s Office and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Luis Angel Sanchez-Cruz, 32, Baldwin Park, Calif.; Daniel Flores, 34, Perris, Calif.; and Evelyn Rose Cardenas, 23, Perris, Calif., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from April 1 to April 5, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

Chester Bragg, 36, is charged with failure to register as required by the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred starting in December 2013 in Wyandotte County, Kan.

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

 Scott Meinert, 49, Tonganoxie, Kan., is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 25, 2013, in Tonganoxie, Kan.

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

Javier Zambrano-Sanchez, 39, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, nine counts of distributing various amounts of methamphetamine and five counts of distributing various amounts of cocaine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2012 and 2013 in Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the conspiracy charge. Sentences on the other counts vary: Not more than 20 years, not less than five years, not less than 10 years, depending on the count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

Miguel Lozoya-Serrano, 40, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 18, 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.

 Roberto Martinez-Bahena, 43, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Liberal, Kan., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 27, 2014, in Seward County, Kan.

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

Vincente Diaz-Gomez, 21, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully transporting aliens who were in the United States illegally, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The indictment alleges that on April 5, 204, he transported six such aliens in Seward County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation charge, and a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 Oscar Sanchez-Valencia, 27, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of making a false statement to the government, three counts of misusing a Social Security number, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, and one count of using false documents. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in Barton County, Kan.

 Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Making a false statement, misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Making a false claim of citizenship: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.
Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Howard D. Franks, 59, Osage City, Kan., is charged with one count of theft of Social Security benefits. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2010 to 2013 in Osage County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 Ladonna I. Hensley, 44, Americus, Kan., is charged with one count of Social Security benefits fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2007 to 2011 in Lyon County, Kan.

 If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 former city clerk for the city of Havana, Kan., was sentenced Wednesday to two years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also was ordered to pay a total of more than $59,000 in restitution to the city of Havana, Cross Point Baptist Church and an insurance company

Diana L. Cox, 67, Havana, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted embezzling $14,658 from the city of Havana while she was working as city clerk. On Aug. 18, 2011, she presented documents to the Arvest Bank in Caney, Kan., falsely stating that the Havana City Council had voted to change its policy to require only one signature on checks written for city business.

She also admitted that while she was treasurer of the Cross Point Baptist Church she devised a scheme to defraud the church of approximately $44,568. On Dec. 30, 2011, she caused the church to electronically transfer approximately $2,536 to Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance to make a mortgage payment due on her daughter’s home.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. A registered sex offender pleaded guilty Monday to sending obscene material to a minor while he was a patient at Larned State Hospital, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Christopher M. Case, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. In his plea, he admitted that he resided in the Sexual Predator Treatment Program of Larned State Hospital when he committed the crime. In mid-2011 he obtained access to a smartphone, which he shared with other residents. In December 2011 and January 2012 he learned that another resident of the program was using the smartphone to communicate with a 13-year-old female via email and chat. The girl was in Montana.

On January 16, 2012, Case used the smartphone to send the girl video of himself masturbating.

Sentencing is set for June 30. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Kansas Attorney General's office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart and Steve Karrer of the Kansas Attorney General's Office for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. A Junction City man pleaded guilty Monday to a federal child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Scott Deppish, 43, Junction City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of accessing child pornography with intent to view. In his plea, he admitted that that on Feb. 12, 2013, investigators served a search warrant and seized his desktop computer and two lose hard drives. They found images depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexual conduct. They also found images of a known victim in what is referred to as the “Abby” series, which were taken in the state of Idaho. They depict a very young prepubescent female engaged in sexual conduct with an adult male.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An indictment unsealed here today alleges the owners of an Olathe-based business produced and sold dangerous controlled substances, and controlled substance analogues of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants) to rack up at least $16 million in sales in less than two years, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

The indictment alleges the conspirators sold products under exotic names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on “testers” who helped tweak the recipes by reporting on the drugs’ effects.

The indictment alleges the conspiracy stretched from Kansas to Missouri, California, Texas, Georgia and Colorado, involving more than 15 companies with more than 40 financial accounts at more than 10 financial institutions.

“The indictment alleges the defendants were aware of – and even discussed – the potential harmful effects of the illegal substances they manufactured and distributed, including extreme physical reactions, overdoses and deaths,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Charged in the indictment are: Tracy Picanso, 58, Olathe, Kan. and Roy Ehrett, 55, Olathe, Kan., who lived together in Olathe and were owners and operators of businesses including Retailing Specialists, Innovative Products 4U, The Outer Edge, Lakeridge Holdings, Monster Warehouse, Monster Distribution, Monster, 3P Distribution and Life Source.
Michelle Reulet, 34, and Michael Myers, 34, Montgomery, Texas, who owned Bully Wholesale, which was a large-scale independent wholesaler for The Outer Edge.
Michael Meyers, 34, Montgomery, Texas, who lived with Reulet in Houston.
Terrie Adams, 63, Denver, Colo., who packaged, marketed and distributed substances for Picanso and Ehrett.
Craig Broombaugh, 29, formerly of Huntington Beach, Calif., who worked as a “cook,” manufacturing synthetic cannabinoids.
Cindy McRoberts, 48, Lees Summit, Mo., who worked as an office manager in Olathe and Kansas City Mo., warehouses.
Christopher Freemyer, 46, Adrian, Mo., who worked as a delivery driver, accounts manager and warehouseman. He kept retail stores stocked.

Charges in the indictment include: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues; distribution of Buphedrone, a controlled substance; distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, which are controlled substance analogues; distribution of Pentedrone, a controlled substance analogue; selling mislabeled drugs; selling misbranded drugs; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The indictment alleges conspirators marketed their products at trade shows held throughout the country that cater to the smoke shop industry. In addition, conspirators are alleged to have sold misbranded and counterfeit drugs including substances called “Swing Her,” and “Swing Him,” which they claimed had effects similar to Viagra. They are alleged to also have sold counterfeit Viagra and Cialis.

“Selling illegal prescription drugs, such as counterfeit Viagra and Cialis, to an unsuspecting public that believes them to be part of the legitimate drug supply chain, overseen by the FDA, places at risk the public’s health,” said Catherine A. Hermsen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation. “We commend our colleagues at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office for their contributions in unraveling the multiple components of this complex case.”

TOPEKA, KAN. - The former treasurer of the Mayetta Rural Fire District #1 was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for embezzling from the district, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant also was ordered to pay more than $427,000 in restitution.

At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson noted that the defendant created a dangerous situation by depleting fire department funds that should have been used to purchase fire equipment.
Richard P. Bontrager, 68, Holton, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In his plea, he admitted that in 2008 he began embezzling from the fire district by issuing checks with the forged signatures of members of the board of the fire district. The checks were made payable to R & S Services, a fictitious entity Bontrager created so he could deposit the fraudulent checks into his own account at Denison State Bank. From 2008 to 2012 he made approximately $427,042 in unauthorized transfers from the fire district’s accounts.

In addition, without the knowledge of the board of the fire district he falsified loan documents to obligate the fire district to monthly lease payments on a Polaris Ranger UTV and a 1988 Chevrolet 1-ton brush truck. He created false board minutes to make it appear the board had approved the lease payments.
Grissom commended the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak to open the U.S. Attorney’s Fourth Annual Statewide Civil Rights Symposium Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at Wichita State University.

“Law enforcement has a key role to play in building a society that allows all people to fully realize their potential,” Grissom said.

A report on racial profiling produced by Wichita State University will be one of the highlights of the day-long conference, which is expected to draw civil rights advocates and law enforcement officers from across the state. Michael Birzer, Director of WSU’s School of Community Affairs, will speak on racial profiling and the results of a study for the City of Wichita showing that during a six-month period African-Americans accounted for 22 percent of the people receiving traffic violations in Wichita. African-Americans make up about 11 percent of the city’s population.

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 132 at WSU’s Metropolitan Complex at 5015 E. 29th North. It is free and open to the public, but enrollment is required. Registration forms are available online at the U.S. Attorney’s Web site: http://www.justice.gov/usao/ks/    

The symposium also will include:

• A look at the federal Community Relations Service, which provides mediation, facilitation and training on federal civil rights issues.
• A presentation on hate crimes by the FBI.
• A civil rights panel discussion moderated by U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. Panel members will include Hussam Madi, spokesperson for the Islamic Society of Wichita; Holly Weatherford, advocacy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas; Wade Moore, president of the Greater Wichita Ministerial League; and Thomas Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas.

The U.S. Department of Justice is responsible for upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans. It enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.

Sponsors for the symposium include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute at WSU, the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, the School of Community Affairs at WSU and the Regional Policing Training Institute at WSU. 

WICHITA, KAN. A Montgomery County man appeared in federal court here today on a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Daniel Hosier, 34, Cherryvale, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and July 2013 in Montgomery, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution counts, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

WICHITA, KAN. A former employee has pleaded guilty to embezzling at least $289,000 from a Wichita bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Lisa Marie Evans, 43, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted that from 2011 to 2013 she stole the money while working for Southwest National Bank in Wichita. She was responsible for balancing the bank vault on a daily basis. A surprise audit in April 2013 revealed the theft. Investigators examined security footage of the vault that showed Evans taking money from the vault and hiding it on her person.

TOPEKA, KAN. A Manhattan, Kan., physician was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison for unlawfully prescribing prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Michael P. Schuster, 54, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

In his plea, Schuster admitted the crime occurred from April 2007 to Aug. 2012, while he was doing business as Manhattan Pain and Spine at 1135 Westport Drive in Manhattan. To carry out daily operations at his clinic he employed up to 12 office staff members at a time, none of whom had lawful authority to distribute controlled substances. He directed and allowed staff members to distribute controlled substances to his patients using blank prescription pads he had signed in advance.

Investigators documented approximately 540 patients who received prescriptions for controlled substances while Schuster was out of his office, including times when he was traveling to Canada, Russia, South Africa, Uruguay, New York, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Israel.

In addition to the prison sentence, Schuster agreed to pay restitution of $100,772 and a fine of $25,000. He also has agreed to forfeit his clinic building at 1135 Westport Drive, a 2012 Ford pickup and more than $11,000 contained in two bank accounts. He also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $400,000.

Furthermore, Schuster agreed to surrender his medical license, not to re-apply for a medical license in Kansas, to surrender his DEA registration number for prescribing controlled substances and not to re-apply for a DEA registration number.

According to court documents, the investigation began early in 2012 when the Riley County Police Department received reports that Schuster was issuing prescriptions for high dosages of scheduled drugs based on minimal or cursory physical examinations.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. A Lawrence man has been charged with filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Bradley Stoneking, 30, Lawrence, Kan., was alleged to have made 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.

If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask 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 Kansas City, Kan., woman working as a personal care attendant was indicted Wednesday on a federal charge that Medicaid paid more than $587,000 based on fraudulent bills she submitted, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced. 

Doris Betts, 54, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with six counts of health care fraud. The indictment alleged the crimes occurred while Betts was claiming to provide personal services, residential support, day support, and sleep cycle support for seven different Medicaid consumers through four different billing agencies since January 2008. Personal services include bathing, house cleaning, meal preparation, toileting, transferring and prompting patients to take medication.

The indictment alleges an analysis of Betts’ documentation of services showed:

• She claimed to be with two or more different clients at the same time.
• She claimed to provide services when clients actually were in the hospital.
• She claimed to provide services when she was at her own medical appointments.
• She claimed to provide services at different locations without any travel time between them.

The indictment alleges she documented more than 750 work days that exceeded 24 hours, the highest of which totaled 39.5 hours.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Health and Human Services and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s Medicaid Fraud Division investigated. Assistant Attorney General Stefani Hepford of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway are prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Shaun Lee Kendall, 29, and Michael Richard Wilkins, 21, both of whom are being held in the Shawnee County Jail, are charged are charged with one count of carjacking. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 29, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan., they used force against a victim to steal a 1999 Dodge Dakota truck.

If convicted they face a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

Kyle B. Rains, 30, Park City, Kan., is charged with two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and March 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution counts, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Task Force on Crimes Against Children and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

Kevin L. Cline, 55, Minneapolis, Kan., and C&R Plating of Minneapolis, are charged with 20 counts of violating the Clean Water Act, one count of making false statements to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, one count of failing to notify KDHE of changes to their wastewater pretreatment equipment, one count of failing to report a bypass of pretreatment equipment, and one count of illegally introducing pollutants into a sewer system.

The indictment alleges that pollutants from C&R Plating, a metal finishing business, were introduced into the sewer system of the City of Minneapolis, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $50,000 per day of violation on 23 of the 24 counts. The charge of introducing pollutants into a sewer system carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Environmental Protection Agency investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.

Edith Misael Salas-Rangel, 27, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. She was found March 28, 2014, in Geary County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

ARKANSAS CITY, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak to students at Arkansas City High School on Thursday.

Grissom will be speaking to instructor Scott Snavely’s Law, Public Safety and Security CTE classes at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, in the school auditorium. He will talk about his career as a lawyer and his work as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.

Grissom was appointed by President Barack Obama 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.

WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury in Wichita today returned an indictment charging a Wichita man with three robberies, including two only eight days apart at a Valero gas station, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Ricky Price, Jr., 20, Wichita, Kan., is charged with five counts, including:

• Robbing the Valero gas station at 851 S. Meridian on Jan. 11, 2014.
• Robbing the Valero gas station at 851 S. Meridian on Jan. 19, 2014.
• Brandishing a firearm during the Jan. 19 robbery.
• Robbing the Harry Grocery and Smoke Shop at 324 W. Harry on Feb. 27, 2014.
• Discharging a firearm during the Feb. 27 robbery.

                 
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Robbery: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Brandishing a firearm: Not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000.
Discharging a firearm: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 Oscar R. Alvardo, 35, Downey, Calif.; Brayan A. Osuna-Gutierrez, 21; and Julio Sanchez, Jr., 19, Downey, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 17, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 An affidavit filed in the case alleges a Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputy stopped the men’s car on I-35. The drugs were discovered hidden beneath molding in the back of the vehicle.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

Silvia Clemente-Rojo, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with two counts of using false documents to be employed, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of misusing a Social Security number, three counts of making false statements to the U.S. government, one count of aiding the fraudulent production of an identification document, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. She was found Feb. 27, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison 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.
Misusing a Social Security number, making a false statement to the U.S. government: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aiding the fraudulent production of an identification document: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawfully re-entering the United States; A maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000.

 The Kansas Department of Revenue and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 Micha A. Scott, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 12, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

 Colton Schalk, 24, Arkansas City, Kan., is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in December 2013 and February 2014, in Cowley County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each drug count and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each firearm charge. The Arkansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

 Alvin Harris, 55, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possessing a stolen firearm, and one count of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 25, 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 the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the theft charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

Jose Amador-Bonilla, 27, a citizen of Nicaragua, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found March 14, 2014, 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 Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

 Jesus Guereque-Lozoya, 50, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found March 10, 2014, 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 Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Aaron Ramirez-Saucedo, 28, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully entering the United States. He was found March 26, 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. Homeland Security Investigations 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.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for robbing a Topeka bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Cade Michael Sharples, 37, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Topeka to one count of bank robbery.

In his plea, he admitted that on Sept. 17, 2013, he robbed the Kaw Valley Bank at 3000 SE Croco Road in Topeka. Sharples gave the teller a letter saying, “I’m here to rob you. I have a gun. Do as I say and you won’t get hurt.” He left the bank with the money and walked to his car, which was parked in a stall at a carwash nearby. Police released surveillance video from the robbery and received tips leading them to Sharples. He was arrested in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Ottawa woman was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for peddling prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Brandi Bivens, 32, Ottawa, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Methadone and Morphine. In her plea, she admitted she conspired with her mother and co-defendant, Connie Edwards, as well as other co-defendants, from November 2007 to February 2012 to distribute prescription drugs.

The investigation began when the Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit received information that Edwards was selling prescription drugs in Ottawa. Investigators set up surveillance and observed Bivens and Edwards picking up prescriptions at pharmacies. Investigators made undercover purchases of prescription drugs from them. State prescription drug records showed that from 2009 to August 2010, Bivens received 1,056 Morphine tablets, 351 Hydrocodone tablets, 432 Oxycodone tablets and 1,520 Oxycontin tablets.

Co-defendants include: Connie Edwards, who was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison.
Shirley Price, who was sentenced to 84 months.
Tamara Ledom, who was sentenced to 216 months.
Brittany Edwards, who was sentenced to 15 months.
Angela Mitchell, who was sentenced to probation for one year.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –A federal jury today convicted a Lawrence physician and author of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mary C. Vernon, 61, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted on five counts of tax evasion. Vernon, who practiced in Lawrence and Shawnee, specialized in treating obesity. She authored a book with the late Dr. Robert Atkins titled, “Atkins Diabetes Revolution.” She also provided medical services and served as medical director for a number of nursing homes.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that she earned approximately $588,686 for services she provided in 2003 and 2004 to Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., a company that sold weight loss programs and products. From 2005 to 2008 she earned an additional $190,000 to promote Dr. Atkins’ nutritional theories.

From 1999 to 2007, the Internal Revenue Service attempted to collect taxes, interest and penalties that Vernon owed and failed to pay from 1991 through 2005. The IRS collected approximately $2 million in taxes, interest and penalties through levies and seizures.

In 2003, Vernon hired an attorney to create a corporation called Rockledge Medical Services. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Rockledge Medical Services was a sham corporation that Vernon used to avoid paying taxes.

She evaded paying incomes taxes for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Matthew J. Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - Via Christi Health today received a special Community Service Award from U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom for its groundbreaking work training health care professionals to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a crime that hides in plain sight,” Grissom said. “Via Christi Health is leading the nation by training its health care professionals to recognize warning signs and offer victims assistance that could save lives.”

Via Christi’s human trafficking initiative already has trained more than 125 physicians, nurses and other frontline caregivers with a four-step protocol on what to look for and how to help human trafficking victims. Videos of the training are available online at:

http://www.via-christi.org/human-trafficking   

“We are humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Jeff Korsmo, president and CEO of Via Christi Health. “Training our clinicians to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking so that we can help these victims is part of Via Christi’s mission to serve as a healing presence to the most vulnerable among us. The victims of this modern form of slavery need – and deserve – our help.”

Physicians, nurses and other health care workers are in a position to meet human trafficking victims who remain hidden from most of us. Victims may show up in emergency rooms seeking treatment for injuries, physical or sexual abuse and health problems. Whether they are being trafficked for commercial sex or other kinds of labor, they are most likely to seek help from health care professionals who recognize the warning signs and are trained in treating them as victims, not criminals.

Via Christi Health employees who received the award include: Nicole Ensminger, Sister Sherri Marie Kuhn, Joseph Akif, Tina Peck, Dr. Robert Stangl, Jennifer Rodgers, Kim Johnson, William “Skip” Hidlay, Deborah Wendt, Roz Hutchinson, Clint Schaefer, Tressie Maugans and Claire Hieger.

Grissom cited a report released earlier this month that was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice titled: “Estimating the Size and Structure of the Underground Commercial Sex Economy in Eight Major US Cities.”

http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/413047-Underground-Commercial-Sex-Economy.pdf

          The report looked at the underground commercial sex economy in Miami, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Denver, Kansas City, Mo., San Diego, Seattle and Atlanta, which it estimated in 2007 totaled as much as $290 million. The report concluded that different forms of coercion and fraud are used by pimps to recruit, manage and retain control over victims. These forms include feigning romantic interest, emphasizing mutual dependency between pimps and trafficking victims, discouraging victims from giving away “sex for free” and promising victims rewards and material comforts they never see. The number of cases of pimping and sex trafficking currently being investigated and prosecuted, the study concluded, represents only a small fraction of the underground commercial sex economy.

WICHITA, KAN. – Two members of a Dodge City street gang were sentenced Monday in a federal racketeering case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jayson Vargas, 31, Dodge City, Kan., was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Juan Torres, 23, Dodge City, Kan., was sentenced to one year and a day.

Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 20, 2011, he was driving a car in pursuit of his former girlfriend, who was in another car. During the chase, he pointed a handgun at her. Officers of the Ford County Sheriff’s Office stopped Vargas’ car and arrested him. They seized a .45 caliber handgun.

Torres pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting attempted murder, which was a violent crime in aid of racketeering. He admitted he was involved in an Oct. 4, 2008, incident in which two people were shot.

In his plea, Torres admitted he was a Diablos Viejos (DV) gang member associated with the Norteno street gang when he accompanied two co-defendants in an attack at the home of a member of the rival Sureno gang. On Oct. 4, 2008, Torres and two co-defendants gathered in a barn behind a house at 10770 Kettle Way near Dodge City, which was a hangout for the gang. Later that day, Torres and the two co-defendants drove to the home of Abel Hernandez, a known Sureno gang member, and Rumalda Hipolito. Outside the home, Hernandez?s brother and others were drinking beer. One of the Nortenos began harassing them and shouting Norteno slogans. After someone threw a beer bottle at the Nortenos? car, Torres and the two co-defendants drove away.

The three Nortenos obtained a firearm, an SKS or AK-47 style weapon and returned to Hernandez?s house, parking in an alley half a block away. After approaching the house on foot, co-defendant Gonzalo Ramirez discharged multiple rounds from the firearm. The gunshots hit the house, striking Abel Hernandez and Rumalda Hipolito. Hipolito suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. Hernandez suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Investigators found 10 bullet holes in the house and recovered 20 shell casings at the scene. After the shooting, Torres and the two co-defendants returned to the house on Kettle Way, where they hid the car in the barn.

Grissom commended the Dodge City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ford County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Ford County Attorney's Office, Assistant Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 84 months in federal prison in connection with an armed robbery in Lawrence, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mario A. King, 35, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of armed robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 1, 2013, he used a .357 revolver to commit an armed robbery in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant at 4911 West 6th Street in Lawrence, Kan.

The victim met King and another man at the restaurant in order to sell them two pounds of synthetic marijuana. During the meeting, King drew the gun and pointed it at the victim. The victim fought with King for control of the gun. The victim eventually broke free and ran into the restaurant to get help. While he was inside, the marijuana and other items belonging to him were stolen.

Co-defendants are: Justin Alcorn, 30, Topeka, who is awaiting sentencing.
Jesse J. Forbes, Jr., 39, Topeka, who is set for jury trial May 19.

Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY KAN. - A tax preparer in Kansas City, Kan., was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of preparing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Ahferom Goitom, 34, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with fourteen counts of preparing false tax returns. The indictment alleges that Goitom was a professional tax return preparer who worked in Kansas City, Kan., and was the manager of a franchise business that prepares tax returns. He used commercial tax preparation software at the business to file returns electronically with the Internal Revenue Service.

He prepared at least 34 Form 1040s containing false and fraudulent education credits, charitable deductions, medical and dental expenses, home mortgage interest deductions, gross receipts for a sole proprietorship business, expenses for a sole proprietorship business and deductions for rental real estate.

For example, count one of the indictment alleges Goitom filed a return for a taxpayer in calendar year 2009 claiming medical and dental expenses of $5,050; gifts to charity of $8,200; and job expenses and miscellaneous deductions of $5,821. He knew that in fact the taxpayer was entitled to claim medical and dental expenses of only $226, gifts to charity of approximately $2,000 and no job expenses or other miscellaneous deductions.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Lamar Lynch, 41, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with 13 counts of stealing government funds by filing false and fraudulent federal income tax returns and nine counts of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012 in the state of Kansas.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of filing a false tax return, and a penalty of not less than two years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of aggravated identity theft. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Secret Service and Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.

Randy A. Cornelius, 21, Kansas City, Mo., Allen J. Williams, 23, Kansas City, Mo., and Alvin J. Williams, 23, Kansas City, Mo., have been indicted on bank robbery and federal firearms charges.

A federal criminal complaint filed Feb. 28 in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., charged each of the defendants with one count of bank robbery in the Feb. 27, 2014, robbery of Inter-State Federal Savings at 8620 Metcalf in Overland Park, Kan. Today’s indictment adds a charge against each defendant of using a firearm during the robbery. In addition, Allen J. Williams is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

If convicted, the defendants face 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 charge of using a firearm in the robbery. In addition, the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Overland Park Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.

Jose Angel Aquilera-Franco, 20, Bonner Springs, Kan., and Darin Glassburn, 44, are charged in a second superseding indictment with one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 5, 2013, in Kansas City, Kan.

In addition, Aguilera-Franco is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of St. Peter’s Catholic School in Kansas City, Kan., one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of dealing in firearms without a federal license.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school: A maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million.
Distributing methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Dealing in firearms without a license: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Troy A. Kurtti, 21, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted he possessed a .25 caliber pistol when he was arrested July 15, 2013, at the Value Place Hotel in Topeka. Police were called by a manager who reported receiving a bad check as payment for a room. Kurtti was found hiding in a bathroom and the gun was found in a trash can where he hid it. He was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because of prior convictions in Shawnee County District Court for possession of methamphetamine, eluding police and theft.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina man today pleaded guilty today to a federal gun and drug charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Stephen M. Smith, Jr., 45, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted that he possessed a .40 caliber handgun when he was arrested Sept. 6, 2013, at his residence in Salina. Police, who were called to the residence by a Kansas State Parole officer, seized a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and the gun.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Colorado man pleaded guilty today to a bank robbery in Lawrence, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
 
Matthew W. Headley, 37, Canon City, Colo., pleaded guilty to a Sept. 5, 2013, robbery at the US Bank, 1807 W. 23rd Street in Lawrence. In his plea he admitted he was wearing a golf hat and pajama pants when entered the bank and handed a teller a note saying, “100s and 50s now.” Officers of the Lawrence Police Department arrested him soon after that at a convenience store not far from the bank.
 
 Sentencing is set for June 9. Both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of 24 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - Federal charges of heroin trafficking were filed today against a Wichita woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Elease Childers, 28, Wichita, Kan., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 11 at a residence in the 3900 block of West 17th in Wichita.

An affidavit filed in support of the complaint alleges that on March 11 Wichita police officers executed a warrant at the residence, where they arrested Childers and seized a package containing eight ounces of black tar heroin. Shortly before that, Childers had received the package, which was sent from Los Angeles and delivered by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors had detected the heroin when the package was inspected at the postal processing center at 7117 W. Harry.

 If convicted, Childers faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

TOPEKA, KAN. – Two former bank employees were sentenced today to five months in federal prison and five months in a halfway house for embezzling from a bank in Grant County, Kan., and helping stage a robbery to cover up the theft, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Amber Gutierrez, 32, Ulysses, Kan., and Ashley Cravens, 29, Ulysses, Kan., each pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a bank. From 2008 to July 24, 2010, while Gutierrez was head teller, she and two co-defendants – including Cravens -- embezzled approximately $84,200 from Western State Bank in Ulysses, Kan. On July 24, 2010, they took part in a staged robbery. Subsequent to the staged bank robbery, Gutierrez and co-defendants embezzled another $24,450 from the bank.

Co-defendants are: Hattie Wiginton, who is set sentencing April 4.
Linda Wise, who was sentenced to three years probation.

TOPEKA, KAN. - Ronald David Brown, Jr., 39, who is in custody at CCA’s Leavenworth Detention Center, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 27, 2013, he robbed the Kansas State Bank at 1101 Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lenexa Police Department, the Riley County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

John Wesley Zollicoffer, 42, who is in custody in Shawnee County, is charged with one count of commercial robbery. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 29, 2014, he robbed the Kwik Shop at 1700 S.W. Boulevard in Topeka, Kan.

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

Juana Guerrero-Lopez, 55, Edwardsville, Kan., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. She was found Feb. 6 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 Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

       
John M. Noel, 58, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March 2014 and November 2013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million on each count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Luis Velasquez, 35, Compton, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of traveling from California to Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 10 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the charge of possession with intent to distribute, and a maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other charge. The Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch 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 tax preparer in Johnson County pleaded guilty today to federal tax fraud charges that cost a Kansas company more than $744,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

John M. Moore, 52, Lenexa, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted a company he owns, Accent Payroll Services (APS), was hired to provide payroll processing services for Tytan International L.L.C. of Lenexa, Kan. From 2008 to 2010, APS was responsible for paying the wages of Tytan’s employees, withholding employment taxes, filing Tytan’s employment tax returns on Internal Revenue Service form 941 and paying withheld employment taxes to the IRS.

Moore transferred more than $2 million in employment tax withholdings from Tytan’s bank account to his company’s bank account. However, he only paid the IRS approximately $1.3 million. To keep Tytan from receiving notices from the IRS that taxes were not paid, Moore gave the IRS an address for Tytan at a post office box he controlled.

Sentencing is set for May 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison and a fine up to $100,000 on the charge of filing a false tax return and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the wire fraud count.

TOPEKA, KAN. - A federal grand jury indictment returned here today charges a former Kansas legislator with bank fraud and alleges some of the money went into his political account, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Trent K. LeDoux, 40, Holton, Kan., is charged with three counts of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering. The alleged crimes took place in 2011 and 2012 while LeDoux was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives.

The indictment alleges LeDoux received three loans -- $106,600, $175,500 and $183,000 – from Farmers and Merchants Bank of Colby, Kan. He told the bank he was going to use all the funds to purchase cattle that would serve as collateral on the loans. In fact, he did not intend to use all the funds to buy cattle, but to pay off existing debts and to make contributions to his political account.

In two money laundering counts, the indictment alleges LeDoux transferred $15,000 on Dec. 31, 2011, and $12,000 on Aug. 1, 2012, to his campaign account.

The indictment seeks a monetary judgment of $465,100.

WICHITA, KAN. - A woman who owns a retail store in Wichita was ordered to pay $25,000 and placed on five years federal probation for trafficking in counterfeit designer goods, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also forfeited all the counterfeit goods that investigators seized from her store.

Glenda Sue Morgan, 55, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in goods bearing counterfeit trademarks. In her plea, she admitted selling the counterfeit goods as “replicas” at her business, The Fabulous Store at 9131 E. 37th North in Wichita. On April 2, 2013, undercover law enforcement officers bought about $500 worth of such items including a “Chanel” bracelet and sunglasses, a “Michael Kors” purse and a “Prada” purse. When investigators served a search warrant they seized 400 replica items with a retail value of about $14,000.

In June 2009, more than $1 million in counterfeit goods was seized by Homeland Security Investigations from the same location. At the time, Morgan forfeited ownership of the items and they were destroyed, but she was not charged criminally. 

Grissom commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.

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

Amel Kevin Loop, 54, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that in November 2012 an FBI agent used the Internet to download images of child pornography from Loop’s computer. The images were transferred using an encrypted peer-to-peer network. The images included sexually explicit photos of a child no more than two years old.

TOPEKA KAN. – A federal jury today returned a verdict convicting a Junction City man of murdering a woman to keep her from giving information to federal law enforcement officers about his involvement in drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Marcus D. Roberson, 32, Junction City, Kan., was convicted on the following charges:

• One count of murder in the March 3, 2010, shooting of Crystal K. Fisher.
• One count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
• One count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Roberson lured the 25-year-old Fisher to a location near an alley in central Junction City where he shot her four times at close range. Her body was found seated in the driver’s side of her vehicle in the 700 block of West 11th Street in Junction City. She had been shot four times. The murder weapon, a .40 caliber pistol, was found in a pond behind a Walmart in Junction City.

Prosecutors also presented evidence of Roberson’s involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed powder and crack cocaine in and throughout the Junction City area.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on the murder count as well as the drug counts, and a fine of up to $10 million on each of the drug counts.

Co-defendants include: Kennin Dewberry, who was sentenced to 240 months in prison.
Virok D. Webb, who is awaiting trial.
Jamaica L. Chism, who is set for sentencing April 14.
Alisha A. Escobedo, who is set for sentencing April 21.
Megan N. Fuller, who is set for sentencing April 21.
Caress Jackson, who is set for sentencing April 21.
Keishana Johnson, who is set for sentencing April 21.

WICHITA, KAN. – A former bank employee was sentenced Wednesday to three years federal probation for embezzling from a bank in Grant County, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. She was ordered to pay $24,450 restitution to the bank.

Linda Wise, 60, Ulysses, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a bank. In her plea, she admitted that from late 2010 to March 2013 while she worked at Western State Bank in Ulysses, Kan., she embezzled money from the bank.

Subsequent to July 24, 2010, she conspired with fellow employees and co-defendants Ashley Cravens and Amber Gutierrez to steal money from the bank. From late 2010 to March 2013, the three stole a total of $24,450 from the bank.

Co-defendants are: Amber Gutierrez, 32, Ulysses, Kan., who is set for sentencing March 13.
Ashley Cravens, 29, Ulysses, Kan., who is set for sentencing March 13.
Hattie Wiginton, 33, Ulysses, Kan., who is set for sentencing March 24.