District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. - A member of a Dodge City street gang was sentenced Monday to 82 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Alfredo Beltran-Ruiz, 23, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting attempted murder, which was a violent crime in aid of racketeering. In his plea, he admitted that on March 15, 2011, he aided and abetted the attempted murder of a victim named Reyes Delira-Padilla by firing shots at the victim’s house at 1705 Ave. D in Dodge City. Beltran-Ruiz was a member of the Diablos Viejos gang and was affiliated with the Norteno street gang. Delira-Padilla was a member of the rival Sureno gang.

Beltran-Ruiz is one of 22 Norteno gang members who have been convicted on charges contained in a federal indictment filed May 2012. It was only the second time a federal RICO Act indictment (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) has been filed in Kansas. Two defendants are awaiting sentencing: Juan Torres and Jayson Vargas.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina man who used a straw buyer to purchase a gun has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Hashiem Jamil Ford, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement regarding the purchase of a firearm. In his plea, he admitted that due to a 2011 felony drug conviction in Saline County District Court he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. On Dec. 5, 2011, he gave money to co-defendant Patricia Fetky to purchase a gun for him from Bob’s Pawn Shop East at 925 W. Lincoln Avenue in Salina. At Ford’s direction, Fetky purchased a Glock brand handgun by falsely representing herself as the actual purchaser.

Fetky was sentenced in December to two years probation.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man from Phillips County, Kan., has been sentenced to five years in prison on a federal gun charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Brian Eugene Post, 36, Phillipsburg, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In his plea, he admitted that on March 7, April 11 and April 18, 2012, he sold methamphetamine and oxycodone to an undercover agent working for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. On May 12, the agent arranged to meet Post for a sale and more drugs were exchanged. When he was arrested shortly thereafter, investigators found hydrocodone and hashish oil in his car, as well as a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun.

Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man has been indicted on federal charges alleging he committed a string of armed robberies, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Clifford L. Miller, 48, Kansas City, Mo., was indicted Wednesday on one count of bank robbery, ten counts of commercial robbery, and ten counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery.

The indictment alleges Miller committed the following robberies:

• June 10, 2013, Capital City Bank, 120 SW 6th Street in Topeka, Kan.
• June 21, 2013, Cirilla’s store, 7258 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan.
• June 21, 2013, Family Dollar at 1274 Merriam Lane in Kansas City, Kan.
• June 22, 2013, Dollar General, 2852 W. 47th, Kansas City, Kan.
• June 30, 2013, Family Dollar, 1402 S. 42nd, Kansas City, Kan.
• July 1, 2013, Dollar General, 2018 Metropolitan in Kansas City, Kan.
• July 3, 2013, Cirilla’s, 4301 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kan.
• July 24, 3013, Advance America, 4625 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan.
• Aug. 4, 2013, GameStop, 9672 Quivira Road in Lenexa, Kan.
• Aug. 12, 2013, Dollar General, 2852 W. 47th in Kansas City, Kan.
• Sept. 21, 2013, Cirilla’s, 7258 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each charge of brandishing a firearm. The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Lenexa Police Department, the Topeka Police Department, the Raytown, Mo., Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

         
OTHER INDICTMENTS

Ronnell Smith, Sr., 40, Oakland, Calif., is charged with one count of distributing cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 26, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan., and Oakland, Calif.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $5 million. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.

Damon Douglas Griffin, 37, is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 7, 2014, in Lawrence, 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 methamphetamine charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated.

Erica Barajas-Duran, 39, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. She was found Feb. 12, 2014, in Overland Park, 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 David Zabel is prosecuting.

Felix M. Leal, 40, Leavenworth, Kan., is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm 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 in 2013 and 2014 in Wyandotte County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction: 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 FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

Angel Guzman-Aviles, 26, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

Travis W. Edwards, 35, Wichita, Kan., and Michael J. Strotkamp, 36, Peabody, Kan., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Edwards also is charged with an additional count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 11 and 12, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, they face 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.

Carl M. Bray, 28, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 26, 2013, in Kansas City, Kan.

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

Durayle D. Jackson, 24, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 22, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years 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 Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

Jemel T. Knox, 30, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 6, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.

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

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A former employee of the Topeka Correctional Facility has been sentenced to five years in prison on a federal gun charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Anastacio D. Gallardo, 33, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a van on Aug. 8, 2012, when the Topeka Police Department stopped him for a traffic violation. A search of the van revealed a tool box between the front seats that was found to contain methamphetamine. Also in the toolbox were a box of baggies, two sets of scales, a radio-frequency scanner and two loaded handguns, including a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a Glock .40 caliber pistol.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man has pleaded guilty to interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in sex with a child, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Robert Poe, III, 38, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to three counts of traveling from Kansas to Missouri for the purpose of engaging in sex acts with a child.

During a hearing today, prosecutors told a judge the crimes occurred in 1999 and 2000. They said the investigation began in November 2000 when the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department received a complaint from the mother of a 7-year-old boy. She said Poe had engaged in sexual acts with her son. At the time, Poe was a friend of the mother’s boyfriend, Michael Arnett, and Poe sometimes served as a babysitter for the boy. Arnett is charged in a separate federal criminal case.

Prosecutors told the judge that one incident (count one) occurred in April 2000 when Poe was babysitting the boy at Poe’s home. Poe showed the boy photos of nude children and then made the boy perform oral sex on him.

Another incident (count two) occurred in July 2000 when Poe was babysitting. The boy said Poe held a gun to his head and forced him to perform oral sex.

Another incident (count three) occurred in 1999 or 2000. A victim told federal agents that he and his now deceased brother were molested by Poe and Arnett while the victim was between 10 and 12 years old. The victim said he first met Arnett in 1997 when his brother was a patient at a hospital in Kansas City. The victim’s brother had cystic fibrosis and died in May 2003. The victim said Arnett befriended him and his brother. The victim said the molestation started when Arnett’s friend Poe started showing up with Arnett in 1998. The victim said Poe held a gun to his head and forced him to perform oral sex on him. The victim said Poe first molested him at the house of Poe’s father in Shawnee Mission, Kan. The victim said Arnett and Poe took him and his brother out of town on weekend trips and molested both boys. The trips were to St. Louis, Mo., Bennet Springs, Mo., and Oklahoma City, Okla.

Sentencing is set for May 20. Poe faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. In a separate federal case, Arnett pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography and is set for sentencing May 13.

Grissom commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 95 years in federal prison for robbing financial institutions in Topeka and Leavenworth, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Charles E. Shaw, 55, Kansas City, Mo., was convicted in a jury trial in November of the following: – Robbing the Main Street Credit Union at 1609 S. 4th in Leavenworth, Kan., on Nov. 24, 2010; and brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
– Robbing the Citizens National Bank at 601 Delaware Street in Leavenworth on Feb. 14, 2011.
– Robbing the Educational Credit Union at 901 Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, Kan., on Dec. 30, 2011; and brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
– Attempting to rob the Educational Credit Union again on Feb. 9, 2012; carrying a firearm during the attempted robbery; and carrying a firearm after a felony conviction.

At sentencing, prosecutors noted that Shaw had five prior convictions for armed robbery dating back to 1983.

The judge also ordered Shaw to pay $54,052 in restitution.

Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the Leavenworth Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A former Topeka lawyer has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for stealing money from clients’ trust funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. He was ordered to pay restitution of $537,680.

Robert M. Telthorst, 52, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. In his plea, he admitted that from November 2005 to August 2011 he executed what was in essence a Ponzi scheme in which he took clients' money and used it both to benefit himself and to cover up the fact he was taking money from other clients' trust accounts.

The list of clients he allegedly defrauded includes the following: -- The daughters of a man identified in court documents as Otto K. After the man's death, Telthorst was appointed to administer $463,344 for the man's two daughters. The man wanted the first daughter, identified as Sheri T., to receive a lump sum. Money for the second daughter, identified as Marlene O., was to be invested, with monthly payments to be made to her. Before providing the lump sum to Sheri T., Telthorst took approximately $22,000 for his own benefit. In the trust for Marlene O, the balance dropped from more than $208,500 to less than $150 after Telthorst removed most of the funds for his own benefit.
-- The granddaughters of a client, identified as Mia, Olivia and Lillian. Telthorst set up three educational gift trusts of $10,000 each. He depleted all three trusts, leaving them each with balances of less than $350.
-- Arnold and Bertha J., who established a charitable trust of $80,000 for the KU School of Business. The balance in the account dropped to less than $1,750 after Telthorst diverted funds to his own benefit.

Grissom commended the FBI, the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Chicago man has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for robbing an Overland Park bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Xzavier Stewart, 23, Chicago, Ill., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 20, 2012, he robbed the Bank of the West at 9400 Antioch in Overland Park, Kan. He entered the bank, told a teller to give him money and said: "You have 30 seconds." The clerk recognized him as the same man who had robbed her at the same bank on July 28, 2012.

Shortly after the robbery, Stewart was driving a maroon Malibu westbound on 95th Street near Switzer when police tried to pull him over. He refused to stop and kept driving slowly. He eventually stopped on the off ramp of northbound Highway 69 at 87th Street.

Grissom commended the Overland Park Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to recruit and entice teenage girls to work as prostitutes, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

In December, a jury in U.S. District Court in Wichita found Brandon W. Dennis, 26, Wichita, guilty on two counts of attempting to recruit teenagers to perform commercial sex acts.

In the first count the victim was a 17-year-old Wichita girl identified in court records as “Jane Doe.” In the other count the victim was identified as “Rissa,” a name used by a detective with the Wichita Police Deparatment who was working undercover.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the 17-year-old victim met Dennis in the summer of 2011 at a party. On Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, 2011, she received several messages on Facebook from Dennis. He told her she could make up to $800 a day working as a prostitute.

One message from Dennis read: “become a hoe n get paid n get rich.”

When she declined his offer, he sent her a message saying: “u jus nothing but a dog that needs the rite trainin n life.”

On Oct. 24, 2011, a police detective accessed the victim’s Facebook account and found a phone number for Dennis. Posing as a 15-year-old named “Rissa,” the detective text messaged Dennis. Via text and phone conversations, Dennis offered “Rissa” the opportunity to work as a prostitute. In one message he said: “we can make this happn n get this money nation wide girl.”

Dennis arranged to meet “Rissa” at the Drury Inn, 400 W. Douglas in Wichita. He was arrested when he arrived there.

Grissom commended the Wichita/Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Child Unit - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

Public Can Get Involved During Drug Take Back Day April 27

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom today called on Kansans to join the fight against prescription drug abuse.

“There’s good news and bad news in our fight against prescription drug abuse in Kansas,” Grissom said. “The bad news is that funding for the state’s prescription monitoring program remains uncertain. The good news is that Saturday, April 27, is national Drug Take Back Day.”

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Drug Take Back Day, more than 60 law enforcement agencies around Kansas will be accepting unused prescription drugs for safe disposal.

“Kansans need to clean out their medicine cabinets to help prevent prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands,” Grissom said. “Prescription drug abuse continues to be our nation’s fastest growing drug problem. Prescription painkillers cause more overdose deaths each year than heroin and cocaine combined.”

“National data shows that as many as 16 million Americans age 12 or older have abused controlled prescription medications including pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives and stimulants,” Grissom said.

To locate a disposal site near you, visit the Take Back Day Web site at this address:

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Grissom said he is concerned that grant funding is running out this year for K-TRACS, the state’s prescription drug monitoring program. K-Tracs provides prescribers and dispensers with information on patients receiving controlled substances. It is designed to help prevent and detect the diversion of controlled substances.

“K-TRACS is a critical tool for doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement agencies,” Grissom said. “I am very concerned that its future funding is in doubt.”

K-TRACS was set up by the Kansas Board of Pharmacy with the help of a grant from the Department of Justice. It began collecting data from dispensers in February 2011. In April 2011 it began offering dispensers and prescribers the ability to query the system for information that could indicate controlled substances were being abused and diverted.

K-TRACS recently reported to the Kansas legislature, for instance, that a 32-year-old Olathe woman had received 46 prescriptions from 36 different physicians from Oct. 1 to Dec. 3 2012.

Staff at the Kansas Board of Pharmacy have identified various ways to raise the roughly $180,000 to $300,000 a year it takes to operate K-TRACS from user fees or other methods.

“I won’t try to tell the Kansas lawmakers what method of funding they ought to adopt,” Grissom said. “But I do want to want to say that I see K-TRACS as an essential tool in the fight against prescription drug abuse in this state.”

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man has been charged with selling goods with counterfeit trademarks from Ralph Lauren, Nike and other well known names at his store in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Jehad Shalabi, 44, is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit trademark goods. The indictment alleges that Shalabi sold counterfeit goods at the Joe Black clothing store at 3201 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan. In 2009 Shalabi was identified as the manager of the store. Subsequently, he listed the owner and manager of the store for occupational tax purposes in the names of his accountant or relatives.

The indictment alleges Shalabi offered for sale at Joe Black hundreds of counterfeit trademark items including Polo Ralph Lauren shirts, hoodies and T-shirts; Nike Air Force, Jordan Airmax and Goadomes shoes; Major League Baseball hats; T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, sweatshirts, hoodies and shorts with tattoo designs by Ed Hardy; Luxirie jeans; Rocawear T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and body suits; and Coogi shirts, dresses, T-shirts, shorts, jeans and jackets.

The government is seeking a money judgment of $89,000, representing the proceeds of the crime.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million. The FBI and ICE-HSI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Daniel Lee Wadell, 28, and Stephan Michael Hudson, 32, are charged with attempted bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on March 6, 2013, they attempted to rob the Citizens State Bank at 102 North Commercial Street in Kincaid, Kan.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Ryan Ridens, 46, Linwood, Kan., is charged with one count of possessing two pistols and ammunition after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 4, 2013, in Kansas City, Kan.

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

Cecelia Maria Aispuro, 26, Victorville, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 6, 2013, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

Jesus Clemente, 40, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, Kan.; Filberto Rodela-Gomez, 37, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, Kan.; and Braulio Rodolfo Arena-Pinzon, 25, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and March 2013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Perfecto Morales-Santiago, 35, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Feb. 2, 2013, in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations 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.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former employee of the Internal Revenue Service has pleaded guilty to theft of public funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Becky L. Book, 49, Pittsburg, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds. In her plea, she admitted that while she worked as an IRS revenue agent she documented a significant amount of time on her assigned cases she did not actually work. Further, she prepared fourteen travel vouchers which claimed mileage to appointments with taxpayers she never attended. The total loss to the government was $26,449.65.

Sentencing is set for May 23. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and restitution. Grissom commended the U.S. Department of Treasury - Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A citizen of Mexico who has been living and working in Kansas City, Kan., after twice being deported pleaded guilty Friday to a federal charge of altering and using a Social Security card of another person, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Juan Francisco Morales-Jimenez, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of using an altered genuine Social Security card of another person to unlawfully reside and obtain employment in the United States. In his plea, he admitted he unlawfully used a Social Security number and a false name to work for True North Outdoor, a commercial landscaping and snow removal service in Kansas City, Kan. According to court records, investigators determined that under his true name he had been deported from the United States in 1998 and 2006. A fingerprint check revealed he also had criminal convictions in Colorado for forgery and non-consensual sexual contact. Items seized from Morales-Jimenez included a black ski mask, walkie-talkies, 69 rounds of 9mm hollow point ammunition, a shoulder holster and body armor.

He is set for sentencing on June 3, 2014. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 24 months in federal prison. Grissom commended Homeland Security Investigations and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.

By U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate loving relationships. But maybe it is also a good time for parents to check-in with their teenagers who may be involved in a romantic relationship. If you are a parent of a teenager, do you know the names and faces of three of their friends? Chances are, one of them—maybe your own son or daughter — will be in an abusive relationship.

The fact is teen dating violence is often hidden and unreported. Not only do teens often lack the experience to navigate romantic relationships, they may also be unable to voice their feelings or communicate when emotional situations take a turn for the worse. Even more frightening is that if adolescents find the courage to tell their friends about being in an abusive relationship, statistics show that more times than not, their friends won’t know what to do to get them help.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and it is a great opportunity to raise awareness and focus efforts on breaking the cycle of violence by providing information about the availability of services and the importance of healthy relationships to young victims, their families, and their communities.

While the Nation’s understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking has increased, so too has our awareness that these forms of violence affect all age groups and that violence within relationships often begins during adolescence. However the pattern of abuse can start much earlier. Studies show that children who are victimized or witness violence may carry this experience with them to the playground, classroom and later to teen relationships and ultimately adult intimate partner violence. As professionals, parents, educators, political and business leaders and other members of our local communities, we must teach about and model healthy, non-violent relationships. Intervention and prevention efforts are key elements to stopping the cycle of abuse and are priorities at the Department of Justice and here in the District of Kansas. Attorney General Eric Holder’s Defending Childhood initiative is leveraging existing resources across the department to focus on preventing, addressing, reducing, and more fullyunderstanding childhood exposure to violence. In support of this initiative, the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $5.6 million to 17 organizations that support services for children and caretakers including direct counseling, advocacy or mentoring for children or youth exposed to domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

The Office on Violence Against Women administers several youth focused grant programs established by the Violence Against Women Act. Through these grants, federal funds provide unique opportunities for communities to increase collaboration among victim service providers, children, youth, and men’s groups and schools to help teens understand healthy relationships. Through these partnerships, agencies can focus on educating the community, teens, and children about identifying the signs of abuse, and assist them in locating services if they or someone they know is experiencing a physically or emotionally abusive relationship.

Working to end violence in families and communities remains one of the District of Kansas’ highest priorities. Every year, millions of children and adolescents across the United States are victimized and exposed to violence in their homes and communities, and often suffer severe long-term emotional and physical consequences. When these problems remain unaddressed, children are at higher risk for school failure, substance abuse, repeat victimization, and, perhaps, most disturbingly, perpetrating violent behavior later in their own lives. It is our responsibility to address this serious issue and protect our children.

So on this Valentine’s Day, I encourage everybody, especially parents, to look beyond the roses and chocolate-filled hearts that your children may have exchanged and provide an environment to talk about healthy, violence-free relationships.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom
District of Kansas

TOPEKA, KAN. - Two Topeka men have been indicted on a federal carjacking charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Tapoleon B. Hendricks, 18, Topeka, Kan., and Leondray M. Sanders, Jr., 18, Topeka, Kan., are charged with one count of carjacking. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 14, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan., they carjacked a 2001 Chevrolet Impala from a victim identified in court records as S.P.

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

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Samuel L. Vliet, 21, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of commercial robbery. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 8, 2014, he robbed a Quick Trip at 2106 S. Rock Road in Wichita, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

William A. Blacksmith, 26, Horton, Kan., is charged with one count of assault occurring on the Kickapoo reservation in Brown County, Kan. The indictment alleges that on Dec. 2, 2013, he assaulted an Indian victim identified in court records as J.E.

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

 Crystal Zoe Amarillas-Norzagaray, 22, Tuscon, Ariz., and Pilar Angel Leon-Belran, 35, Tuscon, Ariz., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 103 kilograms (more than 227 pounds) of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute 103 kilograms of marijuana, and one count each of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Leon-Beltran is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 30, 2013, in Ellis County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Possession with intent to distribute: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Aggravated unlawful re-entry: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Erick Corona, 23, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 24, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan.

The indictment seeks a criminal forfeiture money judgment of $42,544, representing the proceeds of the crime.

If convicted, he faces 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 Greg Hough is prosecuting.

George Madison Kitchen, IV, 36, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 30, 2013, in Tonganoxie, 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. The Tonganoxie Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

Adam S. Taylor, 30, Wichita, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of body armor and six counts of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in December 3013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 Upon conviction the crimes carry the following penalties: Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to 410 million.
Unlawful possession of body armor: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.
Using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of four years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

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

Antonio Vindiola, 41, Tuscon, Ariz., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 29, 2014, in Russell 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 each count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

 Aaron L. Streight, 25, McPherson, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 1, 2013, in McPherson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The McPherson County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

David D. Winchester, 54, Emporia, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Oct. 23, 2013, in Lyon County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 Victor Hernandez, 31, Independence, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 6, 2014, in Montgomery County, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Darrell Durbin, 50, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 9, 2014, in Sedgwick County.

 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. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 Juvenal Bautista-Meza, 33, Garden City, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported,  and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States. The Finney County Sheriff’s Department, the Garden City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

Manuel Alex Munoz, 35, Chino, Calif., is charged with one count of distributing 25 pounds of methamphetamine and one count of traveling into Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 7, 2014, in Colby, Kan.

 If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million on the distribution count, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.

Librado Hernandez-Flores, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after having been deported. He was found Jan. 7, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

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

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man who was arrested on a bus pleaded guilty Thursday to robbing a bank in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jamarr Dale, 29, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea he admitted that on Jan. 2, 2014, he robbed the Security Bank at 10840 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kan. He entered the bank and gave a teller a note saying, “I need you to give me $3,000 or I’m going to start shooting.” He took the money and left the bank on foot.

Officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department responded to the call and were advised the robber had boarded a city bus at a bus stop in the Wal-Mart parking lot around the corner from the bank. They found Dale sitting on the bus and arrested him.

Sentencing will be set at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Indiana man has been indicted on charges of using the Internet to sexually exploit a minor girl in Douglas County, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Brett J. Williamson, 35, Ft. Wayne, Ind., is charged with three counts of producing child pornography and three counts of enticing a minor to engage in an unlawful sexual activity. The indictment alleges that in February and April 2012 Williamson enticed the girl to send him photos of herself engaged in sexual activities.

Williamson is being held in the Douglas County Jail.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of producing child pornography; and a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of enticing a minor. The Lawrence Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Edward Davis, 30, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of armed bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on July 13, 2012, Davis used a handgun to rob the Bank Midwest, 3500 Rainbow Blvd., in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Lola Cherrolene Spurlin, 30, Lenox, Ga., and Eliseo Ortiz-Pinacho, 35, a citizen of Mexico, are charged with knowingly transporting six aliens unlawfully within the United States by automobile. Co-defendant Jose Mario Esquit-Ordon, 22, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 7, 2013, in Allen County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Knowingly transporting aliens unlawfully in the United States: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported: A maximum penalty of two years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000.

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

Ashley Davis, 27, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of concealing Daniel Bryant from arrest. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 11, 2013, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the Career Criminal Squad of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

Dion M. Jones, 21, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2013, in Lawrence, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

Earl Watson, 29, an inmate at Leavenworth Penitentiary, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of marijuana, which is a prohibited object in the prison. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 23, 2012, in the prison.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possession with intent to distribute; and a maximum penalty of five years and fine up to $250,000 on the other charge. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

Arturo Zamudio-Nava, 28, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Olathe, Kan., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found July 16, 2012, in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith 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 member of a Dodge City street gang targeted in a federal racketeering case has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Jason Najera, 29, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder in furtherance of racketeering. In his plea, Najera admitted that on Aug. 27, 2011, he used a knife to stab two men he mistakenly believed were members of a rival gang.

On that date, Najera accompanied co-defendant Humberto Ortiz when Ortiz went to a residence at 703 9th Avenue in Dodge City. Ortiz and Najera confronted some men they suspected of being members of the Surenos street gang. Ortiz was a member of Los Carnales Chingones and Najera was a member of Diablos Viejos, both of which were associated with the Nortenos street gang and considered Surenos their common enemies.

When a fight started, Najera used a knife to stab victims Gabriel Rivera and Carlos Ramirez. During the fight, both Rivera and Ramirez were stabbed, with Rivera’s injuries requiring a life-flight to a hospital in Wichita.

In his plea, Najera admitted that as a member of the Diablos Viejos he was part of an ongoing criminal conspiracy involving the Nortenos street gang whose members used murder, robbery, assault and acts of violence to protect and expand their operations.

Sentencing is set for May 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

In January, co-defendant Humberto Ortiz was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

Najera and Ortiz were among 23 defendants indicted in May who were charged under the federal RICO Act (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.) The indictment marked only the second time federal prosecutors in Kansas have filed charges under RICO and VICAR (Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering).

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, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Terry Allen Thomas, Jr., 38, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison. In November, a federal jury found Thomas guilty on three counts of distributing crack cocaine and two counts of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Testimony at trial indicated that Thomas and co-defendants set up crack houses at various rental locations in Topeka. Thomas was convicted of maintaining crack houses at 1306 S.W. Harrison, Apt. 35; and 1312 S.W. Western, Apt. 5.

Co-defendants included: Willie Marquis Halcrombe, who was sentenced to 108 months.
Glennard Hayes, who was sentenced to 75 months.
Janaya Lechelle Stewart, who was sentenced to 28 months.
Audrey Ferguson, who was sentenced to four months home detention and three years supervised release.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man from Johnson County, Kan., has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, including images of an unclothed two-year old boy in a roaster pan in an oven, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Michael D. Arnett, 38, Roeland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. In his plea, Arnett admitted that investigators found child pornography on his computer when they served a search warrant May 15, 2012, at his home in Roeland Park.

The case began when Homeland Security Investigation’s Operation Holitna seized child pornography including images of victims who appeared to be from the area of Overland Park, Kan. Investigators focused on a water bottle in one of the photos bearing the words “Midwest Aquatics” and a phone number beginning with the 913 area code. Midwest Aquatics is a swim and scuba center located at 7565 W. 160th Street in Overland Park.

With the assistance of teachers at an elementary school in Shawnee Mission, investigators ultimately identified three boys who been photographed at Arnett’s home at 5451 Juniper Drive in Roeland Park. At the time the photos were taken, the boys were 11, 8 and 2 years old.

Among the images investigators found was one of a naked boy about two years old lying in a roaster pan that was placed inside an open oven. Another image showed the same boy in the roaster pan with the oven door shut.

Investigators learned that Arnett met the children while he was driving for Kaw Valley Health Systems, a nonprofit corporation that provides medical care and social services for children. He drove them to family visitations, counseling and other appointments.

Sentencing is set for May 13. Arnett faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A member of a Dodge City street gang was sentenced Tuesday to prison in a federal racketeering case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Anthony Wright, 27, Dodge City, Kan., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison. Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm in a crime of violence.

In his plea, Wright admitted he was a member of the Norteno street gang when he aided and abetted the murder of Israel Peralta on June 8, 2009, in Dodge City. On the day of the killing, Wright and another conspirator were out driving when they noticed a group of Hispanic males in a trailer park at 201 E. McArtor in south Dodge City who they believed were members of the rival Sureno gang. Later that day, Wright and three other Nortenos met together and decided to get in the car and go looking for Sureno gang members.

Wright drove the Nortenos to the trailer park and parked the car. Two of the Nortenos in the car with Wright were armed. One had a handgun that looked like a machine gun and the other had a revolver. They got out of the car with guns drawn, ran toward the group of Hispanic males and began firing. Israel Peralta was shot and killed. After the shooting, Wright and the other Norteno gang members drove away from the scene.

In his plea, Wright admitted that as a member of the Nortenos he was part of an ongoing criminal enterprise. The gang used murder, robbery, assault and the threat of violence to protect and expand its operations. He admitted that while he was a Norteno he participated in the sale of methamphetamine. Several other Nortenos were active in the sale of methamphetamine at the same time.

Wright is one of 22 Norteno gang members who have been convicted on charges contained in a federal indictment filed May 2012. It was only the second time a federal RICO Act indictment (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) has been filed in Kansas. Three defendants are awaiting sentencing: Juan Torres, Jayson Vargas and Alfredo Beltran-Ruiz.

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, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Dickinson County women has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for embezzling from a credit union where she worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. She also was ordered to pay $817,000 in restitution.

Pamela Emig, 48, Solomon, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted that from 2005 to 2011 she embezzled $817,000 while she was working for Enterprise Credit at 201 Factory in Enterprise, Kan.

Emig admitted she kited checks between accounts under her control at the credit union to cover up embezzlements and increasingly larger shortages. She would make a large deposit toward the end of the month and include the deposit in the general ledger, but the actual deposit would not be sent to the corporate checking account until the middle of the next month. At that time another larger check would be drafted out of another account at the credit union.

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

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for robbing a Kentucky Fried Chicken and shooting at police as he tried to get away, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Paul F. Sifuentez, 56, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

In his plea, Sifuentez admitted that on June 7, 2012, he robbed the Kentucky Fried Chicken at 1251 S. Woodlawn in Wichita. During the robbery, he threatened employees with a firearm. He fled the store in a car driven by co-defendant James L. Adamson of Wichita. The getaway car had a personalized tag that read “SAVOY.”

When two officers in a patrol car contacted the robbers near the store,Adamson pulled into a parking lot at the Woodlawn Baptist Church, 960 S. Woodlawn. As one of the officers got out of the patrol car, Sifuentez leaned out of his window and pointed a handgun at her. He fired three shots, shattering the glass on the officer’s car door and narrowly missing the female officer, before he and Adamson drove away.

The getaway car was found abandoned at the Governeour Manor Apartment complex at 7025 E. Lincoln. Sifuentez was arrested after he was found hiding at the apartment complex. Adamson was arrested later when he returned to his home in the 4400 block of east Boston street.

In January, co-defendant James L. Adamson was sentenced to five years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a robbery.

Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Federal charges have been filed against two people in connection with an arson at an apartment complex in Manhattan, Kan., that killed a woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Patrick Martin Scahill, 20, Manhattan, Kan., and Virginia Amanda Griese, 19, Manhattan, Kan., have been indicted on one count of arson resulting in a death. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 6, 2013, Scahill and Griese were responsible for a fire at the Lee Crest Apartments, 820 Sunset Ave., in Manhattan. Vasanta Pallem, a 34-year-old postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University who lived in the apartment complex, died as a result of the fire.

“The indictment alleges the defendants acted in reckless disregard for human life and that Ms. Pallem died as a direct result of their acts,” U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

“As demonstrated in this tragedy, arson is a violent crime that can result in devastating loss,” said Marino F. Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “The ATF is committed to utilizing our unique resources and expertise to investigate these crimes.”

Grissom said the Riley County Attorney’s office requested the case be set for federal prosecution.

“The penalty for conviction in this case could be life in federal prison without parole,” Grissom said. “Working together with our state and local partners we are prepared to prosecute this case to the full extent of federal law.”

Grissom said he would not be able to respond at this point in the case to questions about the defendants’ motive for setting the fire.

“I anticipate more details of the investigation will be made public as the case proceeds,” he said.

Grissom said ATF investigated the case along with the Riley County Attorney’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Manhattan Fire Department, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Wilkerson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Disney are 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 man from Overland Park, Kan., has pleaded guilty to helping a drug trafficking organization distribute more than $16.9 million worth of marijuana and cocaine in Kansas, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas announced today.

Samuel Villeareal, III, 33, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and to maintain a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking. Villeareal was one of 43 defendants charged in a superseding indictment filed Oct. 31, 2011, in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. An earlier indictment in the case had been announced July 12, 2012.

In his plea, Villeareal admitted that he bought pound quantities of marijuana from co-defendant Los Rovell Dahda and others, who were operating a marijuana and cocaine distribution ring in Lawrence, Kan. During the course of the conspiracy, the traffickers made more than $16.9 million dollars selling marijuana and cocaine. In 2007, the conspirators shifted away from buying drugs from Mexico and Canada and began obtaining high grade marijuana from indoor and outdoor grow operations in California. The marijuana would be purchased on the front end from California for between $1,800 and $2,800 a pound and then sold to others for between $3,500 to $4,800 a pound.

On May 16, 2011, investigators executed a search warrant at Villeareal's residence at 816 Crestline Drive in Lawrence, Kan. They seized $11,340 cash, four cellular phones and 44 grams of marijuana. Villeareal's residence was located within 1,000 feet of West Middle School. Investigators learned that Villeareal had removed 10 pounds of marijuana from the residence before the search warrant was served. A search of Villeareal's phones revealed text messages with numerous customers in Lawrence who Villearaeal was supplying with marijuana.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. Villeareal faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.

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

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City woman has been sentenced for not paying federal income taxes on part of nearly $2 million she embezzled from an employer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Teresa Joyce Moore, 65, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of filing false income tax returns. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was working for Big W of Kansas City, Kan., a family run business specializing in manufacturing expandable polystyrene molding, processing and cutting equipment. She was a bookkeeper and officer manager with duties that included invoicing, tracking payroll and general bookkeeping.

In late 2007, the owners of Big W realized that Moore had defrauded the company. She created false invoices from legitimate vendors and prepared checks payable to the vendors. Then she created checks for the same amount payable to herself or her credit card company. When the checks with the forged signature cleared the bank and was returned to Big W., Moore hid them and put the checks payable to the legitimate vendor in Big W’s records.

Moore used embezzled funds to purchase homes, furniture, appliances and other items. On her 2006 federal tax return she reported income of $31,990. In fact, she had received income of more than $451,000 through her embezzlement scheme. On her 2007 federal tax return, she reported an income of $30,881. She did not report more than $507,000 she received from her embezzlement in 2007. Moore embezzled a total of nearly $2 million while working for Big W.

Grissom commended IRS - Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – An accountant in Manhattan, Kan., has been charged with embezzling more than $500,000 from the commercial construction company where he worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Larry D. Lord, 63, Manhattan, Kan., is charged with 10 counts of mail fraud. The indictment alleges that from 2005 to 2012 he used his access to the bank accounts of Cheney Construction Incorporated in Manhattan to steal $536,179. Lord was responsible for paying the company’s bills and for issuing payroll checks to company employees. The indictment alleges he wrote checks on the company’s accounts and mailed them to pay personal credit card debts belonging to him and his wife.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Shawn Lee Smith, 41, Salina, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Cottonwood Elementary School in Salina, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 3, 2012, in Saline County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than one year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the drug charge; a penalty of not less than five years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

The Salina Drug Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.

Robert Benjamin Isaac Ewing, 27, Topeka, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 24, 2012, in Shawnee County, Kan.

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

Camona Javaughn Crowder, 28, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 30, 2011, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot 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 Colorado man has been indicted on charges of robbing a bank in Lawrence, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment Wednesday charging Matthew W. Headley, 37, Canon City, Colo., with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 5, 2013, Headley robbed the US Bank at 1807 West 23rd Street in Lawrence, 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 Mike Warner is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 Keith F. Kulper, Jr., 32, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 5, 2013, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner 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 Canadian man has pleaded guilty to picking up a 12-year-old girl in El Dorado, Kan., and taking her out of state for the purpose of having sex with her, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Stewart Kenneth Cody McGill, 21, Bewdley, Ontario, pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In his plea, he admitted he drove from Canada to El Dorado, Kan., to pick up a 12-year-old girl and have sex with her. Officers later found McGill and the girl parked on a country road in Michigan. They found text messages on the girl’s cell phone in which McGill indicated he intended to have sex with her and he was aware of her age.

Sentencing is set for April 24. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of eight years in federal prison, followed by five years on supervised release. Grissom commended the FBI, the El Dorado Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison in a drug trafficking case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jon Reed Woodbridge, 23, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone with texting capabilities in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, Woodbridge admitted that on Feb. 7, 2013, he used telephone texting technology to facilitate trafficking in marijuana.

Co-defendants are: Delaine Rae Romeo, who was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison.
Abigail Torres Soto, who is set for sentencing March 3, 2014.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery and firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Mo, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.

The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.

Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: The FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department; the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department; he Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department; the Mission, Kan., Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A man from North Carolina and two associates from Texas have been charged with coming to Wichita to sell more than $72,000 worth of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Jorge Castro-Cisneros, 29, Hickory, N.C.; Fabrizio Tovar-Rodriguez, 26, Houston, Texas; and Daniel Santiago-Bermudez, 37, Houston, Texas, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The men initially were charged in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 18 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The complaint alleged that in October Castro-Cisneros talked to a Wichita Police Department detective working undercover about coming to Wichita to sell methamphetamine. Castro-Cisneros sent the detective a text indicating the methamphetamine would cost $24,000 a pound.

Castro-Cisneros arrived in Wichita Jan. 15 and the undercover detective picked him up at the Greyhound bus depot. Castro-Cisneros told the detective that the drugs would be arriving soon from Houston. On Jan. 16, a Chevy pickup with a Texas tag met Castro-Cisneros and the undercover detective at the Motel 6 at 5736 W. Kellogg. The detective told the driver of the pickup to follow him. Police stopped the pickup near Central and Ridge. They found a package hidden in the engine compartment containing more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine.

If convicted, the defendants face 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 Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Llewellyn Richard, 44, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with 12 counts of robbery.

Richard initially was charged with nine counts of robbery in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 3 in U.S. District Court.

The three new robbery counts include: – Cricket Wireless, 840 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 29, 2012
– Russell Stover Candies, 2814 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.
– Nationwide Cellular, 4314 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 31, 2012.

The other robberies include:

– Boost Mobile, 3726 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 21, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2272 Quindaro, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 1251 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Quick Service gas station, 7959 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Boost Mobile, 7640 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 26, 2012.
– Cricket store, 4635 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 27, 2012.
– Sally’s Beauty Supply, 5020 Roe Boulevard, Roeland Park, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2801 S. 47th Street, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 3129 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.

According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the first robbery at the Boost Mobile store occurred at about 1:14 p.m. Dec. 21 when Richard walked behind the counter, grabbed a clerk around the waist and demanded money. He gestured to her as if he had a gun in his jacket pocket. He fled the store with the money.

In the second robbery at the Dollar General Store on Dec. 24, he walked behind the counter and pushed the clerk. The clerk stated she felt what she believed to be a gun that the robber shoved into her back. She said he threatened her, saying “Don’t look at me! Don’t turn around!”

On Jan. 1, 2013, officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped a 1997 red GMC pickup. The driver pulled over and then drove away when the officers approached the truck. A pursuit ended when the truck crashed and Richard was arrested.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

Ramiro Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and two counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship. He was found Jan. 18, 2013, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge and a maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Kansas Department of Revenue and ICE Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Jeremy L. Smith, 41, Wichita, Kan. and Brandee L. Rimer, 31, Wichita, Kan., are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession of stolen mail, two counts of producing a false identity document, two counts of using an unauthorized credit card and three counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition, Smith is charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of forging an endorsement on a savings bond and one count of possession of a false identification document with intent to commit fraud.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties: Possession of stolen mail: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Production of false identity documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutive to any other sentence and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Using an unauthorized credit card: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Forging an endorsement on a bond: A maximum penalty of one year and a fine up to $100,000.
Possession of a false identification with intent to defraud: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

Julius T. Williams, 33, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and six counts of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 19, 2012, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Wichita Police Department 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.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican citizen has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Juan Arellano Padilla, 36, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of distributing methamphetamine.

Beginning in late 2009, the Wichita Police Department began conducting an investigation into suspected drug trafficking involving a number of persons, some of who had ties to Mexico. During the investigation: – Oklahoma City Police stopped a van in Norman, Okla., and seized 137.5 pounds of marijuana bound for Wichita.
– Investigators obtained wiretaps to monitor traffickers’ phones.
– Investigators monitored global positioning devices on specified cell phones.
– Investigators arranged to buy drugs from conspirators.

In his plea, Padilla admitted that in 2010 he was part of the trafficking organization and conspired with others to distribute drugs.

Co-defendants include: Carlos Ramirez, who was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.
Alejandro R. Hernandez, who was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.
Ponciano Munoz-Meraz, who was sentenced to 70 months.
Guillermo Amparan, who was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.

Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Liberal, Kan., has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. In addition, he was ordered to $188,097 in restitution and fined $20,000.

Sule Braimah, 52, Liberal, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In his plea, he admitted that in April 2008 he filed a joint tax return falsely reporting that in 2007 he and his wife had a taxable income of $631,166. In fact, he failed to report another $185,229 in income.

Grissom commended IRS Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Johnson County man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on bank fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Kevin M. Mahoney, 44, Stilwell, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he conspired with co-defendant Paul Hartfield and others to make false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain funds from mortgage lenders.

Hartfield owned two businesses: Hart Investments, Inc., and Diamond Mortgage, both in Overland Park, Kan. Kevin Mahoney was a loan officer for Diamond Mortgage.

Hart Investments purchased depressed properties in order to rehabilitate them and sell them at a profit. Hart Investments obtained loans to rehabilitate homes on a “subject to appraisal” basis that allowed the company to withdraw money as rehabilitation progressed. Starting in October 2006, Hartfield stopped rehabilitating houses. Instead, Hartfield, Mahoney and others made false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain loan funds.

Mahoney made false statements on loan applications and submitted them to mortgage lenders to fraudulently obtain loan funds for the following properties: 11339 Sycamore Terrace, Kansas City, Mo.; 3401 Tauromee Avenue, Kansas, City, Kan; 48 Z Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Mo.; 58 T Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Mo.; 4132 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Mo.; and 3921 Wyoming Street, Kansas City, Mo.

Co-defendants included: Paul Hartfield, who was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million restitution.
Brian D. Jaimes, who was sentenced to 24 months.
John T. Bradfield, who was sentenced to 15 months.

Grissom commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the FDIC- Office of Inspector General, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A member of a Dodge City street gang targeted in a federal racketeering case has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for assaulting what he thought were members of a rival gang, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Humberto Ortiz, 20, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. In his plea, Ortiz admitted that on Aug. 27, 2011 in Dodge City, he and other gang members assaulted what they thought were members of the Sureno street gang. At the time, Ortiz was a member of Los Carnales Chingones, a street gang in Dodge City associated with the Norteno street gang. He was accompanied by members of the Diablos Viejos, who also were associated with the Norteno gang.

During a confrontation at a party at 703 9th Avenue in Dodge City, Ortiz and four associates accused the victims of being Surenos, which the victims denied. When a fight began, two victims were stabbed. One of the victims received life-threatening injuries and was flown to a hospital in Wichita for treatment.

In his plea, Ortiz admitted that while he was an associate of the Nortenos the gang was engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise that employed acts of violence including murder and robbery to protect and expand the gang’s operations.

Co-defendants awaiting trial include Jason Najera, 28, Dodge City; Fabian Neave, 25, Dodge City; Jesus Torres, 28, Dodge City; and Jose Neave, 23, Dodge City. They were among 23 defendants indicted in May who were charged under the federal RICO Act (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.) The indictment marked only the second time federal prosecutors in Kansas have filed charges under RICO and VICAR (Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering).

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, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch 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.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Butler County couple who ran a combined beauty shop and gun store have pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Jeffrey Eberhart, 51, Augusta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license. His wife, Tracey Eberhart, 42, Augusta., Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to keep records of firearms transactions.

The Eberharts operated Traceys Dream Weavers Salon And Sporting Goods at 431 State Street in Augusta, Kan. The store advertised that it was “Where Beauty and Bullets Collide.” In his plea, Jeffrey Eberhart admitted that he bought and sold hundreds of firearms at the store and at gun shows from Oct. 1, 2009, to Aug. 22, 2012. Throughout that time, he was not licensed as a federal firearms dealer because he was a previously convicted felon.

In her plea, Tracey Eberhart admitted that while she held a license as a federal firearms dealer she failed to keep records and make reports to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on at lease 33 firearms transactions.

Sentencing is set for April 15. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of five years in federal prison for Jeffrey Eberhart and three years probation for Tracey Eberhart.

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

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two people have been charged with laundering cash from marijuana trafficking through a non-profit credit counseling agency in Kansas City, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Mendy Read-Forbes, 37, Platte City, Mo., and Laura Shoop, 46, Platte City, Mo., are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In addition, Read-Forbes is charged with 16 counts of money laundering and Shoop is charged with eight counts of money laundering.

The indictment alleges that Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions was registered as a nonprofit organization that provided credit counseling services to people who were in bankruptcy proceedings. Forbes held herself out as the owner and operator of the agency. Shoop was an acquaintance of Forbes who worked at various times for the agency.

In March and April 2012, Forbes was introduced to an undercover officer posing as a marijuana dealer. Forbes offered to devise a scheme to launder the dealer’s drug proceeds. As part of the scheme, Forbes offered to deposit money given to her by the drug dealer into the bank accounts of Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions or related companies and then to return the money to the dealer via checks, money orders or wire transfers. The bank accounts were in Kansas.

To make the transactions appear legitimate, Forbes gave the drug dealer a contract titled “Purchase and Sale of Business Agreement.” The contract, bearing the signature of the drug dealer and another person known to the grand jury, made it appear that the marijuana dealer was purchasing assets of FCP, Inc., a corporation controlled by Forbes and another person.

To make it appear that the drug dealer was engaged in business as a certified credit counselor with Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions, Forbes gave the drug dealer a certificate saying he had completed training as a bankruptcy specialist.

In addition, Forbes created a company called Maximum Lawn Care, LLC, and opened bank accounts where cash from the drug dealer was deposited.

Forbes agreed not to charge a fee for laundering the drug dealer’s money until she had laundered $170,000 so that the dealer could use the funds to purchase more marijuana. Forbes also agreed to let the drug dealer store 40 pounds of marijuana at her house.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering and each of the money laundering counts; and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the two marijuana counts.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Housing and Urban Development investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble are prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Sean C. Costa, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 9, 2012, in Wichita, Kan.

Costa initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 17 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The complaint alleged that on Jan. 9 the Wichita Police Department was called to a report of shots fired at the McDonald’s restaurant at 6350 W. Kellogg in Wichita. The victims reported that the disturbance had begun when another car tried to cut in front of them in the drive thru. They said a male in the other car had stepped out of the vehicle and fired a shotgun at them. The blast struck the post between the driver’s side front and back doors of the victims’ car.

While investigating the case, Wichita police officers served a search warrant at 2440 Newell in Wichita. Costa was arrested and police recovered a Mossberg pump action shotgun from a crawl space next to Costa’s bed. Costa denied shooting the gun at McDonald’s.

Because had a prior felony conviction on a charge of aggravated assault in 2011 he was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

Carin Leon-Pacheco, 38, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony an deported. He was found Sept. 25, 2012, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

Brandon Milhouse, 27, Overland Park, Kan., is charged with possession of 43 counterfeit $100 bills and nine counterfeit $20 bills. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 27, 2012, in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

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

WICHITA, KAN. – A woman from Mexico has pleaded guilty to immigration document fraud in a case that made national headlines, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Benita Cardona-Gonzalez, 32, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing fraudulently obtained identification documents including a Social Security card and a Texas birth certificate in the name of another woman. Cardona-Gonzalez used the documents to obtain employment and credit.

The case made national headlines in October when a Houston school teacher told the story of how her identity had been stolen. She recounted how she learned that her identity had been used to take out a mortgage loan and even to get medical care for the birth of two children.

Sentencing is set for March 25. Prosecutors and the defendant have agreed to recommend a sentence of 18 months in federal prison with the understanding that Cardona-Gonzalez will be deported after serving her sentence.

Grissom commended the Kansas Department of Revenue, the Social Security Administration, Office Inspector General, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Hutchinson man with a felony conviction record including involuntary manslaughter has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Joshua W. Whitehurst, 35, Hutchinson, Kan., was sentenced Monday to 96 months in federal prison. Whitehurst pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. He unlawfully possessed a Highpoint 9 mm handgun when he was arrested Jan. 3, 2012, in Harvey County.

“Kansas was third in the nation last year for the number of federal firearms prosecutions,” Grissom said. “The fight against gun violence is a top priority.”

Whitehurst was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions, including a 2003 conviction in Harvey County District Court on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury today returned an indictment against a California man who was arrested in Thomas County, Kan., charging him with possession with intent to distribute four kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Patrick Yarborough, 35, Lawndale, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment alleges he had traveled from California to Kansas for the purpose of drug trafficking when he was arrested Oct. 11, 2013.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the possession with intent to distribute charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the interstate travel charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Costel Neicu, 33, a citizen of Romania, is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of possessing false passports, two counts of possessing false immigration documents, two counts of producing false immigration documents and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 1, 2012, in Ellis County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the first four counts of possessing false documents, a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of producing false documents, and a mandatory two years to run consecutive to other sentences and a fine up to $250,000 on the aggravated identity theft count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Marcos Salvatierra-Martinez, 25, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 12, 2013, in Wichita, 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 Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Jaime Ollarzabal-Lopez, 28, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. He was found Dec. 4, 2013, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Wichita Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Darrin Kebert, Jr., 28, Cherryvale, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 23, 2013, Montgomery County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on methamphetamine charge, not less than five years consecutive to the sentence on the drug charge and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs 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 federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against three men convicted for their roles in a $28 million drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Marvin Lee Ellis, 36, Kansas City, Kan., was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, three counts of distributing crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking at 921 Haskell in Kansas City, Kan., one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Robert Vasquez, 40, Socorro, Texas, was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering.
Vernon Brown, 36, Kansas City, Kan., was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.

A fourth defendant, Kyle Stephen, was acquitted.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization that in October 2010 became the target of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Investigators worked to identify both suppliers and customers of co-defendant Djuane Sykes.

The investigation yielded the seizure and forfeiture of more than $2 million in cash, 194 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of crack.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the traffickers employed a group of couriers who would transport cocaine and marijuana from Mexico to Kansas City, and U.S. currency from the Kansas City area south to be smuggled into Mexico. Robert Vazquez was one of those couriers. On Jan. 13, 2012, investigators were watching when Vasquez met other conspirators at the Swift commercial trucking center in Edwardsville, Kan., and placed a bag inside his semitrailer truck. Investigators followed him to the area of Pratt, Kan., where the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him and seized a black duffel bag containing $549,495 in U.S. currency.

During trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that members of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department’s narcotics unit working undercover were able to buy crack cocaine several times in February and March 2012 from Marvin Ellis at 921 Haskell and at other locations in Kansas City, Kan. In addition, prosecutors presented evidence that Vernon Brown purchased quantities of crack cocaine from Sykes for several years and he sold it to individuals who came to the 2200 block of Russell to purchase drugs.

Ellis, Vasquez and Brown will be set for sentencing at a later date. They face the following potential penalties:

• Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.
• Distributing crack cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
• Maintaining a drug involved residence: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
• Conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., was charged today with committing robberies at nine stores in less than two weeks, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Thursday.

Llewellyn Richard, 44, Kansas City, Kan., was charged in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., with nine counts of robbery.

Court records identified the robberies as:

– Boost Mobile, 3726 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 21, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2272 Quindaro, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 1251 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Quick Service gas station, 7959 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Boost Mobile, 7640 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 26, 2012.
– Cricket store, 4635 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 27, 2012.
– Sally’s Beauty Supply, 5020 Roe Boulevard, Roeland Park, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2801 S. 47th Street, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 3129 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.

According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the first robbery at the Boost Mobile store occurred at about 1:14 p.m. Dec. 21 when Richard walked behind the counter, grabbed a clerk around the waist and demanded money. He gestured to her as if he had a gun in his jacket pocket. He fled the store with the money.

In the second robbery at the Dollar General Store on Dec. 24, he walked behind the counter and pushed the clerk. The clerk stated she felt what she believed to be a gun that the robber shoved into her back. She said he threatened her, saying “Don’t look at me! Don’t turn around!”

On Jan. 1, 2013, officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped a 1997 red GMC pickup. The driver pulled over and then drove away when the officers approached the truck. A pursuit ended when the truck crashed and Richard was arrested.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Saline County man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Shane Curtis Sheets, 33, New Cambria, Kan., was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison. Sheets pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted to conspiring with co-defendants Lisandro Clara-Fernandez, Kevin Dale Ashcraft and Dennis Augustine to distribute methamphetamine in the metropolitan area of Salina, Kan.

The investigation began when the 1-35/I-70 Drug Task Force based in Salina developed information that Augustine and Ashcraft were operating a drug trafficking organization. Investigators learned that on Nov. 27, 2011, Ashcraft was meeting Clara-Fernandez on I-70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. At the meeting approximately 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine was transferred to Ashcraft. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement officers arrested Ashcraft with the drugs.

Investigators learned that Ashcraft regularly received methamphetamine from Clara-Fernandez and that for every pound of methamphetamine he received he distributed a quarter pound to Sheets on credit. Sheets was distributing to other dealers and users down the line.

Co-defendants included the following: Lisandro Clara-Fernandez, who was sentenced to 54 months.
Kevin Dale Ashcraft, who was sentenced to 94 months.
Dennis Augustine, who was sentenced to 240 months.

Grissom commended the 1-35/I-70 Drug Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.