Northern District of Ohio

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that William Bauer, 85, of Port Clinton, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to 5 years in prison and was ordered to pay $464,099.14 in restitution, of which $253,300.55 will be paid to Medicare and $210,798.59 to Medicaid. In addition, Judge Zouhary ordered Bauer to pay $100,000 in community restitution. The community restitution will be distributed 65% to the Ohio Attorney General, Crime Victim Services Section, and 35% to the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. The Court strongly recommended that the community restitution amount go to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties.

Judge Zouhary pronounced the sentence after Bauer was convicted at trial of 76 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 25 counts of health care fraud.

“This defendant unnecessarily distributed dangerous and highly addictive controlled substances and repeatedly ignored warning signs that his actions were causing detrimental harm to his patients and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “No matter your title, those who flood the streets with dangerous drugs and prey upon vulnerable individuals will answer for their actions.”

“Criminal misconduct within the healthcare system is harmful and destructive,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Not only does healthcare fraud impact insurers through monetary loss, but also to physicians, hospitals, and taxpayers who were unwitting participants to the deceitful actions. We will continue to work diligently to uncover fraudulent schemes that risk public health.”

“The sentencing of William Bauer demonstrates our commitment to stopping those who fuel the opioid epidemic,” said Kent R. Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division.  “Medical professionals who disregard their oath and instead seek to profit at the expense of their patients and community will be brought to justice.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2007 and 2019, Bauer, at his practice in Bellevue, Ohio, repeatedly prescribed medically unnecessary controlled substances, including Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Morphine and Tramadol, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

During the trial, prosecutors showed that Bauer prescribed high doses of opioids and other controlled substances to patients without regard to any improvement in pain level, function, or quality of life; prescribed dangerous drug combinations; failed to consider a patient’s state of addiction and ignored warning signs of abuse and diversion such as patients’ stealing medications, frequently requesting early refills, losing medications and other actions.

The case focused on Bauer’s treatment of 14 patients.  Throughout the trial, prosecutors showed that these patients suffered a loss of employment, fractured families and experienced deteriorating mental health conditions as a result of their drug dependency.  In one instance, court documents state that in 2015 a patient of Dr. Bauer died from an accidental overdose.

In addition to his conviction for distributing controlled substances, Bauer was also convicted of health care fraud.  As part of the health care fraud scheme, Bauer billed insurers after prescribing medically unnecessary controlled substances and administered needless epidural and trigger point injections that failed to meet certain procedural requirements.  Because these injections failed to meet the procedural requirements, they were rendered ineffective and fraudulently billed to insurers. 

“This doctor contributed to the tidal wave of opioid overdoses that flooded our communities,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I am proud of the state and federal partnerships that continue to work to stem the tide of addiction.”  

“Providers sow distrust in our nation’s health care system when they participate in health care fraud and activities that endanger their patients,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of beneficiaries through overprescribing and engaging in health care fraud.”

Court documents state that the total loss amount to Medicare and Medicaid due to the fraudulent billing practices was $464,099.14.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ava R. Dustin, Michael A. Sullivan, Robert N. Melching and Payum Doroodian.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Joseph Andrew Garchar, 36, of Lowellville, Ohio, with sexual exploitation of a child.

According to the indictment, in April and October of 2021, the defendant is accused of engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor for the purpose of producing child pornography.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith made the announcement.

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

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The case was investigated by the Youngstown Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts today against Defendant Raymond A. Erker, 50, of Avon, Ohio, following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland.  Erker, a former investment advisor, was convicted of stealing more than $9.3 million from clients in a Ponzi scheme.

Also charged in this matter were co-defendants Kevin Krantz, 56, and Tara M. Brunst, 47, both of Olmsted Falls.  Both Krantz and Brunst previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2013 through July 2018, Erker, Krantz and Brunst conspired together to devise a scheme that stole $9,366,976.37 from at least 54 investors.  As part of the scheme, Erker sold investments to clients that he misrepresented as annuities and senior secured notes with no risk of loss and with a guaranteed rate of return. 

Court documents also state that Erker and the co-conspirators, without the approval or consent of investors, diverted funds to other entities that they controlled and their personal bank accounts.  Additionally, Erker failed to disclose to clients that he maintained substantial or limited ownership interests in companies receiving investments from the scheme.  To keep up with promised rates of return, Erker falsely represented that payments to previous investors were rates of return and interest when the payments were actually new investor funds, the defining characteristic of a Ponzi scheme.

To avoid detection, Erker and his co-defendants set up office fronts in Delaware and Nevada, contracted with call centers and created false websites and account statements that purported to show investor account balances.

Erker was also convicted of making a false statement under oath.  On October 9, 2019, while under oath in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Erker stated that he disclosed to investors that he owned the companies the investors gave him money to invest in, when in fact, Erker knew that statement to be false.

Erker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2022. 

This investigation was conducted by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Westlake Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough and Kathryn Andrachik.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step.  Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Bradley Willem Beun, 42, of Uniontown, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi to more than twelve years, or 151 months, in prison and ten years of supervised release after Beun pleaded guilty to coercion or enticement of a minor.

“This defendant took deliberate steps and made real plans to sexually abuse what he believed to be was an eight-year-old child, “ said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “Thanks to the work of law enforcement, this defendant will no longer have the opportunity to prey upon children.”

“Our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent and defenseless children is paramount,” said Eric B. Smith, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating reprehensible behavior from vile individuals and will continue to work diligently to thwart criminal misconduct of this nature.” 

According to court documents, in April 2021, Beun began an online conversation with an undercover FBI agent and expressed interest in meeting the undercover agent’s purported 8-year-old child for the purposes of engaging in sexual conduct.  On April 16, 2021, Beun arrived at the pre-determined location to meet the minor and was arrested by law enforcement. 

This investigation was conducted by the FBI.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Willie A. Pratt, 33, and Darryl L. Roberts, 31, both of Cleveland, Ohio, with distributing fentanyl that led to an overdose death.

According to court records, on October 31, 2021, officers with the Rocky River Police Department responded to a residence for a call of a possible drug overdose.  Upon arrival, police identified the deceased and discovered a substance, later identified as a cocaine and fentanyl mixture and a cell phone on the decedent.

Court records state that officers investigated the incident and determined the alleged drug supplier’s number in the victim’s phone.  On November 1, 2021, investigators arranged a meeting with the alleged drug supplier ostensibly to purchase more drugs and arrested defendants Pratt and Roberts in connection with the investigation.

During the arrest, it is alleged that law enforcement officers obtained detectable amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl from both defendants.  In addition, court documents state that investigators obtained the cell phone defendant Pratt used to communicate with the decedent.

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

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case was investigated by the DEA and Rocky River Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment on March 3, 2022, charging Clinton Lindsey, 24, and Trayqwan Dunlap, 19, both of Cleveland, Ohio, with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

“As the number of carjackings and other violent crimes persist, we will continue to marshal our federal resources and focus on apprehending and prosecuting those individuals that endanger our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.                                                                                                  

“Carjacking is a borderless, brazen crime that can affect anyone at any time, often without provocation, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  “This indictment underscores our longstanding partnership with the Elyria Police Department and the commitment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to protect the American public.”

According to court documents, on January 27, 2022, the defendants approached a victim pumping gas at a gas station in Elyria, brandished a pistol and threatened the victim.  Court documents state that the defendants then entered the stolen vehicle and fled.

Elyria Police Officers responded and located the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.  Officers observed the vehicle enter the downtown Elyria area and crash into a pillar.  Officers then witnessed the defendants exit the vehicle and flee from the scene on foot.  Court documents state that police officers later apprehended the defendants and located a Glock .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the stolen vehicle.

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

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Elyria Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Harvey Dishon Jones, 39, of Solon, was sentenced on Thursday, March 3, 2022, by U.S. District Judge John Adams to 262 months – or more than 21 years – in federal prison.  Jones pleaded guilty in November of 2021 to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

“By choosing to repeatedly break the law and threaten the safety of our community, Mr. Jones has earned himself a lengthy term of incarceration in federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Despite numerous opportunities to steer away from criminal conduct, Mr. Jones chose otherwise and will now face the consequences of his actions.”

“Drug trafficking is a pervasive crime and often the basis for additional criminal violations,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  “The Federal Bureau of Investigation has an unwavering commitment to ensure cases are meticulously investigated and brought to justice. The partnerships formed with our federal, state, and local agencies have allowed our strike forces to have continued success in combating drug offenses.”

According to court documents, on November 8, 2019, members of the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force executed a search warrant at an address in Cleveland where investigators suspected Jones was storing drugs and seized approximately 3.17 kilograms of cocaine.  On December 16, 2020, pursuant to a DEA investigation, Jones was stopped in his vehicle by police.  Officers searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 128 grams of cocaine, $25,000 in U.S. currency and a stolen .45 caliber handgun.  Investigators later determined that Jones had stolen the firearm from a vehicle in Cleveland.

At the time of his traffic stop, Jones was on parole for a drug trafficking conviction in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.  Jones was also previously convicted of cocaine trafficking in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, wherein U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Jones to 151 months in federal custody.

Investigators with the FBI and DEA consolidated their investigations into Jones while working together as part of a Cleveland-area strike force.

Jones was sentenced as a career offender as a result of his previous convictions and thus received an enhanced penalty.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, Euclid Police Department and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick P. Burke.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, against Defendant Brandon J. Sharp, 34, of Lorain, Ohio, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland.  Sharp was convicted of four counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 29, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Lorain Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding the location of various amounts of narcotics stored under the bumper of a vehicle.  Police responded to the site and confirmed the presence of the drugs. 

While police were investigating, a woman arrived at the scene and explained to officers that the vehicle was used by her boyfriend, Defendant Brandon Sharp, for work.  Sharp later spoke to police via phone and confirmed that the vehicle belonged to his employer.

Law enforcement investigators then obtained and executed a search warrant for the vehicle.  During the search, investigators seized various amounts of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, cocaine and over $2,000 dollars in U.S. currency.  Investigators also discovered a cell phone linked to Sharp and various documents and pieces of mail bearing Sharp’s name, phone number and address in the vehicle.  Sharp was later arrested on December 28, 2020.

Sharp is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2022, and faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lorain Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Vanessa V. Healy.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Korey K. Moody, 36, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to 12 years in prison after Moody pleaded guilty to leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and methamphetamine.  Moody was one of nine individuals charged in a fifty-nine-count indictment with drug trafficking in the Youngstown area.  

According to court documents, from July 2019 to December 2019, Moody supplied heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine, and methamphetamine to other members of the conspiracy for distribution in the areas around Youngstown.  Court documents state that Moody received his drug supply from individuals in Michigan and, in turn, provided the drugs to other members of the conspiracy for redistribution.

Court documents go on to state that members of the conspiracy used cell phones and code words such as “man,” “girl,” “boy,” “hardware,” “onion” and others to facilitate their drug trafficking activities.  

Prior to this conviction, Moody was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

As part of the plea agreement for this case, Moody has agreed to forfeit a 2014 Jaguar F Type Convertible, a 2016 Dodge Durango, a diamond bracelet, a Rolex watch and a yellow gold chain purchased with drug trafficking proceeds.

Acting United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith and Bryant Jackson and Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF and Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Robert Bearden, 49, of Chesterland, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to one year in prison and ordered to pay $62,296.70 in restitution after Bearden pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud.

According to court documents, in July of 2020, Bearden devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $60,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

As part of the scheme, Bearden submitted three fraudulent EIDL loan applications through the SBA’s online application portal, which were approved for a total of approximately $60,000 in funds disbursed.  On applications Bearden submitted, he used false information about existing and non-existing businesses and the name of third parties in return for a kickback of a portion of the funds received.   Bearden also used the personal identifying information of persons interested in obtaining government pandemic assistance to submit loan applications on their behalf, but directing the funds into his own account, including one of the three loans that was approved.

Acting United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS CI, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigations.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot D. Morrison and Brian M. McDonough.

In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, against Defendant Alvaro Orosco, 36, of Visalia, California, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland.  Orosco was convicted of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute more than ten kilograms, or 22 pounds, of cocaine and heroin in the Canton area.

Orosco was one of 15 defendants charged in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of cocaine and heroin from Mexico and California to the Canton area between August 2016 and April 2019.  According to court documents, in April of 2019, Orosco traveled from California to Cleveland, Ohio, to retrieve ten kilograms of cocaine hidden in a compartment of a vehicle shipped from California to Massillon, Ohio.  Law enforcement officers with the Illinois State Police Department intercepted the vehicle and turned the drugs over to the FBI, who replaced the drugs with a fake substance and arrested Orosco when he opened the hidden compartment.

Orosco is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2022. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, Illinois State Police Department, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency and Massillon Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that Andrew Wirth, 33, of Ravenna, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, to 14 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after Wirth pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor in December 2021.

“The defendant’s reckless and repeated attempts to pursue minors for sexual conduct show his blatant disregard for our laws and the wellbeing of our community’s children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “Thanks to the cooperation between our federal, state and local partners, law enforcement in Northern Ohio remains a united front in the fight against human trafficking.”

“The arrest of Andrew Wirth must serve as a wake-up call to those who engage in the horrific crime of sex trafficking,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris III.  “Wirth’s egregious actions show his willingness to exploit the vulnerable, and HSI and our law enforcement partners stand ready and committed to removing such individuals from society,” he added.

“This is a prime example that some people just need to be locked up and kept away from the rest of us—and our children,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.  “Thanks to our partners at the US DOJ, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and Cuyahoga Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, that’s what is going to happen here.’

According to court documents, in May 2019, Wirth was arrested after he used a social networking mobile application in an attempt to meet up with an undercover law enforcement officer, whom he believed was a minor at the time, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.  Wirth was charged at the state level and subsequently posted bond.

In November 2019, while on bond for his state charges, Wirth again used a social networking mobile application to contact a minor victim for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity.  Wirth and the minor victim later met, and Wirth provided gifts and meals to the victim in return for sexual acts as payment.

While still on bond, Wirth used an online dating application to arrange a meeting with an adult victim.  During their meeting, Wirth sexually assaulted the victim and later expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with children as young as ten years old.  Wirth then offered the victim a “finder’s fee” to find a minor to engage in sexual activity.  The victim reported these acts to local police, and an undercover officer assumed the victim’s online identity. 

The undercover officer later pretended to be a minor and began an online conversation with Wirth.   Soon, Wirth began to express his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor.  On November 6, 2019, Wirth purchased a hotel room, alcohol and other items for the purposes of meeting the minor and engaging in sexual activity.  Wirth was arrested that same day outside the hotel room.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and with assistance from the Mahoning and Columbiana Counties Sheriff’s Offices.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned an eighteen-count superseding indictment charging 13 individuals as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that sought to distribute approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and other controlled substances in the Akron area.

Law enforcement officials arrested nine members of the conspiracy this morning after the superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court.  Three members of the conspiracy were arrested in September 2021 and one member was arrested in a separate case.

Named in the indictment are Damien Roger Marcel Stafford, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Chezerae D. Floyd, 44, of Akron, Ohio; Lucian D. Blackwell, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Craig L. Johnstone, 49, of Akron, Ohio; Rausheeda L. Hyshaw, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Antwain D. Stewart, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Ricky Lynn Vaughn, 60, of Akron, Ohio; Clifford E. Stafford, 44, of Akron, Ohio; Dorshaun R. Tucker, 41, of Akron, Ohio; Alexander Prieto, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio; Marian Ripley, 21, of Akron, Ohio; Travis Blankenship, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia and Jessica McClanahan, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, valeryl fentanyl and cocaine.  In addition, various members of the conspiracy are also charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, maintaining a drug premises and using a communication facility to facilitate a drug offense.

According to the indictment, it is alleged that Defendant Damien Stafford purchased fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from drug suppliers, including Defendant Prieto, in Cleveland and elsewhere.   Stafford is accused of using Defendants Hyshaw, Floyd, Blankenship, McClanahan, Clifford Strafford, Tucker, Blackwell and Riley to transport the drugs to be stored at multiple residences in the Akron area.  It is alleged that Stafford then used Defendants Vaughn, Johnstone, Floyd, Blackwell and Stewart to distribute the drugs.

As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that the defendants used these residences in Akron as locations to store and distribute their controlled substances.  In addition, conspiracy members are accused of using cell phones to communicate and drug “testers” to evaluate the strength and quality of a controlled substance intended for sale.

On September 23, 2021, law enforcement officers with the FBI, ATF, Greater Akron Safe Streets Task Force and Akron Police Department executed search warrants at multiple residences connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.  At one residence, officers encountered Damien Stafford wearing latex gloves and a mask.  Officers detained Stafford, entered a bathroom and found multiple bags of various sizes on the floor and inside the toilet.  According to court documents, the bags contained powdery white and off-white substances that were later tested and confirmed to contain fentanyl.

In total,  law enforcement officials seized approximately 16.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 9.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of valeryl fentanyl, 400 grams of cocaine, one semiautomatic rifle, and four semiautomatic pistols during the execution of the search warrants.  Defendants Damien Stafford, Ricky Lynn Vaughn and Rausheeda Hyshaw were also arrested during the execution of the warrants.

If convicted, a defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violations.

In all cases, sentences will not exceed the statutory maximums, and in most cases, will be less than the maximums.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF and the Akron Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.

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Justin Rosas, 31, of Tiffin, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to 15 years in prison after Rosas pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm as a felon.

According to court documents, on August 21, 2019, Sandusky Police Detectives and DEA investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located on Monroe Street in Sandusky, Ohio.  During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement officers encountered Justin Rosas and Fernando Gonzales Jr. inside the residence and seized two semiautomatic pistols located within plain sight of both men.  Officers then searched Rosas and located, in his pocket, a substance containing methamphetamine.  Rosas is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction of aggravated drug trafficking in the Seneca County Common Pleas Court.

Fernando Gonzales was charged in April 2021 as a felon in possession of a firearm.  This case remains ongoing.

This case was investigated by the DEA and Sandusky Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Simko.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the release of the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope.  It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland.  “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm.  The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“Addressing human trafficking in Northern Ohio remains a top priority for our office and our law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “As a united front, law enforcement in Northern Ohio continues to aggressively pursue traffickers and deliver critical aid to victims.  This new plan, combined with grant funding awarded last fiscal year, will help us continue and improve our fight against human trafficking.”

In 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio secured a number of notable convictions and sentences against human traffickers, including:

• Manish Raj Gupta.  A former Toledo-area physician who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and illegally dispensing a controlled substance.  Gupta was sentenced to 235 months in prison.
• Larrien Brown-Austin.  A Canton man who pleaded guilty to participating in a sex trafficking conspiracy that forced multiple women to perform commercial sex acts for profit.  Brown-Austin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2022.
• Reuben Rankin.  A Cleveland man who was convicted of assaulting a federal agent with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rankin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2022.

In addition, to support the victims of human trafficking, various organizations in the Northern District of Ohio were awarded approximately $8.7 million in grant funding this fiscal year from the Department of Justice to provide services and aid, including:

• $4.4 million awarded to the City of Cleveland and City of Akron to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
• $1 million awarded to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for services for minor victims of sex trafficking,
• $600,000 awarded to Promedica Toledo Hospital to train sexual assault nurse examiners.

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, click here.

The former executive director of a Strongsville-based international adoption agency pleaded guilty today in Cleveland to defrauding the U.S. and Polish authorities in connection with the adoption of a Polish child. 

According to court documents, Margaret Cole, 74, of Strongsville, Ohio, admitted to conspiring with Debra Parris and others to deceive authorities regarding the adoption of a child from Poland.  When Cole learned that clients of the adoption agency determined they could not care for one of the two Polish children they were set to adopt, Cole and her co-conspirators took steps to transfer the Polish child to Parris’s relatives, who were not eligible for intercountry adoption.

Cole, Parris and others agreed to defraud U.S. authorities to conceal their improper transfer of the Polish child.  Following the adoption, the child was injured and hospitalized while living with Parris’s relatives.  Thereafter, Cole made a false statement to the Polish authority responsible for intercountry adoptions about the transfer of the child that, among other things, concealed the role of Cole and others in arranging the transfer of the child to Parris’s relatives.

Cole pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false statement to a Polish authority.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Co-defendant Debra Parris previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the Poland scheme, as well as conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and to commit visa fraud in connection with a scheme to corruptly and fraudulently procure adoptions of children from Uganda through bribes paid to Ugandan officials.

Robin Longoria also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the FCPA and to commit visa fraud and wire fraud in connection with the Ugandan scheme.

Co-defendant Dorah Mirembe, who is charged in connection with the Ugandan scheme, remains at large.  

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan for the Northern District of Ohio; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program or call (888) 549-3945.

The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office is investigating the case. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio and trial attorneys Jason Manning and Alexander Kramer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters.  Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and Mirembe is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

An Akron woman was sentenced to 54 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to stealing from and aggravated identity theft of an older individual.  Gina Palmer, 40, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on January 11, 2022, by U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin.  Palmer previously pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in September of 2021. 

According to court documents, Palmer, a tenant of the victim for about ten years, forged the victim’s signature on a fictitious power of attorney (POA) form and used it to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions without permission.  Palmer then had the victim’s mail forwarded to her address and stole the victim’s debit card.  Palmer subsequently deposited the victim’s retirement checks obtained through the mail and made online purchases using the stolen debit card.

Investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated the incident after being contacted by a family member of the victim.  Investigators obtained a video of Palmer presenting a fraudulent POA and attempting to cash the victim’s check.  Palmer was later arrested, and her residence searched. During the search, investigators discovered the victim’s forwarded mail and the notary stamp for the fraudulent POA.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough. 

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Anthony Robinson, 25, of Katy, Texas, was sentenced on Thursday, January 27, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick to 10 years in prison after Robinson pleaded guilty to a fentanyl drug trafficking conspiracy in the Toledo area. 

According to court documents, in March of 2018, Robinson and co-defendants Barbera Wilson and Darrius Lewis conspired together to distribute fentanyl in Toledo.  As part of the conspiracy, Robinson and Lewis made arrangements to obtain narcotics in Houston, Texas, and transport the drugs to the Toledo area.  On one occasion, Robinson and Wilson drove a rented vehicle containing narcotics from Houston to be distributed in Toledo.

On March 20, 2018, Robison mailed a package containing approximately one kilogram of fentanyl back to Houston.  Federal agents subsequently seized this package.  Federal law enforcement investigators then executed a search warrant at two hotel rooms Robinson, Lewis, and Wilson occupied and seized an additional amount of fentanyl and currency. 

In total, investigators seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 8,416 in U.S. currency related to the trafficking conspiracy. 

Defendant Barbera Wilson was sentenced to 12 months in prison for her role in the conspiracy.  Defendant Darrius Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022, for his role in the conspiracy. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security and the Toledo Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Matthew D. Simko. 

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Lawrence Dunbar, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, January 27, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent to more than 20 years in prison.  Judge Nugent pronounced the sentence after Dunbar was convicted at trial of possessing multiple controlled substances with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

“This sentence is reflective of what happens when a life is spent dedicated to drug trafficking and violence,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “This sentence serves an example that felons who possess firearms and sell drugs in our communities will face consequences for their actions.”

“ATF’s mission is to protect the public from violent crime,” stated Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “This sentence sends a strong message to those who use firearms to further their criminal enterprises that there will be consequences.  ATF will continue to work with our partners to hold responsible any individuals who spread violence and drugs in our community.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 25, 2019, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) sought to arrest Dunbar at his apartment on warrants for a felonious assault shooting and violation of parole conditions.  Upon arrival, law enforcement officers cleared the apartment, located and detained Dunbar and searched the apartment.  In the kitchen and bedroom, officers found large quantities of substances that contained varying amounts of carfentanil, heroin and cocaine.  Additionally, they located a loaded 9mm Glock semiautomatic pistol under the couch near the hallway and close to the narcotics in the kitchen.  Officers also found large amounts of drug paraphernalia, including mixing containers, cutting compounds, packaging and distribution materials, digital scales, multiple cell phones and personal protection equipment. 

At the time of his arrest, Dunbar was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, including multiple convictions for drug trafficking, drug possession, robbery and attempted felonious assault.

Judge Nugent sentenced Dunbar to a total of 245 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Police Department and the NOVFTF.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam J. Joines and Margaret A. Kane.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts today against Defendant Reuben Rankin, 36, of Cleveland, Ohio, following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker in Cleveland.  Rankin was convicted of assaulting a federal agent with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography and being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

On October 30, 2019, law enforcement officers with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Rankin’s residence in Cleveland as part of an investigation into the trafficking of a minor victim.  As law enforcement agents approached the residence, Rankin fired six shots in rapid succession at the agents through the window of his vehicle parked in the driveway.  An agent returned fire.  Officers then arrested Rankin and recovered a .45 caliber pistol, spent rounds of ammunition, drugs and two cell phones from his vehicle.

Rankin is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to previous convictions of kidnapping, witness intimidation, aggravated assault and abduction in the Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court.

Rankin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2022.  A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Cuyahoga County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Cleveland Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik, Edward F. Feran and Vanessa V. Healy.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Martin Escobar, 58, of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally distributing controlled substances, causing the deaths of two patients, unlawfully distributing a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21 and health care fraud.

According to court documents and the plea hearing, between March 2015 and October 2019, Escobar admitted to prescribing controlled substances out of his Lake Milton medical office, including opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, often in combination with benzodiazepines and stimulants, all outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

Escobar admitted that, in order to support his unlawful prescription practices, he used false diagnoses, falsified patient pain intensity scales in medical charts, increased dosages of controlled substances and prescribed them for prolonged periods without evidence of efficacy.  Furthermore, Escobar admitted to inadequately investigating patient pain complaints, failing to pursue treatment options other than controlled substances and falsely claiming to have performed extensive physical examinations on his patients. 

Escobar also admitted to ignoring warning signs of his patients’ drug addiction and abuse.  This included ignoring the results of his patients’ urine drug screen tests, many of which were performed in Escobar’s medical office and later billed to the government.  These tests suggested that patients were abusing the drugs that Escobar had prescribed, using other controlled substances and selling their prescription drugs on the illegal secondary market.  As a result, Escobar pleaded guilty to health care fraud.

Escobar also admitted that, in July of 2015 and 2016, he unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to two patients without a legitimate medical purpose.  Both patients later fatally overdosed from the drugs.  In another instance, in April of 2018, Escobar admitted that he unlawfully prescribed opioids to an individual under the age of 21 without a medical need.

Escobar is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17, 2022.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan D. O’Shea, Elliot D. Morrison and Michael L. Collyer, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.    

###                          

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Javon Jonathan Spencer, 30, a Jamaican national, whose last known address was in Euclid, Ohio, for his role in a conspiracy that allegedly stole more than $250,000 from victims and targeted older Americans in Northern Ohio and elsewhere.

According to the indictment, from March of 2018 through April of 2019, a co-conspirator would contact victims and falsely claim that the victim had won a prize through the lottery, sweepstakes or other contest.  The co-conspirator would then inform the victim that an upfront fee or tax was required to collect the full amount.  The indictment alleges that the victims were then directed to mail cash, checks or money orders payable to the defendant at his address in Euclid. 

In one instance, the indictment alleges that in June of 2018, a co-conspirator called a victim and claimed that the victim had won money in a sweepstakes and, to collect the full amount, had to pay $4,500 to the defendant as a fee.  The victim then mailed the fee to the defendant as directed, and the defendant deposited the funds into his bank account.

As a result of the scheme, it is alleged that the conspiracy members caused a total combined loss of more than $250,000 from victims.   

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

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step.  Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Brenton Cronebach, 56, of Dover, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge Dan Polster to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release after Cronebach pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography in September of 2021.

“Accessing and transporting child pornography contributes to the abuse and exploitation of children here and around the world,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that these offenses are serious and come with significant penalties.”

According to court documents, on May 12, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cronebach’s residence after receiving a tip that numerous files of child pornography had been uploaded to several Google accounts associated with Cronebach.  During the search of the residence, investigators seized a laptop, numerous computer disks and multiple USB storage devices containing more than 10,000 images and 1,000 videos of child pornography.    

During an interview with law enforcement, Cronebach stated that he downloaded the files onto USB drives and then uploaded them to Google in the event the drives were damaged.

This case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI, Canton Resident Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Arin Kumhall, 38, of North Olmsted, Ohio, was sentenced on January 6, 2022, by Judge James S. Gwin to five months in prison, to be followed by five months of home confinement, after Kumhall pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $73,000 from her employer.

According to court documents, Kumhall was employed as a bank teller at a Citizens Bank in Westlake, Ohio.  In addition to traditional teller responsibilities, Kumhall was responsible for ordering, receiving and inputting cash into the bank’s internal reporting system for the branch.

Court records state that on multiple occasions from September to December of 2020, Kumhall ordered a set amount of cash to be delivered to the branch.  However, after the delivery, Kumhall entered and reported an amount lower than what had been delivered into the bank’s internal reporting system.

The FBI obtained and reviewed Kumhall’s personal bank account information and observed an increase in cash deposits and online gambling activity from September 2020 through December 2020.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and Erica Barnhill.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Larrien Brown-Austin, 37, of Canton, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday, January 6, 2022, to participating in a sex trafficking conspiracy that forced multiple women to perform commercial sex acts for profit.

According to court documents, from June through August of 2018, Brown-Austin lived at a residence in Canton provided by his father that he used to facilitate commercial sex acts.  In June of 2018, Brown-Austin met Victim #1 and Victim #2 and forced both victims to live at the residence, perform commercial sex acts and provide him with the profits.

Court records state that Brown-Austin supplied his victims with drugs in an attempt to foster an addiction and withdrawal dependency cycle that forced them to rely upon him for more drugs.  Documents show that Brown-Austin used force, threats, acts of violence and leveraged the drug dependency of his victims to coerce them into performing additional commercial sex acts. Brown-Austin also kept a mobile tracking application on the cell phones of his victims in order to determine their whereabouts at all times.

Also charged in this matter as co-defendants are Shannon Marzano, 30, and Larry Brown-Austin, 76, both of Canton.  Marazano and Larry Brown-Austin have both previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.

Larrien Brown-Austin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2022.

This case was investigated by the Canton Police Department, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the FBI, Canton Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Tara M. Brunst, 47, of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in an investment fraud scheme that stole approximately $9.3 million from clients.  Brunst pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud.

According to court documents, Brunst was employed as a licensed investment advisor for co-defendant Raymond A. Erker in Westlake, Ohio.  Beginning in January of 2013 and continuing through January of 2018, court records state that Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy that devised a scheme that stole approximately $9,366,976.37 from investors.

As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy sold investments to clients that they misrepresented as annuities and senior secured notes with no risk of loss and with a guaranteed rate of return.  Without the approval or consent of investors, investor funds were diverted to other entities they controlled and personal bank accounts.  

Court records state that to keep up with promised rates of return, Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators falsely represented that payments to previous investors were rates of return and interest when the payments were actually new investor funds, the trademark of a Ponzi scheme.

Additionally, Brunst and the alleged co-conspirators failed to disclose to investors that they had substantial or limited ownership interests in companies receiving investments from the scheme.

To avoid detection, members of the conspiracy set up office fronts in Delaware and Nevada, contracted with call centers and created false websites and account statements that purported to show investor account balances.

Additionally, charged in this matter are Raymond A. Erker, 50, of Avon, and Kevin Krantz, 56, of Olmsted Falls.  These two individual cases remain ongoing.

This investigation was conducted by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Westlake Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough and Kathryn Andrachik.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Rodney P. Taylor, 37, of Ashtabula, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, by Judge Benita Y. Pearson to 124 months in prison after Taylor pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on September 4, 2018, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) observed Taylor delivering methamphetamine to a co-conspirator during a controlled drug buy operation.  Prior to this incident, Taylor had been previously convicted of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Northern District of Ohio in April of 2010.  At the time of the September offense, Taylor was on federal supervised release for this previous conviction.  

This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Deckert.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Anthony Sharp, 31, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, by Judge Donald C. Nugent to 10 years in prison after Sharp admitted to stealing packages from the U.S. Mail that he suspected contained drugs.

Sharp pleaded guilty in August of 2021 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering and theft of mail.

According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) began an investigation into Sharp, a Cleveland Postal Service Manager, based on suspicion that Sharp was profiling U.S. Mail suspected to contain cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine and stealing the packages.

In July of 2021, USPS OIG special agents and postal inspectors observed Sharp arrive at a Cleveland Postal Service processing facility to help sort Express Mail.  Sharp was then observed removing three packages from the mail stream and placing them in a hamper to be transported to his facility.  Once the Express Mail was sorted, Sharp was observed loading all the Express Mail for his facility, including the three packages suspected of containing drugs, into his vehicle.

Sharp was then observed leaving the facility, opening several parcels and arriving at the postal facility that he managed.  Later, Sharp left the facility and was detained during a traffic stop.  A search of his vehicle produced the three packages which were opened and contained methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl.  Law enforcement officers also observed additional Express and Priority Mail parcels opened in the trunk of the vehicle. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Sweeney and Kathryn Andrachik.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio collected $14,351,785.37 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2021.  Of this amount, $10,314,484.90 was collected in criminal actions and $4,037,300.47 was collected in civil actions.

“Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Financial Litigation Program in the Northern District was able to pursue and recover considerable funds from numerous civil and criminal judgments,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “When this Office represents the United States of America and secures a collection judgment, we will seek to recover every dollar possible.”

Furthermore, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, working with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice agencies across the country, collected an additional $27,194,349.03 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. 

In total, the Northern District of Ohio and partner agencies collected a combined total of $41,546,134.40 in criminal and civil actions and forfeitures in fiscal year 2021.  

Notable collections and forfeitures in fiscal year 2021 include:

CRIMINAL

USA v. Stellato: Defendant Chad M. Stellato pleaded guilty in December of 2020 to defrauding Lowe’s Home Improvement stores via a fraudulent purchase and return scheme.  Stellato was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $594,799.12, and final payment was collected within six months of sentencing.

USA v. Chime, et al.: Defendants John D. Chime, II, Jerry L. Stackhouse and Rogelio Alonso, Jr. were convicted of orchestrating a real estate investment scheme in 2012 and were ordered to pay $677,493.68 in restitution.  Final restitution was collected in December of 2021.

USA v. Sturgill: Defendant James Sturgill pleaded guilty in December of 2000 to bank fraud and was ordered to pay $224,116.04 in restitution.   Final restitution was collected in March of 2021.

CIVIL

U.S. ex rel. Ethical Solutions, LLC, et al. V. Akron General Health System, et al.: In July of 2021, Akron General Health System agreed to pay over $21 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it had improper relationships with certain referring physicians, resulting in the submission of false claims to the Medicare program.  

USA v. Shaffer Pharmacy, et al.: In June of 2021, Shaffer Pharmacy, located in Toledo, Ohio, agreed to pay $375,000 to resolve a civil suit filed under the Controlled Substances Act alleging that the pharmacy and two individuals filled prescriptions that did not have a legitimate medical purpose. 

Tronair, Inc.:  In September of 2021, Tronair, Inc., located in Swanton, Ohio, agreed to pay $92,400 to resolve a False Claims Act investigation that it sold several federal agencies aircraft tow tractors with remanufactured transaxles, in violation of its contracts with the affected agencies. 

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the department’s litigating divisions are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.

While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (O.J.P.) awarded $1,199,650 in grant funding to support programs that provide services to address opioid, stimulant and substance abuse issues in Western Ohio. 

The Hancock County A.D.A.M.H.S. Board was awarded $600,000 to support the Recovery Community Organization Outreach Project.  This initiative provides recovery support services, peer recovery support services and access to transitional or recovery housing for individuals 18 years and older who have a history of opioid, stimulant or other substance use disorders and are either at risk or involved in the criminal justice system in Hancock County.

The City of Maumee was awarded $599,650 to implement a law-enforcement-led response to address the city's substance abuse issues.  The City of Maumee plans to use the funding to embed social services into law enforcement operations for children impacted by family drug use, begin an evidence-based school drug prevention initiative - the L.E.A.D. program and expand the City's drug take-back capabilities.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about O.J.P. and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Baha Jaffal, 29, of Parma, Ohio, on Friday, Dec. 17, following a five-day trial before Judge Benita Y. Pearson in Cleveland.  Jaffal was convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Nov. 11, 2019, Parma Police Officers responded to a residence on Terrace View Lane for reports of an unconscious male.  Upon arrival, officers discovered Defendant Baha Jaffal overdosing and immediately administered Narcan.  Officers then searched Jaffal and his belongings to determine what had caused the overdose.  During this search, officers found approximately 35 grams of carfentanil and heroin in a jacket pocket.

Separately, on Dec. 12, 2019, Parma Police responded to West 54th and Snow Road for reports of a silver Chevy Suburban driving recklessly.  While attempting to stop the vehicle, officers observed the driver throw a pill bottle out the window.  Officers then stopped the vehicle and identified Defendant Jaffal as the sole occupant.  During a search of the vehicle and Jaffal, officers discovered 27 pills containing fentanyl in Jaffal’s pocket and a loaded firearm magazine in the center console of the vehicle.  Officer also recovered a firearm Jaffal threw from the vehicle and the discarded pill bottle.

Jaffal is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions of burglary, domestic violence, attempted felonious assault and drug possession in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Jaffal is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2022.  A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Parma Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott C. Zarzycki and Marc D. Bullard.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Chelsea Perkins, 31, of Alexandria, Virginia, with first-degree murder, second-degree murder,  and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents, on or about March 6, 2021, the defendant is accused of shooting an individual identified in the indictment as M.J.D. (initials used to protect the decedent’s identity) near the Terra Vista Natural Study Area in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Court documents state that M.J.D.’s body was taken to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, where it was determined that the manner of death was a gunshot wound to the back of his head.  The cause of death was ruled a homicide.

On December 9, the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of Defendant Chelsea Perkins in connection with the homicide.  According to court documents, investigators linked the defendant to the shooting of M.J.D using GPS data, ballistics analysis, and DNA evidence.

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

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification; National Parks Service; and Valley View Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott C. Zarzycki, Margaret A. Kane, and Adam J. Joines.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded more than $6.4 million in grant funding to support sexual assault kit testing, investigations and prosecutions in Northern Ohio.  In addition, funding was awarded to provide services for prepubescent victims of sexual assault and assist medical nurses with obtaining specialized training.  

The following is a summary of the awards.

City of Cleveland, $2,461,762.

The City of Cleveland was awarded funding to continue sexual assault kit testing, identify victims of sexual assault cold cases and continue the implementation of best practices and victim-centered approaches to investigating and prosecuting these cases.

City of Akron, $2,002,676.

The City of Akron was awarded funding to hire personnel to continue investigations and prosecutions into sexual assault cold cases.  Funding was also awarded to conduct public outreach, support lab efforts for advanced DNA testing, provide support for victims and witnesses and provide training for investigators and prosecutors.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, $1,395,078.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office was awarded funding to help identify “John Doe” defendants, solve sexually motivated homicides and re-investigate previous sexual assault kits to find case leads.

ProMedica Metro Forensic Program: Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and Training Expansion (PMFPE), Toledo, Ohio, $600,000.

ProMedica was awarded funding to provide coordinated forensic interviews, non-acute medical exams and follow-up care for prepubescent victims of sexual assault.  In addition, the grant funding will assist nurses with obtaining their sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) certification.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

Two Florida men pleaded guilty this week in the Northern District of Ohio for leading a nationwide scheme to fraudulently obtain over $35 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to court documents, James R. Stote, 55, of Hollywood, and Phillip J. Augustin, 52, of Coral Springs, conspired to obtain millions of dollars in fraudulent PPP loans.  Augustin and Stote obtained a fraudulent PPP loan for Augustin’s company, Clear Vision Music Group LLC, using falsified documents.  After submitting that application, Stote and Augustin immediately began working to obtain larger PPP loans for themselves and their associates. Stote and Augustin recruited additional PPP loan applicants and prepared and submitted fraudulent loan applications for them in exchange for a share of the loan proceeds.  Augustin used his network of business contacts from his work as a manager for professional football players.  The applications they submitted for all of the loans in the scheme relied on fake payroll numbers, falsified IRS forms and phony bank statements.  They submitted or facilitated at least 79 fraudulent loan applications worth at least $35 million and planned to submit more.  As part of the plea, Stote agreed to forfeit more than $1 million in proceeds of the fraud that had previously been seized. 

The scheme included at least two loans to entities in Northeast Ohio worth approximately $875,000. 

“These convictions, and the numerous convictions of others involved in this wide-ranging conspiracy, demonstrate that people will be held accountable for defrauding the PPP Program,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Fraud against PPP programs directly harms taxpayers and undermine public trust in essential government support during the pandemic.  We will continue to combat fraud and ensure that COVID-19 relief goes to those who deserve it.”

“While many businesses in our communities relied upon relief funds to keep their doors open and employees paid, these defendants profited off a scheme that stole millions of taxpayer dollars intended for struggling businesses and spent it lavishly on themselves,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio.  “Theft of government funds will not be tolerated, and prosecuting PPP fraud remains a priority for law enforcement.”

Stote and Augustin each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  They are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“From submitting false documentation to recruiting other individuals, the defendants went to great lengths to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program of millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Cincinnati Field Office.  “IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable that defraud programs designed to help struggling Americans and businesses.”

“This sentencing serves as a deterrent to anyone who would commit fraud targeting COVID-19 relief programs,” said Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.  “Programs like these were created to help individuals during a pandemic, not for fraudsters to take advantage for personal gain.  The FBI will continue to pursue criminal actors who engage in this activity.”

“Conspiring to fraudulently use SBA program funds is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson of the SBA Office of Inspector General’s (SBA-OIG) Central Region.  “OIG will aggressively root out fraud to protect the integrity of SBA’s programs, which are intended to provide vital assistance to the nation’s small businesses.  I want to thank the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

In total, 25 people have been charged for their participation in this scheme in the Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Florida and Middle District of North Carolina.  To date, 20 of those defendants have been convicted.

The IRS-CI, FBI and SBA-OIG are investigating the cases.

This case is being prosecuted by and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded $1,175,000 in grant funding to support the Summit County Valor Court and Hope Court initiatives.

The Summit County Valor Court was awarded $625,000.  The Valor Court was established due to the recognition that many veterans return to civilian life with serious trauma, both physical and mental, which may lead to their involvement with the criminal justice system.  This specialized docket gives veterans access to programs, treatment and interaction with mentors in an initiative to enhance chances of success.

The Summit County Hope Court was awarded $550,000.  The Hope Court  (Healing, Opportunity, Progress & Empowerment) is the first felony specialized court for individuals who have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental health illness in Summit County.  As a certified specialized docket with the Ohio Supreme Court, HOPE Court aims to improve life stability, reduce criminal recidivism, increase compliance with court orders and more.

Learn more about these specialty courts here.

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 The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Bryan Shane Wolfe, 45, of Mansfield, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge Donald C. Nugent to 46 months in prison after he pleaded guilty in August of 2021 to sending threatening communications to three individuals and possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. 

“This defendant deliberately chose to send threats to his victims due to their race, religion and ethnicity,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “These actions were targeted, occurred on more than one occasion and caused lasting harm.  Today’s sentence illustrates that threats made online have real consequences and may result in real prison time.”  

"The defendant will now serve significant time in prison as a result of his despicable conduct," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  "Social media threats of this magnitude will not be tolerated and are taken seriously. The FBI is committed to investigating threats such as these due to the severe impact they can have on victims."

According to court documents, on November 2, 2019, Wolfe, through his Facebook account, sent pictures and messages to victim T.J. (an African American individual) threatening to kidnap members of the victim’s family while also making racial slurs.

Again, on September 8, 2020, Wolfe, using his Facebook account, sent victim E.H. (an Arab American individual) messages threatening to burn a Quran in the victim’s yard and further sent the victim a picture of E.H.’s home and a bonfire.  Wolfe also referred to E.H. using slurs and derogatory terms.

Finally, on September 13, 2020, Wolfe, again from his Facebook account, sent messages to victim J.M. threatening to kill the victim’s biracial children and included a picture of the victim’s children.  Wolfe also referred to J.M. using slurs and derogatory terms.

On September 18, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Wolfe and recovered a pistol in plain sight.  Wolfe is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Morrow County Municipal Court.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division, Kentwood, Michigan Police Department and with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bryson N. Gillard.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Lance Harris, 42, of Toledo, Ohio, with two counts of filing false and fictitious claims for a tax refund.

According to the indictment, in January and February of 2020, the defendant submitted fraudulent claims for a tax refund to the IRS in the amount of approximately $1.1 million for tax years 2019 and 2018.

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

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

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jody L. King.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $257,418 in grant funding to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program in the Northern District.  This funding will support efforts across the District to address violent crime, including gun violence that is often at its core.  The Department of Justice also announced that it has awarded more than $17.5 million nationwide to support PSN programs in other districts.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”

“We are grateful for the Department’s sustained support of Project Safe Neighborhoods and its commitment to funding projects that prioritize public safety and violence prevention for our District’s communities,”  said U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan.  “This investment will continue to fund and support the work our office, law enforcement partners and community members do to address the most pressing issues facing our communities.”

Grant funding will support activities in the District that bring together federal, state and local law enforcement representatives with community stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to address violent crime.  Objectives of this group include building trust and accountability between law enforcement and the community, enhancing crime and intelligence analysis, using data-driven measures to respond to violent crime issues and incorporating prevention and intervention activities to stop future violent crimes.

“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade-old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.

For a list of all grantees, please click here.

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The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Darek Lathan, 52, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced on Dec. 8, 2021, to 235 months, about 19 and a half years, in prison by Judge George Caram Steeh, Eastern District of Michigan, after a jury found Lathan guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents, in the spring of 2017, the FBI began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization importing kilograms of cocaine and other narcotics to be sold in Toledo, Ohio.  Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials learned that members of the organization partnered with Lathan to provide security for the operation and during drug exchanges.

On Nov. 17, 2017, police executed a search warrant at a residence known to be occupied by Lathan and other members of the organization.  During the execution of the warrant, Lathan was identified sleeping near the door next to a loaded pistol.  While executing other search warrants that day, law enforcement officers obtained additional firearms and narcotics connected to the drug trafficking operation.

At trial, the leader of the drug trafficking organization described how Lathan worked for him as an enforcer, always carried a gun and that the firearm found next to Lathan was one that Lathan had acquired. 

Lathan is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple previous convictions in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court of aggravated robbery and kidnapping, aggravated robbery with a firearm and aggravated drug trafficking.  These previous convictions qualified Lathan to be sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Toledo Resident Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew D. Simko and Sara Ann Al-Sorghali.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Allen Martin Kenna, 20, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was sentenced today to five years in prison by Judge Patricia A. Gaughan after Kenna pleaded guilty earlier this year to attempted use of an explosive device and interstate communication of threats.

“This defendant openly threatened to attack children while they attended classes at a local high school,” said U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan.  “That he also engaged in reconnaissance efforts to prepare for such an attack and possessed the components, including ammunition, to construct the improvised explosive device he intended to use, demonstrates how very real this threat was for the children he targeted.  The exceptional work of our local, state and federal partners prevented this attack.  We remain grateful for their selfless dedication to protecting the residents of this District.”

"Mr. Kenna will now serve time behind bars for threatening two schools,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  “Thanks to the awareness of private citizens and the hard work of our law enforcement partners, what could have been a horrific and tragic day was stopped.  Law enforcement has no higher priority than protecting others.  The FBI and our law enforcement partners urge parents, relatives and friends to report suspicious and troubling behavior to authorities immediately.”

According to court documents, on January 8, 2020, law enforcement officers searched the known residence of Defendant Allen Martin Kenna after an individual informed police that Kenna had made threats to carry out an attack at Cuyahoga Falls High School (CFHS).   Kenna had previously been identified entering CFHS after normal school hours, filming inside school hallways and asking others specific questions concerning school operations, facilities and resource officers. 

During the search of the Kenna residence, officers obtained multiple electronic devices, several knives, firearm magazines, ammunition and various items intended to be used as components in the creation of an improvised explosive device.

Investigators then searched Kenna’s laptop and discovered numerous digital journal entries made by Kenna discussing plans, desires and research to carry out an attack at CFHS using explosives and firearms.  In addition, officers found internet search history on a cell phone belonging to Kenna for topics including active shooters, firearms and weapons handling tactics, timed explosives, the search term “isis time bomb” and more.

Furthermore, investigators found multiple internet search inquiries for Lee Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas.  Investigators determined that on or about November 13, 2019, Kenna placed phone calls to law enforcement officials in Manhattan, Kansas, claiming to be an active shooter inside the elementary school.  In response to this call, SWAT officers from the Riley County Sheriff’s Department deployed, and after several hours of speaking with Kenna posing as the alleged gunman, the SWAT team entered the school and discovered the event was a hoax.  Journal entries found on Kenna’s laptop discussed his role in the hoax.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan T. Brown.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan released a statement today after the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner issued a public health alert concerning suspected overdose deaths in the county.

“There are no safe street drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Brennan.  “Pills that look like oxycontin or percocet are often pressed fentanyl, fentanyl analogues or carfentanil.  Similarly, cocaine is not just cocaine, and heroin is not just heroin.  What is being bought on the streets is killing our friends and neighbors.  We will continue to identify, dismantle and prosecute anyone selling these illegal narcotics.  But for those who are using, know that help is available.  Please get the help you need.” 

Read the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s public health alert here.

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677.  Eligible program participants are given free Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Gary Frantz, 69, a Mansfield-area physician at the time of the offense conduct, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 on December 2, 2021, by Judge Benita Y. Pearson after Frantz pleaded guilty earlier this year to illegally, and without medical necessity, prescribing powerful painkillers.

Christopher Fulk, 44, of Mansfield, Ohio, was also sentenced in this matter to 30 months in prison.  Fulk pleaded guilty in August of 2020 to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone.

According to court records, from January of 2005 through June of  2017, Frantz, a licensed medical practitioner in Mansfield, Ohio, distributed prescription painkillers, such as Oxycodone, Methadone, Hydrocodone and more, that were medically unnecessary and outside the usual course of professional practice to ten individuals. 

Frantz prescribed narcotics to customers whom he described as “patients”, often prescribing doses that far exceeded the standard of care, and at levels that were so high, they’re typically seen only in operating rooms and in end-of-life care.  In some instances, family members came to Frantz and raised concerns that their loved ones were taking too much medication; however, Frantz continued to distribute narcotics at excessive levels and in large doses.

Furthermore, Frantz distributed excessive quantities of narcotics to persons despite knowing that they had histories of substance abuse and in the face of multiple signs that they were addicted to the medication.  In some instances, pharmacists expressed concern to Frantz that the dosages and quantities of painkillers that he was prescribing and that some of his patients were filling prescriptions far too often.  Nevertheless, Frantz continued to prescribe these large doses.

Frantz also prescribed large doses of perception narcotics to Defendant Christopher Fulk, who was known as a “patient”.  During this time, Frantz wrote medically unnecessary prescriptions for excessively large quantities of controlled substances, including oxycodone pills and fentanyl patches, some of which Fulk then diverted and distributed to others.  Fulk sold thousands of oxycodone pills and hundreds of fentanyl patches that he received from Frantz to various customers in the Mansfield area.

This case was investigated by the DEA, METRICH Drug Task Force and the Mansfield Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney and Edward F. Feran.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal jury today returned a guilty verdict against Defendant Lon R. Sweeney, 56, of Cleveland, Ohio, following a four-day trial before Judge Dan Aaron Polster in Cleveland.  Sweeney was convicted of threatening a federal employee and acquitted of assault of an officer.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 12, 2017, Sweeney left a voicemail message threatening bodily harm to an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after the VA had begun the process of assigning a fiduciary to manage Sweeney’s monetary VA benefits.  During the same voicemail, Sweeney also threatened bodily harm against an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, who had previously warned Sweeney about making threats to VA employees.  Following the threats on July 12, a warrant was issued for Sweeney’s arrest.

On January 7, 2019, Sweeney appeared for a scheduled appointment at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland.  After the appointment concluded, law enforcement officers apprehended Sweeney on his outstanding warrant. 

Sweeney is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2022.  A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General with the help of the Cleveland VAMC Police and Brecksville Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brad J. Beeson and Brian M. McDonough.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Jamie L. Casey, 34, of East Sparta, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge J. Philip Calabrese to serve three days in prison, two years of post-release supervision and ordered to pay $102,822 in restitution to the Social Security Administration after Casey pleaded guilty to theft of government property in August of 2021.

According to court documents, Casey’s grandmother received Social Security retirement benefits paid to her via direct deposit into an account she co-owned with Casey.  From June of 2012 to around June of 2020, and after the death of her grandmother, Casey collected the Social Security benefits and converted the funds to her own use by making electronic withdrawals even though she knew the funds were to terminate upon the death of the intended recipient.

In total, Casey collected $102,822 in benefit payments to which she was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal jury today returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Tandre Buchanan, Jr., 24, of Cleveland, following a three-day trial before Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland.  Buchanan was found guilty of interference with commerce by means of robbery and tampering with evidence.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 30, 2020, Buchanan, wearing a bright orange jacket, head covering and shoes, threw an object that shattered a large window at Colossal Cupcakes on Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland.  Buchanan then entered the business through the broken window and encountered the store owner and employees, who locked themselves in a bathroom to call for help. 

Buchannan removed a chair from the shop and exited through the same window.  Using the chair, Buchanan repeatedly smashed a second window until it finally shattered and fell out.   Court documents state that multiple individuals then entered the business through the broken window, destroyed the shop’s interior and stole several items, including store inventory and iPads, all while Buchanan was smashing the second window. 

According to court records, text messages regarding the incident were later recovered from Buchanan’s phone.   An individual sent a text to Buchanan’s asking, “what the hell they do with all the cupcakes?” Buchanan replied, “man I was giving them out.”

The jury also found Buchanan guilty of evidence tampering after evidence showed Buchanan disposed of the bright orange clothing he wore in an attempt to conceal his identity and participation in the incident.   Buchanan was ultimately identified and arrested based on multiple identifications made from photos released to the public.

Buchanan is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2022.  A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland FBI with the help of the Cleveland Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Jurmaine A. Jeffries, 32, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Nov. 30, 2021, by Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr to 20 years in prison.

In April of 2018, following a two-week trial, a jury convicted Jeffries of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  The jury found Jeffries sold the fentanyl that resulted in the death of an Akron woman on Sept. 16, 2015, inside a home on Goodyear Avenue.  Testimony and evidence presented at trial showed the woman called and texted Jeffries repeatedly on the day that she died, asking to buy drugs.  Jeffries replied, “B right there” and records from cell phone towers put Jeffries near the woman’s residence the day that she died. 

Akron police detectives then posed as the woman and texted Jeffries from her phone, asking for more drugs.  Jeffries again replied that he would “be right there” and police arrested him when he arrived.  Police found Jeffries to be in possession of 38 grams of fentanyl when he was arrested, according to trial testimony and evidence.

This case was investigated by the DEA and Akron Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan R. Miller.  

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Timothy Goodner, 20, of Maple Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to commit arson during the May 30, 2020, demonstrations in downtown Cleveland. 

According to court documents, on May 30, 2020, during ongoing demonstrations in downtown Cleveland, a small crowd gathered around the Shaia & PPR parking booth located on West 3rd Street.  In this crowd, an unidentified individual is observed using a lighter to ignite a roll of paper towels and cardboard boxes in an attempt to set fire to the parking booth. 

While members of the crowd waited for the paper towels and boxes to ignite, a second unidentified individual handed Defendant Timothy Goodner a cardboard box, which Goodner placed inside the booth.  The first unidentified individual then inserted the burning paper towels and cardboard boxes inside the parking booth while Goodner and others stood nearby.  Goodner then placed additional cardboard boxes inside the booth to accelerate the fire.

After the demonstrations, the Cleveland Division of Police released images and videos of suspects committing various criminal acts to the media.  Goodner was identified via these images from numerous anonymous tips.

A sentencing date has not been set.  A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Cleveland Division of Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cleveland FBI, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance in this matter.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Jeffrey Davenport, 52, of Toledo, was sentenced on Monday, November 22, by Judge Jack Zouhary to 54 months in prison after Davenport pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

As set out in court documents, on July 1, 2020, the Toledo Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and members of the Northwest Ohio Bomb Squad executed a search warrant at Davenport’s residence on Atlantic Avenue in Toledo.  During the search, law enforcement officers obtained a smoke grenade, three inert grenades, one flak jacket, miscellaneous ammunition, 11 firearms and an improvised explosive device.

While executing the warrant, law enforcement officers detained two of Davenport’s associates, who later admitted to removing several firearms and ammunition from the Davenport residence to conceal them from police.  These items included eight boxes of miscellaneous ammunition, a green rifle case, seven firearms and a 12-gauge shotgun.

Davenport is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions of felonious assault and attempted felonious assault on a peace officer in 2003 in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

This case was investigated by the ATF and Toledo Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deyana F. Unis.

U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced four separate guilty verdicts returned this week in criminal cases in the Northern District of Ohio.  These are separate cases and are not related.

On Monday, November 15, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Quentin D. Watson, 35, of Akron, following a week-long trial before Judge Pamela A. Barker.  Watson was found guilty of distributing a fentanyl substance that led to a fatal overdose, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2022.  This case was investigated by the Akron Police Department, Akron Fire Department, Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Christopher J. Joyce.

On Wednesday, November 17, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Jay A. Schwartz, 55, of Northville, Michigan, following a three-day trial before Judge Robert H. Cleland in Port Huron.  Schwartz was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and bribery involving federal programs.

Schwartz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2022. This case was investigated by the Detroit Division of the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Michael Freeman out of the Northern District of Ohio.

On Thursday, November 18, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Damon Lamont Irby, 45, of Youngstown, following a two-day trial before Judge John R. Adams.  Irby was found guilty of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person with a prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

Irby is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2022.  This case was investigated by the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz.

On Thursday, November 18, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Defendant Leonard Walker, Jr., 44, of Elyria, following a five-day trial before Judge Solomon Oliver.  Walker was found guilty of distribution of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2022.  This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Colleen M. Egan.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio today announced that the Justice Department has awarded $5.5 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to four law enforcement agencies in the district.  The awards provide direct funding to hire additional full-time law enforcement professionals.

Across the nation, the Justice Department announced that it has awarded more than $139 million in grant funding to 183 law enforcement agencies.

The following law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Ohio received awards:

• Austintown Township, $250,000
• City of Canton, $1,000,000
• City of Cleveland, $3,750,000
• Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, $500,000

CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here. 

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.

To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.  

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.