Northern District of Ohio

A citizen of El Salvador was indicted in federal court after he was stopped on the Ohio Turnpike transporting people who were in the country illegally.

Melvin Enriquez Rios, 37, was indicted on seven counts of transportation of aliens not lawfully in the United States.

Rios was in a Toyota Sequoia with a Texas license plate that was stopped by an Ohio State Patrol trooper on July 15 in Wood County. 

None of the occupants of the van had any personal items with them and their cell phones were stored together inside a bag in the front glove compartment. The van’s windows were tinted. Only Rios spoke and only he had access to the cell phones, according to court documents.

Rios said upon further questioning that he was being paid to drive the people from Houston to Chicago and then a location in Maryland and would be paid for transporting them upon his return to Houston, according to court documents.

“People who enter the U.S. illegally and end up working in places like Ohio are trafficked through the same criminal networks that move illegal narcotics, firearms and cash,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute anyone who seeks to profit off of other people’s desperation.”

“This case is the direct result of numerous law enforcement agencies working together to stop and arrest those who deliberately try to exploit our immigration laws,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Chief Patrol Agent Travis Darling. “I hope this indictment today serves as a stern warning to anyone who chooses to participate in this type of activity, which is not only illegal but sometimes involve crimes being committed against those being smuggled. ”

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Melching.  

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

A former Toledo resident was indicted in federal court for allegedly embezzling more than $300,000 from her employer and using it to gamble and pay for electronics, airline tickets and other personal expenses.

Traci Ann Grillo, 47, of Ida, Michigan, was indicted on nine counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment:

Grillo worked for King Electrical Service in Sylvania from September 2014 through March 2019. As part of her job, King Electrical entrusted financial accounts to Grillo, including bank accounts, credit card accounts, and check-writing authority.

Grillo embezzled more than $300,000 from King Electrical. She did this through several fraudulent means, including: salary overpayments to herself; personal use of the King Electrical checking account, such as writing check to pay her son’s tuition at Kent State University; personal use of King Electrical credit cards, including for clothing, home furnishings, electronics, airline tickets and to pay her online gambling account, and obtaining high-interest rate loans under fraudulent pretenses, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jody L. King and Gene Crawford.

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

A Maple Heights woman was sentenced to more than nine years in prison for robbing the same consignment store on Chagrin Boulevard on consecutive days, including using a firearm in the second robbery.

Rachellette McKissack, 26, was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison. She previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

McKissack robbed the Cleveland Consignment Shoppe at 28790 Chagin Blvd. in Woodmere on November 15, 2018, according to court documents.

McKissack again robbed the Cleveland Consignment Shoppe on November 16, 2018, this time using a firearm during the robbery, according to court documents.

“For two consecutive days, this defendant terrorized people who were simply going about their day,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will pursue a long prison sentence for anyone who uses a firearm during a robbery.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and John C. Hanley following an investigation by the FBI and Woodmere Police Department.

Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at events in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown and elsewhere to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities. 

“For decades, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime.”

National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.

A Toledo man was indicted in federal court after he allegedly took cellular phone photos of himself sexually assaulting a 2-year old child and another young girl.

William Robert Collins, 32, was indicted in U.S. District Court on two counts of production of child pornography and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

“This defendant is accused of sexually abusing two very young girls and recording the crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “The allegations are reprehensible and we will hold this defendant accountable for his crimes.”

"The abuse of a child is incomprehensible,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Individuals, such as Mr. Collins, that choose to engage in the despicable taking and sharing of sexually explicit photos of children will face a court of law. Law enforcement will continue efforts to protect our most precious resource, our children.”

Investigators determined earlier this year that a person using the screen name “biggdikkdaddy” was found to be a member of multiple online groups which shared thousands of images of children, including infants and toddlers, being sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

Subsequent subpoenas revealed the username was registered to William Collins of 633 E. Central Ave. in Toledo. It was determined Collins’ most recent address was 3326 Beaumont Drive in Toledo, according to court documents.

Collins posted numerous sexually explicit images of young girls, as well as images of himself holding his penis. The hand in that photo has unique tattoos with a skull on his left thumb and the word “dilligaf” written on his left hand. Subsequent investigation revealed Collins had tattoos matching the tattoos in the photos, according to court documents.

A federal search warrant was executed at 3326 Beaumont Drive in Toledo on July 10. Collins was present and his cell phone was examined. Investigators found approximately six images of child pornography believed to be produced by Collins. The images are depictions of Collins sexually assaulting a two-year-old and include his hand with the district tattoos, according to court documents.

Collins also sexually assaulted an unidentified female child on November 12, 2018 and created visual depictions of the conduct, according to the indictment.

The investigation is ongoing.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 FBI and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.  

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

Two men from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court for using a firearm while robbing a bank in Richmond Heights last year.

I’ziah Clark, 20, of Shaker Heights, and Joseph Kyle Sanders, 19, of Cleveland, were both indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Clark and Sanders used a firearm on June 1, 2018, when they robbed the Citizens Bank at 690 Richmond Road in Richmond Heights, according to the indictment.

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 records, 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by FBI and Richmond Heights Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

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.

A podiatrist with offices in Mentor was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid nearly $1.2 million.

Robert J. Rosenstein, 65, of Highland Heights, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $453,615 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.

According to court documents:

Rosenstein was the president and sole shareholder of Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc., located at 7230 Mentor Avenue, Suite 311, in Mentor, which was formed in 1984.

Rosenstein was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud in 2013. He was suspended from the Medicare program and not allowed to bill Medicare for three years as a result of the conviction.

In 2014, Rosenstein closed Affiliated Podiatrists and caused articles of incorporation to be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State for Community Foot and Ankle of Mentor (CFAM), located at the same address. Rosenstein controlled daily operation of CFAM and was the de facto owner of the practice. A month later, Rosenstein caused CFAM to file an enrollment application with Medicare. The application was signed by someone else, not Rosenstein, and did not list Rosenstein as having ownership or a controlling interest in the company.

In 2016, he was barred from participation in the Medicaid program.

Rosenstein knowingly and willingly defrauded Medicare and Medicaid between July 14, 2014 and May 9, 2018. He did this by performing medical services at CFAM for Medicare and Medicaid recipients and billing under another provider’s name even though he knew he was excluded from participation in the programs.

Medicare was fraudulently billed approximately $968,938 as a result of Rosenstein’s claims while Medicaid was fraudulently billed approximately $219,330.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan R. Miller following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicare Fraud Control Unit.

A Lisbon man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for having child pornography and soliciting people to rape and sexually assault children.

David Grunden, 34, previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of advertising child pornography.

Grunden solicited adults to be recorded having sex with children. Grunden posted at least 13 solicitations on adult bulletin boards between January and June 2018, including messages such as: “I love beating the life out of children. Gives me such a sexual rush. Even better when their parents are watching in horror,” according to court documents.

Grunden also received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between 2014 and 2017. A search warrant was executed at Grunden’s residence on October 26, 2018. Investigators located more than 7,500 images of child pornography during the search, including images of children under the age of five years old being raped, according to court documents.

“Young children were raped to in order to produce the images this defendant downloaded and consumed,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Real children had their lives destroyed, and this defendant was actively soliciting people to subject more children to torture. The community is safer with this man behind bars.”

“Possessing, producing and sharing child pornography is despicable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “To add in the desire to sexually torture children goes beyond comprehension.  For his heinous acts, David Grunden will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars where he will no longer be a threat to kids."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Deckert following an investigation by the FBI, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

A Warren man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leading an arson conspiracy in which two homes he owned were intentionally set on fire so he could collect insurance money.

Daryl Evans, 49, previously pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, use of fire in commission of a felony, and other charges.

His brother, Maurice Evans, 56, of Youngstown, was previously sentenced to 34 months in prison for his role in setting two fires.

David White, 50, of Warren, was previously sentenced to 52 months for setting one of the fires.

According to court documents and statements made in court:

Daryl Evans purchased 1628 Hamilton Street in Warren in 2011 and 267 Parkman Road NW in Warren in 2014. He purchased insurance policies for both homes and rented them to tenants.

The Evans brothers agreed to set the Hamilton home on fire on two separate occasions – once in August 2013 and again in April 2014. The first fire, in August 2013, damaged the property but did not completely destroy it.

Following each fire, Daryl Evans caused the submission of a false insurance claim to State Farm Insurance. Daryl Evans promised to compensate Maurice Evans with a portion of the fraudulent insurance proceeds.

Maurice Evans hired another person to set the first fire and paid him with cash and drugs. Daryl Evans fraudulently caused State Farm to pay $31,745 directly to him and $6,000 to the city of Warren after the first fire.

Maurice Evans set the second fire, which resulted in State Farm paying $41,136 to Daryl Evans.

Daryl Evans and David White agreed to set fire to 267 Parkman Road NW. White set fire to the house in January 2015, and Daryl Evans compensated him with cash and drugs.

The fire at 267 Parkman Road NW resulted in a payment from State Farm to Daryl Evans of $44,228.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warren Fire Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Beeson and James Lewis.

A Youngstown man was sentenced to more than 37 years in federal prison for taking still images of himself sexually assaulting a young girl.

Daniel B. Fleischer, 37, previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and receipt and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Fleischer to 447 months in prison.

"This defendant committed horrible crimes against a child and is being held accountable for his actions," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Fleischer sexually assaulted a minor in June 2011 and produced a visual depiction of the act, according to court documents.

Fleischer also received and distributed multiple images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents.

The case was investigated by Task Force Officer Brenda Golec of the FBI Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. 

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.

A North Canton man was indicted for lying about numerous previous domestic violence convictions while purchasing firearms and for illegally having firearms after being convicted of domestic violence.

Bruce Kraemer, 60, was charged with two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.

Kraemer, twice in 2018, made false statements while purchasing firearms from Fin, Feather and Fur in Canton. The statements were intended to deceive the store about the lawfulness of Kraemer purchasing firearms. He provided a false address and indicated he had not been convicted of the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence when, in fact, he had been convicted of domestic violence, according to the indictment.

Kraemer possessed a Stoeger 12-gauge shotgun and a Taurus 9 mm pistol on December 8, 2018, despite three previous convictions for domestic violence, according to the indictment.

Kraemer possessed a Ruger .380-caliber pistol on February 24, 2018, despite three previous convictions for domestic violence, according to the indictment.

“People who hurt their spouses or partners are not allowed to have a firearm, and we are committed to prosecuting those abusers who ignore the law,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

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 records, 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ATF.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.

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.

An Akron man with a history of domestic violence convictions was indicted for illegally having five firearms and ammunition.

Thomas Piispanen, 31, was indicted on one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.

Piispanen on February 20 possessed a Bersa 9 mm pistol, an H&K .40-caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol, an IO .762-caliber rifle, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a 2007 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence and a 2011 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence.

“People who hurt their spouses or partners are not allowed to have a firearm, and we are committed to prosecuting those abusers who ignore the law,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

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 records, 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, New Franklin Police Department and ATF.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.

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.

An Elyria man who stabbed a woman during a carjacking was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Johnny G. Mack III, 39, previously pleaded guilty to carjacking.

Mack forced a woman out of her 2016 Nissan Altima while she was at a gas station on December 12, 2018. He pulled a knife and threatened to stab the driver as he pushed her into her car. Mack stabbed the victim, causing small puncture wounds to her legs, stomach and hands, according to court documents.

He was arrested two days after the incident.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Elyria Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Zarzycki and John Hanley.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

A Brecksville man was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud after he and another man conspired to steal products from another company, relabel them and sell the product under false pretenses to various health care providers.

Ryan H. Tennebar, 38, was the Director of Operations at Healthcare Essentials Inc. (HEI), an Ohio company that primarily distributed negative pressure therapy systems, also known as wound care vacuums, which promote wound healing by delivering negative pressure to patients’ wounds.

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) was a corporation whose parent company was based in Texas. KCI developed, manufactured, and distributed proprietary wound care vacuums. KCI maintained exclusive rights for sale and distribution of its wound care vacuums to its customers, which typically included nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

According to the criminal information filed in U.S. District Court:

Tennebar conspired with a person identified as co-conspirator number one, who worked for KCI at a facility in El Paso. Tennebar communicated with the conspirator between 2013 and 2016 to request KCI wound vacuums, which were illegally taken from KCI facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The conspirator continued to fraudulently acquire KCI wound care vacuums even after he was terminated as a KCI employee in 2014.

Tennebar and the conspirator fraudulently relabeled the KCI products with HEI labels. The original KCI serial numbers were often obliterated.

Tennebar then falsely represented to HEI’s prospective customers that HEI was an authorized distributor of KCI wound care vacuums.

Tennebar sent the conspirator approximately $619,000 between 2013 and 2016 for stolen wound care vacuums. The actions of Tennebar, the conspirator and others resulted in a loss to KCI of approximately $4.2 million, according to the information.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Patton and Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, 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.

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

An Akron man was indicted in federal court of firearms and drug charges for having a loaded handgun, methamphetamine, carfentanil and crack cocaine.

Justin Horton, 25, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Horton possessed methamphetamine, carfentanil and crack cocaine on March 7, according to the indictment.

He also possessed a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun and ammunition on March 7. He was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous convictions for discharging a firearm into a habitation or school, as well as burglary, according to the indictment.

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 records, 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and Ohio State Highway Patrol.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.

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.

An Akron man was indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy in which he was to receive a shipment of more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as firearms and marijuana charges.

Patrick Anthony Foster, 48, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The six-count indictment was unsealed today upon Foster’s arrest.

Foster was stopped for a suspected traffic violation on June 14 in Akron and was found to have 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 23 pounds of marijuana, cash and a loaded 9 mm pistol, according to court documents.

A subsequent search of his home at 27 East Emerling Avenue in Akron resulted in the discovery of approximately 40 pounds of marijuana and a Norinco SKS 7.62 mm rifle and ammunition, according to court documents.

Foster is prohibited from having firearms because of a previous drug conviction, according to court documents.

"This defendant is alleged to have been waiting on a shipment of more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine, while also in possession of firearms and over 60 pounds of marijuana," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. "Unfortunately, we see time and time again that drug dealers use firearms in the course of their trafficking activities. Law enforcement from across the country did an outstanding job working together to take this defendant and these dangerous drugs off the street."

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Springfield Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Stow Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Copley Police Department, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Barberton Police Department, Reminderville Police Department, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office in Oklahoma and the DEA’s Oklahoma City office. It is being prosecuted by by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

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

A Wood County man was sentenced to more than nine years in prison for a chase in which he lit and threw bottles of chemicals at law enforcement officers.

William B. Milliron, 47, of Bloomdale, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison. He previously pleaded guilty to charges including assault of a federal officer, being a felon in possession of firearms and drug charges.

"There will be serious consequences for anyone who assaults our police officers or federal agents," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

U.S. Marshals were searching for Milliron near Bowling Green on Feb. 24, 2017, because of a probation violation in Florida. They spotted Milliron and attempted to pull over Milliron, who fled. Marshals pursued and officers from the North Baltimore Police Department joined the chase, according to court documents.

Milliron began throwing bottles containing unknown substances at the pursuing cars, and one of the bottles exploded on the front end and windshield of the police vehicle, according to court documents.

The pursuit continued into Fostoria and then Findlay, when Milliron’s vehicle went off the road and crashed. Milliron was arrested and had 13 rounds of ammunition in his pants pocket, according to court documents.

The substance in the bottles was found to be a combination of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine. The chemicals are highly volatile, toxic and combustible. The bottles had paper wicks which were charred from being lit on fire, according to court documents.

Milliron has multiple felony convictions in Florida for crimes including grand theft of firearms, resisting an officer with violence, battery on an officer, manufacture of methamphetamine and other crimes, according to court documents.

The investigating agency in this case is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon

Two people from Northeast Ohio were indicted on firearms charges.

Demann Wilson, 30, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Wilson possessed fentanyl and an American Arms 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition on July 11. Wilson was prohibited from having the firearm because of previous convictions for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

Cortezes Diming, 49, of Cleveland, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Diming possessed a loaded RG Industries .22-caliber pistol on March 13, despite previous convictions for felonious assault, attempted felonious assault, burglary and other crimes, according to the indictment.

The Wilson case was investigated by the FBI and Elyria Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kolansky. The Diming case was investigated by the ATF and the Cleveland Division of Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Kane.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

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

Five people were named in a 17-count federal indictment related to the seizure of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash.

Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California; Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, and Kimberly Yvette Green, 49, of Cleveland Heights, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Additional charges include distribution of cocaine and heroin, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and other charges.

Blackshaw, Barrera, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of drugs, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.

“These arrests and the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs before it hit the streets of Cleveland undoubtedly saved lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1.1 million in drug proceeds.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

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

An Elyria man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunition.

Gregory Raymore, 32, was convicted by a jury earlier this year of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm after a four-day trial.

U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent sentenced Raymore to 110 months for the firearm crime. He also sentenced Raymore to an additional two years in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous crime.

Raymore possessed a .45-caliber handgun and 22 rounds of ammunition. Lorain police officers responded to a fatal shooting in an alleyway outside a bar in May 2018. The murder investigation led to the recovery of a firearm and ammunition near the crime scene that contained Raymore's DNA, although it was not the firearm that caused the death, according to trial testimony.

Raymore was not allowed to possess the firearm or ammunition because of multiple previous convictions, including for aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of drugs and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to trial testimony and court documents.

“A man with a long history of crimes was found, as part of a murder investigation, to have a gun and ammunition,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Defendants like this pose a danger to our community and we are safer with him behind bars. The Lorain Police Department and FBI did a tremendous job investigating this case.”

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Zarzycki and Maggie Kane following an investigation by the Lorain Police Department and FBI.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for using a firearm while trafficking fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

Kernice Martin, 42, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison. A jury found Martin guilty in April of four charges: possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Martin was pulled over by Cleveland police for a traffic stop on June 15, 2018 and found to have 0.79 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 8.41 grams of cocaine, a Taurus .40-caliber handgun and ammunition. Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms because of three previous convictions for drug trafficking and one previous conviction for drug possession, according to court documents.

“Drug traffickers illegally carry firearms to protect their cash and their supply,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case is another example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer.”

“Individuals who use firearms to further their criminal enterprises are a threat to everyone in our community,” said Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the Cleveland Division of Police to make our city safer for everyone.”

This was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Andrachick and Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Two people from Toledo were indicted on federal firearms charges.

Yaree Moon, 41, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Moon possessed a Taurus .40-caliber pistol and five rounds of ammunition on April 16 despite a previous conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.

Kyle Jackson, 30, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jackson possessed a Bersa .380-caliber pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition on June 14 despite previous convictions for aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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.  

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The Moon case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Futrell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Jackson case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko following an investigation by the  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Toledo Police Department.

If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Today, officials from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, and the Cleveland Division of Police convened at the United States Attorney Offices in Cleveland to initiate the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program with the Cleveland Police Department.  This Justice Department program is a three-year engagement that seeks to leverage department assets in support of a local jurisdictions' commitment to drive down violent crime.  

On June 3, 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced the selection of the Cleveland Police Department as one of ten FY 2019 PSP sites where the Justice Department will work collaboratively to provide training and technical assistance in areas such as crime analytics, emerging technology and community engagement.   

Since 2017, the Justice Department has directed nearly $14.9 million in customized training and technical assistance to help build crime fighting capacity in PSP sites, including $6.6 million to support the FY 2019 sites through FY 2022.  PSP seeks to bring law enforcement stakeholders together to work collaboratively in reducing violent crime attributed to felonious firearm use, drug trafficking and human trafficking.  

“Today our team is on-site in Cleveland to collaborate with local law enforcement officials in their mission to improve public safety and drive down violent crime,” said Jon Adler, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  "Through the Public Safety Partnership, we are committed to fulfilling the Attorney General's priority of supporting local law enforcement combat violent gangs, felonious firearms use and drug trafficking," added Adler.

“We are excited to bring the PSP team’s expertise to Cleveland to add to the outstanding collaboration already underway addressing violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.  "We know targeted, vigorous enforcement actions combined with meaningful crime prevention and reentry efforts have a demonstrated track record of reducing homicides, shooting and other violence.”

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams said: “The Cleveland Division of Police welcomes the assistance of the PSP team in our efforts to reduce violent crime in our community.  Our commitment to the safety of our residents is our primary focus and this program will increase our ability to provide the highest level of service.” 

Since 2017, the Justice Department has worked with more than 30 local jurisdictions under the nationwide PSP program. Many participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime. New Orleans ended 2018 with 146 murders, the lowest number of murders since the early 1970s. In Milwaukee, homicides declined in 2018 for a third straight year after hitting a deadly peak in 2015.   

Agencies in attendance at this meeting included the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio; the Office of Justice Programs; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Cleveland Police Department; the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office; the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and Mayor Frank Jackson’s Office.

###

A Toledo man was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for selling heroin that resulted in the fatal overdose of two women.

Harold Sasse, 42, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. He was sentenced to 174 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $13,600 in restitution.

Sasse sold heroin on March 29, 2017 to two people, identified in court documents as E.M. and T.W. Sometime between that day and March 30, 2017,  the women ingested the heroin and died, according to court documents.

“Every death represents someone’s son or daughter, friend or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This prison sentence of more than 14 years shows that those who profit from this drug epidemic will be held accountable for their actions.”

"Overdoses have killed far too many Americans,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI, in collaboration with the Toledo Police Department, is avidly committed to holding those like Harold Sasse accountable for selling the deadly drugs which are killing our fellow citizens."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

Three men from Northwest Ohio were indicted on drug conspiracy charges stemming from an investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than four pounds of cocaine, 20 firearms, three vehicles and more than $1.8 million in cash.

Brooke McBeth, 39, Montrel Jackson, 34, both of Toledo, and Tyson Reed, 43, of Fostoria, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

The men are accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. This took place between April 2018 and January 25, 2019, according to the indictment.

Law enforcement seized approximately $1,843,900 in cash and 20 firearms, as well as a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover, a 2008 Dodge Nitro and a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle as part of the investigation, according to the indictment.

“Bricks of cocaine, piles of ill-gotten cash, and an arsenal of firearms are the hallmarks of a group that profited from drug trafficking,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “But actions have consequences, and these defendants are now charged with crimes and we will seek to hold them accountable.”

Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said: “Drug trafficking and violence go hand-in-hand. This investigation highlights the impact that cocaine and firearms have on our community. This indictment is a message to drug dealers at large that you will be held accountable.”

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Michael J. Freeman.           

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

Thomas Close is awaiting trial on charges of production of child pornography related to his alleged surreptitious recording of boys changing after swimming as part of Boy Scout activities.

Close, 40, lived in Richland County. He was known as “Aqua Joe” because he worked with the Boy Scouts of America, often with their swimming program.

Close is accused of secretly recording boys changing after they swam. His alleged crimes are believed to have happened in Ohio between 2011 and 2018. Close remains in jail pending the outcome of his federal criminal case.

If anyone suspects they or their children were recorded by the defendant, they are asked to email their contact information to Homeland Security Investigations at HSI-CLOSE-Investigation@ice.dhs.gov. Please attach a photo of the child in question, preferably a photo that was taken around the years that CLOSE would have had contact with your child you or your child had contact with Mr. Close so investigators can positively identify or rule out if the child is associated with this case. A member of the investigative team will respond to your request.

The privacy of crime victims and survivors is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will do everything in its power to protect the privacy of anyone who responds to this inquiry.

Two people from Youngstown were indicted in federal court for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to obtain large amounts of cocaine from Puerto Rico and sell the drugs in the Youngstown area.

Amaury Calderon Santiago, 27, and Felix Calderon Santiago, 29, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Amaury Calderon Santiago is also charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine while Felix Santiago is charged with one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

According to the four-count indictment, Felix Santiago received cocaine from Puerto Rico, which he then provided to Amaury Santiago, who in turn sold the cocaine in the Youngstown area. This took place between May and June 2019, according to the indictment.

The Santiagos used a home on Bennington Avenue in Youngstown to receive and store the cocaine, according to the indictment.

Felix Santiago received and opened a package on June 11 that originally contained more than 500 grams of cocaine. On the same day, Amaury Santiago possessed $5,840 in cash and two loaded firearms, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offenses 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.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

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.

Eight people, most from Sandusky, were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to sell large amounts of heroin and cocaine in Sandusky.

Named in the 17-count indictment are: Siron Mills, 41; Patrick Brown, 38; Daryl Castile, 48; Timothy Johnson, 40; Jon Lippert, 38; Darrius Martin, 26, and Eugene Nicholson, 49, all of  Sandusky, as well as Gregory Boswell, 44, of Cleveland.

All eight defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Martin is also charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to the indictment:

Mills obtained cocaine from a supplier in Columbus and heroin from Castile. Brown obtained cocaine from Mills and Brown. Members of the conspiracy used several residences and vehicles in Sandusky and Cleveland to store, package and distribute narcotics in the Sandusky area.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit four firearms, ammunition and nearly $40,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.

“These defendants were part of a group that brought deadly heroin and cocaine into Sandusky,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These arrests have helped make our community safer.”

Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said: “Keeping our communities safe from drug trafficking and violent crime is a top priority for the DEA.  We will continue to utilize our combined resources and work with our law enforcement partners to bring those threatening the safety of citizens in northern Ohio to justice.” 

“The Sandusky Police Department is appreciative of the partnership we have with the DEA and the US Attorney’s office in combating the influx of narcotics into our community,” said Sandusky Police Chief John Orzech. “We are cognizant of the resources needed to investigate criminal drug organizations.  The citizens of our city can be assured of the continued partnership with DEA, as we pursue the eradication of drugs in our community.”

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sandusky Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Ashley A. Futrell.            

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

A federal jury convicted two Cleveland men of brandishing firearms while robbing MetroPCS stores last year and shooting at an off-duty Cleveland police officer.

Shawn Ford, 20, and Charles Rogers, 24, were each convicted on multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and using firearms during a crime of violence. They are scheduled to be sentenced October 9.

Ford and Rogers robbed the MetroPCS story at 10959 Kinsman Road on March 21, 2018, at 11100 Lorain Ave. on March 25, 2018, and at 5853 Broadway Ave., on March 27, 2018, and attempted to the rob the store at 14701 Kinsman Road, also on March 27, 2018.

Ford and Rogers fled from the store on Broadway after taking more than $1,000 from the register. An off-duty Cleveland police officer, who was a customer in the store, followed them out of the store. He identified himself as a police officer and ordered them to stop. One of the suspects began shooting at the officer and spent 9 mm shell casings were recovered nearby, according to court documents.

About 30 minutes later, an officer saw a vehicle that matched the description of the car the suspects got into after shooting at the officer. The car was pulled over with Ford and Rogers inside. Inside the car was a spent 9 mm round, blue latex gloves and clothing that matched clothing worn by suspects in other MetroPCS robberies, according to court documents.

Rogers was wearing an electronic monitoring device with GPS capabilities on March 21, the date of the first MetroPCS robbery. The GPS placed Rogers in the vicinity of the Kinsman Road store a few minutes before the robbery. Sometime later the GPS device was tampered with or taken off Rogers, according to court documents.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Margaret Kane and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleina Thomas.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

A City of Cleveland employee pleaded guilty to charges related to extortion, accepting bribes and other crimes after he accepted below-market improvements on his property from a contractor seeking city business and directed city projects to benefit himself, his outside businesses, and his clients.

Khalil Ewais, 44, of Cleveland, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16. He pleaded guilty to charges including Hobbs Act extortion, bribery, federal program theft, making false statements and filing false tax returns.

His brother Abdeljawad Ewais, of Cleveland, is charged with filing false tax returns and is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on July 8.

As detailed in the plea agreement, Ewais admitted to the following facts related to his crimes:

Ewais worked in the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (“MOCAP”) as the section chief of construction in the division of engineering and construction. In that capacity, he oversaw construction inspectors who inspect work on the city’s roads, bridges and sidewalks. He had a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the city and its citizens.

Ewais also owned and operated Pioneer Engineering, a private engineering and consulting business that did work for private clients. He also, along with Abedeljawad Ewais and other family members, owned commercial and residential rental properties in and around Cleveland.

Company 1 bid on jobs with the City of Cleveland. In April 2015, it was awarded a contract to perform most of the resurfacing of residential streets in certain wards of Cleveland for two years. Company 1 bid approximately $5.8 million for the work.

Khalil Ewais, in his job with the city, had input into whether Company 1 received additional contracts from the city. Company 1 could not receive payment for the work it did until Ewais certified it was done appropriately. He could also direct Company 1 to complete “corrective work” which would cost the company additional time and money. He could also use his official position to help Company 1 obtain faster payment for its services.

Ewais in August 2016 contacted multiple companies, including Company 1, about paving the parking lot adjacent to Captain’s Grill, a property at 6104 Storer Ave. that he and his brother owned. Quotes for the work ranged from $48,923 to $59,152.

Ewais contacted an owner of Company 1 on August 10, 2016, about the estimate for the parking lot and said “I need it to be in the $25K range.” The owner quickly responded, “I will do the job for a lump sum of $26,000.”

Even though the parking lot work was a private job for Ewais, he sent an email form his City email address to another City official regarding the sewer connection at the border of Ewais’s property and West 61st Street, and stated that “E&C [ MOCAP’s Division of Engineering & Construction] directed the roadway work and the connection fix in the street as part of the E&C Requirement Contract.”  In fact, no City agency had directed any roadway work on West 61st Street at that time, and the work was related to Ewais’s private construction project.

Ewais also used his official position to cause the city to pay to repave most of the short public alleyway next to the parking lot, West 62nd Place. Around Oct. 25, 2016, Company 1— at the direction of Ewais — instructed a subcontractor to expand the scope of its work on the parking lot job to include milling and paving the part of West 62nd Place that adjoined the parking lot, but not the short additional distance to reach the home at the end of the alleyway.

The work was completed on Nov. 5, 2016, with the parking lot connected to West 62nd Place. Company 1 spent approximately $81,534 to complete the work. Ewais paid $31,336 for the work and Company 1 did not request any further payment.

In designating the portion West 62nd Place adjoining his property to be repaved, Ewais avoided the established process for selecting streets to be resurfaced. The city, through a contractor, had sought to rate the condition of all the streets in Cleveland leading up to the 2016 resurfacing program. The city’s pavement management group, which included Ewais, met to discuss the lowest-rated streets in each ward to recommend to the City Council members which streets to include as part of the resurfacing program. The list of streets to be resurfaced never included West 62nd Place, which never even received a rating in the evaluation process.

Ewais, without the necessary approvals and authorizations, created a task order to have West 62nd Place, the small alleyway next to the Captain’s Grill parking lot, resurfaced.  As a result of Ewais’s actions, the City of Cleveland paid a total for $10,938 to have West 62nd Place resurfaced. 

In December 2017, Ewais lied to federal agents when he was questioned about the repaving of West 62nd Place, falsely claiming that a Cleveland City Councilperson had selected West 62nd Place to be repaved. 

Khalil Ewais also filed numerous false tax returns in which he failed to report rental income.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General and the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea S. Rice and Elliot Morrison.

Felipe Penuelas-Rodriguez, 50, and Reyna Trejo, 30, both of Mesa, Arizona, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.    

The pair were arrested on June 6 with approximately one kilogram of fentanyl as well as 2,100 blue pills that test positive for fentanyl, according to court documents.

“The drugs seized are enough to kill thousands of people,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The fentanyl pills stamped to look like prescription painkillers are another reminder that there are no safe drugs available on the street.”

“This indictment is another example of our commitment to remove this poison – and those who sell it – from the streets of Toledo” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “This case highlights one of the many inherent dangers of street drugs – that users often are not be buying what they think they are. If this seizure had hit the streets, there would have, no doubt, been an increase in overdoses, and likely overdose deaths, in our community.”

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Toledo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.

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

A Cleveland man was indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused a fatal overdose in Fairview Park last summer.

Devontae Payne, 28, has been charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin, one count of distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.

Payne allegedly sold a mixture of fentanyl and heroin to a person who fatally overdosed in Fairview Park on August 9, 2018, according to the indictment.

Payne also allegedly sold heroin on November 1, 2018, and on November 7, 2018, allegedly possessed nearly five grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, according to the indictment.

“Defendants like this one, who sell the opioids killing our friends and neighbors, will be held accountable for their actions,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The detectives and agents who worked this case are to be commended for their tenacity.”

This case was investigated by the DEA, Cleveland Division of Police and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ role in the offenses 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.

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.

A Canton man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunition.

Riccardo Harris, 36, was sentenced to 42 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi last week. Harris previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Canton police officers responded to a shot spotter activation at the Whistle Stop Bar on October 19, 2018. Officers found several .40-caliber shell casings in the parking lot of the bar, according to court documents and court statements. 

While at the scene, officers received notification of another shot spotter activation at Harris’ residence in Canton.  When officers arrived at Harris’ residence, he walked away from the officers and went behind a parked vehicle in the driveway.

Officers searched the area where Harris walked and they located a loaded .40-caliber pistol and a spent .40-caliber shell casing. Officers then recovered one round of .40-caliber ammunition in Harris’ pocket. 

Officers determined that the .40-caliber ammunition Harris possessed matched the ammunition in the firearm, the shell casing near the vehicle and the shell casings recovered from the Whistle Stop Bar, according to court documents and court statements. 

Harris was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due a previous conviction in Stark County for aggravated robbery.

This case was investigated by the Canton Police Department and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell.

A Toledo pastor was sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking a minor and other crimes, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said.

A jury in March convicted Anthony Haynes, 40, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking, child exploitation and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.

Cordell Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison. Kenneth Butler was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Both pastors previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the sex trafficking conspiracy involving minors.

Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014 through 2017, according to court documents.

The girl was 14 when the conduct began and she was in the custody of Haynes. Some of this conduct took place at Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo, where Haynes was pastor at the time. Haynes used his cellular telephone to record these sexual assaults, according to trial testimony and court documents.

Haynes told her that if she said anything, it would ruin his family and his church, according to court documents.

Haynes also facilitated the victim being sexually exploited by other men, including Jenkins, according to trial testimony and court documents.

Jenkins repeatedly sexually exploited the minor at his home on Barrington Drive, at his office at Abundant Life Ministries and at a motel in Toledo. He paid her and referred to the payment as “hush money.” He often recorded these interactions with his cellular telephone, according to court documents. 

Jenkins also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, according to court documents.

Butler also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts from 2015 through 2017, according to court documents.

A fourth defendant, Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count making a false statement. She made false statements to law enforcement on April 12, 2017, about her knowledge of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Lloyd-Jenkins was the Lucas County Administrator and served on the board of Lucas County Children Services at the time of the crimes, according to court documents and statements.

“This defendant and his friends preyed upon a vulnerable child and used her for their own gratification,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This sentence reflects the depravity of the defendant’s conduct. We remain committed to stamping out human trafficking in all its forms.”

"This is a well-deserved sentence which reflects the gravity of the sex trafficking and child exploitation crimes committed by this defendant,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI is committed to investigating and holding accountable those engaged in these ruthless acts and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served for the victims."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Alissa Sterling following an investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.

Three people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations.

Indicted are: Jaquar Keyshore Latimer, 42, of Akron; Alfred Werman, 27, of Garfield Heights, and Brittney N. McTier, 31, of Cleveland.

Latimer is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He allegedly possessed cocaine on February 9, 2018, as well as a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun, a Dan Wesson .357-caliber revolver and a Browning Arms .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun, despite previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated assault, drug possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.

Werman is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He allegedly possessed a Sig Sauer .40-caliber pistol and 45 rounds of ammunition on May 20, 2019, despite a previous conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.

McTier charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. McTier allegedly possessed two rounds of 9 mm ammunition despite a previous conviction for bank fraud, according to the indictment.

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police (McTier). They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane, Brendan O’Shea and Scott Zarzycki.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

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

A Lima man with a long history of violence was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for having firearms.

Benjamin Frieson, 47, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Frieson possessed a GSG .22-caliber rifle and a Taurus 9 mm pistol on July 14, 2019, according to court documents.

Frieson was prohibited from having firearms because of multiple previous convictions, including for aggravated assault, felonious assault on a peace officer, aggravated assault and attempted robbery.

“This defendant has proven time and again to be a violent individual,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence makes the community safer.”

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lima Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Tangeman and Matthew Simko.

Four people were indicted for two separate armed robberies in Elyria this spring.

Joseph L. Geiger and Michael A. Ward are accused of using a firearm to rob the Marathon gas station at 503 Huron Street on May 5.

James A. Jackson and Demario J. Horton are accused of using a firearm to attempt to rob the Rally’s at 711 Cleveland Street on June 11.

The cases are otherwise unrelated.

Geiger, 31, of Cleveland, and Ward, 31, of Lorain, are charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ward is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Geiger and Ward are accused of brandishing a firearm while robbing the Marathon gas station on May 5. Ward also allegedly possessed a Valor .325 revolver and three live rounds of .325-caliber ammunition on May 5, despite previous convictions for domestic violence and burglary.

Jackson, 27, of Wickliffe, and Horton, 29, of Cleveland, are charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Horton is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jackson and Horton are accused of brandishing a firearm on June 11 while attempting to rob the Rally’s restaurant. Horton also allegedly possessed a Glock .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for aggravated robbery.

“Anyone who uses a firearm to threaten people who are just trying to earn a living is a danger to our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These cases are another example of federal and local law enforcement working together to make us all safer.”

“Customers were simply utilizing their community businesses when these individuals brought danger in the door,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to partner with Elyria PD and our other law enforcement partners to rid the streets of gun toting criminals.”

Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said: “These two cases are perfect examples of how the federal government is helping local municipalities make the cities a safer place to be.  The Elyria Police Department and the FBI worked together to solve these crimes and then took the cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the indictments.”

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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 records, 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 cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Elyria Police Department. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

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.

A Canton man was sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for opioid and firearms crimes.

Michael J. Meadows, 49, was sentenced to 131 months in prison. A jury convicted him earlier this year on one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Meadows possessed at least 100 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin and cocaine, as well as a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, on Jan. 18, 2018. Meadows was prohibited from having firearms or ammunition because of prior convictions, including cocaine possession, having a weapon under disability and aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine, according to the court documents.

“Opioids, cocaine and firearms are all deadly on their own, let alone put together in one dangerous situation,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence will help make our community safer.”

“The opioid crisis has evolved and so has the nature of the threat, with potent synthetic opioids representing a sharply increasing amount of the total exposure to these drugs, further fueling a growing addiction crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “The FDA has expanded our enforcement efforts to include increased interdiction work aimed at stopping the illegal flow of counterfeit and unapproved prescription drugs and illicit opioids and we will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who intend to threaten the health and safety of Americans.”

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Christopher Joyce.

Scores of suspected criminals were arrested and dozens of firearms seized as part of “Operation Steel Penguin,” which targeted people believed to illegally possess firearms.

It is a joint operation between the Youngstown Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, U.S. Attorney’s Office and Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office.

To date, 33 firearms were seized. Four people have been indicted in federal court. Additional people have been charged in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. Several investigations are ongoing and more indictments are expected.

“These cases involve people who are not allowed to have firearms because of past crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will continue to work with police and federal agencies through Project Safe Neighborhoods to make Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley safer.”

Youngstown Police Chief Robin Lees said: “We appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s office being responsive to the spike in murders we experienced the end of last year and convening a meeting in Youngstown to seek solutions. The result of that meeting being a focused and well-executed effort between federal, state and local agencies and was the key to the success of this program.”

“ATF’s primary mission is reducing violent gun crime in our country,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson.  “We are committed to working with our partners, including the Youngstown Police Department, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, to make the Mahoning Valley safer for all of our residents.”

“Convicted felons need to understand they will go back to prison if they carry a gun in Mahoning County,” Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains said. “This Office will continue to cooperate with federal authorities and target these violent people who threaten our community.”

“The APA would like to recognize the collaborative effort put together throughout this operation,” stated Alice M. Barr, Regional Administrator, Ohio Adult Parole Authority.  “The success is a testament to the hard-working men and women in all departments represented.  The efforts of those who worked this operation should not go unnoticed.  We must continue working to make Ohio safer. It is paramount to ensure those who carry guns illegally understand it is not acceptable behavior.”

Members of the Youngstown Police Department, ATF and Ohio Adult Parole Authority gathered and shared intelligence to identify people considered to be at high risk to commit crime with firearms, particularly people on parole from state prison. This, combined with increased patrols, resulted in an increase in arrests and firearms seizures and a decrease in shootings compared to the same time last year.

Shawn Jones, 29, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Jones possessed a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 9, despite a previous state conviction for attempted murder and previous federal conviction for racketeering, according to court documents.

Jones was one of the founders of the LSP street gang in Youngstown, according to court records.

Barry Wallace II, 25, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Wallace possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol and ammunition on March 17, despite a previous convictions for possession of heroin and possession of cocaine, according to the indictment.

Kendal Dotson, 33, of Youngstown, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Dotson possessed a Star .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 28, despite a previous convictions for possession of heroin and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the indictment.

Airik Talbott, 30, of Campbell, was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms. Talbott possessed a Glock .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on March 24, despite a previous convictions for aggravated robbery and escape, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ role in the offenses 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.

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.

Fifteen people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in Lorain.

Indicted are: Cesar Francisco Melendez-Perez, 31, of Lorain; Erick Yamil Jiminez-Rodriguez, 30, of Manati, Puerto Rico; Xavier Robles-Cruz, 32, of the Bronx, New York; Freddie Sanchez, 32, of Lorain; Ramon Feliciano-Montanez, 29, of Sheffield Lake; Princeton Edwards, 29, of Columbus; Anthony Washington, 21, of Lorain; John Massey-Lovejoy, 37, of Lorain; Christopher Kovach, 29, of Parma; Jonas Pagan, 25, of Lorain; Jamie Pagan, 25, of Lorain; Thomas M. Parker, 29, of Lorain; Ricky Londa, 26, of Lorain; Bryce A. Babics, 30, of Lorain, and Toby Lewis, 24, of Elyria.

“These defendants sold opioids and cocaine for profit at a time when thousands of people across the country are dying, including people in Lorain County,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We have now indicted more than 80 people on the federal level as part of Operation S.O.S. and remain committed to working collaboratively to address the drug overdose epidemic. The message should be clear to would-be drug dealers in Lorain County – if you sell illegal narcotics, you are going to be prosecuted by the feds.” 

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “These arrests will make Lorain County safer. This group is responsible for selling large amounts of fentanyl, heroin and crack in our community.”

“We have always been appreciative of the level of cooperation between the local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in this area in combating the drug issues that plague our communities,” Lorain Police Department Captain Roger Watkins said.  

Elyria Police Department Chief Duane Whitely said: “The SOS project through the U.S. Attorney's Office has been very successful for all of Lorain County. We are very grateful for the efforts of all the federal agencies to help us fight the heroin/ fentanyl crisis.” 

According to the 43-count indictment, filed in U.S. District Court: 

Melendez-Perez, Robles-Cruz and Jiminez-Rodriguez allegedly worked together to purchase large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, which they would distribute to other dealers in Cleveland, Lorain, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.

Feliciano-Montanez, Edwards, Sanchez and Kovach allegedly obtained large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from Melendez-Perez, which they redistributed in and around Lorain. Edwards and Feliciano-Montanez also distributed fentanyl, heroin and cocaine to other traffickers in Lorain, including Massey-Lovejoy, Washington, Babics and Lewis.

Members of the conspiracy cooked cocaine into crack cocaine for further distribution to customers in Lorain, according to the indictment.

Several members of the conspiracy were additionally charged with firearms violations.

Washington is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. He allegedly had a Springfield 9 mm handgun, despite previous convictions for domestic violence and drug trafficking.

Kovach is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for allegedly having a Kahr .380-caliber handgun, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault.

Melendez-Perez is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for allegedly having a Diamondback 9 mm handgun, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence.

Lewis is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking for allegedly having a Glock .40-caliber handgun, despite previous convictions for domestic violence, drug charges and other crimes.

The cases were investigated as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), which seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation S.O.S. More than 80 people have been indicted as part of the program to date.  The DEA, Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force participate in the SOS program.  

This case was investigated by the DEA, Lorain Police Department, and the Elyria Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ role in the offenses 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.

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.

Five people were charged in federal court after they were arrested with nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, fentanyl and approximately $1 million.

Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Jorge Alberto Barrera Gutierrez Jr., 24, of Fresno, California; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California, and Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, were each charged in federal court with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics.

Blackshaw, Barrera, Gutierrez, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of cocaine, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.

A second search warrant was served at Blackshaw’s home on East 85th Street with nearly 200 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 595 grams of marijuana recovered.

“Intercepting 20 pounds of cocaine, as well as fentanyl, before it hits the streets of Cleveland will undoubtedly save lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1 million in drug proceeds.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

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

The Department of Justice announced the arrest of almost 1,700 suspected online child sex offenders during a two-month, nationwide operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children task forces. The task forces identified 308 offenders who either produced child pornography or committed child sexual abuse, and 357 children who suffered recent, ongoing or historical sexual abuse or were exploited in the production of child pornography.

The 61 ICAC task forces, located in all 50 states and comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, led the coordinated operation known as “Broken Heart” during the months of April and May 2019. During the course of the operation, the task forces investigated more than 18,500 complaints of technology-facilitated crimes targeting children and delivered more than 2,150 presentations on internet safety to over 201,000 youth and adults.

"The sexual abuse of children is repugnant, and it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable of all," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "We must bring the full force of the law against sexual predators, and with the help of our Internet Crimes Against Children program, we will. Over the span of just two months, our ICAC task forces investigated more than 18,000 complaints of internet-related abuse and helped arrest 1,700 alleged abusers. I would like to thank our Office of Justice Programs, all of the task force members, and especially the state and local partners who helped us achieve these important results. We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every American child."

“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”

The operation targeted suspects who: (1) produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the sex trafficking of children; and (4) travel across state lines or to foreign countries and sexually abuse children.

The ICAC Program is funded through the Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). In 1998, OJJDP launched the ICAC Task Force Program to help federal, state and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the internet, online communication systems or computer technology to exploit children. To date, ICAC task forces have reviewed more than 922,000 complaints of child exploitation, which have resulted in the arrest of more than 95,500 individuals. In addition, since the ICAC program's inception, more than 708,500 law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other professionals have been trained on techniques to investigate and prosecute ICAC-related cases.

In U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Eric D. Burrows, 59, of Elyria, was charged with receiving, possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Burrows knowingly received numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between February 3, 2018 through April 16, 2018, according to the indictment. The indictment also charges that during the same time period, Burrows knowingly accessed with intent to view, material that contained an image of child pornography, and at least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.  The indictment also charges that on April 16, 2019 Burrows knowingly possessed a computer, which contained child pornography, and at least one image involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

For more information, visit the ICAC Task Force webpage. For state-level Operation Broken Heart results, please contact the appropriate state ICAC task force commander. Contact information for task force commanders is available online.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

A Cleveland man with a history of violent crimes was sentenced to more than three years in prison for having a firearm.

Miquel D. Jones, 49, was sentenced to 42 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.

“This defendant has no right to firearms because his history of violent crime, including convictions for domestic violence and robbery,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Domestic violence offenders pose an outsized threat to Ohio’s families, communities and law enforcement officers.”

“ATF’s mission is reducing violent gun crime in our country,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”

Law enforcement officials searched Jones’ residence on Poe Avenue on May 23, 2018, in relation to a missing minor. A search of the residence revealed a Ruger 9 mm handgun, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun and 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, according to court documents.

Jones has previous convictions for robbery, domestic violence, burglary and other crimes, which make it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian S. Deckert and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force and Cleveland Division of Police.

A 16-count indictment was unsealed charging three people for their roles in a conspiracy to steal people’s identities and personal information to obtain stolen or unauthorized credit cards to buy electronics, clothing, appliances and other items.

Indicted are: Terrance Carter, 25; Carrie Gibson, 30, and Angelina Carter, 24. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The defendants stole mail from mailboxes and vehicles to obtain personal identifying information, including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and credit card information, according to the indictment.

They used this information to create lists that included the victims’ addresses, dates of birth, bank information and other information. They used this information to obtain things of value for themselves or to resell, according to the indictment.

For example, Terrance Carter purchased a gold bar with a credit account issued to a victim in January 2016. In March 2017, the defendants used an unauthorized Lowe’s credit card to purchase $1,225 in merchandise from the Lowe’s on Airport Highway in Toledo. A month later, Angelina Carter and Gibson used a stolen credit card to purchase $285 worth of goods from a Walmart on West Central Avenue, according to the indictment.

This conspiracy occurred between 2015 and 2017, according to the indictment.

The investigation is ongoing.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ 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 investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Jody L. King and Robert N. Melching.       

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

A former Mahoning County judge was sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing $100,000 from a deceased client’s estate.

Diane Vettori-Caraballo, 50, of Youngstown, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $328,000 in restitution. She pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of mail fraud, one count of structuring cash deposits, and one count of making false statements to law enforcement.

Vettori-Caraballo stole at least $100,000 in cash that was in the home of a client when that client died in March 2016, according to court documents.

“The fact that the defendant stole at least $100,000 from an elderly person who trusted her to administer their estate is heartbreaking,” US Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The fact that thief in this case was a sitting judge who swore to uphold the law is outrageous.”

“When a public official puts personal gain ahead of a sworn oath of servitude, the very core of how and why our system of government operates is immediately and negatively impacted. Public officials should be an example to the citizens they serve. IRS Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, will continue to give priority to investigations involving the breach of the public trust by government officials,” stated William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Vettori-Caraballo was elected to position of judge in Mahoning County Court #3 – Sebring Court in 2002, with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal and traffic charges and other matters in Sebring and Beloit Villages and Berlin, Green, Goshen,, Ellsworth, Smith and Washingtonville Townships. She was reelected in 2006 and 2012, according to court documents.

She also provided estate planning services to Robert Sampson, including drafting his will. On Nov. 20, 2015, Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to administer Sampson’s estate. The application stated Sampson died without a will. The probate court, unaware of Sampson’s will, appointed Falgiani as the administrator three days later, according to the indictment. 

Sampson died in 2015 and his closest living relative was his sister, Dolores Falgiani. Vettori-Caraballo prepared Falgiani will on Nov. 3, 2015. The will made 16 specific bequests to relatives and friends and bequeathed the rest of the estate to Animal Charity Human Society of Boardman and the Angels for Animal Charity in Canfield, according to court documents.

Sometime in October or November 2015, Falgiani stated she was in possession of several shoeboxes of cash stored at her residence. Falgiani was found dead in her home on March 10, 2016, according to court documents.

Vettori-Caraballo filed an application in Mahoning County Probate Court to probate Falgiani’s estate on March 24, 2016. On May 2, she reported having found cash in the residence and depositing the $20,000 into the estate, according to court documents.

Vettori-Caraballo filed a notice of newly discovered assets with the court on several subsequent occasions in 2016 and 2017. Each time, she failed to disclose the cash she had stolen, according to court documents.

Vettori-Caraballo also structured deposits of the cash she stole into five different banks within four weeks to avoid regulations that require banks to report cash transactions over $10,000 to the IRS.  In addition, Vettori-Caraballo lied to the FBI when she was confronted about the theft and the structuring of cash deposits, according to court documents.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Alex Abreu.

A seven-count indictment was unsealed charging a Canton man with using a firearm to traffic heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

Jack Dale Mitchell, 43, was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Mitchell possessed the aforementioned drugs on February 12, as well as a Ruger 9 mm pistol, according to the indictment.

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 records, 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 is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, Canton Police Department Special Investigations Unit and the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit, which includes the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Township Police Department and Canton Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell.

An Akron man pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China, then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, then launder the profits.

Donte L. Gibson, 40, is scheduled to be sentenced September 23. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and conspiracy to launder money.

This took place between May 2016 and February 2018, according to court documents.

Donte and Audrey Gibson purchased fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet, and had the drugs shipped to locations in the Akron-Canton area through the U.S. Postal Service. They directed others to open post office boxes throughout the area, and Audrey Gibson retained control of all the post office box keys, according to court documents.

Co-conspirators picked up the packages containing fentanyl and carfentanil at the P.O. boxes and brought the packages to the Gibsons’ home on Popham Street. Donte Gibson cut the drugs with other white powder, turning 70 or 80 grams of pure fentanyl or carfentanil into seven kilograms of saleable product, according to court documents.

The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to others for sale in Akron and Lorain. The Gibsons used various residences and storage units to store the drugs and cash. They stored the drugs at their home on Popham Street, according to court documents.

Audrey Gibson in 2015 formed JayT AllServices LLC, which purported to be in the business of remodeling, painting homes and cleaning out homes. Donte Gibson later stated that he was an employee of the his wife’s company and that he helps do home improvement work, according to court documents.

In 2016, Audrey Gibson formed Pound Cake Entertainment LLC, which used the web site IAmPoundCake.com. The web site purported to sell clothing and “one of a kind items” as well as offering access to a members-only Snapchat account featuring Audrey Gibson “being flirty or nasty depending on the day,” according to court documents.

In 2017, Dontaysha Gibson formed G’s Car Care and Detail LLC, with the stated purpose of the company being car care sales and detailing. Donte Gibson later stated it was his daughter’s company but that he managed it for her, according to court documents.

The Gibsons opened bank accounts in connection to all three companies, according to court documents.

Audrey Gibson in 2017 opened a Saks Fifth Avenue Store Card and between April and December 2017 made payments on her card totaling $208,504 by using cash in store in Beachwood. She made purchases from Saks Fifth Avenue totaling $686,850 between July 2016 and February 2018 and paid for them with a combination of cash, credit cards and her Saks card. The purchases included handbags from Burberry, Chanel and Gucci, various Louis Vuitton items, Saint Laurent shoes, as well as cosmetics, fragrances and sunglasses, according to court documents.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than $280,000 in cash, two firearms and ammunition seized as part of the investigation, as well as the home at 2946 Popham Street in Akron.

Audrey Gibson previously pleaded guilty to related crimes and is awaiting sentencing.

“This defendant brought huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and carfentanil into Akron, threatening the lives of so many of our neighbors, friends, and family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They set up fake companies to launder their dirty drug money and now will have to answer for his crimes”

“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to in order to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash.  The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”

“The harm inflicted by opioids is matched only by the profit potential for those who sell them,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "This is an important victory for the citizens of Northern Ohio. These defendants not only fueled the opioid drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country. IRS-CI worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of money -- the lifeblood that allows these organizations to proliferate. The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations.”

“Fentanyl and carfentanil are by far the deadliest illegal drugs that we are up against in the law enforcement community,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “As this indictment clearly demonstrates, HSI is fully committed to bringing to justice all of the criminal groups and individuals who distribute this lethal poison in our community.”

Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “I feel a strong sense of relief knowing that a group of criminals that had a major role in the city's battle against drugs, and the companion, devastating effects of addiction, will be held accountable. I am proud of the work of Akron's team and our partners with the Safe Streets Task Force. Gibson and his conspirators have been justly charged, they now need to be justly tried and sentenced.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force -- which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Akron Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett.

A Cleveland man was convicted of illegally having ammunition.

Joshua Walker, 34, is scheduled to be sentenced September 25. A jury convicted him of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Walker possessed 9 mm Luger shell casings on October 25, 2017, before and during an altercation at a Cleveland bar where Walker shot and killed someone, according to trial testimony.

Walker was prohibited from having the ammunition because of a previous conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the trial testimony.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Hanley following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers, using the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

“Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them,” said Attorney General Barr.  “I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence.”

“With so many domestic disputes escalating from bruises to bullets, we felt we needed to supplement our state and local partners’ efforts to curb domestic violence with federal prosecutions,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We hope our initial cases send a message to convicted abusers:  Not only could the Justice Department theoretically prosecute abusers for firearm possession – they have and they will.”

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “Domestic violence offenders pose an outsized threat to Ohio’s families, communities, and law enforcement officers. I am honored to serve in this advisory capacity to the Attorney General and to advance the Department of Justice’s mission to protect the public. This group will ensure that the Department is positioned to reduce, mitigate, and prevent domestic violence by coordinating initiatives across our federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships.”

Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.

Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.

Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.

However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction.

U.S. Attorneys’ offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success.  The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.

Working Group members include:

• Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
• Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California  
• Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
• Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
• Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
• Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
• R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
• Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma

A former U.S Postal carrier from Toledo was sentenced to more than a year in prison for stealing parcels containing drugs from the mail, as well as having a firearm.

Ramon Johnson, 27, was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined $5,000. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of a firearm in federal facilities, theft of mail by a postal employee and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Johnson removed two packages on September 19, 2018, that were intended to be delivered. He also possessed marijuana that day with the intention to distribute the marijuana. Johnson also possessed a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition at the U.S. Postal Service building at 435 South St. Clair Street in Toledo, according to court documents.

The case was investigated by the U.S Postal Service -- Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and Alissa M. Sterling.