Northern District of Ohio

An Akron man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and heroin.

Patrick Griffin, 32, was sentenced to 210 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

“This defendant orchestrated large shipments of heroin and methamphetamine from California to Ohio and sold these dangerous drugs around Akron,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These drugs have caused particular pain in Summit County. A sentence of over seventeen years imprisonment is an appropriate punishment, as it reflects the harm the defendant caused to our community.”

Griffin received the methamphetamine and heroin from a source in California. He and others distributed the drugs to customers between 2015 and 2018, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly following an investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Summit County Prosecutor's Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshal Service and police departments from Copley, Barberton, Reminderville, Cuyahoga Falls, Springfield, New Franklin, Stow, the University of Akron and Silver Lake.

An Oregon man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for cyberstalking and making threats to his former co-workers and law enforcement officials.

A jury found Michael A. Hagar guilty earlier this year of one count of cyberstalking and two counts of interstate threatening communication after a weeklong trial.

Hagar, 48, was employed at a Goodyear store in Salem, Oregon, from 2011 through 2013. He was employed by Eaton in Portland, Oregon, from 2014 through 2015. He was involuntarily terminated from both positions, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Hager sent numerous threatening e-mails to at least seven former co-workers at Eaton and Goodyear in 2015 and 2016, as well as threatening emails to law enforcement officials in Oregon. The e-mails he sent traveled through Eaton and Goodyear data centers in Northeast Ohio, according to court documents and trial testimony.

In 2016, Hagar was personally served with a temporary stalking protective order ordering him to stop any contact with an Eaton employee identified as R.G. He was also arrested for trespassing on Goodyear property in Oregon, according to court documents and trial testimony.

On May 30, 2016, he sent an email to R.G. and Oregon law enforcement officials with the subject line: “I AM GOING TO RUIN EVERYONE OF YOU(R) LIVES,” according to court documents and trial testimony.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Om Kakani following an investigation by the FBI.

A Kelley's Island man was indicted in federal court on child pornography charges.

James William Campbell, 47, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting and distributing obscene or sexually explicit material of minors.

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 agency in this case is the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman 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 grand jury returned a 48-count indictment charging seven people for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Warren and Youngstown areas.

Indicted are: Thomas I. Sledge, 38, of Youngstown; Preston D. Sims Jr., 33, of Akron; Levar A. Johnson; 41; Khalef K. Freeman, 37; James A. Lipscomb, 40; Christopher L. Williams, 39, and Lajuna R. Brown, 30, all of Warren, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin.

The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Warren and Youngstown areas between September 2017 through June 2018.

Sims allegedly supplied heroin to Sledge, who in turn supplied it to Johnson, Freeman, Lipscomb, Williams and Brown for distribution in Youngstown and Warren, according to the indictment.

Sledge obtained cocaine from a source and supplied it to Freeman for distribution in Warren and Youngstown, according to the indictment

The indictment further alleges Sledge distributed cocaine in the fall of 2017.

The indictment also alleges Sledge, Sims, Johnson, Freeman, Lipscomb, Williams and Brown used a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime between January and March 2018.

“These defendants are charged with seeking to profit from the drug epidemic that has plagued all of Ohio and hit the Mahoning Valley particularly hard,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will seek long prison sentences for people who bring cocaine, heroin, and other illicit drugs into our neighborhoods.”

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 Warren Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

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 Maumee man was indicted for attempting to coerce what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.

Ryan Davis, 30, was indicted on one count of coercion or enticement and one count of receipt or distribution of child pornography.

Davis, between April 24 and 30, 2019, attempted to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, according to the indictment.

Davis knowingly received and distributed child pornography between 2016 and 2019, 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 agency in this case is the FBI. 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.

A former labor union official from Portage County was sentenced to a year in prison for embezzling nearly $200,000 from the union.

Terry Doan, 61, of Deerfield, was also ordered to pay $195,147 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.

Doan was one of six trustees of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 84, headquartered in Kent. The group oversaw the training fund and Doan served as financial secretary/treasurer.

Checks over a certain amount required the signature of two trustees, but Doan had that requirement removed in 2012, according to court documents.

Doan embezzled $195,147 from the union training fund between 2012 and 2017, according to court documents.

“This defendant betrayed the trust of the men and women in the union and is being held accountable for his actions,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

“Criminal acts like this directly impact participants in employee benefit plans by compromising their hard-earning benefits and eroding confidence in those chosen to manage their trust,” said Employee Benefits Security Administration Regional Director Joe Rivers, in Cincinnati. “The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration is committed to ensuring the integrity of employee benefit programs.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Bennett following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

An Akron man was indicted for illegally having a 9 mm handgun converted into an illegal machine gun.

Kortney D. Moore, 21, was indicted on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Moore, on April 2, 2019, possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol with an installed conversion device that allowed the handgun to be fired fully automatic. Additionally, Moore was not permitted to possess any firearm because of previous felony convictions, according to the indictment.

“Adding this specific part to a handgun to make it fully automatic makes that firearm illegal and puts the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute all firearms violations, and especially to stop the flow of these parts into the country.”

“The possession of illegal firearms is a violation of federal law and a threat to public safety,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”

This case is being investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce following an investigation by the ATF and Akron Police Department.

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.

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 Toledo woman was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for making false statements as part of investigation into the sex trafficking of minors.

Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, 44, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. She previously pleaded guilty to one count making a false statement.

“This defendant held a position of trust in the community. Instead of reporting the exploitation of children to the police when she learned about it, she kept the information to herself and then lied when asked about it,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

"We are pleased with the sentence Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins has received for the untruths she told to law enforcement and for the efforts she engaged in to cover up abuses of an under-aged female being trafficked for sex,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “In a public position of trust , Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins was held at a higher standard.  We encourage the public to report any suspicions of child exploitation to law enforcement."

Lloyd-Jenkins was charged as part of a 13-count indictment in which Kenneth Butler, Cordell Jenkins, and Anthony Haynes, are all charged with conspiracy to sex traffic children.

Lloyd-Jenkins obstructed a sex trafficking investigation by notifying a defendant of the forthcoming investigation on March 29, 2017, according to court documents.

Lloyd-Jenkins made false statements to law enforcement on April 12, 2017, about her knowledge of the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court documents.

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.

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 Hayne. 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 court documents.

Haynes routinely gave the victim money after the acts and told her not to say anything. He 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 several other men, including Jenkins, according to 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 the indictment

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

Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison. Butler was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Haynes is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.

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.

A North Canton man was indicted for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $2 million by billing for X-ray services that were not provided by his company, Portable Radiology Services.   

Thomas G. O’Lear, 55, was charged with 25 counts of health care fraud and one count of false statements relating to health care matters. 

O’Lear was the president of Portable Radiology Services, or PRS. The company had locations in Canton, North Canton, Uniontown and Cleveland. PRS provided portable X-ray related services to individuals residing in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities, according to the indictment. 

O’Lear billed Medicaid and Medicare for X-ray services that PRS did not provide, including billing on approximately 151 occasions for having provided X-rays to deceased patients on dates that were after the patients had passed away, according to the indictment.

This occurred between approximately January 2013 and December 2017, according to the indictment.

O’Lear also allegedly attempted to cover up the health care fraud scheme by forging the signatures of medical professionals to falsely make it appear that services that PRS did not provide to patients, and that O’Lear billed the government for, were actually provided to patients, according to the indictment.   

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan D. O’Shea and Mark S. Bennett, following an investigation by the United States Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of the Inspector General, the FBI, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler and Special Agent Jeremy Buening of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

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

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 Kent man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for money laundering and filing false tax returns.

Davood Haghighi, 61, was ordered to pay $615,712 in restitution, as well as a $25,000 fine.

He previously pleaded guilty to willfully making and subscribing to a false tax return, making and subscribing false tax returns and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: pay your taxes or pay the price”, stated William Cheung, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Cincinnati Field Office . “Mr. Haghighi is paying the price not only with the loss of his freedom but the forfeiture of his ill-gotten gains.”  

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis, James P. Lewis and Suzana K. Koch.

A federal indictment was unsealed charging two Youngstown men for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, as well as additional firearms charges.

Anthony Cleveland and Jamayle Roland, both 28, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.

Roland was charged with distribution of crack cocaine while Cleveland was charged with possession with intent to distribute a cocaine, possession with intent to distribute a crack cocaine, being felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Cleveland allegedly sold drugs from his residence on Alameda Avenue in Youngstown. Roland accompanied drug customers to the house, obtained drugs from Cleveland, and took payments back to Cleveland. This took place in September 2018, according to the indictment.

Roland allegedly sold 20 grams of crack cocaine on September 21, 2018, according to the indictment.

Cleveland on Sept. 26, 2018, allegedly possessed 48 grams of cocaine, 69 grams of crack cocaine, a ATI GSI 5 Model rifle, a Ruger semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, a Taurus .40-caliber pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.

Cleveland used firearms in relation to drug trafficking and was forbidden from having them because of previous felony convictions, 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 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 Drug Enforcement Administration.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

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 Cleveland man was indicted for mailing two kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly two kilograms of cocaine from California to Beachwood in 2017.

Corey Brown, 29, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Brown worked with Devon Williams, Marquacia Deshawn Morris and others between June and September 2017 to distribute approximately 2214 grams of methamphetamine and 1974 grams of cocaine, according to the indictment.

Brown shipped parcels containing the drugs via U.S. Mail. Morris accepted and diverted the drug parcels to Williams, who accepted and transported them, according to the indictment.

Williams, of Richmond Heights, is currently serving a sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Morris, a former postal carrier who lived in Woodmere, is currently serving a sentence of more than eight years in prison.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Willoughby Hills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.

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 for having a firearm while trafficking carfentanil, fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Dorian McGhee, 29, was indicted on one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil, and one count of possession with intent distribute methamphetamine.

McGhee possessed the drugs on April 17, 2019, as well as two 9 mm handguns, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 was conducted by members of the Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit, the Akron Police Department SWAT Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Joyce.

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 Lorain man and an inmate at a federal prison in New Jersey were each sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for their conspiracy to commit murder for hire and to distribute cocaine.

Eduardo Rios Velasquez, 38, of Lorain, was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison. Angel Cordero, 38, an inmate at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be served consecutive to another 40-year prison sentence he is serving.

A jury convicted both last year on one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Velasquez and Cordero had previously been incarcerated together. Cordero was in contact with Velasquez in the summer of 2017 through a contraband cellular phone that had been smuggled into Fort Dix, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Cordero put Velasquez in contact with another inmate. Velasquez offered to pay the other inmate money if he could provide Velasquez with the address for a woman identified in court documents as T.G. Cordero told the inmate that Velasquez had been hired to kill T.G, according to court documents.

Additionally, another person supplied Velasquez with large shipments of cocaine, with Cordero serving as the broker in the deals. Federal law enforcement authorities intercepted a kilogram of cocaine in July that was being shipped to Velasquez, according to court documents and trial testimony.

“This case was an outstanding effort by investigators and prosecutors from multiple states and jurisdictions who came together to avert a tragedy,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These prison sentences demonstrate the serious nature of the crimes of these two defendants.”

“This case shows that no one is out of reach from being charged and prosecuted when a crime is committed,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York.  “Even when serving a sentence, Cordero continued his criminal activity with little regard of the consequences.”

“The FBI is pleased with the sentencing handed down today. Velasquez will now have additional time to spend behind bars for his ruthless willingness to kill someone for money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI Cleveland Division commends the collaboration between the law enforcement agencies involved in disrupting and prosecuting this murder for hire.  Let's hope Mr. Velasquez has learned that he will be prosecuted if he chooses to engage in any more crime, no matter where he is located."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough, Brad Beeson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hiral Mehta following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s New York office, the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force – which is comprised of agents, detectives and investigators of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York City Police Department and the New York State Police -- and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

As the Department of Justice continues its efforts to fulfill President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, Attorney General William P. Barr today announced that Cleveland was selected to join the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) initiative. PSP provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.

“The Public Safety Partnership is a successful program that directs federal law enforcement resources to the cities where they can have the greatest impact," Attorney General Barr said. "These resources help police departments to diagnose where crime is highest—and why—and to find, arrest and prosecute criminals. Several participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime over the past two years. As we expand this program to 10 more cities across America, we are determined to replicate that success.”

The Justice Department created PSP and the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety in response to President Trump’s February 9, 2017, Executive Order charging the agency with leading a national effort to combat violent crime. In June 2017, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the National Public Safety Partnership initiative.

To be considered for selection, a site must have sustained levels of violence that far exceed the national average and demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime. Cities must also display compliance with federal immigration requirements.

The 10 sites announced today are as follows:

• Anniston, Alabama
• Oxford, Alabama
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Davenport, Iowa
• Wichita, Kansas
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Amarillo, Texas
• Harris County, Texas

“This designation will provide the additional training and technical support to law enforcement in Cleveland as we work collaboratively to combat violent crime,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These resources will improve our collective ability to analyze crime trends and direct resources as needed, including enhancements to our current ongoing efforts focused on firearms, carjackings, armed robberies and other crimes of violence.”

More than 30 cities have participated in PSP. The primary participating Justice Department components include the Office of Justice Programs, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service.

More information about PSP can be found at: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/national-public-safety-partnership/overview.

Two Cleveland men were indicted for federal firearms offenses.

John W. Bryant, 38, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bryant allegedly had a Ruger 9 mm pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition on February 26, 2019, despite previous convictions for aggravated robbery with a firearms specification and aggravated assault, according to the indictment.

Haras Dawkins, 28, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dawkins allegedly had a Glock .40-caliber pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition on February 26, 2019, despite a previous conviction for aggravated burglary, 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Kelly Galvin.

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.

A Mansfield man was indicted on child pornography charges.

Christian K. Smith, Jr., 44, was was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Smith knowingly received, attempted to receive and distributed numerous computer files which  contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between May 9, 2014 through May 2, 2019, according to the indictment.

The indictment also charges that on or about May 2, 2019, Smith possessed two cellular phones and a laptop computer that contained child pornography.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force in Mansfield Office. 

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 Henry County man was charged in federal court with one count of coercion and/or enticement for allegedly attempting to persuade several Asian minors he met online to engage in sexual activity.

Thomas E. Oberhaus, 56, of Napoleon, is accused of engaging in this behavior between 2013 and 2016, according to the criminal information.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

An information 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.

A Guatemalan man living in New Philadelphia was indicted for making a false claim of United States citizenship, as well as illegally reentering the country.

Julio Tzip-Yac, 40, aka Jean Carlos Mercado-Alvarez and Luis O. Hernandez, falsely represented himself to be a U.S. citizen on May 25, 2018. He was able to obtain an Ohio driver’s license while falsely using the identity of an individual in Puerto Rico, according to court documents.

Tzip-Yac was found to be in New Philadelphia on May 25, 2018, despite having been previously deported. Tzip-Yac was previously sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after being found guilty of one count of possession of a document making implement and four counts of transfer of identification documents.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz following an investigation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Philadelphia Police Department. 

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 was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting a 12-year-old and related child pornography crimes.

Christopher Goodin, 33, was ordered to pay $150,156 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Goodin controlled multiple social media accounts which he used to communicate with a young girl in Utah between June and August 18, 2018. With one account, Goodin posed as a young girl who was harassed and threatened by an older man. With another account, Goodin posed as the older man, according to court documents.

Goodin, posing as both the older man and young girl, told the victim that he would stop harassing the young girl if the victim sent sexually explicit photos to him, which the victim did, according to court documents.

A search in October 2018 of Goodin’s home on Kentucky Drive in Elyria resulted in the recovery of: a cell phone with 716 images and 126 videos of suspected child pornography, including bestiality, infants and toddlers, bondage and fetish videos; a laptop computer with 63 videos and 32 images of child pornography, as well as 661 images and 14 videos of another child victim; and an SD card with 844 image files and 761 video files of suspected child pornography, according to court documents.

“This defendant is a predator who tricked unsuspecting children into sending him graphic images by posing as someone else,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This case is a disturbing and stark reminder that people online are rarely who they claim to be, and parents need to know who their children are communicating with.”

“The FBI is pleased with the 25-year sentence given to Mr. Goodin today,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Individuals who exploit children deserve to spend a significant time behind bars. Parents are urged to be aware with whom their children interact with online. Children should be loved, cherished, and protected not used for the benefit of someone’s sexual gratification.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

An indictment is only a charge and 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 Macedonia man who claimed to be a financial planner but defrauded three elderly people out of nearly $575,000 was sentenced to more than six years in prison.

William E. Callam, 61, was sentenced to 78 months in prison and ordered to pay $574,146 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and four counts of mail fraud.

“The conduct of this defendant is reprehensible. He stole the life savings of three elderly people to feed his own greed and lifestyle,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting older Americans and holding accountable anyone who would defraud them.”

“Callam will be serving a significant amount of time behind bars for victimizing elderly folks out of their life savings,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith said. “The FBI will continue efforts to hold criminals accountable for preying on others for their own greed.”

According to court documents:

Callam held himself out as a financial planner and investment advisor. He operated Blackstone Real Estate Group LLC.

Callam represented to three people from Lake County that Blackstone was in the business of financing loans for the purpose of rehabilitating commercial property, with the loans secured by mortgages on the property. He promised investors safe investments with an annual return of six percent, and stated the investments were very liquid.

Callam caused investors to liquidate their annuities, insurance policies and other retirement assets to invest those funds in Blackstone. He created false statements purporting to reflect investors’ earnings. Instead, he used their money to maintain his personal lifestyle and enrich himself and family members.

A married couple was defrauded out of $381,571 while another person was defrauded out of $192,575 as a result of Callam’s scheme.

Callam has a history of defrauding people. He was convicted in 2007 of defrauding two senior citizens out of $68,000. Later that year he was convicted of defrauding four other people out of $49,000 in a similar scheme. He was later convicted of defrauding another person out of $55,000, according to court documents.

Callam targeted the victims in the most recent case because they were elderly and trusted him. As a result of his fraud, the victims cannot pay for medical care, struggle to pay for prescription medication and other bills, and have suffered emotional stress, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Miller following an investigation by the FBI.

A nine-count indictment was filed charging four people for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 16 pounds of methamphetamine.

Indicted are: Rafael Smith, 47, of Covington, Virginia; Robert Coore, 46, a Jamaican national; Shuree Jefferson, 41, of Garfield Heights, and Jeffrey Westmoreland, 30, of Rock Creek.

All four are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as additional charges of possession or distribution of methamphetamine. Coore is also charged with illegal reentry, as he was in the United States on March 20, 2019, after having been deported to Jamaica on January 25, 2018.

 According to court documents:

Coore and Smith met numerous times in March and April 2019 with an undercover agent at locations in Beachwood, Independence, Brooklyn, Cleveland and elsewhere to sell large amounts of methamphetamine.

Coore stated he traveled to California to arrange for bulk shipments of drugs to the Cleveland area. Coore and Smith requested the undercover agent’s help in locating a warehouse with a loading dock and town motor capable of offloading a tractor trailer upon arrival in Northeast Ohio.

Coore was arrested on April 23 with four pounds of methamphetamine. A search of a residence in Aurora resulted in the arrest of Smith, and seizure of approximately three pounds of methamphetamine.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit $nearly $48,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration  and the Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

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

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 federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging a Wooster man with firearms violations, including having two illegal components used to turn firearms into fully automatic machine guns.

Kenneth L. McKinley, 31, was indicted on one count each of illegal possession of machine guns, being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and receipt and possession of unregistered firearms.

The indictment alleges that McKinley possessed on March 12, 2019 a black Glock-type, select-fire conversion device, with no serial number or manufacturer markings, and a silver Glock-type, select-fire conversion device, with no serial number or manufacturer markings, both and each designed and intended solely and exclusively, for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. 

McKinley was prohibited from having firearms or ammunition because of a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence in Wayne County Municipal Court, but possessed 50 rounds of Winchester brand, .22 caliber ammunition, according to the indictment.

The indictment alleges McKinley knowingly received and possessed two firearms, those being, a black Glock-type, select-fire conversion device, with no serial number or manufacturer markings, and a silver Glock-type, select-fire conversion device, with no serial number or manufacturer markings, both and each designed and intended solely and exclusively, for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

“In addition to the fact that a convicted domestic abuser is not allowed to have firearms or ammunition, these specific parts are illegal and put the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute all firearms violations, and especially to stop the flow of these parts into the country.”

“The possession of illegal firearms is a violation of federal law and a threat to public safety,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”

“Keeping weapons out of the wrong hands is critical to keeping our communities safe and to prevent gun violence, we are committed to remaining vigilant to ensure firearms and any firearm parts are acquired while abiding federal laws,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar.

This case is 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio presented awards to honor exceptional advocacy, support and legal work on behalf of the district’s six million residents in 2018.

“These awards recognize the best efforts put forth by our office on behalf of the citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Whether it’s combating violent crime, protecting taxpayers, trying to curb the tide of the opioid epidemic, just to name a few, these employees embody the best of public service.”

Details of the award winners are below:

Assistant United States Attorney of the Year: Patricia Fitzgerald was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Support of the Year: Janeth Herman was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Administrative Support of the Year: Judy Spar was recognized for exceptional overall performance, which demonstrates a superior commitment in the execution of the person’s duties.

Bill Edwards Career Award: Lisa Hammond Johnson and Robert Kern were recognized as an AUSA with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the AUSA’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.

Roberta Sladick Career Award: Marilyn McKean was recognized as a support staff person with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the support staff’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.

Excellence in Criminal Advocacy: Megan Miller was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.

Excellence in Civil Advocacy: Angelita Cruz Bridges was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.

Excellence in Criminal Support: Sarah VanDromme was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

Excellence in Civil Support: Linda Bartolozzi was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

Excellence in Paralegal Support: Sarah Perkins was recognized for exceptional overall performance.  

Excellence in Administrative Support: Heidi Lyons was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

New AUSA Award: Ranya Elzein was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.

New Support Award: Albion Manellari was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.

Jane Corrigan Award: Torrey Steele is recognizes as the supportive staff member who is always professional, ready to help other in the performance of their duties, who expresses a “can-do” attitude, and whose demeanor is always engaging.

A Massillon man was indicted on one count of enticement.

Nathan Benedum II, 53, knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce an individual who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity with him in April 2019, 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 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.  

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 former Canton resident was extradited from Vietnam to face child pornography charges.

The two-count indictment was unsealed Wednesday upon the extradition of Larry P. Smith from Vietnam. Smith, 67, was indicted on one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Smith knowingly received and distributed numerous computer filed containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in October 2013. On November 20, 2013, Smith possessed several laptops, an Apple computer and hard drives that contained images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity, according to the indictment.

Smith lived in Canton at the time of the alleged offenses, then moved to Florida prior to his indictment. He was located in Vietnam and was returned to the United States Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear in federal court later this afternoon in Seattle.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Canton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.

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

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.    

An Elyria man was indicted on charges of trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

The four-count indictment alleges that Terry L. Jackson, Sr., on February 26, 2019, sold crack cocaine and possessed four grams of fentanyl, 17 grams of cocaine and 1.5 grams of methamphetamine.

This case is one of dozens prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), in in which any cases involving heroin, fentanyl or any synthetic opioid are prosecuted in federal court. Lorain County is one of 10 communities around the nation selected as a pilot for Operation SOS. The program demonstrates the Justice Department’s continued to commitment to working with local partners to make our community safer.

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

This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kolansky and Vasile Katsaros.

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.    

An Elyria man was indicted for bringing a 14-year-old girl from California to Ohio to engage in unlawful sexual activity, as well as child pornography charges.

Jeremy L. Cruz, 39, was indicted on one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography.

Cruz, between April 13 through April 18, 2019, knowingly transported a 14 year-old girl, in interstate commerce from California to Ohio, with the intent that such 14 year-old girl engage in sexual activity, according to the indictment.

The indictment also charges that  from on or about January 1, 2017 through on or about April 15, 2019, Cruz knowingly received visual depictions of a real minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment also charges that from April 13 through April 18, 2019, Cruz did knowingly transported numerous visual depictions of  real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Cleveland and Los Angeles offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Avon Lake Police Department, Elyria Police Department, Sheffield Lake Police Department and Santa Maria (California) Police Department.  

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 Cleveland man already in federal custody for drug trafficking was charged  with attempting to possess more than 300 grams of fentanyl, as well escape.

Rayshawn Ligon escaped from Oriana House Residential Reentry Center on March 2, 2019, while in the custody of Federal Correctional Institution McKean, according to the indictment.

On March 1, Ligon attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 331 grams of fentanyl, according to the indictment.

According to court documents: agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package addressed to a home on East 78th Street in Cleveland that contained blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators replaced the pills with inert ones and inserted a tracking device into the package before trying to make a controlled delivery.

The package was delivered to the East 78th Street address on March 1. Ligon arrived at the house in a Jeep, then left minutes later with the package. Ligon drove to a residence on East 246th Street in Euclid, went inside with the package, then walked outside with the opened package.

Investigators attempted to stop Ligon. He drove away at a high rate of speed, threw the package out the window (later recovered), apparently lost control of the Jeep and ran over a real estate sign, and then ran away. Police had the vehicle towed and recovered Ligon’s driver’s license and birth certificate from the Jeep, according to court documents.

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

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Burke and Danielle Angeli.

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.    

The FBI, Bryan Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office announced this morning that a Florida man was arrested and charged in federal court with attempting to hire someone to murder a social worker.

David Culver, 35, of Fountain, Florida, was charged with one count of use of interstate facilities for murder for hire. He was arrested in Bryan, Ohio, and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Toledo on Monday at 12:30 p.m.

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

On May 16, the Bryan Police Department received information from an individual identified in court documents as C1 that Culver wanted to have a social worker murdered.

Culver was previously convicted of endangering children and is classified as sex offender. C1 stated Culver has family in Bryan. C1 understood the targeted social worker was involved in an investigation which resulted in the removal of Culver from his children.

Culver texted C1 on May 15: “I did move to Florida, I came back up here an ram into some shit.  But do u still have any contacts with some bad people?  I need a huge favor.”  C1 responded, “Like?” and “I can get them.”  Culver’s telephone replied, “I need to get rid of some ASAP.”  C1 asked, “Rid as in how?”  Culver’s telephone responded, “None breathing.”  C1 asked, “What happen.”  Culver’s telephone replied, “I’ll call u here in a little while and we can talk then over the phone.” 

Culver agreed to pay $1,000 to have the social worker murdered. Culver sent a screenshot with the name of a child protective service’s investigator assigned to the case involving Culver.

On May 18, an undercover Bryan police officer posing as a hitman with Culver at the McDonalds restaurant in Bryan. Culver confirmed he had money and referenced the targeted woman as the person responsible for taking his kids. When asked what kind of proof Culver was looking for to confirm the job was completed, Culver referenced wanting a photo and said he wants her to disappear, according to the affidavit.

Culver provided the undercover officer $200 as down payment for the hit and was taken into custody.

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

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

A Toledo pastor was sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor, while another Toledo pastor was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for similar crimes, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said.

Cordell Jenkins, 48, was sentenced to life in prison. Kenneth Butler, 39, was sentenced to 210 months in prison. They previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to sex traffic children, sex trafficking of children and related charges.

“These sentences for two men who abused their positions of authority to prey on children are richly deserved,” Herdman said. “I remain in awe of the courage of the victims and the dedication of our law enforcement personnel in bringing these men to justice.”

"Our children should not be bought, sold or traded,” Smith said. “They should not be used for financial or personal gain.  The children who are victimized in the vicious world of sex trafficking deserve justice.  In federal court in Toledo, justice was served.  Pastor Anthony Haynes violated every trust bestowed on him - as a leader of the church, he was responsible for helping those in need.  Especially children.  As we saw this week, he violated that trust in the worst way imaginable.  Today we are thankful for the law enforcement partnerships that led to this verdict."

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.

Another pastor, Anthony Haynes, was convicted this year by a jury of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking, child exploitation and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation following a trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014 through 2017, according to trial testimony and 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 also facilitated the victim being sexually exploited by other men, including Jenkins, according to trial testimony and 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.

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.

Six Akron men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to bring more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine from California and sell it in the Akron area.

Ugunda Sanders, 46, was convicted following trial and was sentenced more than 15 years in prison.

Rashaad M. Thomas, 41, was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison. Michael E. Davis, 49; was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. James E. Sanders, 52, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Christopher J. Proctor, 51, was sentenced to more than three years in prison and Reuben Simmons, 32, was sentenced to less than three years in prison.

All five previously pleaded guilty to their crimes related to methamphetamine distribution. Members of the conspiracy traveled between Cleveland and Los Angeles to obtain large amounts of methamphetamine, which they distributed in the Akron area, according to court documents.

“Methamphetamine is a growing threat in Northern Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We are now seeing meth that is cheaper and more pure than versions of the drug seen in the past. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stem the flow of this dangerous narcotic into our community and prosecute those who profit from it.”

The investigation was conducted by members of the Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Springfield Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, New Franklin Township Police Department, Stow Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Tallmadge Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Reminderville Police Department, Silver Lake Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, and Summit County Prosecutor’s Office. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian.

Eight people from Northwest Ohio were indicted for firearms violations or armed robbery charges as part of a continued collaborative effort to reduce violent crime in the Toledo area.

Among those indicted are people accused of illegally having firearms after domestic violence convictions, making illegal straw purchases of firearms, possessing stolen firearms, armed robbery and other offenses.

Indicted are: Brock Andrzejak, 23, of Toledo; Marco Roane, 35, of Sandusky; Teresa Jackson, 46, of Sandusky; Filmel Williams, Jr., 19, of Toledo; Joseph Mathis, 42, of Toledo; Willie Hall, 31, of Toledo; Marcus Bailey, 34, of Toledo, and James Robert Morgan, 33, of Bryan.

“These cases involve people who are not allowed to have firearms because of past crimes, such as domestic violence, as well as people lying to get guns or obtaining stolen weapons,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will continue to work with police and federal agencies through Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Public Safety Partnership programs to make Toledo and Northwest Ohio safer.”

“Reducing gun crime is one of ATF’s core missions,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson.  “We are committed to working with our partners at the federal, state, and local level to investigate crime guns as well as identify and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”

 “While any one of these individual indictments on their own may not seem like a significant blow to overall violent crime, it is the totality of these cases that shows the significant work local and federal law enforcement partners are doing on a daily basis to make Toledo safer” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “As we have stated many times in the past, we appreciate our federal partnerships and we will continue to help bring federal cases against those who wish to do others harm in our community.”

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.

Toledo is also a National Public Safety Partnership city, in which the Justice Department selects cities for increased training and technical assistance focused on violent crime. Toledo, as a PSP city, was also selected last year for more than $492,000 in federal funding to pay for hardware and software designed to improve information-sharing capacity.

Andrzejak is charged with interference with commerce by threats of violence and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Andrzejak is accused of pointing a rifle at a cashier while robbing the Stop and Go on Bennett Road in Toledo.

Williams is charged with four counts of possession of stolen firearms and ammunition and three counts of possession of a firearm by a person adjudicated to be mentally defective. Williams on January 2, 2019, possessed a .45-caliber pistol, a 7.62x39mm rifle, a 5.56 pistol and ammunition, knowing the firearms were stolen. He also possessed firearms despite having been adjudicated by the Wayne County (Michigan) Probate Court to be mentally defective, according to the indictment.

Morgan was charged with possession of a firearm by a person with prior misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Morgan, at various points in 2018 and 2019 possessed a Ruger .22-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver, a German Sports Guns .22-caliber pistol and a Hermann Weihrauch .38-caliber revolver, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence, according to the indictment.

Mathis is charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mathis possessed Taurus .380-caliber pistol and six rounds of ammunition on March 14, 2019, and a Smith & Wesson .380-caliber pistol and 34 rounds of ammunition on September 16, 2018, despite previous convictions for drug trafficking and possession of crack cocaine, according to the indictment.

Hall is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hall possessed a Smith & Wesson 40-caliber pistol and six rounds of ammunition on March 22, 2019, despite previous convictions for robbery, attempted burglary and having a weapon under disability, according to the indictment.

Roane and Jackson are charged with four counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Jackson falsely represented that she was the buyer of four firearms – a Savage Arms 5.56 rifle, a Glock 9 mm pistol, a Taurus 9 mm pistol and a Radical Firearms 5.56 pistol – between August 2017 and January 2019, when, in fact, Roane was the true buyer of the firearms, according to the indictment.

Bailey is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bailey had a 9 mm pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition on March 20, 2019, despite previous convictions for burglary and tampering with evidence, 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 records, if any, the defendants’ 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.

The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Simko, Robert Melching and Ashley Futrell.

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.      

Nine people, most from Toledo, were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl in Northwest Ohio.

Named in the eight-count indictment are: Pedro Negrin, 59, Santino Montoya, 26, Aurelio Seoane-Armada, 59, Jamel Gaines, 30, Corey Goings, 48, Nathaniel Houle, Jr., 22, Korey Parker, 29, all of Toledo; Francisco Cabrera-Hernandez, 35, of Casa Grande, Arizona; and Luis Perez-Rodriguez, 31, of Phoenix.

All nine defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.

Goings is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for allegedly having a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol despite a previous drug conviction. Various defendants are charged with additional drug counts, including Cabrera-Hernandez and Perez-Rodriguez being charged with possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than $407,000 seized as part of the investigation, as well as a firearm and two vehicles installed with after-market traps.

“These defendants trafficked in large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, drugs that have taken so many lives and destroyed so many families in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who profit from this drug crisis.”

“These individuals brought danger and violence to our communities through their illegal drug dealing behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Collaborative law enforcement efforts will continue daily to combat the for profit distribution of illicit life robbing narcotics.”

Toledo Police Chief George Kral said: “Here is yet another example of exemplary police work and collaborations between local, state, and federal law enforcement. As a result of this investigation, ten individuals, mostly from Toledo, were arrested and a substantial amount of dangerous drugs are off of our streets. Toledo is a safer community with the individuals behind bars. I look forward to continuing our long standing relationship with our federal partners."

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.        

The investigating agencies in this case are the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Matthew D. Simko.            

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 Marion man was indicted in federal court for lighting a fire in the Walmart in Kenton, which caused an estimated $3.5 million in damage.

Caleb T. Poole, 27, was indicted on one count of destroying or damaging property used in interstate commerce.

According to court documents:

An explosion and fire were reported on May 6 at the Walmart on East Columbus Street in Kenton. Police and fire responded and, after controlling the fire, determined the fire originated within a shopping cart that contained two thermoses, toilet paper, a lighter and remnants of an aerosol spray can.

A review of Walmart security videos show a man determined to be Poole using a credit card to buy two thermoses. He exited the store and walked to the gas station across the street, where he filled the thermoses with gasoline. Poole then reentered the store and was observed picking up toilet paper and hairspray, then walking with the items to the origin area of the fire. Video surveillance shows the fire starting in the area with flames rising as high as 20 feet, according to court documents.

Poole is in custody. 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.  

The investigating agency in this case is the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Weldon and Matthew D. Simko are handling the case. 

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.

A Richmond Heights woman who operated a tax preparation business was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution for preparing false tax returns.

Karla Jenkins, 48, previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent return and one count of making and subscribing a false income tax return.

Jenkins operated Vertical Tax Service LLC from an office on Mayfield Road in South Euclid. Jenkins prepared false tax returns on behalf of Vertical Tax Service clients, including taking false, inflated and/or improper deductions for medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions and other miscellaneous expenses, according to court documents.

The clients received the majority of the refund but Jenkins received a portion of the refund as her tax preparation fee. This took place between at least 2012 and 2015, according to court documents.

"Those who cheat on their taxes are cheating the American public," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

“Karla Jenkins owned a tax preparation business that blatantly ignored the tax laws by preparing false tax returns and misusing her electronic filing privileges,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.  “Dishonest return preparers use a variety of methods to cheat the government, including falsifying information on the tax returns to generate larger refunds for their clients. Criminal Investigation will continue to ensure that all tax practitioners, tax preparers and others who practice in the tax law profession adhere to professional standards and follow the law.”

Jenkins was ordered to pay $531,240 in restitution.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Miller following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.

In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,

declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice. 

“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the hard work, dedication and commitment of police officers from around the country. Here in Northern Ohio, we particularly recognize the sacrifice of Cleveland Police Officer Vu Nguyen and Mentor Police Officer Mathew Mazany, both of whom we lost during 2018 while they were on-duty and keeping our community safe,” Herdman said.

According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including two officers here in the Northern District of Ohio -- Mentor Officer Mathew J. Mazany and Cleveland Officer Vu X. Nguyen.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.

The names of all 106 fallen officers were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st  Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. The Candlelight Vigil was one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.

A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for having an unlicensed machine gun.

Toriano A. Leaks, Jr., 20, was indicted on two counts of illegal possession of a machine gun.

Leaks on April 10 possessed a Glock .40-caliber that had been modified into a machine gun. He also possessed a select fire auto-sear, which is used exclusively for converting a weapon  into a machine gun, according to the indictment.

Leak also possessed 21 rounds of ammunition and three magazines, with capacities of 15, 20 and 30 rounds of ammunition, according to court documents.

The investigation is ongoing.

“Adding this specific part to a handgun to make it fully automatic makes that firearm illegal and puts the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute all firearms violations, and especially to stop the flow of these parts into the country.”

“The possession of illegal firearms is a violation of federal law and a threat to public safety,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”

Bedford Police Chief Martin Stemple said: “In reference to the Toriano Leaks arrest and indictment: Officer Stanton while patrolling the City of Bedford, observed a vehicle with some seemingly minor traffic violations, and conducted a traffic stop. Through some keen observations and excellent police work, Officer Stanton developed a routine traffic stop into an arrest of a dangerous individual.  Because of the Officer's relentless determination, the individual's true identity was learned, a weapon and ammunition along with narcotics were all confiscated. The weapon was modified to fire fully automatic, and was found under the driver's seat, fully loaded with high-capacity magazines. This incident just goes to show the dangers our officers face, even on something that appears to start out as a minor traffic violation.”

“Keeping weapons out of the wrong hands is critical to keeping our communities safe and to prevent gun violence, we are committed to remaining vigilant to ensure firearms and any firearm parts are acquired while abiding federal laws,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar.

This case is 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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bedford Police Department Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

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.   

Three people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute THC.

Indicted are Frank Altieri, 25, of Brooklyn, Florida; and David Bruell, 28, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, and James Campbell, 35, of Boynton Beach, Florida. They are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute tetrahydrocannabinol and one count of possession with intent to distribute tetrahydrocannabinol.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit nearly $1.5 million seized during the investigation.

According to court documents:

Campbell came to Cleveland to engage in narcotics trafficking, and met with Altieri on April 11 at a Holiday Inn Express, where they transferred numerous boxes containing THC cartridges. Campbell then drove to a house on Elsetta Avenue in Cleveland, where he understood the boxes of THC cartridges would be removed and picked up.

During surveillance of the house on Elsetta, a Nissan Altima arrived at the home and people in the car were believed to move the boxes into the home. A subsequent search of the home on Elsetta resulted in the recovery of approximately 5,888 THC cartridges, according to court documents.

A search of Bruell’s residence on Brandywood Drive in Pepper Pike resulted in the recovery of additional THC cartridges and cash. The same Nissan Altima seen at the home on Elsetta was at the Pepper Pike home, according to court documents.

A subsequent search of Bruell’s CubeSmart rental units in Columbus and Warrensville Heights resulted in the recovery of marijuana and at least 1,700 THC cartridges, according to court documents.

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 Cleveland OCDETF Strike Force, including representatives of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cleveland HIDTA, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Montville Township Police Department and the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

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.       

A Stow man was indicted in federal court for having methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl.

David Thomas, Jr., 29, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

Thomas had more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 12 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin on February 23, 2019, 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.

This case was investigated by the FBI and South Euclid Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke.

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.       

Five Canton men were indicted in federal court for allegedly stealing dozens of guns from a firearms store in Canton in February.

Four of the defendants were also indicted on charges of conspiring to steal firearms from another Canton firearms store.

Robert Clark, Jr., 18, Marquelis Thomas, 21, Shymeik Barkley, 18, God Gibson, 18, and Jamaryon Frazier, 18, were each indicted on one count of theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.

Clark, Thomas, Gibson and Frazier are also indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.

The five men are accused of stealing 22 firearms from Elite Security Consultants LLC on February 2, 2019.

Clark, Thomas, Gibson and Frazier are also accused of conspiring to steal firearms from Stark Arms on February 2, 2019. The men parked at Stark Arms, on Cleveland Avenue S.W., wearing gloves and covering their faces and attempted to gain entry by throwing a heavy metal object at the business’s window, 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 records, if any, the defendants’ 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 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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell.

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.       

With enthusiastic participation nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now collected nearly 12 million pounds of unused or expired prescription medications over the course of 17 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events. During the 17th semiannual event on April 27, the Take Back initiative saw new records for the numbers of law enforcement partners, collection sites. Together with these local, state, tribal and federal partners – more than 5,000 total – at nearly 6,400 collection sites, DEA collected and destroyed close to 469 tons of potentially dangerous unwanted drugs.

This brings the total amount of drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 11,816,393 pounds, or 5,908 tons.

The Detroit Field Division, servicing Michigan and Ohio collected a total of 75,514 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The state of Michigan collected 23,692 pounds and the state of Ohio 50,821 pounds.

“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. The public has embraced the opportunity these events provide to remove medicines languishing in the home that are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and theft. Public demand for safe and secure drug disposal has also resulted in a significant increase in year-round drug drop boxes at law enforcement facilities, pharmacies, and elsewhere, making drug disposal even more convenient.

Complete results for DEA’s spring Take Back Day are available at www.DEATakeBack.com. Video of DEA’s Take Back Day collections being weighed and destroyed is available at https://youtu.be/5y_LCuJvWRs.

DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 26, 2019.

Men from Mansfield and Perry were indicted in federal court on child pornography charges.

Indicted are: Christopher Coffer, 41, of Mansfield, and Anthony V. Coladangelo, 50, of Perry. Their cases are not otherwise related.

Coffer was charged with knowingly transporting, shipping, receiving, distributing, reproducing for distribution, possession of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Coffer knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between May 15, 2016 through February 22, 2018, according to the indictment.

The indictment also charges that on or about April 4, 2018, Coffer possessed a computer which contained child pornography.

Coladangelo was charged with receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography.

Coladangelo knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between January 7, 2019 through February 24, 2019, according to the indictment.

The indictment also charges that on or about April 16, 2019, Coladangelo knowingly possessed a computer 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. 

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

The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (Coladangelo).  

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Danielle K. Angeli, Brian Deckert and Michael A. Sullivan.

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 federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Andre Little, 33, of Columbus, with distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

The indictment alleges that on or about March 11, 2019 and April 5, 2019, Little knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl.

The indictment further alleges that on or about April 11, 2019, Little knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

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.

The owner of a Canton company that manufactures American flags was sentenced to two years in prison for failing to pay more than $162,000 in payroll taxes.

Richard Spencer, 52, was ordered to pay $197,040 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to failure to account for, collect and pay over employment taxes.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said: “This defendant did not paying over taxes he collected from his employees, and intentionally misclassified others to avoid taxes. This defendant benefitted from being able to say that his flags were made in America, but he failed to meet his obligations to his employees and the American taxpayer.”

“Richard Spencer did not have any problems with earning income from manufacturing the American flag, but he did have problems with paying employment taxes to the IRS that he withheld from his employees,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.  “What is very disturbing about this case is that an IRS audit disclosed that Richard Spencer improperly treated employees as contractors and even after learning the results of the audit he continued to misclassify his employees and continued to fail to pay the employment taxes.”

Spencer controls RS Sewing, which manufactures American flags. Spencer oversaw production, source materials, paperwork and the company’s financial operations, according to court documents.

Spencer, beginning around 2008, reclassified some of his workers from employees to independent contractors. Following an audit in 2011, Spencer was informed he improperly classified the workers as independent contractors, and a penalty was assessed against Spencer. He continued to misclassify some employees and failed to pay employment taxes, according to court documents.

Spencer classified some workers as independent contractors and others as employees, although all RS Sewing workers were required to clock in and out, were paid wages by the hour, were provided materials to make the flags by RS Sewing and were otherwise treated the same by managers, according to court documents.

Spencer from 2012 through 2015, Spencer failed to withhold taxes from workers he knowingly and willfully misclassified as independent contractors. For workers classified as W-2 employees, Spencer withheld federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes from employees but never paid the money to the IRS, according to court documents.

Overall, he failed to collect, account for and pay over approximately $162,728 of federal employment taxes, according to the indictment.      

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. It was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Henderson and Robert Kern.

A Toledo man was indicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. 

Donald Fuller, 49, possessed with the intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin and at least 400 grams of fentanyl between 2016 and 2019, 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 agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Toledo Police Department and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Futrell and Alissa M. Sterling.

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 last of four defendants was sentenced to prison their roles in a conspiracy to defraud the MetroHealth Hospital System and others through a series of bribes and kickbacks totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars related to the hospital’s dental program.

Yazan B. Al-Madani, 35, of Westlake, was sentenced to sentenced to more than 10 years in prison on Thursday.

Former hospital Chief Operating Officer Edward R. Hills, 59, of Aurora, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison.

Sari Alqsous, 35, of Cleveland, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.

Tariq Sayegh, 39, of Cleveland, was sentenced to five years in prison.

A jury last year found all four men guilty of criminal charges following a trial that lasted several weeks.

“These defendants stole from  a hospital that serves the most needy in our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These prison sentences underscore that people who abuse positions of trust to enrich themselves will be held accountable for their crimes.”

“Mr. Hills and his associates will now serve time behind bars for their roles in defrauding our healthcare system,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The investigation revealed these individuals engaged in a pervasive pattern of fraud, betraying the MetroHealth Hospital System, its employees, and our community.  The collective efforts of the FBI, IRS, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Office of the Inspector General, United States Attorney's Office, and MetroHealth officials led to the disruption of this destructive illegal activity. "

“Today’s sentencing marks the end of this major health care fraud case that had such a negative impact on our community. These defendants conspired to misuse their position of trust for their own personal gain and obstructed justice by telling witnesses to not to cooperate with law enforcement and this is what ultimately lead to the downfall of these defendants,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “These types of investigations are often solved most efficiently through a multiple-agency approach to crime fighting.”

“These four criminals hit Ohio’s taxpayers and healthcare system right in the teeth,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “With today’s sentence, justice struck back. I’m pleased our Bureau of Criminal Investigation could assist our law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case.”

Hills worked in various capacities at MetroHealth, including as Chief Operating Officer and Director of MetroHealth Dental. He also served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer from December 2012 through July 2013. Alqsous, Al-Madani and Sayegh are dentists who worked for MetroHealth.

According to court documents, testimony and documents presented at trial:

Hills, Alqsous and Al-Madani engaged in a racketeering conspiracy from 2008 through 2016 involving a series of elaborate bribery conspiracies, witness tampering and other crimes. These bribes include Hills soliciting cash, checks, a $3,879 Louis Vuitton briefcase, a 55-inch television, airline flights and use of a downtown apartment from Alqsous, Al-Madani and others. In return, Hills took official actions on their behalf, including allowing them to work at their private dental businesses during regular business hours while receiving a full-time salary from MetroHealth.

Alqsous, Al-Madani and others gave cash, checks and other things of value to Hills beginning in 2009. Evidence included text messages and meetings, often at expensive restaurants, which resulted in cash being deposited into Hills’ bank accounts.

Alqsous sent a text message to Al-Madani and another person in 2013 that stated: “With 22nd of October approaching we ll be celebrating Dr hills bday earlier this year…1000 dollars each is the gift from the 3 sons their father.” Later that day, $3,000 was deposited into Hills’ bank account.

In 2012, Alqsous rented and lived in an apartment at the Perry Payne apartment building in downtown Cleveland. When he bought a residence, Hills instructed Alqsous to continue paying rent and other bills at the Perry Payne building, even though Alqsous would no longer be living there. Hills used the Perry Payne apartment to house an associate and for his own personal use in 2013 and 2014 while Alqsous, acting on Hills’ orders, continued to pay rent and other bills.

Hills instructed Alqsous to purchase furniture for the apartment for Hills’ personal use. Alqsous sent Hills a text in 2013 stating: “I bought your bedroom yesterday…there is mirrors everywhere…You will like it.”

Hills became interim President and CEO of the MetroHealth Hospital System in December 2012. Around that time, he told Alqsous, Al-Madani and others that he wanted a specific Louis Vuitton briefcase because his predecessor had a similar briefcase.

Alqsous texted a photo of the briefcase to Hills and wrote: “The guys are also very excited about their raise haha.” Hills responded with: “Thanks I’m so excited to have my bag to start my new job as #1.” Later that day, Alqsous, Al-Madani and others purchased the briefcase for $3,879 from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beachwood and later presented it to Hills.

As director of MetroHealth Dental, Hills was responsible for determining monthly bonuses for dentists who produced receipts in excess of their monthly salary and benefits. Dentists typically received a monthly bonus totaling 25 percent of the monies they generated for excess receipts.

Between 2010 and 2014, Hills regularly upwardly adjusted the bonuses of Alqsous, Al-Madani and others, by a total of approximately $92,829.

Hills also allowed Alqsous, Al-Madani and others to retain full-time salaries and benefits at MetroHealth without requiring them to work full-time hours, thus allowing them to operate private dental clinics. Hills, acting at the request of Alqsous and Al-Madani, provided MetroHealth dental residents to practice at those private clinics during regular business hours. Neither Alqsous nor Al-Madani paid wages or salaries to the resident dentists.

Additionally, Alqsous, Al-Madani and Sayegh solicited and accepted bribes totaling tens of thousands of dollars from prospective candidates to the MetroHealth Dental residency program.

In a typical year, the MetroHealth Dental residency accepted four to six candidates for the residency program from a pool of 40 to 60 applicants. Alqsous, Sayegh and Al-Madani each had the authority to influence the selection of dental residents, and Hills had final decisional authority over who was selected for the residency program.

Alqsous and Sayegh often identified and selected candidates who were from Jordan or trained at a Jordanian dental school, telling them they would have to pay a “donation” to MetroHealth to be considered. Alqsous and Sayegh directed the candidates to pay the “donation” directly to them, and in some cases, told the candidates a portion of the money would go to Hills.

Alqsous, Sayegh and Al-Madani solicited at least $75,000 in bribes from resident dentist candidate between 2008 and 2014.

In another conspiracy, Al-Madani and Alqsous paid bribes to Hills in exchange for him taking actions to refer Medicaid recipients to private dental clinics owned by Al-Madani and Alqsous instead of MetroHealth. All three took steps to conceal this activity by claiming kickback checks totaling $17,600 written to Hills were for “consultation fees” or “professional fees”.

Hills, Alqsous and Al-Madani also conspired to obstruct justice, instructing people not to cooperate with law enforcement after becoming aware of the federal investigation in 2014.

Hills also made false statements on tax returns, failing to claim approximately $165,751 in unreported income stemming from bribes, kickbacks and other things of value between 2011 and 2013.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani, Michael L. Collyer and James Lewis following an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Office of the Inspector General.   

A South Carolina man was indicted in federal court in Cleveland on charges of kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

Anthony Ingram, 32, was arrested in Kentucky. He has been indicted on one count of kidnapping and one count of obstruction of justice.

According to the indictment:

Ingram on August 10, 2018, kidnapped a person identified in the indictment as H.K. for the purpose of sexually assaulting her. He used a semi-trailer truck to transport her from Michigan to Ohio as part of the kidnapping.

Ingram also discarded a cellular phone, clothing and towel on August 10, 2018, for the purpose of making them unavailable for any court proceeding, 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.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly.

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.       

Four people were indicted in federal court for firearms offenses.

Daemonte D. Sims, 27, of Akron, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Sims possessed a Kel-Tec 9 mm pistol and ammunition on January 6, despite previous convictions for robbery, according to the indictment.

Lester Walker, Jr., 27, of Youngstown, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Walker possessed a Professional Ordnance 5.56-caliber pistol on October 10, 2018, despite a previous conviction for assault, according to the indictment.

Davontiere D. Hollinshed, 27, of Akron, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hollinshed  possessed a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition on March 29, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault, according to the indictment.

Dean Lamont Swain, 36, of Sandusky, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute narcotics. Swain possessed 56 grams of fentanyl, 226 grams of cocaine  and a Ruger .45-caliber handgun on December 7, 2018, despite a previous conviction for robbery, 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 record, 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 were investigated by the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Akron Police Department (Sims) and the Norton Police Department (Hollinshed).  They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Damoun Delaviz, Christopher J. Joyce and Jason M. Katz.

They 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.  The program was reinvigorated 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.

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.

On April 18, 2019, Jeremy L. Cruz, 39, of Elyria, was taken into custody by Cleveland Division FBI agents, and Sheffield and Avon Lake Police Department officers at a residence in Sheffield Lake, Ohio.

Santa Maria Police Department, in California, asked the public for assistance in a missing 14 year old juvenile case, she had been missing since April 15th.  Through initial investigative work, Santa Maria Police Department determined the missing juvenile had been communicating with an adult male she had met online, the adult male was soon identified as Jeremy Cruz of Elyria. 

On April 18th, at approximately 3:30am, law enforcement located Cruz at a family member’s residence in Sheffield Lake.  The missing juvenile was also present.  Cruz was placed into custody without incident and transported to the Sheffield Lake Police Department.  The juvenile female was reunited with her family in California.

Law enforcement conducted a digital forensic examination of Cruz’s cellular phone and discovered numerous photos of what is believed to be child pornography. 

Cruz has been held in local custody since April 18th and was transferred to federal custody this morning.  He has been charged with interstate transport of child pornography.  He will have his initial appearance this afternoon in U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg’s courtroom.

This case was investigated by the Santa Maria Police Department, FBI – Los Angeles Division, Sheffield Lake Police Department, Avon Lake Police Department, Elyria Police Department, Lorain Police Department and the Cleveland Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Ohio.

A charge 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.