Northern District of Ohio

A Canton man was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for drug and firearms crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Jack D. Wise, 40, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. He was previously found guilty of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Wise had 28 grams of crack cocaine, a handgun, a shotgun and more than 170 rounds ammunition when he was arrested on March 9, 2017, despite a previous conviction in Stark County Common Pleas Court for trafficking in LSD, according to the court documents.

“People who use firearms as a tool of their drug trafficking doubly put the community at risk,” Herdman said. “The ATF, Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office did a tremendous job and have made our community safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the ATF, Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

A Toledo man was indicted in federal court for distribution of methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Darren F. Fenner, 63, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Fenner and others conspired to possess 15 grams of methamphetamine between November and December 2017, according to the indictment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke.

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 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 Euclid man was arrested and charged in federal court after ordering shipments of suspected fentanyl and several other opioid analogues from China and selling the drugs domestically.

Antoin Austin, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

Austin used the online moniker “DARKKING22” on the Dark Web. As of this month, DARKKING22 advertised some of the following items for sale: “Fentanyl Pure HCL, Methozymethylfentanyl ‘30490’, molly, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product.” Methozymethylfentanyl, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product are known to be various types of fentanyl analogues.

Undercover law enforcement agents made multiple purchases of opioids from DARKKING22 on the Dark Web in 2018. The purchases were made using bitcoins and the shipments indicated the letters carrying the drugs originated in the Cleveland area.  

Law enforcement this month tracked the shipment of a drug package sent by DARKKING22 to the Wickliffe Post Office on Lloyd Road. Surveillance groups this week observed Austin travel from his home in Euclid to the Wickliffe Post Office, where he attempted to mail packages using false return addresses.

Law enforcement in October 2017 seized a package being shipped to Austin from a known Chinese fentanyl distributor. The parcel was opened and found to contain 10 grams of fentanyl.

“This defendant ordered thousands of deadly doses of fentanyl from China, brought it to a residential neighborhood in Euclid and then mailed the dangerous drugs all over Ohio and across the country,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Drug traffickers like this have enriched themselves while causing so much pain in our community.”

Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato said: “Opioids have killed thousands of our friends and neighbors. The FBI will continue to work with all our partners to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin.

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.

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.

A federal grand jury indicted an East Cleveland man for using a firearm while trafficking marijuana, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Keli Dunnican, 42, was indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Dunnican possessed a Ruger, Model P95 9mm handgun and marijuana that was intended for distribution on November 8, 2017. Dunnican is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions for involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault, according to the indictment.

The case was investigated by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the East Cleveland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Lewis is prosecuting the case.

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.

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 convicted child rapist from Cleveland man was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for child pornography crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Roland A. Wolfe, 53, was sentenced to 293 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in federal court to receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and having a computer that contained images of child sexual abuse.

“This case is a testament to the hard work of the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, ICAC and the Cleveland State police,” Herdman said. “They each worked to make our community safer.”

Wolfe was at Cleveland State University using the school’s free wi-fi to view images of child pornography and child sexual abuse on his personal laptop in 2016. He was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and obstructing official business, according to court documents.

A subsequent investigation tracked him to a Cleveland homeless shelter, where Wolfe possessed a Dell laptop computer and five USB storage devices, each of which contained child pornography, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Kathryn Andrachik following an investigation by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Cleveland State University Police Department. 

An Akron man will likely be sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to using a firearm while having nearly a half-pound of carfentanil, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdmanand Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball.

Da’Nico D. Geter, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of carfentanil and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Geter possessed 201.5 grams of carfentanil and a Springfield Armory .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol on Sept. 7, 2017, according to court documents.

“This amount of carfentanil is staggering, and having that much is like walking around Akron with a bomb,” Herdman said. “That fact, combined with him using a firearm as part of his drug trafficking, demonstrates the community is safer with this defendant behind bars. Akron police did a tremendous job.”

Police Chief Ball said: “More than 300 people have died as a result of drug overdose in Akron since the start of 2016. Drug dealers like Da'Nico Geter are largely responsible. Almost 3,000 others have suffered through non-fatal overdoses. For each victim, many family members and loved ones are victimized too. In this case, Akron Narcotics Unit members are responsible for a thorough and professional investigation that will rid our community of a major contributor of the collective suffering. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has once again ensured that the sentence meets up with the seriousness of the offense.” 

This case was investigated by the Akron Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Riley.

Three people from the Houston area were charged in federal court after authorities arrested them in Toledo with what is believed to be more than three pounds of fentanyl.

Anthony Robinson, 32, Barbera Wilson, 21, and Darrius Lewis, 29, were each charged with conspiracy possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

On Tuesday night, Robinson and Wilson traveled from a Red Roof Inn to the United States Post Office on Bancroft in Toledo, where Robinson and Wilson attempted to mail one kilogram of suspected fentanyl. The drugs were wrapped in multiple layers of heat-sealed plastic bags. The drugs field tested positive for fentanyl, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

Agents then obtained search warrants for the Red Roof Inn rooms where the defendants were staying. All three were arrested at the motel and a search of their rooms discovered an additional half-kilogram of suspected fentanyl, as well as approximately $8,018 in cash, according to the affidavit.

“The fentanyl seized last night is enough to kill everyone in Toledo several times over," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "This is a great example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer." 

“Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid with deadly consequences for users and those in law enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “This significant seizure clearly demonstrates HSI’s resolve to combatting the ongoing epidemic affecting Ohio, which we redoubled last week by pledging increased resources in the state.”

“Individuals from out of state who think they can come into Ohio to traffic drugs undetected should know that we have task forces like this one across the state whose mission is to find you, seize your drugs, and stop you from profiting off of Ohioans who are suffering from addiction," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "It took this task force less than a day and a half to identify these suspects and intercept the package of deadly fentanyl before it left the post office. I commend task force members for their swift work."

“This arrest should show that the Toledo Police Department, with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently and aggressively to keep Toledo’s streets free from this poison,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “I commend those dedicated investigators who were involved in this large seizure and arrests. God only knows how many lives have been saved, and subsidiary crimes avoided, because of these dedicated men and women. I sincerely hope anyone considering committing illegal activity in Toledo will reconsider doing so.” 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling following an investigation by the the Toledo Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, which consists of representatives of the Toledo Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

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.

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.

Two Mexican citizens were charged with illegally reentering the United States after multiple deportations, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Joel Tovar-Leon, 36, was previously deported four times when he was found in Ohio on Feb. 26, according to the indictment.

Rogelio Cervantes-Huezo, 45, was found in Ohio on Feb. 26 after having been previously deported, 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 cases were investigated by the United States Border Patrol and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman.

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

A two-count criminal information was filed today charging a Solon accountant with conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner. 

Patrick DiPietro, 51, conspired with two other people and a company owned by the other people between 2007 and 2012 to impede the lawful function of the IRS in the assessment and collection of revenue, while enriching themselves with the tax savings.

The scheme involved checks being written from the company’s bank account payable to another entity controlled by DiPietro, purportedly as payments for rent and other business expenses.  DiPietro deposited the checks into an account he controlled and then wrote checks back to the two individuals for approximately 90 percent of the amounts received, with DiPietro keeping approximately 10 percent as his “fee” for conducting the transactions, according to the information. 

DiPietro also prepared federal income tax returns for the individuals and their business for 2007 through 2011 which falsely understated taxable income and overstated business deductions, according to the information.

During the IRS criminal investigation, DiPietro provided various fraudulent documents to the investigating agents in an attempt to legitimize or explain the checks written to his business entity from the other individuals’ business, including a commercial lease, a stock option agreements, a promissory note.  None of the documents were, in fact, legitimate or had ever been executed by the parties, according to the information.

“This defendant enriched himself by taking money that should have been going into the U.S. Treasury,” Herdman said.

“Conspiring to impede the IRS by creating business checks for expenses not actually incurred and receiving a ‘kickback’ from those fraudulent business checks is not tax savings, but rather a recipe for criminal prosecution,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Kern following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.

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 information 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.

Erick Jamal Hendricks, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was convicted today by a jury in Akron, Ohio, of attempting and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The guilty verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams.

“Hendricks used social media to recruit others to plan and carry out attacks on our homeland in the name of ISIS, with the goal of creating a sleeper cell on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, Hendricks’ plan was thwarted, and with today’s verdict he is being held accountable for his terrorist activities.”

“This defendant recruited and directed people here in the United States to launch attacks against our citizens, and attempted to recruit others to engage in similar attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman.  “Protecting our citizens from terrorist attacks remains our priority and our community will be safer with this defendant behind bars.”

“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily – a US citizen that becomes radicalized online and attempts to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while on American soil,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups.  The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”

According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.

Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer.  Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the U.S.

Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony

Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise).  Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations.  Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.

Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1).  Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail.  This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.”  Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.

Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the U.S.  He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.

On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland.  Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi.  Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media, communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland, and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest.  Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.”  He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?”  Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.

Al-Ghazi previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms. He is awaiting sentencing.

Hendricks’ sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Former physician Richard Rydze was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, who oversees the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

A jury last year convicted Rydze, 68, on all 180 charged counts, including conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.

“Rydze violated his legal, professional and ethical obligations,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “He flooded Pennsylvania with dangerous painkillers and prescribed steroids to enrich himself.”

“Greed and power often drives criminal activity as evidenced by this indictment, where a physician decided to abuse his medical privileges in order to line his pockets,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue doctors who illegally divert prescription medications.”

U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti also sentenced Rydze to pay $32,390 in restitution and $18,300 in special assessments.

Various conduct detailed in the months-long trial spanned from 2005 through 2012.

Rydze was the sole owner of Optimal Health Center LLC (OHC), located at 425 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, which opened in 2007. Prior to OHC, Rydze was involved with other physicians in a joint medical practice known as Diagnostic Medical Associates.

James Hatzimbes and William Sadowksi previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the case. Hatzimbes owned and operated HSE Salon and Wellness Center, aka HSE Anti-Aging & Wellness Center (HSE), formerly located in a strip mall at 2851 Saw Mill Run, Pittsburgh. It was located in the same strip mall where Hatzimbes owned and operated Hatz’s Solar Eclipse Tanning. Sadowski operated a Pittsburgh pharamacy called ANEWrx, according to court documents.

Together, they facilitated the conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and, in the case of Sadowski, knowingly facilitated a kickback scheme from which Rydze directly benefitted.

Rydze conspired with others to distribute anabolic steroids, including Stanozolol, Nandrolone Decanoate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate, Oxandrolone and testosterone. He unjustly enriched himself by causing the distribution of the steroids for unauthorized uses such as bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement, according to trial testimony and court documents.

Rydze and Hatzimbes scheduled “steroid clinics” at HSE nearly every other Saturday. Frequently, Rydze would falsely diagnose clients as having hormone imbalance or other conditions, and then knowingly prescribe steroids and human growth hormone, according to court documents.

Rydze and Hatzimbes had a financial relationship in which Rydze charged clients $75 for each visit at HSE, which Rydze and Hatzimbes split equally. Additionally, Hatzimbes received prescriptions for anabolic steroids and human growth hormone from Rydze on numerous occasions, which were filled at ANEWrx, despite no corresponding office appointments, notations or diagnosis to justify the prescriptions, according to court documents and trial testimony.

In early 2007, Rydze met with Sadowski, the co-owner of ANEWrx, and they agreed Rydze would be paid a commission on every prescription for human growth hormone, anabolic steroids and other specific medications filled at ANEWrx. Sadowski then provided Rydze with a list of ANEWrx’s price for each prescription. They agreed to mark up the price for Rydze’s patients, with Sadowski then kicking back additional money to Rydze, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Commission reports prepared by ANEWrx show that between August 2007 and January 2011, Rydze received $301,407 in commission payments. For commissions paid on mark-ups for Rydze’s patients, ANEWrx wrote one check to Rydze for $6,845 and three to OHC for $25,395. Additionally, ANEWrx made 14 deposits into OHC’s account totaling $146,465, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Rydze was also convicted of multiple counts of distribution of anabolic steroids, conspiracy to distribute human growth hormone, distribution of human growth hormone, distribution of controlled substances, obstruction of justice.

Rydze conspired with others to distribute controlled substances, including Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Oxycontin and Opana, according to court documents.

Beginning in 2007, Rydze prescribed the painkillers to Williams Zipf. Later that year, Zipf requested Rydze put the prescriptions in the names of other people, including Zipf’s relatives. At times, Zipf requested Rydze write two prescriptions for him at the same time and leave the date blank on one so Zipf could fill it in later. Zipf took the prescriptions to numerous different pharmacies in order to avoid detection, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Zipf has pleaded guilty to crimes for his role in the case.

From 2005 through 2011, Rydze obtained more than 21,000 pills of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, commonly referred to as “Vicodin ES,” by calling in more than 200 prescriptions to Pittsburgh-area pharmacies. He did so by fraudulently and without lawful authority using a DEA registration number that was issued to another physician, and did so without the consent or knowledge of that physician, according to court documents and trial testimony.

The jury also found Rydze corruptly attempted to obstruct justice by calling his brother and asking his brother to lie to federal law enforcement by declaring that some of the diverted opioid prescriptions found in Rydze’s control during the execution of a search warrant were written to the brother. In fact, according to trial testimony and other evidence, the prescription was illegally written to Rydze’s deceased father. His brother refused and testified during the trial of this matter.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Brian McDonough following an investigation by the FBI.

 

A Charlotte, North Carolina, man was convicted by a jury in Akron, Ohio, of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Erick Jamal Hendricks, 37, will be sentenced at a date to be determined. The guilty verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams.

“Hendricks used social media to recruit others to plan and carry out attacks on our homeland in the name of ISIS, with the goal of creating a sleeper cell on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, Hendricks’ plan was thwarted, and with today’s verdict he is being held accountable for his terrorist activities.”

“This defendant recruited and directed people here in the United States to launch attacks against our citizens, and attempted to recruit others to engage in similar attacks,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Protecting our citizens from terrorist attacks remains our priority and our community will be safer with this defendant behind bars.”

“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily -- a US citizen that becomes radicalized online and attempts to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while on American soil,” Special Agent in Charge Anthony said. “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups.  The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”

According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.

Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the United States.

Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony

Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise).  Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.

Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail.  This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.” Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.

Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the United States.  He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.

On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland.  Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi. Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media; communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland; and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest.  Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.” He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?”  Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.

Al-Ghazi previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms. He is awaiting sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Justice Department Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone. This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, North Carolina, with assistance the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.

A Westlake woman was charged today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Rimjhim Gupta, 40, fraudulently converted to her own use her father-in-law’s Title II Retirement Insurance benefits after her father-in-law died.  The Social Security Administration was not made aware of the death and continued to pay benefits to a checking account held by Gupta’s father-in-law. Over the course of several years, Rimjhim Gupta accessed her father-in-law’s account and withdrew over $38,000 in federal benefits which she was not entitled. 

Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.

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

An information 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.

Four people from the Mahoning Valley were indicted in federal court on firearms charges, and, in some cases, drug trafficking charges.

Named in separate indictments are: Daylen Harris, 39, of Youngstown; Marvin Howell, Jr., 39, of Boardman; Antonio Dukes, 30, of Warren, and Donald Sims, 36, of Warren.

“These indictments demonstrate our commitment to prosecute people who carry firearms when they are not allowed by law to have them,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Not surprisingly, several of these defendants were also involved in the sale of fentanyl, heroin and other deadly drugs, and using firearms as part of their drug trafficking.”

“These cases are the result of great collaboration from all the agencies involved, local and federal,” said Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force Commander Larry McLaughlin.

“There is no place in our community for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” said Trevor A. Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice and make the Mahoning Valley area safer for all of its residents.”

Harris was indicted on charges of trafficking crack cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms.    

Harris repeatedly sold crack cocaine in May and June 2017. He used a several firearms in connection with his drug trafficking, including a Norinco SKS 7.62 mm rifle, a Plainfield Machine model M1 .30 rifle, a Russian SKS-45 7.62 mm rifle, a Taurus 9 mm pistol and a Taurus .380 pistol. Harris was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a previous conviction for possession of cocaine, according to the indictment.

Howell was indicted on charges of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms.   

Howell possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug on Nov. 16, 2017, as well firearms related to his drug trafficking activities, including a Glock 9 mm pistol, an RG Industries .22 revolver, a Smith & Wesson .40 pistol and ammunition. Howell was prohibited from possessing these firearms and ammunition because of a prior conviction for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

Dukes was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dukes has prior convictions for possession of heroin and assault on a law enforcement officer, but on Dec. 21, 2017, he was in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.

Sims was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He possessed a Star, model PS, .45 caliber pistol and ammunition, after having been previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following investigations by the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Warren Police Department.

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

Two men were indicted for illegally reentering the United States.

Ignacio Alvarez-Perez, 25, a citizen of Guatemala, was found in Stark County after having been previously deported, according to the indictment.

Raul Fernando Dominguez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Salem, Ohio after having been previously deported, according to the indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik is prosecuting the cases following investigations by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.

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.

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 police chief of a village in Mahoning County pleaded guilty to child pornography crimes, law enforcement officials said.

Andrew M. Soloman, 36, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28.

He pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Soloman was the police chief of Craig Beach Village when he committed the crimes. He met the juvenile victim when responding to her residence for calls about harassment and a juvenile runaway. During their interactions, the victim sat in Soloman’s cruiser for several hours and talked. He provided her with his work email address, according to court documents.

The two continued to communicate via text and email. The victim sent Soloman sexually explicit photographs of herself and Soloman responded by sending sexually explicit photographs via his work email account. This took place from  Oct. 24 through Dec. 7, 2017 according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Austintown Police Department.

Three men were indicted in federal court for their roles in a counterfeiting conspiracy in which they passed more than $20,000 in counterfeit currency in nearly three dozen stores throughout Northeast Ohio, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Named in the eight-count indictment are Labrawn Revelle Gullatt, Jr., 23, of Euclid; Yul Ardon Martin, Jr., 39 and Meco L. Shaw, 22, both of Cleveland.

“These defendants are accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from stores across Northeast Ohio,” Herdman said. “Whether it was buying merchandise from large stores, making relatively small purchases in an effort to get change or buy debit cards with fake cash, they broke the law and will now be held accountable for their actions.”

Gullat, Martin and Shaw conspired together between April 2017 through February 2018 to use counterfeit $50 bills to purchase merchandise from locations including Walmart in Sandusky, Mansfield and Cleveland, Home Depots in Highland Heights, Mentor and Euclid and Babies R Us in Mentor, according to the indictment.

They also made or attempted to make relatively small purchases with the counterfeit $50 bills, including a milkshake from Arby’s in Mentor and a sandwich from Chick-fil-A in Willoughy, according to the indictment.

They also made purchases in January 2018 with the counterfeit $50 bills from several stores in Aurora, including Adidas, Calvin Klein and Home Depot, a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bainbridge. They also purchased or attempted to purchase several Master Card and American Express gift cards and debit cards using the counterfeit $50 bills, according to the indictment.

Keith Abrams, 42, of Cleveland, was indicted for passing $1,000 worth of counterfeit $50 bills at a Gap Store in Westlake on Nov. 21, 2017, according to the indictment

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service.

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 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.

Two people – one from Chardon, the other from Cleveland – were indicted for unrelated child pornography crimes.

Joshua A. O’Brian, 28, of Chardon, was charged with receiving visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and transferring obscene materials to minors.

O’Brian knowingly received numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between March and November 2017. O’Brian also knowingly transferred obscene matter to a minor female in Pennsylvania during the same time period, according to the indictment.

David M. Richards, 61, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Richards in October 2017 knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On Feb. 21, 2018, Richards possessed an HP Pavilion laptop computer that contained child pornography, 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.

Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The O’Brian case was investigated by the FBI while the Richards case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

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 Carol M. Skutnik. 

A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Five people were added to a now 39-count indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute at least 220 pounds of marijuana and 345 pills of Oxycodone in Northeast Ohio, law enforcement officials said.

Indicted are Amer Jabir, 37; Ahmad Jabir, 22; Aymen Abdelrahim, 28, and Gerald Knox, 37, all of Cleveland.

Added to the indictment are Jaber Hammouda, 33, of North Olmsted, Amran Jabir, 30, of Chicago; Ahmad Abukhalil, 37, of Lakwood; Mohamed Mansour, 27, of Olmsted Falls, and Alaa Hassan, 23, of Westlake. All nine are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute least 100 kilograms of marijuana and 345 pills of Oxycodone between 2015 and 2018.

There are additional charges for distribution of marijuana, distribution of Oxycodone, and related charges. Knox is charged with possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment also seeks to forfeit more than $2.1 million in cash, five firearms, a 2015 Range Rover, a $5,000 casino poker chip and miscellaneous jewelry seized from locations in Cleveland, North Olmsted and Chicago as part of the investigation.

Amer Jabir was the leader of an organization that brought hundreds of pounds of marijuana from grow operations in California to Chicago and then Cleveland. The marijuana was hidden in secret trap compartments in vehicles that were then placed in the back of car haulers, according to court documents.

Some of the pills and marijuana were sold by Aymen Abdhelrahim, from a gas station on West 25th Street where Abdelrahim worked as a clerk, according to court documents.

“This case demonstrates how drugs are moved across the country, from California to a gas station on West 25th Street,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “It also exemplifies how drug traffickers use firearms to protect their millions of dollars in drug profits.”

“This group of individuals profited millions of dollars from transporting and selling oxycodone and marijuana in our community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “They drove fancy cars and utilized an expensive apartment in Chicago to store their illegal narcotics.  The FBI applauds the cooperative efforts by all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation.” 

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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, the North Olmsted Police Department, the Westlake Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Seabury Gould and Robert F. Corts.

An charge is not evidence of guilt. The 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 two separate firearms crimes, as well as one involving drugs, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Darren M. Monroe, Jr., 30, was indicted on one count of illegal possession of ammunition and by a felon and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. In a separate indictment, he was charged with being illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.

Monroe had five rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and crack cocaine base on November 1, 2016.  He also possessed an H&R .22 caliber revolver and ammunition on January 27, 2018, according to the indictments.

Monroe is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because of three prior felony convictions for drug trafficking, according to the indictments.

The Cleveland Division of Police’s Neighborhood Impact Community Enforcement Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the RTA Transit Police, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, and ATF participated in the investigations.  Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Lewis.

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.

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.

Two Ravenna men were indicted on firearms and marijuana charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

“These indictments demonstrate our commitment to prosecute people who carry firearms when they are not allowed by law to have them,” Herdman said. “We often see drug dealers using firearms as a tool of their trade, which increases the odds of a deadly encounter.”

Damen Winning, 23, was indicted on charges of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.    

Winning on Nov. 16, 2017 possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug. He also possessed firearms in connection to his drug trafficking. Winning possessed a Glock .40 pistol and ammunition, despite a prior conviction in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

Richard Lester Thomas, 63, is charged possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

Thomas on Sept. 20, 2017 possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug, and a Ruger .22 rifle and ammunition despite prior convictions for attempted possession of chemicals to manufacture controlled substances and possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

The cases are unrelated.

Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer. The Winning investigation was conducted by the United States Marshal Service, the Akron Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The Thomas investigation was conducted by the Portage County Drug Task Force and the ATF.

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.

A Willoughby Hills man was indicted for failing to register as a sex offender.

Patrick Denning, 57, failed to register, or update a registration, as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, after having traveled in interstate commerce, 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 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 United States Marshals Service.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli.

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 University Heights man was sentenced to 30 days of incarceration for theft of government money.

Al Plummer, 51, was also ordered to pay $45,121 in restitution. His incarceration is to be followed by six months of home confinement.

Plummer is the co-owner of Gimme Java Coffee in Shaker Heights. Plummer began stealing his grandmother’s Social Security Retirement benefits after she had passed away in July 2013. Plummer did not report his grandmother’s death and continued to withdraw the monthly benefit until he was caught in October 2016, according to court documents.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian following an investigation by Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.

Two people were indicted for illegally reentering the United States.

Bonifacio Lopez-Herrera, 29, of Guatemala, was in the U.S. on Feb. 7, 2018. after having been previously deported twice, according to the indictment.

Jonathan Milla, 41, of Honduras, was found in Fairview Park after having been previously deported from the U.S. three times, according to the indictment.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn G. Andrachik (Milla) and Gene Crawford (Lopez-Herrera) following investigations by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

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

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  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 on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Dontez Yeager, 33, possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine as well as a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on Jan. 15, 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 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 information was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz.

An information 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 an indictment charging Dwayne B. Sheron, 36, of Maple Heights, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Sheron possessed a 9 mm firearm after having previously been convicted on three prior occasions of drug trafficking, which makes it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment. 

Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Cleveland Division of Police.

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.

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 selling fentanyl and crack cocaine and using a firearm as part of his drug trafficking, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Steven Riddle, 26, was indicted on one count each of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of crack cocaine, using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Riddle possessed fentanyl and crack cocaine on Dec. 5, 2017, as well as a FNH 9 mm pistol. Riddle is prohibited from having a firearm because of previous convictions for drug trafficking, attempted drug trafficking, burglary and drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, U.S. Marshal Service and Cleveland Division of Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. States Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Scott Zarzycki.

If convicted, the defendants sentences 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 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 federal grand jury returned a two count indictment charging Raynard Clayton, 34, of Akron, with interstate communications of threats and witness tampering, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Clayton was arrested on a criminal complaint last month. On Feb. 5, he sent a Facebook live post threatening to injure and kill someone identified in charging documents as B.T., with the intent to prevent communication to a law enforcement officer information about commission of a federal offense, 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 matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the FBI.

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 more than a kilogram of methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Johnny C. Brown, Jr., 23, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

Brown possessed approximately 2,465 grams of methamphetamine in January, according to the indictment.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. States Attorney Teresa Riley.

If convicted, the defendants sentences 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 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.

Nine people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China and then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, as well as firearms and money laundering violations.

Named in the 17-count indictment are: Donte L. Gibson, 39; Audrey J. Gibson, 34; Dontaysha S. Gibson, 21; Derrick A. Adams II, 22; Lisa A. Richardson, 54, all of Akron; Lori E. Martin, 57, of Barberton; Ajarae C. Hisle, 27, of Lorain; Jamar J. Jackson, 28, of Lorain, and Garrett R. Frantz, 20, of North Canton.

All nine defendants are indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and at least 9.65 grams of carfentanil. This took place between May 2016 and February 2018, according to the indictment.

The indictment also alleges members of the conspiracy illegally used or possessed firearms, body armor and ammunition. The leaders of the conspiracy are also charged with creating companies, and buying automobiles, jewelry, handbags, furs, shoes and other items, as a way to launder their drug profits.

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

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

The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to Dontaysha Gibson (who is the daughter of Donte Gibson and stepdaughter to Audrey Gibson), Adams and Jackson for sale in Akron and Lorain, according to the indictment.

The Gibsons used various residences and storage units to store the drugs and cash. They stored the drugs at their home on Popham Street until their young daughter overdosed on fentanyl she found at home, according to the indictment.

Donte Gibson, Audrey Gibson, Dontaysha Gibson, Richardson and Martin (Audrey Gibson’s mother), are also charged with conspiracy to launder money, beginning around November 2015.

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

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

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

The Gibsons opened bank accounts in connection to all three companies, according to the indictment.

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

Donte and Audrey Gibson are charged with being felons in possession of ammunition. They were in possession of 41 rounds of ammunition in their home on Popham Street on Feb. 8, despite prior convictions that made it illegal for them to have ammunition. Donte Gibson is also charged will illegally possessing body armor. He was previously convicted in Summit County Common Pleas Court of aggravated assault with a firearms specification and trafficking in heroin. Audrey Gibson was previously convicted in Summit County Common Pleas Court of aggravated robbery and heroin trafficking, according to the indictment.

Dontaysha Gibson and Adams are charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. They were in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and Rossi .38 revolver at the apartment they shared on Shadybrook Drive on Feb. 8 as part of their drug trafficking activities, according to the indictment.

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

“These defendants brought huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and carfentanil into Akron, threatening the lives of so many of our neighbors, friends, and family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They used firearms and body armor to protect their drug trafficking, and set up fake companies to launder their dirty drug money.”

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

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

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

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

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

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 New Mexico man was charged in federal court for his role in defrauding investors out of at least $4.4 million, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Eugene Turner, 64, of Animas, New Mexico, was charged via criminal information with one count of wire fraud.

Turner and Timothy E. McShane established several companies between 2006 and 2012, including McShane Construct All International LLC, Rancho Hidalgo LLC, Lordsburg Land Development LLC, Hidalgo Alfalfa Company LLC, New Mexico Natural Beef & Pork, LLC, Firewater Hydrogen Fuel LLC, Granite Gap Development LLC and New Horizons West, Inc.

Turner and McShane solicited investments in the companies by giving investors promissory notes and/or founder’s shares in the companies, which where not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission nor traded on any public stock exchange.

They collateralized investments in the companies with assets, such as land pledges, crop pledges, real property and other items, purportedly belonging to the companies when, in reality, Turner and McShane knew they did not own those assets.

They used personal, social and business relationships of current investors to establish relationships of trust with prospective investors. They made false statements to investors about the progress of the companies. They also misused funds from new investors to make small payments to other investors who complained about lack of return on their investments, according to the information.

Because of Turner and McShane’s scheme to defraud, investors in the companies had a combined out of pocket loss of approximately $4.4 million between 2008 and 2015. Additionally, they did not receive the interest payments the defendants guaranteed or the investment gains the defendants falsely promised during the scheme, according to the information.

McShane, of Stow, has pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced March 6.

“These defendants stole millions of dollars from investors through years of lies, deception and false promises,” Herdman said. “This case serves as a reminder that there is no such thing as a sure thing and people need to exercise caution when deciding how to invest their savings.”

“This defendant, along with his cohort, defrauded numerous investors out of millions of dollars all under a ruse that they would receive financial benefit from their investments,” Anthony said. “Until now, the only people that benefited were the defendant, Eugene Turner, and his partner, Timothy McShane, but their time has come and both will be held accountable for their fraudulent scams.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice.

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

An information 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 four-count indictment charging four people from the Toledo area with production of false identification document, transfer of false identification documents, and possession of document-making implements and authentication features, said U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Charged in the indictment are: Mark Alex Simon, 34; Sarah Alberts, 34; Aaron Kuns, 33, and Benjamin Stalets, 28. Alberts is from Perrysburg, the others are from Toledo.

The defendants created and transferred documents which appeared to drivers’ licenses and personal identification cards issued by the states of Ohio, Michigan and Utah. This took place between June 2013 and February 2018, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than 500 bitcoins with an estimated value of $5.1 million, approximately $8,603 in cash and gold and silver coins and bars with an estimated value of $265,299 that were seized as part of the investigation, according to the indictment.

This case is the result of partnership between the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Noah P. Hood and Robert W. Kern are prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Ohio Department of Public Safety-Ohio Investigative Unit, United States Secret Service, and Wood County Prosecutor's Office. 

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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 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.

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.

Two Cleveland men were indicted for robbing a Richmond Heights bank.

Qaid T. Azeem and Zubali Ikangua Bell were each indicted on one count of bank robbery. They used force, violence and intimidation to take approximately $1,935 from a teller at Dollar Bank, located at 5201 Wilson Mills Road in Richmond Heights on Dec. 6, 2017, according to the indictment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Patton and Ranya Elzein.

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

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 sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for having a firearm and methamphetamine.

Robert E. Evans, 40, was previously found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Evans had approximately one ounce of pure crystal methamphetamine in his home last year as well as a Colt .45 caliber pistol, despite two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking which prohibited him from possessing firearms, according to court documents.

“A convicted drug trafficker with a firearm and methamphetamine can only end with tragic results for our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This prison sentence again demonstrates that targeted enforcement can make Akron and all of our cities in this district safer for everyone.”

“The targeted and cooperative work by ATF and Akron's Gun Violence Reduction Unit is making our city safer,” Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said. “The arrest, conviction and sentencing of Robert Evans is a positive example of this. We must protect our communities from those that deal illicit drugs and illegally carry firearms. We are thankful for a sentence that reflects this priority.”

“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor. “We are committed to working with our partners in the Akron Police Department to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”

 The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit.

An Akron man previously convicted of attempted murder with a firearms specification was indicted for illegally having a firearm, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Gino Hunter, 27, was indicted on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.    

Hunter knowingly possessed a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 27, 2017 and a loaded 5.7mm Masterpiece Arms pistol on Nov. 27, 2017, according to the indictment.

Hunter was convicted in 2011 in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas of attempted murder with a firearms specification, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm, according to the indictment.

This case was investigated the Akron Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Team, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett.

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 Barberton man was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearms crimes.

Matthew R. Golech, 38, was sentenced to 123 months in prison after being found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Golech had approximately a 50 grams of methamphetamines in 2016. He also had a Bersa Firestorm .22 caliber pistol which he used in furtherance of drug trafficking, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Three people were charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to recruit poor and homeless people to allow them to file fraudulent tax returns on their behalf, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.

Muhammad Hague, 40, of Avon, and Richard A. Warren, 37, of Philadelphia, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to make false claims.

Maryam Hague, 38, of Shaker Heights, was charged in a criminal information with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money and one count of theft of public money.

Maryam Hague operated Hague United Services, a tax preparation business she operated out of her residences in Cleveland and Shaker Heights. Her brother, Muhammad Hague, also operated a tax preparation business, Hague Financial Services, according to court documents.

Muhammad Hague recruited Natasha Johnson to work for Hague Financial in 2010, while both continued working for the Cleveland Water Department, according to the indictment.

In 2011, Maryam Hague recruited her brother to recruit people to provide their personal identification information, so Maryam Hague would prepare and file false tax returns on behalf of claimants. She eventually taught Muhammad Hague how to prepare and file the false tax returns on his own, according to court documents.

From 2011 through 2013, Muhammad Hague, Johnson and others operated Hague Financial, which held itself out as a tax preparation business. Muhammad Hague, Johnson and others sometimes conducted Hague Financial’s business out of the Cleveland Water Department during normal business hours, according to court documents.

Muhammad Hague oversaw the operation of Hague Financial Services. Hague, Johnson and others promoted Hague Financial Services through paper flyers, door-to-door solicitation, and other means. They focused their recruiting efforts on lower-income neighborhoods in Cleveland, including homeless shelters, according to court documents.

Maryam Hague recruited Warren and his wife to recruit people in the Philadelphia area who would provide their personal identification information to Maryam Hague, who would then then prepare and file false income tax returns in the claimants’ names. Maryam Hague agreed to pay a $1,000 “referral fee” for each claimant. Warren and his wife established and maintained business bank accounts for shell companies they established in order to receive their referral fees, which were paid out of claimants’ tax refunds, according to court documents.

The tax returns reported falsified occupations and amounts of income, typically through unverifiable “household help” occupations such as caregiver, lawn care and self-employed. Based on the falsified income, and sometimes based on falsified education expenses or dependents, the tax returns often fraudulently claimed a variety of tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit, Making Work Pay Credit and American Opportunity Credit, among others, according to court documents.

Maryam Hague and her coconspirators filed approximately 786 false tax returns seeking more than $3.5 million in refunds from the IRS, according to court documents.

Prosecutors are seeking to seize Maryam Hague’s residence in Shaker Heights, according to court documents.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.

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

Three people from the Akron area were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy in which they forged the signatures of medical professionals to illegally obtain thousands of Oxycodone pills and other drugs, law enforcement officials said.

Dennie Rowland, 46, of Hartville, Candi A. Webb, 34, of Akron, and Richard L. Overdorf, 37, of Akron, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Rowland and Webb worked together in a doctor’s office, where the physician and a nurse practitioner were permitted to prescribe medicine. Rowland and Webb were not, according to the indictment.

Rowland and Webb took the prescription pads from their employers and forged the signatures of the doctor and nurse practitioner. Rowland and Webb wrote the prescriptions in the names of friends, relatives and other acquaintances without their knowledge for Oxycodone, amphetamine salts and Alprazolam, according to the indictment.

Rowland, Webb and Overdorf then presented those prescriptions to be filled at pharmacies in Akron, North Canton and elsewhere. They used the drugs themselves and sold the drugs, according to the indictment.

The conspiracy took place from December 2015 through November 2016, according to the indictment. 

“These defendants illegally put thousands of doses of Oxycodone on the streets of Akron and Canton at time when pills, heroin and fentanyl were killing so many people in our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to focus on reducing the supply of opioids, whether that’s prescription painkillers being illegally diverted or fentanyl being illegally shipped to our shores.”

“Rowland and Webb were trusted employees who stole from their employers and flooded the community with highly addictive prescription drugs at a time when the community is struggling with an opioid abuse crisis. The prosecution of all involved in this investigation was imperative in our fight against diverted drugs.”

If convicted, a 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.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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 Mansfield man was charged with stalking, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Gary L. Fisher, 44, used the mail in August 2017, in an attempt to cause emotional distress to the victim, 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 United States Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Danielle Angeli following an investigation by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Mansfield office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mansfield 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 federal grand jury indicted Clint D. Jackson, 26, of Elyria, on multiple firearms and narcotics offenses, said United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

The indictment charges that Jackson, who had previously been convicted of two felonies, possessed three different firearms in January of 2018.  The indictment also charges Jackson with seven counts relating to the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of selling or transferring firearms to a prohibited person.

The case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the ATF.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis is prosecuting the case.

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.

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 Concord Township man was indicted for child pornography crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Ronald B. Goldfarb, 62, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment charges that from on or about January 1, 2017, through on or about April 12, 2017, Goldfarb knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also charges that on or about May 4, 2017, Goldfarb possessed a computer tower, external hard drives, and other computer storage devices 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 Special Agent Charles Sullivan of the FBI’s Youngstown 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.

Four Cleveland men were named in a 25-count federal indictment that charges they conspired to distribute at least 220 pounds of marijuana and 345 pills of Oxycodone, law enforcement officials said.

Indicted are Amer Jabir, 37; Ahmad Jabir, 22; Aymen Abdelrahim, 28, and Gerald Knox, 37. All four are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute least 100 kilograms of marijuana and 345 pills of Oxycodone between 2015 and 2018.

There are additional charges for distribution of marijuana, distribution of Oxycodone, and related charges. Knox is charged with possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment also seeks to forfeit more than $2.1 million in cash, five firearms, a 2015 Range Rover, a $5,000 casino poker chip and miscellaneous jewelry seized from locations in Cleveland, North Olmsted and Chicago as part of the investigation.

Amer Jabir was the leader of an organization that brought hundreds of pounds of marijuana from grow operations in California to Chicago and then Cleveland. The marijuana was hidden in secret trap compartments in vehicles that were then placed in the back of car haulers, according to court documents.

Some of the pills and marijuana were sold by Aymen Abdhelrahim, from a gas station on West 25th Street where Abdelrahim worked as a clerk, according to court documents.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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, the North Olmsted Police Department, the Westlake Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Seabury Gould and Robert F. Corts.

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

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of Raynard Clayton, 34, of Akron.

Clayton was placed into custody by the Adult Parole Authority on Feb. 8, 2018 without incident.  Clayton was transferred to federal custody by FBI agents assigned to the FBI Akron Resident Agency on Feb. 12.

Clayton is charged with transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person and also threatening a person with physical force with the intent to hinder, delay, or prevent communication to a law enforcement officer. 

Clayton is alleged to have posted a publicly available Facebook Live video, approximately 21 minutes in length, threatening to assault and kill an individual known to law enforcement.  In the video, Clayton, also known as Raynard Dutch, stated “I’ll shoot you point blank range, no mask......Get you and your family wrapped up.  AR-15, you know what I mean.”  Clayton continues on stating, “…basically what I’m sayin’ to you is keep my name out your mouth fo (before) I take yo (your) life.”  Clayton also stated in the video, “The best type of cop is a dead cop.”

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The 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 man was charged in federal court in relation to the production of false identification documents, law enforcement officials said.

Mark A. Simon, 34, was charged with production of false identification documents, transfer of false identification documents and possession of equipment used to produced false identification documents.

Investigators seized 18 gold coins, 215 silver coins, 21 gold and silver bars, $7,000 in cash, numerous computers, hard drives and USB storage devices, latex gloves, photo paper, six modems, a photo printer and approximately $4.7 million in bitcoin taken from approximately 30 wallets stored on a USB thumb drive, and other items.

According to a 31-page affidavit filed in U.S. District Court, investigators were originally contacted by an employee of a pub in Springfield, Ohio, about fake IDs collected at the bar. A Wittenburg University student said he and a friend obtained the fake ID off reddit.com.

Agents identified the purported seller by the reddit username of TedDanzigSr, who posted on a daily basis on subjects related to fake IDs. Agents eventually ordered fake IDs from TedDanzigSr and were asked to pay in bitcoin.

Further investigation revealed prior to posting and advertising his manufacture and sale of false identifications on reddit, username TedDanzigSr sold fake IDs on the dark web marketplace Silk Road. Investigators determined that TedDanzigSr’s true identity was Mark Simon, who lives on Stengel Road in Toledo, according to the affidavit.

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 Ohio Department of Public Safety and United States Secret Service, Toledo Resident Agency, with assistance from the FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Toledo Police Department and the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah P. Hood and Robert Kern.

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

A Canton man was sentenced to nearly 10 years in federal prison for drug and firearms crimes, law enforcement officials said.

Eric L. McReynolds, 47, was sentenced to 117 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent. McReynolds was previously found guilty of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribut and use of firearms in relation to drug trafficking..

McReynolds possessed crack cocaine, several firearms and other items indicative of drug trafficking on September 15, 2016, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the ATF, FBI and Canton Police Department.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to more than a decade in prison after an armed carjacking of a Cleveland grandmother last Mother’s Day, law enforcement officials said.

Shairon Motley-Lipscomb, 21, was sentenced to 10 years and four months in federal prison after pleading guilty to carjacking and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

On May 14, 2017 – Mother’s Day – Motley-Lipscomb approached a 67-year-old woman while she stood in her driveway talking on her cell phone to her daughter. The victim had recently returned from church services when Motley-Lipscomb brandished a firearm and stole the victim’s 2008 Buick Enclave, according to court documents.

The victim dropped her cell phone. Her daughter, still on the phone, heard Motley-Lipscomb saying to another: “Yeah, I got the car. Meet me at Mom’s,” according to court documents.

“A grandmother on her way home from church on Mother’s Day was talking to her daughter on the telephone,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “That is when this defendant pointed a gun at her and stole her car. We remain committed to getting defendants like this off our streets and making our communities safer.”

“There is no place for an individual like this in our community,” stated Trevor Velinor, ATF’s Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division.  “A person who is so willing to violate our laws and societal norms, against a mother on Mothers’ Day no less, needs to be removed from our community so he can do no further harm.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

A Youngstown man was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for drug trafficking, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor.

Michael Williams, 32, was sentenced to 174 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Williams possessed cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, tramadol, alprazolam and clonazepam on July 1, 2016, with the intent to sell the drugs, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Toepfer and Elliot Morrison following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force.

A Lake County man was indicted for importing 35 grams of a fentanyl analogue from China, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Karl F. Brewster, 58, of Perry Township, imported approximately 35 grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl from the People’s Republic of China between March 10 and April 25, 2017, according to the indictment.

"This defendant illegally imported drugs that are killing thousands of our neighbors and relatives," Herdman said. "We will continue to work to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs while partnering with others focused on reducing the demand."

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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

A Garfield Heights man was indicted on carfentanil, fentanyl and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

Tyrone Cammon, 29, was charged in a seven-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl, heroin and fentanyl analogues, using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“This defendant sold the same drugs that have killed thousands of our friends and relatives and illegally carried a firearm as part of his drug trafficking,” Herdman said.

Cammon possessed fentanyl for distribution on April 9, 2016, as well as a firearm he used in relations to his drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

He possessed heroin and more than 12 grams of methoxyacetylfentanyl, carfentanil and fentanyl pharmacophore for distribution, according to the indictment.

Cammon possessed two Glock .40 caliber pistols and a FNH 5.7x28mm pistol at various times in March 2016, April 2016 and November 2017, despite three previous convictions for drug trafficking, a previous conviction for assault and a previous conviction for attempted tampering with evidence, 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Zarzycki and Kelly L. Galvin following an investigation by the Lakewood and Cleveland Police Departments, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Marshals. 

An indicitment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The 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 charged Khalid Swanson, 43, of Cleveland, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. 

Swanson possessed a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber handgun and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple crimes, including abduction, robbery and trafficking with a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lewis is prosecuting the case.

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.

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.