Northern District of Ohio

Two people were indicted in federal court for illegally reentering the United States, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

Jose Guillermo Uribe Perez, 30, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Austintown in December 2017 after having been previously deported to Mexico, according to the indictment.

Timateo Calel-Herrera, 32, a citizen of Guatemala, was found in Dover on Jan. 22 after having been previously deported three times to Guatemala, according to the indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney Brad J. Beeson is prosecuting the cases following investigations by the 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.

A Mansfield woman was indicted for falsely claiming that she was owed nearly $800,000 in tax refunds, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.

Teresa Flohr, 56, was indicted on two counts of making false claims.

Flohr falsely claimed a refund of $389,966 for tax year 2012 and for $407,649 for tax year 2013, 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. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.         

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

An Akron man was indicted in federal court on charges related to shooting at three law enforcement officers as well as attempting to carjack someone and possessing methamphetamine, law enforcement officials said.

Michael P. Johnson, 34, was charged with one count of assault on law enforcement officers with a deadly weapon, two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempted carjacking and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“This defendant put dozens of people at risk – the officers he fired upon, the innocent people he tried to carjack and the Akron residents simply passing by,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This defendant’s violent actions must be answered for, and we are pleased that he is being brought to justice.”

Akron Police Chief Ken Ball said: “This incident is an example of the grave danger that the men and women of the Akron Police Department face every day in service to their community.  We are pleased that the defendant will soon be made to answer for his behavior and will face a mandatory minimum of 65 years in prison for actions that could have cost innocent bystanders, and officers, their lives.” 

Johnson fired a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver at law enforcement officers engaged in the performance of their official duties on Jan. 2. He also fired a firearm in relation to his drug trafficking activity and possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, according to the indictment.

On the same date, Johnson brandished the .38-caliber revolver while attempting to carjack a 2009 Kia Sportage. He also attempted to carjack a 2002 Toyota Camry, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the firearm as well as approximately $8,672 in cash seized as part of the investigation.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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 Aaron Howell and Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the Akron Police Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

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 Shaker Heights man was charged in federal court with defrauding an investor out of more than $287,000, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.

James M. Unger, 51, was charged via criminal information with two counts of wire fraud and five counts of filing false tax returns.

Unger worked as a securities broker and investment advisor who provided financial advice to clients. Between 2006 and 2014, Unger devised a scheme to defraud an investor identified in court documents as E.C., according to court documents.

E.C. executed a durable power of attorney in 2007, which gave Unger control of her financial affairs. A few months later, Unger convinced E.C. to invest in a high-risk international casino project based on Unger’s assurances that it was a safe, lucrative investment opportunity. Unger and others provided E.C. with promissory notes guaranteeing a 15 percent annual rate of return, according to court documents.

E.C. invested approximately $407,000 in the project between 2008 and 2009. By 2012, Unger had wired money from E.C.’s bank account, without her knowledge or consent, to another client. He converted her investment to stock in a new company and convinced E.C. to invest an additional $79,985, according to court documents.

In 2014, E.C. told Unger she wanted to liquidate her investment in the casino project. She believed her investment, including earnings, totaled approximately $1.9 million, but her total investment was actually lost, according to court documents.

Unger had actually embezzled funds from E.C.’s bank accounts to enrich himself and pay for his own personal expenses, including pay his daughter’s college expenses, according to court documents.

In total, Unger embezzled approximately $287,464 from E.C. He also failed to claim some of this income on his tax returns between 2011 and 2015, according to court documents.

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Patton and Alejandro A. Abreu following an investigation by the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigations. 

 

An information 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 mother and daughter from Beachwood were charged in a 29-count federal indictment with stealing the identities of more than a dozen people and filing false tax returns, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.

Aesha Johnson, 40, and Brittany Williams, 23, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud and 14 counts of aggravated identity theft.

Williams and Johnson, when she was living in West Virginia, conspired together to use stolen identities to file false tax returns with the IRS, seeking tax refunds. Johnson acquired many of these identities through a previous criminal fraud scheme, according to the indictment.

Johnson and Williams used an address associated with the family on East 142nd Street in Cleveland as the address of record for many of the false tax returns. They often communicated with each other using a code that referred to the victims using numbers 1 through 31, and created and used fictitious email accounts in the names of the victims to communicate with the IRS, according to the indictment

Williams filed the false tax returns online, obtained prepaid debit cards in the names of the identity-theft victims and requested the IRS deposit the refunds onto those cards. Williams then withdraw cash or made purchases with the cards, according to the indictment.

“This pair stole people’s identities then used it to steal from taxpayers,” Herdman said.

“Tax season is almost here and the indictment of Aesha Johnson and Brittany Williams for committing aggravated identity theft is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you decide to steal from honest taxpayers and the IRS,” Korner said. “Filing fraudulent tax returns in the names of other individuals may result in significant harm to those individuals whose identities were stolen, as well as a monetary loss against the U.S. Treasury."

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 Chelsea Rice and Matthew Cronin following an investigation by the IRS. 

 

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 Moreland Hills couple was charged in a 24-count indictment with ordering and performing unnecessary tests and procedures to defraud insurance providers, as well as illegally distributing opioids and other drugs, law enforcement officials said.

 

Drs. Ashis K. Rakhit, 65, and Jayati Gupta Rakhit, 56, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud and six counts of false statements relating to health care matters. They are both charged with three counts each of distribution of controlled substances.

 

The Rakhits, who are married, were both medical doctors who specialized in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. They both had privileges at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and operated Ohio Cardiology Associates, Inc., which had locations at 2322 East 22nd Street in Cleveland, 10850 Pearl Road in Strongsville and 6789 Ridge Road in Parma. Ashis Rakhit also practiced at 7211 Broadway Ave. in Cleveland, according to the indictment.

 

The Rakhits ordered and performed unnecessary medical tests between 2011 and 2018, including but not limited to unnecessary nuclear stress tests, cardiac catheterizations, bone density scans, echocardiograms, EKGs, carotid artery scans, venous ultrasounds of the legs and abdominal ultrasounds, according to the indictment.

 

They also recorded false symptoms in patient records to justify medically unnecessary tests on patients, including shortness of breath, palpitations, hypertension and abnormalities in breathing, according to the indictment.

 

The Rakhits billed Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers with inflated codes to reflect a service more costly than that which was actually performed, according to the indictment.

 

The Rakhits also intentionally distributed and dispensed controlled substances outside the usual course of medical practice. Ashis Rakhit is charged with distributing Percocet and Xanax in 2017, while Jayati Rakhit is charged with distributing Tramadol, according to the indictment.

 

“This couple violated the trust of their patients, the taxpayers and the community,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “They performed unnecessary medical tests and billed for services they didn’t actually provide in exchange for prescription medications – all of this at a time when our region is inundated in opioid deaths and addiction.”

 

“Not only did these physicians put their patients through unnecessary medical procedures so they could line their pockets with extra income, they also prescribed controlled narcotics that were not medically required,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “Given the current opioid epidemic, prescribing unnecessary narcotics only further contributes to this crisis.  The FBI will continue to work with our partners to hold accountable those in the medical field who choose to engage in criminal activity.”

 

“The submission of claims for up-coded, inflated, or medically unnecessary services to Medicare or Medicaid is illegal,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Providing medically unnecessary procedures and tests is of great concern as it can compromise a patient’s health and safety. The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify these types of improper practices and will take action to protect the health and welfare of patients and taxpayer dollars.”

 

“I am pleased that my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was able to assist in the investigation that led to these indictments,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “We will continue to go after those who contribute to our state’s opioid crisis by illegally distributing opiates and defrauding insurers through inflated insurance claims.”

 

DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said: “The Drug Enforcement Administration has made it a priority to address the dangerous practice of illegally diverting prescription medications. The successful investigation into Ashis Rakhit and Jayati Gupta Rakhit is just one example of DEA's determination to combat the troubling prescription drug abuse problem in this country. These doctors violated the public trust by ordering unnecessary medical procedures and illegally diverting prescription drugs in northern Ohio. The indictments of the Rakhits makes it clear that the DEA, and our partners, will continue to bring those responsible for the illegal distribution of prescription medicines to justice.”

 

The investigation is ongoing. If you or someone you know may be a victim of these allegations, or if you have information that may be relevant to these allegations, please contact the FBI at 216-583-5328.

 

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Chelsea Rice following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration.         

 

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of Amer Jabir, 37 , with residences in Cleveland, Chicago, and Weelawken, New Jersey;  Ahmad Jabir, 23, and Aymen Abdelrahim, 28, both having last known addresses in Cleveland. 

 On Jan. 23, 2018, at approximately 8 a.m., all three individuals were taken into custody without incident for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and/or conspiring to distribute marijuana.  Ahmad Jabir and Aymen Abdelrahhim are also charged with possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and/or conspired to distribute oxycodone. Subsequent to the arrests, more than 100 pounds of marijuana and more than $1 million in cash were seized at locations in Chicago and North Olmsted.

Amer Jabir is accused of transporting large quantities of marijuana from California to Chicago, distributing a portion of marijuana in Chicago and then transporting the remaining supply to Cleveland and Detroit, where it was distributed to Amer Jabir’s customers.  Abdelrahim and Ahmad Jabir operated as dealers and delivery runners for the organization, according to court documents. 

Intercepted or recorded conversations via telephone or text messaging indicate numerous pounds of marijuana and hundreds of pills being sold at a time and thousands of dollars being exchanged, according to court documents. 

Amber Jabir was arrested in Chicago and will appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District Court of Illinois today. Abdelrahim and Ahmad Jabir will appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Ruiz in the Northern District of Ohio.

This case has been worked by the Cleveland Division of FBI, North Olmsted Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau. 

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

Any questions regarding this news release can be directed to SA Vicki D Anderson at the Cleveland Office of the FBI, 216-522-1400 or Vicki.Anderson@ic.fbi.gov. 

Thirteen people, most from Stark County, were charged in an 80-count federal indictment for bringing hundreds of pounds of cocaine into Northern Ohio and selling it in Massillon, Canton and throughout the region, as well as additional firearms and drug charges, law enforcement officials said.

Law enforcement agents seized 17 firearms, nearly 1,500 rounds of ammunition, approximately $592,579 in cash, more than 13 kilograms of cocaine, more than 22 kilograms of marijuana as well as heroin and crystal methamphetamine as part of the investigation.

 

Named in the indictment are: Apolinar Meraz-Magana, 55, of Massillon; Ignacio Cuevas-Gutierrez, 33, of Massillon; Jose Luis Martinez-Maldonado, 26, of Canton; Manuel Sarmiento Ibarra, 40, of Canton; Jonathan Quezada, 22, of Sterling; Juan Ramon Mora-Hurtado, 29, of Massillon; Karla Hernandez-Salazar, 30, of Massillon; Juan Benito Caro-Silva, 23, of Massillon; Phillip Blough, 28, of Smithville; Stamontae Sanders, 25, of Canton; Mark Momie, 51, of Canton; Celestino Penalosa, 30, of Orrville, and Dave McClellan. 43, of Massillon.

 

Salazar, Silva, Sanders, Maldonado, Quezada, Penalosa, Momie, McClellan and Blough conspired to possesses approximately 550 pounds of cocaine from October through November 2017. Salazar and Silva obtained the cocaine and distributed it to Sanders, Maldonado, Quezada, Penalosa, Momie, McClellan and Blough, who in turn sold the cocaine to customers throughout Ohio, according to the indictment.

 

Blough was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Salazar, Silva and Quezada were also charged with being aliens in possession of firearms and/or ammunition.

 

Magana, Gutierrez, Maldonado, Quezada, Hurtado and Ibarra conspired to possess more than 110 pounds of cocaine from April through September 2017. Magana and Gutierrez obtained the cocaine from suppliers and in turn distributed it to Maldonado, Ibarra, Quezada and Hurtado, who sold it to various customers throughout Ohio, according to the indictment.

 

Magana was also charged with being an alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and other violations.

 

“One only needs to look at the firearms, cash and amount of drugs associated with this crew to understand the threat they pose to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Getting these defendants off the streets will save lives.”

 

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “This group of individuals brought poison and danger to our neighborhoods.  This is yet another example of law enforcement’s collaborative efforts to disrupt and rid violent drug dealing groups from our streets.”

 

“These arrests are the next phase of a complex investigation that spans multiple agencies and jurisdictions,” stated Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “The ultimate goal is to make Canton and the surrounding communities safer for everyone, and ATF will continue to work with our partners to that end.”

 

“The indictment of thirteen people is significant and an indication that cocaine is still a threat to Northern Ohio,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. “Dismantling the activities of a large-scale, gun toting, cocaine organization is a victory for the community and was achieved by significant cooperative efforts of numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”

 

Medway Director Don Hall said: “This was just another outstanding example of law enforcement agencies at all levels collaborating and being able to dismantle a significant drug trafficking organization that had a very strong influence in not only Stark and Wayne Counties but in Northeast Ohio. In one house alone in Wayne County when you seize eight pounds of crystal meth, 22 pounds of cocaine, $100,000 cash and weapons, that puts a dent in what gets distributed down the line to our local cities and villages in Wayne County.”

 

“It is critical for law enforcement to maintain the local/federal partnership that continues to be very effective in the arrest and prosecution of those that cause so much destruction to our community,” Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver said.

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 FBI, ATF, DEA, Medway Drug Task Force, Canton Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department, Louisville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. 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 Cleveland Heights man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for preparing false tax returns and making false statements to law enforcement, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation’s Cincinnati office.

Immanuel Roddy, 35, was sentenced to 42 months in prison and ordered to pay $892,902 in restitution to the IRS by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent.

Roddy operated a tax preparation called Roddy Solutions. He referred to himself in advertising materials as “Tax Beast” and obtained tax documents from clients, according to court documents.

Roddy prepared false tax returns for his clients in which he claimed false tax credits or false business expenses, according to court documents.

“With the sentenced handed down today, the self-proclaimed 'Tax Beast' has been tamed,” Korner said. “This sentence is also a reminder that all tax professionals have to respect the law and protect the interests of their clients and the taxpaying public.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Kall and Elliot Morrison following an investigation by IRS-CI.

U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman announced today that the Northern District of Ohio collected nearly $30 million in fiscal year 2017.

 

Of this amount, $10.3 was collected in criminal actions, $4.7 was collected in civil actions and $14.5 million was collected in asset forfeitures. 

 

The office’s total overall budget for the fiscal year was approximately $13.8 million.

 

“In addition to seeking long prison sentences for those who commit violent crimes, trying to stem the flow of opioids into our neighborhoods and other efforts to keep our community safe, the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought in more than twice as much as our annual budget,” Herdman said. “This money helps victims of crime, restores public trust, and protects the treasury.”

 

The Northern District of Ohio worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $3.6 million in cases pursued jointly with these offices.

 

Overall, the Justice Department collected just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2017. 

 

Among the significant collections this year:

 

U.S. v. Xin Fan: Xin Fan paid $1.2 million last year after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud for defrauding Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Fan, Yu and others caused Goodyear to purchase natural rubber from shell companies they incorporated. They also required Goodyear suppliers to use loading companies in which they had a financial interest. Both were sentenced to more than two years in prison.

 

U.S. v. Joseph Satava: Satava, the manager of credit and collections for insurance giant Medical Mutual, paid $334,000 last year as part of his criminal case. Satava used sophisticated means and vulnerabilities in accounting procedures to embezzle nearly $3 million from his employer over a decade. Satava is serving nearly six years in prison.

 

U.S. v. Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings et. al.: Companies paid more than $1 million last year as part of a consent decree to resolve allegations that they violated the Clean Water Act by polluting the Ottawa River. The corporations agreed to pay for a restoration project at a 175-acre property for natural resources and reimbursements for assessment of injuries at the lower portion of the Ottawa River.

 

U.S. v. Delores Knight et. al: Knight was the owner of Just Like Familee, a home health agency that served Medicare, Medicaid and Veteran’s Affairs patients. The majority of its insurance claims were submitted for skilled nursing services provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, and for home health aide services, such as cooking, cleaning, hygiene care, and daily living services. Knight submitted millions of dollars in home health care billings to Medicare, Medicaid and the VA for patient visits that were not made and for services based upon falsified patient medical records. Knight used proceeds from the fraudulent scheme to purchase homes in Macedonia and Twinsburg which had a combined appraised value of approximately $800,000. Knight was sentenced to 10 years in prison and her son Isaac Knight was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted at trial last year. The jury also returned a verdict of forfeiture against the two homes.

 

U.S. v. Cannon Design: The Buffalo-based company paid $500,000 of a $12 million penalty to resolve the company’s criminal liability for the conduct of more than a dozen employees, including paying bribes and kickbacks to obtain confidential information related to Veterans Affairs construction projects. Cannon Design also agreed to implement a series of corporate reforms and divest itself from a large project in California as part of the settlement.

 

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

 

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

 

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

 

 

 

A physician from Canfield was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay $105,673 after failing to pay over Social Security, Medicare and employment taxes collected from his employees, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Ryan L. Korner, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Nicholas M. Garritano, 55, previously pleaded guilty to willful failure to pay over taxes. 

"This doctor took out the taxes from his employees but kept the money for himself," Herdman said. "He victimized his workers and those who paid their fair share of taxes."

"As the person who controlled the finances on behalf of Dr. N.M. Garritano, Inc., Dr. Garritano was entrusted with the significant responsibility to collect and turn over all IRS withholding taxes," said Korner. "His failure to pay over the withheld taxes not only affected the revenue to the United States government, but more importantly, it affected the employees’ Medicare and Social Security benefits."

 

During 11 quarters spanning from 2009 through 2012, Garritano was president and sole shareholder of a corporation run by the name “Dr. N.M. Garritano, Inc.,” located in Canfield. Garritano was responsible for the corporation’s business and financial operations. Garritano caused the corporation to pay taxable wages and salaries to its employees, from which federal income and FICA taxes were withheld, according to court documents.

Garritano filed quarterly forms with the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of the corporation relating to the employment taxes. Although the corporation withheld substantial employment taxes from the wages of its employees for each quarter, the defendant failed to pay over the full amount of the withheld taxes to the IRS, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by IRS-CI.

Two Brazilian nationals were indicted after police arrested them with two credit card skimmers, more than 250 counterfeit credit or bank cards and nearly $140,000 in cash, law enforcement officials said.

Felipe Trovo Pena, 27, and Antonio Pedro de Oliveira Neto, 26, were charged in a five-count indictment with conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, use of counterfeit credit cards and possession of counterfeit credit cards.

Pena and Neto were arrested on Nov. 12, 2017 after a teller at the Cortland Banks branch in Hubbard called police to alert them to an individual(s) making ATM withdrawals while obscuring the camera in the ATM. The bank had been victimized by fraudulent withdrawals two days earlier, according to court documents.

Pena and Neto were taken into custody and an extensive investigation resulted in the search of a storage unit they had rented on West 61st Street in Cleveland. A search of the unit uncovered approximately $139,480 in cash, the true Brazilian passports of Pena and Neto, 420 cards with magnetic strips, including 253 which were counterfeit credit or bank cards containing customer account data and two skimming devices, among other items, according to court documents.

Pena and Neto, between August and November 2017, covertly installed skimming devices on ATMs to fraudulently capture the magnetic data on credit and debit cards, which they then re-encoded on counterfeit credit and bank cards. They then used the counterfeit cards to obtain cash, according to court documents.   

“These defendants stole personal information from people and then used it to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars through counterfeit bank and credit cards,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “Individuals engaged in typical day to day credit and debit card transactions unfortunately became financial victims to these fraudsters.  Financial fraud is a significant, damaging crime that can occur without your knowledge. The FBI would like to remind people to review their credit card and bank statements on a regular basis and report any suspicious activity to the respective financial institution.  The FBI will continue to investigate and hold financial scammers, such as these, responsible for their actions.”  

“This case involves suspects traveling around the state of Ohio and placing skimming devices on ATMs and stealing innocent peoples’ personal and financial information,” said Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Schuck. “These suspects would then use that information for their financial gain. These types of investigations are complex and the successful prosecution of these suspects are due to the great collaboration of law enforcement agencies working together.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz following an investigation by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, the Hubbard Police Department and the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 was indicted on child pornography charges, law enforcement officials said.

 

Andrew M. Soloman, 36, was indicted on two counts of receiving and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Soloman is the police chief of Craig Beach Village.

 

Soloman knowingly received files which contained visual depictions of a real minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place from  Oct. 24 through Dec. 7, 2017. Soloman also  possessed on Dec. 7, 2017, an Apple Iphone 7 smartphone which contained child pornography, according to the indictment.

 

Soloman met the juvenile victim when responding to her residence for calls about harassment and a juvenile runaway. During their interactions, the victim said 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 through 2017. The victim sent Soloman sexually explicit photographs of herself and Soloman responded by sending sexually explicit photographs via his work email account, according to court documents.

 

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.

A former Parma resident and a Cleveland man were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to embezzle more than $186,000, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

Lisa M. Pfrenger, 48, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, and previously of Parma, and Lorenzo Parker, 46, of Cleveland, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to make, utter and possess counterfeit checks and 14 counts of making, uttering and possessing counterfeit checks. 

           

Pfrenger was the operations manager of Resource Title National Agency, Inc. (RTNA) and had control over the day-to-day operations of the company, including check writing.  As a title company licensed by the state of Ohio, RTNA kept an account containing unclaimed funds from its various real estate transactions. The amount of funds in a title company’s unclaimed funds can become significant over time and if these monies remain unclaimed, the title company is required to transfer the unclaimed funds to the Ohio Department of Insurance, according to the indictment.

 

Pfrenger and Parker devised a scheme to embezzle monies in RTNA’s unclaimed funds account.  Pfrenger issued checks in the name of previous customers of RTNA to make it look a legitimate payment of funds from a previous real estate transaction.  Pfrenger then gave the checks to Parker, who either endorsed the checks himself or had others endorse the checks, by forging the signature of the payee and depositing the checks, according to the indictment.

 

Parker then withdrew the monies and used it for his personal use. In return, Parker provided Pfrenger with cocaine, according to the indictment.

 

Both Pfrenger and Parker knew that they had no legitimate basis to possess the counterfeited checks, nor the unclaimed funds.  From January 2013 through October 2015, Pfrenger and Parker made, possessed and deposited approximately 216 counterfeit checks resulting in an approximate loss of $186,718 to RTNA’s unclaimed fund accounts, according to the indictment.

 

The defendants’ sentence, if any, 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.

 

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

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 people were indicted in for illegally reentering the United States, law enforcement officials said.

 

Miguel Marcos-Perez, 31, a citizen of Guatemala, was found in New Philadelphia after having twice previously been deported to Guatamala, most recently in 2012, according to court documents.

 

Alexis Manueles Mancia, 27, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Mahoning County after having previously been deported to Honduras three times, most recently in 2016, according to court documents.

 

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Kathryn G. Andrachik and Brian S. Deckert following investigations by the 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.

 

A mail carrier from North Olmsted was charged with one count of willful obstruction of the passage of mail, law enforcement officials said.

Alaina Chalkley, 36, took 24 pieces of first-class mail, 17 gift cards, 14 tobacco mailers, 694 pieces of undelivered mail and an envelope containing lottery tickets worth $5. This took place between March and July 2017, according to the criminal information.

 

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

 

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.  

 

An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. 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 indicted for firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

 

Indicted are: Marriece L. Ellis, 25, and Warren J. McCray, Jr., 23, both of Akron; Shauntare Davis, 31, of Warren; Frank Arthur Thompson, III, 45, of Conneaut, and James D. Butler, 55, of Mansfield.

 

Ellis and McCray were charged with being felons in possession of firearm. They were arrested by Akron police officers investigating a report of shots fired on Oct. 22, 2018. Ellis was found to have a loaded Glock 9mm pistol despite a prior conviction for having a weapon while under disability. McCray was found to have a Wesson Arms .44-caliber pistol despite prior convictions for tampering with evidence and carrying concealed weapons, according to court records.

 

Davis is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested by Warren Police Department after officers responded to a call of armed man making threats on Oct. 21, 2017. He was found to have shotgun ammunition despite prior convictions for aggravated robbery and felonious assault, according to court records.

 

Thompson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Mossberg .22-caliber rifle and 592 rounds of ammunition in August 2017 despite a prior conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to the indictment. 

 

Butler is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Butler, on Aug. 24, 2017, possessed a Walther 9 mm pistol and ammunition despite prior convictions for robbery and burglary, according to the indictment.

 

Butler was arrested after the owner of Madison Sporting Arms in Mansfield complained Butler stole the firearm from his store and showed a police officer video surveillance that recorded the theft, according to court documents.

 

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Toepfer, Mark S. Bennett and Aaron P. Howell following investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Akron Police Department (Ellis and McCray), Warren Police Department and Ohio Adult Parole Authority (Davis), North Kingsville Police Department (Thompson) and the Mansfield Police Department (Butler).

 

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.

Karl J. Rogers, 33, of Willard, was indicted on one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Rogers knowingly received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between October and December 2017, according to the indictment.

 

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

 

The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.  

 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. 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 from Northwest Ohio were indicted on firearms charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Indicted are: Shaquile R. Bulls, 23, of Lima and Dylon E. Ridgeway, 25, of Sandusky. Their cases are unrelated.

 

Bulls is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bulls, on Nov. 24, 2017, had a Glock .40-caliber pistol despite a previous conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.

 

Ridgeway is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ridgeway, on Nov. 16, 2017, possessed a Springfield Armory 9 mm pistol despite prior convictions for heroin trafficking, having a weapon under disability and felonious assault, according to the indicment

 

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

 

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lima Police Department (Bulls) and the Sandusky Police Department (Ridgway) They are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Weldon and Guillermo J. Rojas.         

 

This case is being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.  The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.     

 

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

Three Toledo residents were indicted in federal court for armed robberies of Happy’s Pizza and Metro PCS, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor and Toledo Police Chief George Kral.

 

Named in the five-count indictment are: Donell Davis, 22; Tyron Parker, 19, and Leeza Parker, 21.

 

Davis is charged with two counts of interference with commerce through threats of violence, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Leeza Parker is charged with two counts of interference with commerce through threats of violence and Tyron Parker is charged with one count of interference with commerce through threats of violence.

 

Davis and the Parkers robbed the Happy’s Pizza on Dorr Street on Sept. 22, 2017, during which time Davis brandished a firearm. Davis and Leeza Parker robbed the Metro PCS on West Bancroft Street on Oct. 12, 2017, during which time Davis brandished a firearm, according to the indictment.

 

Davis possessed a firearm on Sept. 22 and Oct. 17, despite the fact that he was forbidden from having a firearm because of previous convictions for aggravated assault, participation in a criminal gang and attempted failure to comply with police, according to the indictment.

 

“These defendants endangered hard-working Toledo residents who were just trying to do their jobs and raise their families,” Herdman said. “Those who use firearms to prey on others belong in prison. The ATF and Toledo Police Department should be commended for locking up this trio.”

 

“ATF will continue to work with the Toledo Police Department to combat violent crime in the community,” Velinor said. “We have a strong, cooperative relationship with our local counterparts, and we share one goal of making Toledo safer for all of its citizens.”

 

“The Toledo Police Department continues to work with our federal partners to arrest and prosecute those who use firearms in the commission of violent crimes,” Kral said. “I am proud of our detectives and ATF special agents for their work in this case. No doubt, the citizens of Toledo are safer with these suspects in custody.”

 

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

 

The investigating agency in this case is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Toledo Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman.                

 

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

A Canton man pleaded guilty in federal court to failing to report more than $1 million in income over seven years, law enforcement officials said.

Paul G.A. Kasapis, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of income tax evasion, one count of the willful failure to collect and pay over employment taxes and two counts of money laundering.

Kasapis failed to pay over unreported personal income and unreported employee wages from PK Produce, Lucky Fox and El Dorado City of Gold resulted in a total criminal tax loss of approximately $533,434, according to court documents.

Kasapis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25. 

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Kasapis will forfeit a residence in Cape Coral, Florida, and a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare account as properties derived from the proceeds of an illegal gambling business in violation of federal law.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the IRS, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Stark County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Township Police Department.

Two Summit County men were indicted in federal court on charges involving firearms, carfentanil and other drugs, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball.

 

Da Nico D. Geter, 27, of Akron, and Dustin W. Somerville, 29, of Barberton, Ohio, were both indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute carfentanil.

 

Geter is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and a marijuana analogue. He faces additional charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.

 

Geter and Somerville were arrested on Sept. 7, 2017 by the Akron Police Department and Akron Police Narcotics Unit. They were found with the aforementioned drugs and Geter had a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite previous convictions for heroin trafficking and possession of heroin, 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 matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Riley following an investigation by the Akron Police Department.

 

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

An Ohio man was charged in a 16-count indictment today for allegedly creating and installing malware on thousands of computers for more than 13 years in order to watch, listen to, and obtain personal data from unknowing victims, as well as produce child pornography.

 

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

 

Phillip R. Durachinsky, 28, of North Royalton, Ohio, was charged with Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, Wiretap Act violations, production of child pornography, and aggravated identity theft.  

 

According to the indictment, Durachinsky is alleged from 2003 through Jan. 20, 2017, to have orchestrated a scheme to access thousands of protected computers owned by individuals, companies, schools, a police department, and the government, including one owned by a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy.  He is alleged to have developed computer malware later named “Fruitfly” that he installed on computers and that enabled him to control each computer by accessing stored data, uploading files, taking and downloading screenshots, logging a user’s keystrokes, and turning on the camera and microphone to surreptitiously record images and audio. 

 

As alleged in the indictment, Durachinsky used the malware to steal the personal data of victims, including their logon credentials, tax records, medical records, photographs, banking records, Internet searches, and potentially embarrassing communications.  According to the indictment, Durachinsky used stolen logon credentials to access and download information from third-party websites.

 

Durachinsky is further alleged to have watched and listened to victims without their knowledge or permission and intercepted oral communications taking place in the room where the infected computer was located.  In some cases, the malware alerted Durachinsky if a user typed words associated with pornography.  According to the indictment, Durachinsky saved millions of images and often kept detailed notes of what he saw. 

 

“For more than 13 years, Phillip Durachinsky allegedly infected with malware the computers of thousands of Americans and stole their most personal data and communications,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “This case is an example of the Justice Department’s continued efforts to hold accountable cybercriminals who invade the privacy of others and exploit technology for their own ends.”

 

“This defendant is alleged to have spent more than a decade spying on people across the country and accessing their personal information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierleja.

 

“Durachinsky is alleged to have utilized his sophisticated cyber skills with ill intent, compromising numerous systems and individual computers,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI would like to commend the compromised entities that brought this to the attention of law enforcement authorities.  It is this kind of collaboration that has enabled authorities to bring this cyber hacker to justice.” 

 

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

The case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Brian L. Levine of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl, Michelle M. Baeppler and Om M. Kakani of the Northern District of Ohio.

A North Royalton man was charged in a 16-count indictment today for allegedly creating and installing malware on thousands of computers for more than 13 years in order to watch, listen to, and obtain personal data from unknowing victims, as well as produce child pornography.

 

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

 

Phillip R. Durachinsky, 28, was charged with Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, Wiretap Act violations, production of child pornography, and aggravated identity theft. 

 

According to the indictment, Durachinsky is alleged from 2003 through Jan. 20, 2017, to have orchestrated a scheme to access thousands of protected computers owned by individuals, companies, schools, a police department, and the government, including one owned by a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy.  He is alleged to have developed computer malware later named “Fruitfly” that he installed on computers and that enabled him to control each computer by accessing stored data, uploading files, taking and downloading screenshots, logging a user’s keystrokes, and turning on the camera and microphone to surreptitiously record images and audio. 

 

As alleged in the indictment, Durachinsky used the malware to steal the personal data of victims, including their logon credentials, tax records, medical records, photographs, banking records, Internet searches, and potentially embarrassing communications.  According to the indictment, Durachinsky used stolen logon credentials to access and download information from third-party websites.

 

Durachinsky is further alleged to have watched and listened to victims without their knowledge or permission and intercepted oral communications taking place in the room where the infected computer was located.  In some cases, the malware alerted Durachinsky if a user typed words associated with pornography.  According to the indictment, Durachinsky saved millions of images and often kept detailed notes of what he saw. 

 

“For more than 13 years, Phillip Durachinsky allegedly infected with malware the computers of thousands of Americans and stole their most personal data and communications,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “This case is an example of the Justice Department’s continued efforts to hold accountable cybercriminals who invade the privacy of others and exploit technology for their own ends.”

 

“This defendant is alleged to have spent more than a decade spying on people across the country and accessing their personal information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierleja.

 

“Durachinsky is alleged to have utilized his sophisticated cyber skills with ill intent, compromising numerous systems and individual computers,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI would like to commend the compromised entities that brought this to the attention of law enforcement authorities.  It is this kind of collaboration that has enabled authorities to bring this cyber hacker to justice.” 

 

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

The case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl, Michelle M. Baeppler and Om M. Kakani, as well as Senior Counsel Brian L. Levine of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio indicted 202 people on firearms charges last year.

Broken down by geography in the district, the most people indicted came out of the Cleveland office, with 116. That was followed by the Akron office (35), Youngstown office (27) and Toledo office (24).

“Firearms prosecutions are homicide prevention,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners, local police and county prosecutors to identify those who use firearms in violent crimes or drug trafficking crimes, or possess firearms illegally, and seek the prison sentences they deserve.”

“ATF remains focused in the pursuit of those offenders who use or possess firearms in relation to violent crimes,” said Trevor A. Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus Field Division.  “Our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and local partners is key to attaining our goal of protecting the public and serving our nation.”

 

The average sentence for a firearms case sentenced last year in the Northern District of Ohio was nearly nine years in prison (104 months).

 

Details of selected firearms cases from last year:

U.S. v. Bowers et. al: Eleven people from Stark County were indicted for firearms violations, including firearms trafficking and an illegal sale of a machine gun.

 

Andre Bowers, of Canton, was charged with illegally dealing a Harrington & Richardson .32-caliber revolver, two Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns, a Glock .40-caliber pistol, a Marlin .22-caliber rifle, a Rossi 20-gauge shotgun and a Kel-Tec 5.56 mm pistol, despite prior convictions for aggravated assault, cocaine trafficking, domestic violence, escape and other crimes.  Jesse Gulley, Ikasha Clark and Thomas Lorenz were indicted for a transaction in July 2017 in which Lorenz transferred to Gulley and Clark a Heckler and Koch, 308-caliber machine gun, according to court documents.  The cases are pending.

 

U.S. v. Glenn: Two men were charged in a 17-count indictment with nearly a dozen armed robberies across Northeast Ohio. Richard Glenn, Jr., of Maple Heights, and Brandon Williams, of Euclid, are charged with using firearms to rob banks, drug stores and convenience stores in South Euclid, Euclid, Wickliffe, Lyndhurst, Cleveland, Bedford Heights and Maple Heights. The case is pending

U.S. v. Ely: DeZay Ely, of Akron, was sentenced to life in prison for shooting a woman in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Ely attempted to kill a woman on July 3, 2016, by shooting her in the head. He had pleaded guilty to attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

U.S. v. Powers: Seth Alan Powers of Ravenna was indicted for having eight firearms and more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition, despite a previous conviction for domestic violence. On March 13, 2017, Powers possessed the following firearms and ammunition, after having been convicted of domestic violence in the Portage County Municipal Court in 2005: Bersa, model Thunder 45, .45 caliber pistol, serial number A59814; Keltec, model PF-9, 9mm pistol, serial number SP089; Ruger, model SR-22, .22 caliber pistol, serial number 365-33720; Walther, model HK416D, .22 caliber pistol, serial number WH013613; Mossberg, model 500A, 12 gauge shotgun, serial number R657562; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 caliber rifle, serial number 5JS244294; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 caliber rifle, serial number 5JS244352; Taurus, model Rossi, .22 rifle caliber, serial number 5JS244203; seven rounds of Hornady ammunition, .45 caliber; seven rounds other ammunition, 9 mm; nine rounds Remington ammunition, .22 caliber; two rounds assorted ammunition, 12 gauge; 1,050 rounds assorted ammunition, unknown caliber; 279 rounds assorted ammunition, unknown caliber, according to the indictment. The case is pending.

 

U.S. v. Coats: Cody Coats, of Cleveland, pleaded guilty to firing a shotgun during a carjacking in Euclid. Coats used an Itahca short-barreled shotgun when he carjacked an individual and stole their 2005 Chrysler Crossfire outside a Euclid bar on Aug. 14, 2017. He ultimately crashed the car on East 222nd Street near Lakeshore Boulevard following a police chase and was arrested. Coats possessed a shotgun and twenty 12-gauge shotgun shells despite a prior conviction for burglary. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.

U.S. v. Cargill: Markein Cargill, of Toledo, was indicted after being arrested with 13 firearms. Cargill was indicted on one count each of possessing firearms after being convicted of a felony; possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun; possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine; and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. 

Cargill on Sept. 1, 2017, was arrested with 13 firearms, including a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun with no serial number. Cargill was not allowed to possess firearms because of previous convictions for crimes involving heroin and cocaine, according to the indictment. The case is pending.

 

The number of people indicted for firearms violations for the previous decade:

2016: 105

2015: 126

2014: 167

2013: 207

2012: 176

2011: 218

2010: 166

2009: 156

2008: 157

2007: 191

A Mahoning County judge was charged in federal court with stealing at least $96,200 from a former client, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

Diane Vettori-Caraballo, 49, of Youngstown, was charged via criminal information with one count of fraud, one count of structuring cash deposits and one count of making false statements to law enforcement.

 

Vettori-Caraballo stole between $96,200 and $328,000 in cash that was in the home of a client when that client died in March 2016, according to the information.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The information also charged Vettori-Caraballo with structuring 22 deposits of the cash she stole into five different banks within four weeks to avoid regulations that require banks to report cash transactions over $10,000 to the IRS.  In addition, the information charges that Vettori-Caraballo lied to the FBI when she was confronted about the theft and the structuring of cash deposits.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and Ann C. Rowland. 

If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the Court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique 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 a charge and not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Sylvania man was indicted on child pornography charges after investigators found him with more than 27,000 images of child sexual exploitation and more than 1,300 videos, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Mark Koltz, 27, was indicted on one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

 

Investigators determined that a series of downloads of child pornography originated from a home on Hawthorne drive in Sylvania. A search and forensic examination of computers seized at the home identified approximately 27,682 images of child sexual exploitation and approximately 1,306 videos, including images and videos of bestiality and toddlers being raped by adults, according to court documents.

 

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

 

The investigating agency in this case is the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman. 

 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. 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 on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

 

A four-count indictment was filed charging Michael L. Young, 34, with use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

 

Young on Sept. 13, 2017, possessed cocaine, a Kel-Tec .380-caliber pistol and ammunition. Young has numerous prior convictions that prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition, including convictions for felonious assault, drug trafficking, drug possession, and other crimes, according to the indictment.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and 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 Wooster man was charged with sexually exploiting children, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

Eric W. Beard, 26,  induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in December 2017  for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, 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 Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by Task Force Officer Bryan Allen, the FBI Task Force and the Wooster 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 Madison man was indicted on child pornography charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Slade A. Williams, 25, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

 

The indictment charges that Williams knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place in November 2016, according to the indictment.

 

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by Speical Agent Michael Deterling with Homeland Security Investigations.  

 

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 five-count indictment charging Cleveland Heights with conspiring to distribute marijuana and sending extortionate threats, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. 

 

Kitroy Brian Buchanan, 34, conspired with others to receive by mail bulk quantities of marijuana from California and other states between August and December 2017. He then delivered the marijuana to others, according to others.

 

Buchanan also attempted to extort a parcel from Washington state addressed to a residence in South Euclid through a series of threats, including threats of kidnapping, according to the indictment.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

 

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 Warrensville Heights couple were charged in federal court with embezzling nearly $200,000 from a now-closed Cleveland credit union where once worked, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Gwendolyn Dubose, 64, and Kolade Awoyade, 48, were charged with one count each of embezzlement and making false entries in credit union reports and records. They are accused of embezzling approximately $191,978 from Greater Abyssinia Federal Credit Union (GAFCU) between 2012 and 2015.

According to a two-count criminal information:

Dubose served as manager and treasurer at GAFCU while Awoyade worked as head teller. Together they caused the credit union to make false and fraudulent deposits and transfers totaling approximately $191,978 into nine bank accounts they controlled, according to the information.

GAFCU attempted to merge with another credit union in November 2015. That resulted in the identification of numerous unaccounted-for transactions and an overstatement of GAFCU’s assets. The couple was placed on administrative leave, the merger did not take place and GAFCU was closed by the National Credit Union Administration, according to the information.

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Henderson following an investigation by the FBI.

 

An information 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 Lima man was sentenced to life in prison and another was sentenced to 30 years in prison for their role in a conspiracy in which girls, then 14 and 16 years old, were forced into commercial sex acts, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.

U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary sentenced Lorenzo Young to life in prison and Aundre Davis to 30 years in prison. Davis and Lorenzo Young were convicted by a jury earlier this year on charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking of a minor and other crimes. 

Megan Hitt, Randy Thompson and three other people previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the conspiracy and have been sentenced to prison.

Young, Davis, Thompson and Hitt conspired to cause girls, aged 14 and 16, to engage in commercial sex acts in Lima and Fort Wayne, Indiana. They did this by taking and posting sexually explicit photos of the girls on backpage.com, transporting the girls, renting motel rooms for them and negotiating prices. This took place between November 2015 and January 2016, according to court documents and trial testimony.

“These defendants preyed on teen girls so they could line their pockets with money,” Herdman said.

“These individuals violated the rights of some of our most vulnerable in our community - the children,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue justice for human trafficking victims and to put their perpetrators behind bars."

“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that must be stopped. It victimizes people within every segment of society throughout our nation,” Martin said. “I want to thank the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their help in enforcing the law against those who will engage in human trafficking within the Lima community. We are grateful for the cooperative working relationship we have with them and the many other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that are working together to make human trafficking a thing of the past. The Lima Police Department cannot accomplish this alone.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo office and the Lima Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.

A federal court today unsealed charges against a fourth defendant for participating in a labor-trafficking scheme that forced minors to work at egg farms in central Ohio.  The defendant, Pablo Duran Ramirez, was apprehended Saturday by Border Patrol while attempting to cross the border between Mexico and the United States. Three other defendants have previously been convicted for participating in the scheme.

The charges were announced by Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

The indictment unsealed today alleges that Duran Ramirez contracted to provide labor for Trillium Farms while knowing or being in reckless disregard of the fact that some of the workers were being trafficked. In addition to the charges for forced labor and for conspiracy, Duran Ramirez is facing a charge of encouraging another person to illegally enter the United States. Duran Ramirez, 49, is a United States citizen.

Three other defendants have pleaded guilty to participating in the trafficking scheme. Those defendants admitted to recruiting workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States.  The defendants then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where they ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day.  The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens. Eight minors and two adults were identified as victims of the scheme.

Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, the lead smuggler and primary enforcer, was sentenced to 188 months in prison. Ana Angelica Pedro-Juan, who oversaw the victims in Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months. Conrado Salgado-Soto, who arranged jobs for the victims, was sentenced to 51 months. The indictment unsealed today alleges that Salgado-Soto was a subcontractor hired by Duran Ramirez.  

At sentencing of the other defendants, Senior United States District Judge James G. Carr found that they threatened workers with physical harm and withheld their paychecks in order to compel them to work. 

Three additional defendants, including Duran Ramirez’s son, pleaded guilty to encouraging illegal entry into the United States in connection to the scheme.

The trafficking and conspiracy counts that Duran Ramirez is charged with carry sentences of up to 20 years. The count of encouraging the entry of illegal aliens carries a sentence of up to five years.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office, Mansfield Resident Agency; and the Department of Homeland Security.  The case is being jointly prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice.

A federal court today unsealed charges against a fourth defendant for participating in a labor-trafficking scheme that forced minors to work at egg farms in central Ohio.  The defendant, Pablo Duran Ramirez, was apprehended Saturday by Border Patrol while attempting to cross the border between Mexico and the United States. Three other defendants have previously been convicted for participating in the scheme.

 

The charges were announced by Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

 

The indictment unsealed today alleges that Duran Ramirez contracted to provide labor for Trillium Farms while knowing or being in reckless disregard of the fact that some of the workers were being trafficked. In addition to the charges for forced labor and for conspiracy, Duran Ramirez is facing a charge of encouraging another person to illegally enter the United States. Duran Ramirez, 49, is a United States citizen.

 

Three other defendants have pleaded guilty to participating in the trafficking scheme. Those defendants admitted to recruiting workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States.  The defendants then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where they ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day.  The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens. Eight minors and two adults were identified as victims of the scheme.

 

Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, the lead smuggler and primary enforcer, was sentenced to 188 months in prison. Ana Angelica Pedro-Juan, who oversaw the victims in Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months. Conrado Salgado-Soto, who arranged jobs for the victims, was sentenced to 51 months. The indictment unsealed today alleges that Salgado-Soto was a subcontractor hired by Duran Ramirez.  

 

At sentencing of the other defendants, Senior United States District Judge James G. Carr found that they threatened workers with physical harm and withheld their paychecks in order to compel them to work.

 

Three additional defendants, including Duran Ramirez’s son, pleaded guilty to encouraging illegal entry into the United States in connection to the scheme.

 

The trafficking and conspiracy counts that Duran Ramirez is charged with carry sentences of up to 20 years. The count of encouraging the entry of illegal aliens carries a sentence of up to five years.

 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.

 

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office, Mansfield Resident Agency; and the Department of Homeland Security.  The case is being jointly prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice.

Three people were indicted in federal court for immigration offenses, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Martha Buendia-Chavarria, 43, of Mexico, was indicted on charges of possession with intent to transfer false identity documents, possession of document-making implements and authentication features, making a false statement or claim regarding citizenship in order to obtain a benefit and aggravated identity theft. 

 

Jorge Fabian Rubio-Gonzales, 29, of Mexico, was charged with illegal re-entry into the U.S. following deportation.

 

Eliazar Lopez-Bravo, 48, of Marion, was indicted on charges of possession with intent to use unlawfully or unlawfully transfer five or more identification document or false identification documents.

 

The cases are all being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Hood following investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, in Sandusky and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in Detroit.

 

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

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

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

Details of the award winners are below:

AUSA of the Year: Kelly Galvin

Kelly Galvin personally helped making Norther Ohio safer in 2017 through several trials and prosecutions focused on violent firearms crimes. She was the lead prosecutor against five defendants – four of whom were members of the Heartless Felons gang – targeted random strangers for a series of carjackings in the Tremont neighborhood. The five defendants were sentenced collectively to more 130 years in prison. Galvin also successfully prosecuted a man who took a woman to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and shot her in the head, leaving her for dead. She somehow survived but is now blind. That defendant is serving life in prison.

Support of the Year: Jennifer Borrowman

Jennifer Borrowman is honored for her unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Borrowman took over as supervisory legal assistant for the Criminal Division this year, with a twice-a-decade office audit looming and while still doing parts of her previous job while her replacement was waiting for her security clearance to be approved. Her professionalism is superior.

Bill Edwards Career Award: Ann Rowland

Ann Rowland will retire in January after 37 years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, making her the longest-serving attorney in the history of the office. She has served the office with distinction as chief of the Strike Force Unit, chief of the White Collar Crime Unit and deputy chief of the Criminal Division. She has served on countless committees and working groups to improve the judicial process and criminal justice system. The high-profile cases she has handled in her career include the prosecutions of Anthony Liberatore, a high-ranking member of La Costa Nostra; several supervisors in the Cleveland Water Department, and Jimmy Dimora, Frank Russo and more than 60 other people involved in a public corruption network focused on Cuyahoga County.

Bill Edwards Career Award: Roberta Sladick

Roberta Sladick has served as secretary to the United States Attorney for more than a dozen years, starting with Greg White. Sladick serves not only as gatekeeper to the U.S. Attorney, but also confidant, counselor, friend and sometimes life coach to each.  Bobbi started her federal career as a clerk-stenographer with the Defense Contract Audit Agency in 1978.  Two years later, she transferred to our office as a clerk-stenographer in the Civil Division.  In 1985, Bobbi was promoted to secretary to the First Assistant U.S. Attorney and held that position for 20 years until becoming secretary to the U.S. Attorney. Over the course of 32 years with our office, Bobbi Sladick has been a bedrock of the office.

Professionalism Award: Robert Bulford

Robert Bulford is the consummate professional, liked and respected by both the bench and the bar. He works almost around the clock in the Akron office and is always available with advice on legal questions and life questions. Fellow Assistant U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement agents have come to rely on Bulford for real-world, practical advice for the past 28 years in the office, as well as nine years in Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.

Bernard A. Smith Excellence in Appellate Advocacy: Laura Ford

Laura Ford has addressed every manner of federal prosecution, and this year has successfully handled appeals stemming from several multi-week, complex fraud, bribery and money laundering trials, including U.S. v. Bartoli, U.S. v. Epps, U.S. v. Jackson and U.S. v. Selgjekaj.  These trials were complicated for the prosecutors and agents who spent years working on them, but Ford quickly digested the information and expertly addressed all of the appellate issues raised by those defendants – with a 100 percent success rate. 

Excellence in Criminal Advocacy: Carol Skutnik and Brian McDonough

Carol Skutnik and Brian McDonough are honored for their work prosecuting U.S. v. Rydze, et al., in which six people were convicted of charges involving health care fraud, drug trafficking, and money laundering offenses. One of those defendants was Dr. Richard Rydze, a prominent doctor in the Pittsburgh area who, among other duties, served as team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following a five-month trial which required Skutnik and McDonough to move to Pittsburgh and miss numerous holidays, birthdays, school and family events, Rydze was convicted of illegally dispensing controlled substances, including human growth hormone and opioids. 

Excellence in Civil Advocacy: James Bennett and Erin Brizius

James Bennett and Erin Brizius are recognized for their expert and professional handling of the difficult medical malpractice case involving the VA Hospital in Cleveland. A man went to the hospital complaining of chest pain, arm pain and shortness of breath. He was discharged but -- before exiting the building -- suffered a heart attack and fell, hitting his head.  His injuries were catastrophic. Bennett and Brizius expertly investigated this case, conducted extensive discovery, worked with several expert witnesses and negotiated a resolution of this complex case.

Excellence in Criminal Support: Sue Chandler

Sue Chandler demonstrated tremendous dedication and self-sacrifice this year. She was the lone paralegal supporting the prosecution team in U.S. v. Rydze. She kept track of thousands of exhibits that took up a full room in Cleveland and another full room in Pittsburgh. The exhibits were loaded into the office’s computer system, redacted to protect each patient’s private information and then expertly called up and displayed at trial.  All of that was the responsibility of one person – Sue Chandler.  Ever ready with some candy to support the troops and an exceptional amount of good attitude and funny stories, Sue not only brought the records and evidence, she brought the cheer.  Trials are difficult enough, but a five-month trial away from home when you’re living out of a hotel and away from family, keeping up that positive attitude is one of the reasons she was so very important to the success of the trial. 

Excellence in Civil Support : Debra Schoch

Schoch is recognized for her constant and professional commitment to the Civil Division. Schoch supported between five and seven attorneys this year, filled in for anyone who needed help or was on leave, and continued to mentor and assist other legal assistants in any area in which they needed assistance. She also assisted the high-volume area of Medicare cases and assisted in establishing and implementing best practices for the unit. Schoch’s professionalism, knowledge, efficiency, and helpful attitude are greatly appreciated by all who work with her.

Excellence in Administrative Support: Susan Frank

Susan Frank is honored for her work as Lead Administrative Services Specialist. She has been heavy involved with major projects such as the office library reduction, and developing and initiating movement of  shipping and receiving. Frank served as the point person in the office’s relations with GSA. She set up bi-weekly meeting with GSA to ensure any issues were being addressed and ensuring projects were completed in a timely manner.

 

A Rocky River man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for laundering money from investors and using at least some of it for personal expenses, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.

 

Mark Dulik, 31, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.1. million in restitution after previously pleading guilty to four counts of money laundering.

 

Dulik owned and operated Rework, Inc., based in Rocky River, which provided cloud-based software services. Dulik convinced several individuals to invest in Rework by convincing them that it was a legitimate, on-going business – when in fact Dulik converted the investors’ funds for his own personal use to pay for his lavish lifestyle, according to the court documents.

 

Investigators determined Dulik used new investors’ money to pay dividends/interest payments back to older investors, representing to the earlier investors that the money represented profits from the company, when in fact it operated more like a Ponzi scheme, according to court documents.

 

“This defendant mislead investors, causing pain and stress to his victims,” Herdman said.

 

“Behind every lie is a choice,” Korner said.  “Mr. Dulik lied to his family, friends and business associates and his investment scheme had devastating effects on his victims.”

 

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation.

A 15-count indictment was filed charging a couple from Northeast Ohio for four armed bank robberies and armed robberies of several other stores this fall, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Casey Layne Liberty, 30, of Amherst, and Daniel T. Begin, 32, of Cleveland, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, four counts of bank robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and nine counts related to Hobbs Act robbery.

Liberty wore a disguise and robbed banks and stores while Begin acted as the getaway driver. They used the proceeds of the robberies to purchase drugs and food and to pay for hotel rooms, according to the indictment.

“This pair went on a monthlong crime spree in which they robbed banks and stores to feed their drug habit,” Herdman said. “It’s a miracle no one was killed, and we’re gratified this duo will likely be off the street for years to come.”

“This pair posed a danger to people doing their banking or simply picking up lunch,” Anthony said. “The fine work of the FBI agents, along with nearly a dozen police departments, has made our community safer.”

The pair are charged with the following bank robberies: Andover Bank in Conneaut on Sept. 19, Chase Bank in Medina on Sept. 28, First National Bank in Beachwood on Oct. 4 and the Chase Bank in Fairlawn on Oct. 12.

They are also charged with robbing a Subway in Findlay on Sept. 26, a Seven Eleven in Brunswick on Sept. 28, a Gamestop in Elyria on Oct. 7, a Domino’s Pizza in Madison on Oct. 10, a Mr. Hero in Canton on Oct. 11, a Subway in Avon on Oct. 15, a Subway in Elyria on Oct. 16, a Mr. Hero in Perkins Township on Oct. 19, a Domino’s Pizza in North Olmsted on Oct. 22 and a Mr. Hero in Berea on Oct. 22.

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 Ranya Elzein and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the FBI and the police department of Conneaut, North Olmsted, Medina, Beachwood, Avon, Elyria, Findlay, Perkins Township, Madison, Berea and North Ridgeville.

 

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.

Five people were indicted for firearms offenses, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor.

Indicted are: Thomas O. Gibson, 24, of Akron; Gary K. Jones, 24, of Akron; Bernard Jefferson, 47, of Massillon; Duane Rine, 61, of Louisville, Ohio, and Tremaine Jackson, 28, of Cleveland.

Gibson on Oct. 6 had a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition, despite prior convictions for carrying concealed weapons, possession of heroin, felonious assault, improperly discharging a firearm into a home or school, and other crimes, according to the indictment.

Jones on Nov. 17 possessed a Norinco SKS 7.62 mm rifle and ammunition, despite a prior conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.

Jefferson in November possessed a Smith and Wesson handgun despite a prior conviction for aggravated drug trafficking, according to the indictment.

Rine in 2015 unlawfully transferred a Plainfield .30-caliber machinegun, according to the indictment.

Jackson in November 2016 possessed a .57-caliber pistol despite previous convictions for drug trafficking, carrying concealed weapons and having weapons while under disability, according to the indictment.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin, Linda Barr and Aaron Howell following investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (Jackson case).

The cases are unrelated.

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

 

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

Two Lorain County men were charged in federal court for crime related to the trafficking of opioids, law enforcement officials said.

 

Manuel Latorre, 26, of Lorain, was named in a two-count indictment after possessing with intent to sell more than nine grams of carfentanil this year.

 

Tony O. Carter, 28, of Elyria, was charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a mix of fentanyl and heroin. Carter was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense, according to court records.

 

The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon, Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely, Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera and Lorain County Sheriff Sheriff Phil Stammitti of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department. These charges represent the continuation of a coordinated effort on behalf of federal, state and local law enforcement to target those who sell illegal opioid narcotics in Lorain County.

 

“The drugs involved in these cases could have wiped out a city block,” Herdman said. “We will continue to work together and seek prison sentences for those who sell the drugs that kill our friends and neighbors.”

 

“These arrests and indictments make the citizens of Lorain County safer,” said Lorain Police Capt. Roger Watkins.

 

Among those those previously indicted and prosecuted in federal court as part of this coordinated effort are:

 

Octavious Smith was sentenced in March 2017 to 20 years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine and heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm..

 

Jason Vasquez, 37, of Lorain, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking heroin in Lorain County, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

 

Anetaeus Spencer, 33, of Lorain, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition and several firearms, as well as selling heroin and crack cocaine.

 

Siarres Noble, 29, of Elyria was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl, including fentanyl that caused the death of an Elyria resident. 

 

Anthony Paul Montoy, 40, of Elyria and Fred Alston, 60, of Elyria were convicted of conspiracy to distribute kilograms of cocaine in Lorain County.  Montoy was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and Alston was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

 

 

 

 

A Toledo woman was indicted for obstructing an investigation into the sex trafficking of minors, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said.

Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, 43, was indicted on one count of obstructing of a sex trafficking investigation and one count of making a false statement.

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

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

Lloyd-Jenkins made false statements to law enforcement about her knowledge of the conduct alleged in the indictment on April 12, 2017, according to the indictment.

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

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

Haynes routinely gave the victim money after the acts and told her not to say anything. He told her that if she said anything, it would ruin his family and his church, according to court documents.

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

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

Jenkins also caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, according to the indictment

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

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

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

Today Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Department of Justice’s new steps in combating violent crime. The Department has selected 27 locations to receive aid in the fight against violent crime.  Those locations will receive a total of 40 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and new violent crime task forces will be launched in Charlotte, NC, and Pittsburgh, PA. The new violent crime task forces will focus on the proliferation of violent crime in the counties adjacent to Pittsburgh and Charlotte.

"Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice.  I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime" said Attorney General Sessions. "Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys.  I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results.  To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce today that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."

More information on the locations of those 40 Assistant United States Attorneys and violent crime task forces is below:

AUSA Breakdown by District

Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
District of Columbia - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1
Southern District of Texas - 2
Western District of Texas - 1
Eastern District of Wisconsin - 2

Summary of the Charlotte Violent Crime Task Force (CE VCTF) for the Western and Middle Districts of North Carolina

The CE VCTF is focused on the investigation of violent crime in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, to include Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cleveland, Cabarrus, Union, Stanly, Anson and Montgomery Counties.  The Task Force will be assigned to the FBI Charlotte Division Headquarters.  The CE VCTF will focus on the significant proliferation of violent crime.  Gang-related crime is already being addressed by the FBI’s Charlotte Division Safe Streets Task Force, and the new Task Force will concentrate on other violent criminal activity.  Violent crime rates in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Anson County exceed the national average.  The CE VCTF will focus on crime exercising a significant impact on these communities.  The CE VCTF will be staffed with local law enforcement as well as federal agents.      

Summary of the Pittsburgh Violent Crime Task Force (PG VCTF) for the Western District of Pennsylvania

The PG VCTF will focus on the proliferation of violent crime in the counties including and adjacent to Pittsburgh—Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Lawrence, and Mercer.  The Task Force will be assigned to the FBI Pittsburgh Division Headquarters.  Pittsburgh’s violent crime rating is significantly higher than the national median.  With the exception of the city of Pittsburgh, each of the counties in the area of the proposed Task Force has a violent crime per capita rate that is higher than the city of Philadelphia as calculated based on 2015 FBI crime statistics.  Despite the fact that violent crime has declined in several categories, the overall trend reflects a disturbing increase in violent crime.  The PG VCTF will focus on violent crimes that impact public safety.  The PG VCTF will enable law enforcement to work more strategically and to address violent crime with data-driven strategies.  Staffing of the proposed Task Force will include federal law enforcement and representatives from local law enforcement agencies. 

A Chardon man was charged with filing false tax returns after embezzling nearly $161,000 from estates he managed, law enforcement officials said.

Donald A. Navastyk, 64, was a licensed attorney from 1980 through 2016, serving as a probate lawyer who served as an executor and administrator of estates established by wills and trusts. In the 2008 tax year, Navastyk diverted money from estates he managed as an executor and put the money in his personal bank account for his own personal use, according to the one-count information.

In filing his 2008 tax return, Navatsyk failed to claim approximately $160,975 as income, resulting in a tax due and owing approximately $35,690, according to the information.

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Patton and Suzana Koch following an investigation by the IRS.

 

An information 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.

Two Youngstown men were indicted on charges of conspiring to order fentanyl from China to be distributed in the Youngstown area, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

 

Dainon L. Jones, 37, and Michael B. Lawrence, 43, were both indicted for drug trafficking violations.

 

Jones and Lawrence conspired to possess with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl in November 2017.  It was part of the conspiracy that Jones ordered fentanyl to be sent through the U.S. mail from China to Ohio. It was further part of the conspiracy that Lawrence wired money from Ohio to China to pay for the fentanyl, according to the indictment.

 

Homeland Security Investigations special agents became aware on Nov. 20 of a suspicious package shipped by Wei Zhu of Shanghai, China, to an Erik Fields at 731 Judson Ave. in Youngstown. Previous packages shipped by Zhu have contained large amounts fentanyl seized in Seattle, New York and Detroit, according to court documents.

The package shipped to Youngstown was labeled as containing “pants zipper”. Law enforcement examined the parcel a discovered a white powder consistent with fentanyl. A forensic test revealed the contents to be approximately 273 grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl, according to court documents.

A search of law enforcement databases revealed no Erik Fields living at 731 Judson Ave. Undercover agents made a controlled delivery at 731 Judson Ave. on Nov. 29. Jones arrived at the address approximately two minutes later in a silver Mercedes, made contact with the resident, retrieved the package and drove away with it, according to court documents.

Jones drove to 3311 Idlewood in Youngstown, where he picked up Lawrence. They drove to a nearby gas station, where Lawrence exited the Mercedes with the package. He took a bus to downtown Youngstown, where Jones again picked him up in his Mercedes. They then drove together to 57 East Wilson in Girard and entered the front door, according to court documents.

Both Jones and Lawrence took off running as law enforcement approached the home in Girard. Both eventually were arrested, according to court documents.

“The amount of fentanyl these defendants are accused of bringing to downtown Youngstown from China could have killed hundreds of people,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Aggressive enforcement, combined with increased prevention and education efforts, is our best chance to turn the tide on this epidemic.”

“The opioid crisis touches almost every American community,” said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Detroit office. “HSI and our partners are proud to be at the tip of the spear, using our broad authorities to combat the groups and individuals allegedly involved in this deadly trade.”

This case was investigated by HSI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the TAG Drug Task Force and the DEA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toeper.

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 20-count indictment was filed charging a Youngstown man with drug trafficking and firearms crimes, law enforcement officials said.

 

Antonio D. Young, 22, distributed heroin and crack cocaine from January 2016 through March 2017, according to the indictment.

 

Young also maintained place on Kendis Circle in Youngstown for the purpose of distributing drugs, according to the indictment.

 

Young possessed a Ruger, .40 caliber handgun, model SR-40, to further his drug trafficking crimes on March 10, 2017, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

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

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A North Ridgeville man was indicted for downloading multiple videos of young children being raped and sexually assaulted, law enforcement officials said.

 

Dana F. Cain, 48, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of a computer that contained child pornography.

 

Cain downloaded nearly 500 movie files from May 2015 through January 2017. These movies include images of toddlers and young girls being rapes and sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

 

The indictment also alleges that Cain possessed an Apple Macbook computer at his home on Avon Belden Road in North Ridgeville which 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 Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI, the North Ridgeville Police Department and the Avon 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 Napoleon man was indicted for child pornography crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

Nicholas Evanoff, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession of child pornography. Evanoff possessed the child pornography between September and November 2017, according to the indictment.

 

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

 

The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

 

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 federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging a Kirtland woman for her role in a group that stole mail in Lake County, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. 

 

Corey Lauren Whalen, 18, was indicted on one count of aiding and abetting the theft of mail and one count of possessing stolen mail.

 

Whalen aided others in stealing a package in Painesville on Nov. 27 and a letter in Mentor on Dec. 5, according to the indictment.

 

The case remains under investigation.

 

“People should be vigilant about collecting their mail and packages, particularly during the holidays,” Herdman said. “Customers are reminded not to send cash through the mail, use a secure mailbox and consider using security cameras.”

 

“While mail theft is at a very low rate in the Cleveland area, Postal Inspectors work aggressively with local agencies to combat any reports of mail theft.  The Postal Service is always a very safe and secure way of conducting commerce” said Tommy Coke, Inspector in Charge, Pittsburgh Division.

 

Mentor Police Chief Kevin Knight said: “Hopefully the charges send a clear message to those who think they can just go around and steal other people’s property that they worked so hard to get.”

 

“This case was solved when a good neighbor called in, which is what it’s all about, and a lot of cooperation among law enforcement agencies,” said Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Elliot Morrison is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Lake County Sherriff’s Office, the Mentor Police Department, and the Painesville 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 violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

 

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

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Reynaldo Diaz-Guzman, 25, of Hartford, Conn., with possession with the intent to distribute heroin, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

The indictment alleges that on or about November 14, 2017, Diaz-Guzman possessed with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin.

 

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 Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

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

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