Northern District of Ohio

A Cleveland man was sentenced to nine months in jail after illegally receiving more than $205,000 in Veterans Affairs benefits over a decade, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and Gavin McClaren, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General’s Cleveland office.

 

Leon Pinckney, 62, was issued a Social Security Number (SSN) in 1969, which he used to obtain a driver’s license and enlist in the military. In 1984, he fraudulently obtained a second SSN, which he used to obtain another driver’s license.

 

In 2005, Pinckney used the first SSN to apply for pension benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was awarded benefits based on his false statement that he was unable to work and had no income. However, from 2005 through 2012, Pinckney continued to work, using the second SSN. In October 2012, he applied for and was approved for Social Security disability benefits under the second SSN, according to court documents.

 

Overall, Pinckney stole approximately $205,534 from the VA by concealing the other income he was receiving under the second SSN. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko ordered Pinckney to repay the full amount.

 

“This defendant deserves to be locked up after more than a decade of stealing from the public,” Sierleja said.

 

“Pension fraud takes money from vulnerable veterans, leaving taxpayers with the bill,” McClaren said.

 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kevin Simons, 28, of Bedford, with one count of bank robbery, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Simons, aided and abetted by Alyssa Jarrae Williams and another person, robbed a U.S. Bank in Maple Heights on July 25, 2016. The robbers stole approximately $2,893 from the bank, according to the indictment.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Megan R. Miller is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maple Heights Police Department.

 

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

 

An 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 eight-count indictment was filed charging an Akron man with possession and distribution of heroin, carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl and other drugs, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Glen Sheffield, 32, was arrested on May 3 and found to possess more than a kilogram each of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as nearly 400 grams of heroin, 107 grams of carfentanil, 2 grams of furanyl fentanyl and 107 grams of a substance containing both carfentanil and furanyl fentanyl, according to the indictment.

 

Sheffield also possessed a Sturm Ruger semi-automatic 9 mm handgun, a Springfield Armory D9 semi-automatic handgun, a Sig Sauer semiautomatic handgun, and ammunition, despite prior felony convictions for possession of heroin and cocaine in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

 

These firearms were used in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 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 Riley following an investigation by the Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit and Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

 

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

Eight people were indicted in federal court for firearms violations, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.

 

Indicted are: Carzell J. Gibbons, 27, of Cleveland; Andre L. Madison, Jr., 26, of Boardman; Quintin Carpenter, 33, of New Philadelphia; Jessica Carpenter, aka Jessica Dendak, 30, of Carrollton; Ronald A. Goodman, Jr., 26, of Cleveland; Jesse L. Melton, 27, of Cleveland; Jerry J. Monroe, 33, of Cleveland, and Ramone Drummond, 50, of Akron.

 

“We will continue to aggressively prosecute firearms crimes and people who illegally carry guns after being convicted of serious crimes,” Sierleja said.

 

“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” Velinor said. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels across the Columbus Field Division to bring those individuals to justice.”

 

Gibbons is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 8, 2017, he possessed a Kimber, model Ultra Crimson Carry II, .45 caliber pistol, and ammunition, after having been convicted of aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, burglary, tampering with evidence and other crimes, in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

 

The Gibbons case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Garfield Heights Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz.

 

Madison is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 28, 2017, Madison possessed a Smith & Wesson, model 28 Highway Patrolman, .357 caliber revolver, and ammunition, after having been convicted of burglary and aggravated assault in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, according to the indictment.

 

The Madison case was investigated by the ATF and the Youngstown Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

Quintin Carpenter is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and Jessica Carpenter is charged with aiding and abetting a felon in possession of firearms.

 

From May 2013 through December 2016, Quintin Carpenter possessed a Ruger, model SR22, .22 pistol, a Henry Repeating Arms Co, .22 rifle, and a Remington, model 870, 12-gauge shotgun, after having been convicted of corrupting another with drugs in the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas. Jessica Carpenter, aka Jessica Dendak, aided and abetted Quintin in obtaining the firearms, according to the indictment.

 

The Carpenter case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

Goodman is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 23, 2017, Goodman possessed a Ruger, Model AR-556, 5.56mm X 45mm caliber rifle, and ammunition, after having been convicted of drug trafficking in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.

 

The Goodman case was investigated by the ATF and Cleveland Division of Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison.

 

Melton is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 1, 2017, Melton possessed a 9mm Makarov pistol, after having been previously convicted of attempted robbery and drug trafficking in Cuyahoga County, as well as possession with intent to distribute narcotics in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, according to the indictment.

 

The Melton case was investigated by the Euclid, Bratenahl and Cleveland police departments, as well as the ATF. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.

 

Monroe is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 22, 2017, Monroe possessed a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol, Model Sigma, after having been previously convicted of attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, according to the indictment.

 

The Monroe case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.

 

Drummond is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone. On Aug. 10, 2016, Drummond possessed a Lorcin L25 pistol and ammunition, after having previously been convicted in U.S. District Court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He also possessed Oxycodone with the intent to distribute the drug, according to the indictment.

 

The Drummond case was investigated by the U.S Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney.

 

The cases are unrelated.

 

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.

The former director of the Cleveland Job Corps Center was sentenced to more than three years in prison for embezzling retirement funds from employees and failing to pay taxes, law enforcement officials said.

 

Clark V. Hayes, 56, of Richfield, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.5. million in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and three counts of failure to pay taxes.

 

“This defendant was hired to make sure struggling workers learned new job skills, but instead used the Job Corps program as a way to purchase expensive cards and dine at fancy restaurants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja. “He defrauded his employees and the federal government.”

 

“Employers have a responsibility to their employees to withhold the proper amount of taxes and pay those taxes over to the IRS,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank S. Turner II, Cincinnati Field Office. “When employers fail to do so, it affects revenue to the United States government, but more importantly, it affects their employees Medicare and Social Security benefits.”

"The U.S. Department of Labor funds contractors to provide critical educational services to Job Corps students. While employing Job Corps Center staff, Clark Hayes embezzled over $100,000 from his employees’ pension plans, and failed to pay over $870,000 in employment taxes for which he received funding under the DOL contract. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of Department programs, and will seek debarment from future government contracts when appropriate,” stated James Vanderberg, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

Hayes was the owner of Applied Technology Systems, Inc. (ATSI) in Cleveland. The U.S. Department of Labor contracted with ATSI to operate the Cleveland and Jacksonville Job Corps Centers, according to court documents.

Under the terms of the agreement, ATSI staffed and maintained the centers, subject to reimbursement by the Department of Labor for their costs based on a budget. The reimbursable costs included the wages ATSI paid to the centers’ employees, including amounts to be withheld and paid over to the IRS, according to court documents.

 

The Labor Department paid ATSI more than $15.5 million between from on or about July 1, 2010, through August 16, 2011. Hayes withheld but did not pay over approximately $1.4 million in taxes between 2010 and 2011, according to court documents.

 

He also closed an employee retirement account and had more than $210,000 and transferred those funds to a different account he controlled. He spent approximately $100,000 of those funds on personal expenses, including purchasing a Mercedes Benz and investing the money in other business ventures, according to court documents and statements.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor -- EBSA.

A Willoughby man was sentenced to more than six years in prison for having images of children being sexually assaulted by adults and engaged in bestiality, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A, Sierleja.

 

John Clements, 34, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.

He was previously found guilty of receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Clements was found to have, in 2014, received and distributed computer images of actual prepubescent children being sexually assaulted by adults, being bound, and involving an animal, according to court documents and statements.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Michael A Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.

An Akron man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for mailing large shipments of methamphetamine from California to Ohio, and a former letter carrier was sentenced to more than three years in prison for delivering the drugs.

U.S. District Judge Dan A. Polster sentenced Wesley J. Tucker, 40, to 144 months in prison. Polster sentenced former U.S. Postal employee Jailila S. Stoudemire, 28, of Euclid, to 37 months in prison.

Tucker and Stoudemire conspired together in November 2015 to distribute more than three kilograms of methamphetamine.

Stoudemire provided Tucker with addresses on her mail route so she could intercept the drugs and deliver the methamphetamine to Tucker, according to court documents.

They arranged for parcels containing methamphetamine to be shipped from post offices in Sacramento and Garden Grove, California, to addresses on White Pond Drive and Liberty Drive in Akron. Stoudemire received the packages, removed the contents and attempted to deliver them to Tucker, according to court documents.

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecuted those who ship dangerous drugs into our community,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

 

USPS OIG Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler, Eastern Area Field Office, stated: “The vast majority of the 600,000 postal employees nationwide are hard-working, trustworthy individuals dedicated to delivering mail every day. For some reason, a select few decide to risk their freedom and good paying job to deliver drugs to drug dealers for what is a very small amount of money. The prison sentences handed down in this case should be a warning that USPS OIG special agents, postal inspectors, and local law enforcement aggressively investigate all allegations of postal employees facilitating drug trafficking in our communities. To report crimes committed by postal employees, contact 888-USPS-OIG or www.uspsoig.gov.”

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Akron Police Department.

A North Canton man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for paying bribes to a Summit County councilwoman, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Omar Abdelqader, 50, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, violating the Hobbs Act, obstruction of justice and making false statements to law enforcement.

Abdelqader was affiliated with several convenience stores and other businesses in the Akron area, including the Bi-Rite on Diagnonal Road. Then-Summit County Councilwoman Tamela Lee solicited and accepted things from Abdelqader, including money, loans, campaign contributions, home improvements, home maintenance and consumer goods. These were provided directly by Abdelqader, or through Bi-Rite, according to court documents and testimony

In return, Lee performed and promised to perform official acts for Abdelqader and other businesses in Akron for which he served as a conduit to Lee. These actions included helping Abdelqader and his associates navigate government bureaucracy, achieve favorable outcomes in judicial and administrative proceedings and obtain streamlined access to information, according to court documents and testimony.

Lee was convicted following a jury trial of conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, violating the Hobbs Act, obstruction of justice and making false statements to law enforcement. Her sentencing is pending.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Barr and Adam Hollingsworth following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Akron Police Department.

Two Toledo men were criminally charged after DEA agents arrested them for distributing six kilograms of heroin.

 

Ricardo Rivera, 40, was arrested after DEA agents observed him take a black duffel bag from 1443 Western Avenue in Toledo and place it in the trunk of a vehicle. That car was stopped in North Baltimore, Ohio, and found to have six kilograms of heroin.

 

Rivera was charged with felonious assault in March 2017 following a shooting. The day of the drug transaction, Rivera was traveling with a security detail. One of the bodyguards wore a vest with the insignia and name “Omens,” a motorcycle gang from Detroit, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

 

Rivera was charged in federal court with distribution of heroin.

 

Andres Mendez, 25, was charged in state court for his role in the sale and transportation of the heroin.

 

“We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic the heroin and opioids that have killed so many of our neighbors and relatives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja. “Only through enforcement, combined with education and prevention efforts, can we hope to turn the tide on this epidemic.”

 

“This investigation demonstrates that the disruption of heroin trafficking and putting the brakes on the current opioid epidemic is DEA’s top priority,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon. “The seizure of six kilograms of heroin in Toledo is significant, and not only puts a dent into heroin trafficking in the community, but also illustrates that DEA and our partners in law enforcement are working hard to slow the supply of this deadly drug into the region.”

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

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

A Wisconsin man was sentenced to more than four years in prison for crimes related to his false claims that he was a Navy SEAL wounded four times in Vietnam, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Gavin McClaren, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Cleveland office.

Kenneth E. Jozwiak, 68, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully exhibiting a military discharge certificate, theft of government money, making false statements to federal agents, and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding.

“This defendant’s lies about his service are an affront to those who saw combat and those wounded fighting on behalf of our nation,” Sierleja said. “This defendant did neither, and falsely inflated his service record in an effort to get additional benefits.”

“Falsifying service records to defraud taxpayers and plagiarize other veterans valorous service will not be tolerated,” McClaren said.

 

Jozwiak in 2014, exhibited a DD-214 (military discharge certificate) that claimed, in part, that Jozwiak was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, that he was a four-time recipient of the Purple Heart, and that he was a Navy SEAL -- all entries Jozwiak knew were totally false, according to court documents.

Additionally, Jozwiak defrauded the Department of Veterans Affairs of $2,289 through veteran’s entitlements he received between August and December 2014. In January 2015, Jozwiak made several false statements to federal agents about his fraudulent activities and his military service, and that he attempted to obstruct an official proceeding by tampering with a material witness, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General—Criminal Investigative Division.

The former business manager and comptroller for Cleveland Catholic Charities was sentenced to more than five years in prison for embezzling $2 million from the organization, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Michelle Medrick, 58, of North Royalton, previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Medrick to 62 months in federal prison and ordered her to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

Medrick embezzled $2 million from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland beginning in at least 2008 through last year.

She was employed as the comptroller and the business manager for Catholic Charities at Parmadale, a facility that provides a variety of services. She was responsible for payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and other financial transcations.

Medrick converted proceeds of client-agency and donor checks to cash, which she then put in her own bank accounty, according to court documents.

She wrote more than 1,400 checks payable to cash and misrepresented herself as the agency’s chief financial officer so she could withdraw cash from Catholic Charities bank accounts, according to court documents and statements.

“This defendant stole millions of dollars from the vulnerable men, women and children who are supported by the good works of Catholic Charities,” Sierleja said. “The Diocese uncovered the fraud, came forward to federal authorities and cooperated fully,”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hollingsworth and Alex Rokakis following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for his role in a carjacking, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

Calvin Rembert, 23, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to robbing a restaurant worker in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood on July 25, 2015.

D’wan Dillard, Jr., 21, was sentenced last week to more than 16 years in federal prison for his role in two carjackings during the summer of 2015.

Dillard, Rembert, Tervon’tae Taylor, Kenneth Jackson and Antowine Palmer were all convicted of crimes related to a series of carjackings in Cleveland. Taylor, Jackson and Palmer await sentencing.

“This defendant used robbed someone working hard to provide for himself,” Sierleja said. “We will continue to use every statute available to lock up violent predators.”

“These defendants terrorized victims and the city with their dangerous, gun-wielding car thefts,” Anthony said. “The Violent Crime Task Force and our local partners are committed to aggressively investigate predators who choose to engage in heinous acts of violence against our citizens.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Robert Patton following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cleveland Division of Police.

A Cleveland Heights woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for leading a $8 million healthcare fraud conspiracy in which participants provided forged documents and fraudulent forms to bill for services that were not provided, law enforcement officials said.

Delores L. Knight, 71, was sentenced to a decade in prison and ordered to pay $8.1 million in restitution. She was one of four people sentenced Wednesday for their roles in a health care fraud conspiracy involving the company Just Like Familiee.

Her son, Isaac R. Knight, 30, of Macedonia, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison and also ordered to pay $8.1 million in restitution.

Sonja N. Ferrrell, 45, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution.

Juliet L. Bonner, 62, of Cleveland, was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, three years of probation and $381,000 in restitution.

All four worked in some capacity for Just Like Familee II, Inc., and Just Like Familee III, Inc., which the defendants incorporated in 2005 and 2006, respectively, to provide home health services for elderly and disabled clients. The companies had locations at various times in Cleveland Heights, Twinsburg and Mentor, according to court documents.

Together they defrauded Medicaid, Medicare and the Department of Veteran Affairs out of more than $8 million as a result of the conspiracy in which they prepared and submitted forged or false records in support of previously submitted and reimbursed billings for patients they did not actually provide face-to-face services, according to court documents.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit homes at 1048 Morning Glory Drive in Macedonia and 7915 Ridgetop Drive in Twinsburg that were purchased with the proceeds of the fraud. They have a combined appraised value of nearly $800,000, according to court documents.

“Instead of using guns to rob banks, these defendants used fake and forged documents to rob the public,” Sierleja said. “Instead of helping the sick, the stole millions of dollars from taxpayers.”

“In order to enrich themselves, the defendants submitted forged documents and fraudulent forms as part of an extensive conspiracy to bill Federal health care programs for services never rendered.”, said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “The OIG will continue to identify, investigate, and hold those accountable who seek to fraudulently obtain taxpayer dollars vital to the support of our most vulnerable citizens.”

 

"Delores Knight can now spend time behind bars for stealing millions of dollars," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. "We are all impacted by healthcare fraud and the FBI will continue working with our partners to ensure financial criminals like Ms. Knight are held accountable."

 

“When you collect millions of dollars for services that were never provided, you expose yourself as nothing more than a thief,” said Frank S. Turner II, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office. “The health care fraud detailed in this case is egregious and had such a negative impact on our community. Patients that have a legitimate need for these services now may face rising costs for such services.”

 

“Stealing from the taxpayers and undermining our healthcare system is particularly egregious when it's done at the expense of our nation's heroes,” said Gavin McClaren, Resident Agent in Charge, Cleveland, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Bennett and James L. Morford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Maritsa Flaherty following an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI, the IRS, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

An Akron man pleaded guilty to shooting a woman in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park last year, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

DeZay M. Ely, 28, is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Ely attempted to kill a woman on July 3, 2016, by shooting her in the head, according to court documents.

“This defendant used a gun in a national park to try to murder a woman,” Sierleja said. “We will continue to use all the tools available to us to prosecute and punish violent criminals.”

Anthony said: “Law enforcement is pleased that Dezay Ely is accepting responsibility for the horrific crime he and his associates committed against an innocent victim. The collaboration between the FBI, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Service, BCI and the public was invaluable to identifying and holding Ely accountable for this senseless crime.”

 

Attempted murder carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum consecutive term of 10 years in prison.

Raymond T. Moore III, 27, of Akron, was also involved in the shooting. His case remains pending.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Linda Barr following an investigation by the FBI, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

An Akron man was ordered deported for failing to disclose his involvement in a military unit engaged in war crimes in the former Yugoslavia, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Steve Francis, HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge.

 

Ilija Josipovic, 59, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of immigration documents procured by fraud.

 

U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson ordered Josipovic removed from the United States. He was also sentenced to eight months of house arrest.

 

“This defendant hid the fact that he was a member of a unit involved in atrocities in the former Yugoslavia,” Sierleja said. “He does not deserve the protections and rights of a U.S. citizen when his conduct flew in the face of our nation’s founding ideals.”

 

“The United States will never serve as a place of refuge for individuals seeking to distance themselves from their pasts,” Francis said. "HSI will continue to use its unique authorities to ensure that alleged war criminals are brought to justice. "

 

Josipovic, on Feb. 1, 2012, possessed a Permanent Resident Card in his name, which he knew to be procured by means of a false claim and statement while obtaining an Ohio driver’s license at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office 7744, located at 1030 East Tallmadge Avenue in Akron. On Sept. 10, 2014, he possessed a Permanent Resident Card in his name, which he knew to be procured by means of a false claim and statement while at his residence in Akron, according to court documents.

 

In 2002, Josipovic omitted or failed to disclose his military service in the 6th Battalion, Zvornik Infantry Brigade, Army of the Republic of Srpska, which began around May 25, 1992 and continued until approximately 1996, according to court documents.

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

 

A Lima man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for receiving and distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of children, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Richard Hack, 28, had nearly 38,000 images of child pornography, including 477 videos. He distributed the child pornography to others between 2011 and 2015 and solicited live sex shows involving children, according to court documents.

Hack was also ordered to pay $66,400 in restitution.

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

A Cleveland man will serve more than 23 years in prison for his role in two carjackings, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

D’wan Dillard, Jr., 21, was sentenced to 194 months in federal prison. That sentence will be served after he serves seven years in state prison for a different crime. He was previously found guilty of two counts of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Dillard participated in carjackings in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood on Aug. 14 and 19, 2015. Dillard and Tervon’tae Taylor robbed a man leaving restaurant after visiting a friend. Dillard and Taylor pistol whipped him and stole his wallet and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the second robbery, they stole a Porsche, according to court documents.

Dillard, Taylor, Kenneth Jackson, Antowine Palmer and Calvin Rembert were all convicted of crimes related to a series of carjackings in Cleveland. Taylor, Jackson, Palmer, Rembert all await sentencing.

“This defendant used a firearm to rob people who were working or visiting friends,” Sierleja said. “This sentence demonstrates our commitment to using every statute available to lock up violent predators.”

“These defendants terrorized victims and the city with their dangerous, gun-wielding car thefts,” Anthony said. “The Violent Crime Task Force and our local partners are committed to aggressively investigate predators who choose to engage in heinous acts of violence against our citizens.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Robert Patton following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cleveland Division of Police.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo Resident Agency, the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration's Northwest Ohio Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announce the arrest of two individuals for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and the seizure of approximately 39 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

Through investigative means a federal search warrant was obtained and executed on May 10, 2017, at 814 Stillman in Toledo. Law enforcement officials seized approximately 39 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an approximate street value of $1.5 million, and approximately $27,000 in currency during the execution of the search warrant.

Jose Rios Uzveta, age 40, and Cesario Perez, age 58, were taken into federal custody pursuant to the search warrant. Both had their initial appearances this morning in federal court and both were detained. Uzveta and Perez are expected to have their next federal court appearance on May 18.

This case is being investigated by members of the FBI's Toledo Resident Agency, the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and the DEA Northwest Ohio Drug Task Force.

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.

Three people from Central America were charged with illegally reentering the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

 

Indicted in the unrelated cases are: Julio Nunez-lzaguine, aka Julio Nunez, aka July, aka Alex Moncada-lzaguirre, aka Michael Hernandez, 37, of Honduras; Sergio Rene Almendarez-Euceda, 31, of Honduras, and Jose Ayala-Escobar, 29, of El Salvador.

 

Nunez-Izaguirre was deported to Honduras in 2001 and was recently found in Cleveland, according to the indictment.

 

Almendarez-Euceda was last deported to Honduras in 2012 was recently found in Portage County, according to the indictment.

 

Ayala-Escobar, who was last deported in 2012, was recently found in North Royalton, according to the indictment.

 

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attomey Karrie D. Howard following investigations by U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

 

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 allcases, 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 govemment's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and more than 4,200 of its law enforcement and community partners collected more unused prescription drugs than at any of the 12 previous National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events.

 

On Saturday, April 29, the event brought in 900,386 pounds (450 tons) at close to 5,500 sites across the nation. Marking the 13th National Prescription Take Back Day since September 2010, these events have altogether collected 8,103,363 pounds (4,052 tons) of prescription drugs.

 

In Ohio, 33,261pounds of prescription drugs were turned in. That’s an increase of nearly 18 percent from the previous Take Back Day.

 

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

 

"Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That's dangerous and often tragic,” said Acting DEA Administrator Chuck Rosenberg. “That's why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously - a record amount of prescription drugs."

 

In the more two years since new regulations made the disposal of controlled prescription drugs easier for patients and their caregivers, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and clinics have begun continuous collection of these medications. DEA’s next National Prescription Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28. To visit a collection site between Take Back Days, go here or to www.rxdrugdropbox.org.

A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charting a Stark County man with firearms and narcotics violations, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Michael Lombardi, 39, of Waynesburg, Ohio, distributed methamphetamine on at least five occasions in January and February 2017, according to the indictment.

 

The indictment also alleges that Lombardi maintained a premises on Elson Street in Waynesburg for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine.

 

Lombardi possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in methamphetamine, according to the indictment.

 

Lombardi was prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction for domestic violence. On Feb. 10, he possessed ammunition and the following seven firearms: a Mossberg, model 432, .22 caliber rifle, serial number C27265; a Mossberg, model 640KS, .22 caliber rifle, unknown serial number; a Ruger, model LCR, .38 caliber revolver, serial number 54045017; a Western Field, model 47C, .22 caliber rifle, serial number N339; a Winchester, model 37A, .410 caliber shotgun, serial number C058084; a Glenfield, model 60, .22 caliber rifle, serial number 27155266 and an Armalite, model M15, 5.56 caliber rifle, serial number M006554, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson County Drug Task Force, the Carroll and Stark Counties Sheriff’s Offices and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

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

A Parma couple was charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to avoid paying taxes, in which people used to clean hotels and motels were falsely treated as independent contractors, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

Steven Caldwell, 55, and Gayane Lashina, 51, were charged via criminal information with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

A man identified in court documents as T.P. controlled various corporations that entered into contracts to provide maid and housekeeping services to various hotels and motels. These corporations included Evrica Inter Services Inc., Evrica International LLC, Antelope’s Services LLC and Zeromax LLC, according to the information.

Caldwell was the incorporator of Evrica International and Antelope’s Services, according to the information.

T.P. and his associates hired people, many of them immigrants from Africa or Eastern Europe, to work as maids and housekeepers. He, Caldwell and Lashina required employees to signed independent contractor agreements to work for the cleaning companies. These agreements specified the employee was responsible for all federal, state and local taxes, according to the information

T.P. hired the employees, assigned them work location, trained and instructed the employees and set their schedules, among other actions. He falsely treated the employees as independent contractors to avoid payment of employment taxes, according to the information.

Caldwell and Lashina made false statements to law enforcement agents about T.P.’s ownership, operation and control of the companies. They were also used to disguise his ownership of the companies, according to the information.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Henderson following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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

Two Lima men were convicted by a federal jury of human trafficking charges for their roles in a conspiracy in which girls, then 14 and 16 years old, were forced into commercial sex acts, said Acting U.S. David A. Sierleja, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office, and Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.

Lorenzo Young, 31, was convicted on eight counts, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking of a minor and participating in a child exploitation enterprise, among other crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 7.

Aundre Davis, 35, was convicted on six counts, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking of a minor, and other crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 31.

Megan Hitt, Randy Thompson and three other people previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the conspiracy. Hitt is scheduled to be sentenced June 1.

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,” Sierleja said. “Human trafficking happens all around us, on the internet and in the motels in our towns.”

“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. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Daniel R. Hurley.

A federal jury convicted two Cleveland men of participating in a carjacking in the city’s Tremont neighborhood, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams.

Kenneth Jackson, Jr., 20, and Antowine Palmer, 24, were convicted of an armed carjacking in July 2015. Jackson was also convicted of carjacking a couple the following day. The jury found Jackson brandished a firearm in both attacks while Palmer used a firearm in the first carjacking.

They are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 23. Palmer still has a murder trial pending in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

Tervon’tae Taylor, 23, of Cleveland Heights; D’wan Dillard, Jr., 20, Calvin Rembert, 23, both of Cleveland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in carjackings in and around Tremont in the summer of 2015.

According to evidence and testimony introduced in the week-long trial:

Palmer and Jackson were members of the Heartless Felons street gang. They were feuding with a different set of Heartless Felons. The defendants planned to do a drive-by shooting of members of the rival group, so they went to Tremont to steal a car so they would be unrecognizable during the drive-by shooting.

Palmer, Jackson, Taylor and Rembert saw a man loading a GMC Denali in the early morning hours of July 25, 2015. They held a loaded gun to the victim’s head, pistol-whipped him and stole his vehicle, his wallet and his cellular phone. The defendants used his credit cards to make purchases at a Wal Mart.

“These defendants are violent predators who illegally used firearms to steal from law-abiding citizens,” Sierleja said.

“These men terrorized victims and the city with their dangerous, gun-wielding car thefts,” Anthony said. “The Violent Crime Task Force and our local partners are committed to aggressively investigate predators who choose to engage in heinous acts of violence against our citizens.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Galvin and Robert Patton following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cleveland Division of Police.

A Guatemalan man was indicted for illegally reentering the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

 

William Morales-Negra, 29, has been deported on five previous occasions, most recently in April 2014. Morales-Negra was recently found in New Philadelphia, according to the indictment.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot D. Morrison is prosecuting the case following an investigation by Immigration and Custom 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 Canton man was indicted on federal drug and firearms charges, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Jack D. Wise, 39, was indicted on three counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of trafficking of crack cocaine.

 

Wise was arrested on March 9 by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), members of the Canton Police Department Narcotics Unit and Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Wise sold crack cocaine on at least three occasions in 2017. On March 9, he had 28 grams of crack cocaine, two firearms and more than 170 rounds ammunition, despite a previous conviction in Stark County Common Pleas Court for trafficking in LSD, 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.

 

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

 

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 brothers were each sentenced to six years in prison for conspiring to bring large amounts of heroin and fentanyl to Northeast Ohio from Connecticut, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Abiemelec Vega, 26, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 74 months in prison. Mizraim Vega, 28, of South Euclid, was sentenced to 72 months in prison. Both were previously found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, acetylfentanyl and fentanyl, as well as additional counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl and acetylfentanyl in 2016.

According to court documents, Abimelec Vega identified himself as a member of the Latin Kings gang and could obtain large shipments of heroin and fentanyl from another Latin King member.

According to court documents, the Vegas sold 80 grams of heroin for $8,000 on Aug. 26, 2016. Mizraim Vega said: “The one thing I’ll tell is to make sure to cut it (dilute the heroin). That stuff…you can’t send it to the street like that, it’s too strong. That stuff could kill someone, bro!”

On Sept. 3, 2016, Abimelec Vega informed a source that he was changing phones because someone had died from heroin or fentanyl he had sold, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the FBI.

An Akron man was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Rocky L. Wodicka, II, 35, had a Predator Arms 5.56 NATO PCS15 rifle and ammunition on March 3. Wodicka is prohibited for having firearms because of previous convictions in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas for domestic violence and having a weapon under disability, 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

 

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 jury convicted former physician Richard Rydze on all 180 charged counts, including conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

A sentencing date was not immediately set for Rydze, 67, of Pittsburgh.

“While a physician, Rydze used his prescribing pad in place of his ATM card, doling out steroids to enrich himself and flooding the community with dangerous painkillers,” Sierleja said. “He violated the law, his professional oath, and the trust of his patients.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A related case accusing Rydze of engaging in widespread health care fraud remains pending.

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

An Ashtabula man was charged in federal court with drug trafficking and firearms crimes, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

George R. Williams, 35, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and crack cocaine; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and of being a felon in possession of a firearms and ammunition.

 

Williams possessed heroin, methamphetamine and crack cocaine on Jan. 5 with the intent to distribute the drugs. On the same date, he possessed firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime, according to the indictment

 

Williams possessed a Springfield, model XD40, .40 caliber pistol, a Lorcin, model L25, .25 caliber pistol, and ammunition on Jan. 5, after having been convicted in 2012 of heroin trafficking in the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas.

 

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 and the Ashtabula Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

 

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

Addictive prescription drugs that are thrown away or left untended on shelves and in drawers at home are often stolen and either abused or sold by family members and visitors. That’s why the DEA and thousands of its state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners are holding another Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 29, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., at over 5,000 sites around the country, including more than 270 sites in Ohio.

 

The service is free of charge, no questions asked.

 

America is experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose, and death due to abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers. More than 6.4 million Americans age 12 and over -- 2.4 percent of the population -- abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released last fall. That’s more than abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine combined.

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. The majority of prescription drug abusers report that they obtain their drugs from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.

 

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds -- more than 3,500 tons -- of pills.

 

The public can find a nearby collection site at DEA.GOV and click on the “Take Back Day” box on the home page. You can also fine nearby collections sites by calling 800-882-9529. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids, needles, or other sharps will not be accepted. This event will go on even if the Federal Government shuts down this weekend.

An Elyria man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling fentanyl that caused the fatal overdose of a Lorain County man, law enforcement officials said.

David Andrew Hollis, 27, sold fentanyl on Feb. 21, 2016, to a man who fatally overdosed in Lorain County, according to court documents.

“We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who profit from the sale of drugs that have caused so much death and pain in our community,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “It will take vigorous law enforcement, combined with prevention efforts and making treatment available to those who want help, to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic.”

"We are committed to aggressively pursue heroin and fentanyl traffickers and organizations that are creating the drug epidemic that our communities face every day," Lorain County Sheriff Phil R. Stammitti said.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Darden and Robert Corts following an investigation by the Lorain County Drug Task Force.

Two Toledo men were indicted on federal charges including sex trafficking of minors and production of child pornography, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Cordell Jenkins, 46, and Anthony Haynes, 37, are named in the seven-count indictment.

Haynes is charged with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of production of child pornography and one count of obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation. Jenkins is charged with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of production of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography.

Haynes sexually assaulted a 14-year-old in his custody, beginning in 2014. This conduct continued through 2017, according to court documents.

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.

“Adults in a position of trust taking advantage of children for their own sexual gratification is beyond reprehensible,” Anthony said. “These defendants are a stark reminder that human trafficking can be hidden in plain view. Law enforcement, in partnership with our communities, must remain vigilant in protecting our children.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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

A Reminderville man was indicted on federal firearms and drug charges, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

 

A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Michael D. Sammy, 34, with being a felon in possession of firearms and possession with the intent to distribute LSD and methamphetamine.

 

Sammy was arrested on October 30, 2016 by the Twinsburg Police Department after they found him in his vehicle in possession of 176 squares of LSD, several grams of liquid methamphetamine and multiple firearms including an MP-15 rifle, a Smith and Wesson Cowboy Commemorative Rifle and a Smith and Wesson .9 millimeter pistol. Sammy was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his status as a convicted felon, 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the FBI and the Twinsburg 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.

Two people from Texas were indicted for their use of a card-skimming device at an Automated Teller Machine, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

A grand jury eturned a three-count indictment charging Cristina Rolea, 24, and Daniel C. Forentin, 30, both of Fort Worth, Texas, with possession of device-making equipment, including an ATM card-skimming device.

 

Forentin used an ATM card-skimming device to an ATM owned by a financial institution on Dec. 10, 2016. Rolea used an ATM card-skimming device to an ATM owned by a financial institution on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, 2016, according to the indictment.

 

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

 

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

Four men were indicted on federal firearms charges, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Duane E. Spagnola, 30, of Warren, Dwaylen D. Sellers, 22, of Youngstown, and Corey D. Johnson, 26, of Cleveland, are charged with being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Timothy C. Bowers, 45, of Conneaut, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and maintaining a drug premises.

 

The cases are unrelated.

 

Spagnola possessed a Colt, model Trooper Mark III, .357 magnum caliber revolver, and ammunition,

on Feb. 21, 2017, after having been convicted of attempted felonious assault in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 2014, according to the indictment.

 

Sellers possessed a Colt, model Trooper MK V, .357 Magnum revolver, and ammunition on Feb. 3, 2017, after having been convicted of robbery in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas in 2016, according to the indictment.

 

Johnson had a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on Oct. 3, 2016, despite a 2010 conviction in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, according to the indictment.

 

Bowers possessed a Hi-Point, model 4095, .40 caliber rifle, a New England Firearms, model Pardner, 20-gauge shotgun, a Hopkins & Allen, .32 caliber revolver, a Savage Arms, model Mark II, .22 caliber rifle, and ammunition on Jan. 11, 2017, after having been convicted of illegal manufacturing of drugs in the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas in 2008, according to the indictment.

 

Bowers also maintained a premises on East Main Road in Conneaut, for the purpose of distributing and using controlled substances, 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 Spagnola case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Warren Police Department.

 

1. Sellers case is being prosecuted by Toepfer following an investigation by the ATF and the Youngstown Police Department.

 

1. Johnson case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Twinsburg Police Department.

 

The Bowers case is being prosecuted by Toepfer following an investigation by the ATF, the Conneaut Police Department, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

 

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

 

An Akron man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling fentanyl obtained from China that resulted in a fatal overdose, law enforcement officials said.

Leroy Shuarod Steele, 36, pled guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

The fentanyl Steele distributed resulted in the fatal overdose of a person identified only as T.R. on March 21, 2016 in Akron, according to court documents.

Steele obtained fentanyl from suppliers in China and then distributed the drug to people in Akron, Fairlawn and elsewhere, according to court documents.

“Mr. Steele’s actions resulted in the death of another person,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “Those who profit from selling the heroin and opioids that have devastated our state will be held accountable for their actions.”

Akron Police Chief James Nice said: “Keeping this guy behind bars for two decades keeps the residents of Summit County safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda H. Barr following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Akron Police Department and the Fairlawn Police Department.

Terrence J. McNeil, 24, of Akron, Ohio, pleaded guilty to five counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence and five counts of making threatening interstate communications involving his soliciting the murder of members of the U.S. military.

 

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, Acting 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 Division.

 

“Terrence McNeil pleaded guilty to soliciting the murder of members of our military. He disseminated ISIL’s violent rhetoric, circulated U.S. military personnel information, and explicitly called for the killing of American service members in their homes and communities. Now, he will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism. We will continue to use all of our tools to disrupt those who use social media to threaten acts of violence against our military members and their families, on behalf of terrorist organizations.”

 

“This case demonstrates the challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting global terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sierleja. “It highlights the dangers posed by terrorists committed to carrying out attacks here in the United States and their use of social media to accomplish their mission. The message should be clear that individuals who engage in this behavior will be aggressively prosecuted.”

“While we aggressively defend First Amendment rights, the individual arrested went far beyond free speech by reposting names and addresses of 100 U.S. service members, all with the intent to have them killed,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to stop those who wish to support these despicable acts.”

 

According to documents filed in the case:

 

McNeil, a U.S. citizen, professed his support on social media on numerous occasions for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. On or about Sept. 24, 2015, using a Tumblr account, McNeil reblogged a file with the banner “Islamic State Hacking Division,” followed by “Target: United States Military” and “Leak: Addresses of 100 U.S. Military Personnel.”

 

The file type is a .gif file, which allows multiple still images to be looped in one file, with a timed delay between each image. The text of the first file reads “O Brothers in America, know that the jihad against the crusaders is not limited to the lands of the Khilafah, it is a world-wide jihad and their war is not just a war against the Islamic State, it is a war against Islam…Know that it is wajib (translated to “necessary”) for you to kill these kuffar! and now we have made it easy for you by giving you addresses, all you need to do is take the final step, so what are you waiting for? Kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their streets thinking that they are safe…”

 

The file then loops several dozen photographs, purportedly of U.S. military personnel, along with their respective name, address and military branch. The final image looped is a picture of a handgun and a knife with text that reads “…and kill them wherever you find them…”

 

The defendant posted multiple other kill lists in late 2015, all of which repeated the same refrain, calling on others to seek out and murder U.S. servicemen and women.

 

McNeil is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he faces a sentence of between 15 and 20 years in prison.

 

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christos Georgalis and Michelle Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Terrence J. McNeil, 24, of Akron, pleaded guilty to five counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence and five counts of making threatening interstate communications involving his soliciting the murder of members of the U.S. military.

 

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, Acting 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 Division.

 

“Terrence McNeil pleaded guilty to soliciting the murder of members of our military. He disseminated ISIL’s violent rhetoric, circulated U.S. military personnel information, and explicitly called for the killing of American service members in their homes and communities. Now, he will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism. We will continue to use all of our tools to disrupt those who use social media to threaten acts of violence against our military members and their families, on behalf of terrorist organizations.”

 

“This case demonstrates the challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting global terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sierleja. “It highlights the dangers posed by terrorists committed to carrying out attacks here in the United States and their use of social media to accomplish their mission. The message should be clear that individuals who engage in this behavior will be aggressively prosecuted.”

 

“While we aggressively defend First Amendment rights, the individual arrested went far beyond free speech by reposting names and addresses of 100 U.S. service members, all with the intent to have them killed,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to stop those who wish to support these despicable acts.”

 

According to documents filed in the case:

 

McNeil, a U.S. citizen, professed his support on social media on numerous occasions for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. On or about Sept. 24, 2015, using a Tumblr account, McNeil reblogged a file with the banner “Islamic State Hacking Division,” followed by “Target: United States Military” and “Leak: Addresses of 100 U.S. Military Personnel.”

 

The file type is a .gif file, which allows multiple still images to be looped in one file, with a timed delay between each image. The text of the first file reads “O Brothers in America, know that the jihad against the crusaders is not limited to the lands of the Khilafah, it is a world-wide jihad and their war is not just a war against the Islamic State, it is a war against Islam…Know that it is wajib (translated to “necessary”) for you to kill these kuffar! and now we have made it easy for you by giving you addresses, all you need to do is take the final step, so what are you waiting for? Kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their streets thinking that they are safe…”

 

The file then loops several dozen photographs, purportedly of U.S. military personnel, along with their respective name, address and military branch. The final image looped is a picture of a handgun and a knife with text that reads “…and kill them wherever you find them…”

 

The defendant posted multiple other kill lists in late 2015, all of which repeated the same refrain, calling on others to seek out and murder U.S. servicemen and women.

 

McNeil is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he faces a sentence of between 15 and 20 years in prison.

 

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christos Georgalis and Michelle Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

 

Two Akron men were sentenced to prison for selling fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said.

Brian L. Williams, 54, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John Adams.

Adams sentenced Terrance L. Ford, 50, to 10 years in prison.

“Drug dealers such as these are responsible for the wave of death that has plagued our state over the past few years,” Sierleja said. “Aggressive enforcement, combined with education, prevention and treatment, are all key parts to our comprehensive strategy to combating this epidemic.”

Detectives from the Akron Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration searched the home of Williams and Ford on July 27, 2016 and recovered over 100 grams of a substance containing fentanyl along with several fentanyl patches, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department and the DEA.

Three people were indicted this week for illegally re-entering the United States, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

 

Mexican citizen Francisco Raul Yanez-Botello, 42, was last deported on July 31, 2012 but was recently found in Brecksville, according to the indictment.

 

Mexican citizen Pedro Aceves-Barajas, 26, was last deported on June 21, 2016, but was recently found in North Olmstead, according to the indictment.

 

Dominican citizen Jorge Luis Ortiz, 41, was deported in 2011 after being convicted of an aggravated felony, but was recently found in Brooklyn, according to the indictment.

 

The cases are not related.

 

The Botello case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karrie D. Howard following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. Howard is also prosecuting the Barajas case following an investigation by the United States Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot D. Morrison is prosecuting the Ortiz case following an investigation by the United States Immigration and Custom 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 federal grand jury indicted a North Royalton man for credit card and Social Security fraud, said David A. Sierleja, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Gregory Kasperski, 32, was indicted on one count of theft of government funds and two counts of using an unauthorized access device.

 

Kasperski fraudulently received approximately $30,000 in Title II Survivors Insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration to which he was not entitled. Kasperski also fraudulently used two credit cards without authorization to acquire approximately $16,000 in goods and services from various entities, according to the indictment.

 

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti is prosecuting the case.

 

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

 

An 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 Massillon man was indicted for illegally importing fentanyl from China, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

 

Daniel Stolte, 29, was indicted on one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of importing fentanyl.

 

Stolte imported 40 grams or more of fentanyl from China on March 15 and March 22. On March 22, he possessed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl with the intent of distributing the drug, according to the indictment.

 

“The drugs that are killing our friends, relatives and neighbors are flowing into the United States from other countries,” Sierleja said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to shut off those pipelines.”

 

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

 

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bulford.

 

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 10-count indictment was unsealed that charges a Highland Heights man was with selling furanyl fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a Cleveland teen, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams.

 

Alec J. Steinberger, 21, was indicted on one count each of distribution of furanyl fentanyl that resulted in death, distribution of furanyl fentanyl and distribution of Xanax and seven counts of using a telephone to facilitate the commission of a felony.

 

“We continue to seek long prison sentences for drug dealers who sell opioids that kill our children, friends and neighbors,” Sierleja said. “Aggressive prosecution, combined with increased treatment, prevention and changes in prescribing practices are key to turning the tide on the heroin and opioid epidemic.”

 

“Investigators of the Heroin Death Investigation Team are trained to investigate heroin overdose cases and link the victims back to the dealers,” said Cleveland Division of Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “It is through the combined efforts of law enforcement, at the local, state and federal levels, and prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office that these indictments are secured and convictions are won. It is the hope that these examples will deter others from continuing this deadly cycle.”

 

Beginning on Jan. 30, 2016, Steinberger received Alprazolam (also known as Xanax) and furanyl fentanyl for distribution. Furanyl fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. These drugs came to Steinberger through the mail, according to the indictment.

 

On Feb. 23, 2016, Steinberger texted an associated: “I just got a pack bro.” He then informed several people that he had drugs for sale, including a man identified in the indictment only as L.H.

 

Steinberger texted L.H. repeatedly the next day. Messages included: “bro I did it last night any my pupils got so small they disappeared and then I was nodding for 18 hrs,” “Bro this is uncut from the road” and “this is uncut from china,” according to the indictment.

 

Steinberger then repeatedly texted L.H. if he knew anyone that could cut or dilute the drugs and repackage it for sale. Steinberger texted: “We gonna chill tmr” “and go to the hood and give samples” and “try and find out how to cut and re rock,” according to the indictment.

 

Shortly after midnight on Feb. 25, Steinberger texted L.H.: “Find me customers and tell them you’re the plug and I’ll get it to you and then sell it and cut u in a tiny bit and throw u a free (Klonopin) and dope,” according to the indictment.

 

On Feb. 25, L.H. fatally overdosed on furanyl fentanyl he bought from Steinberger, 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.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Cleveland Division of Police.

 

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

A Geauga County man was indicted on two counts related to possessing videos of children being raped and sexually assaulted, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

 

John S. Mobasseri, 39, of Novelty, was indicted on one count of distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of possession of child pornography.

 

Mobasseri on March 16 had two USB storage devices, 14 computer disks and a computer that contained images of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Mobasseri received and distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between 2009 and 2017, according to the indictment.

 

The files include titles such as “10Yo Preteen Raped (Incest).mpeg” and images such as children being blindfolded and sexually assaulted, as well as children being bound and masked while being sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

 

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

 

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

A federal grand jury indicted a Garfield Heights man for theft of government funds, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Eric Hegler, 65, fraudulently received approximately $144,000 in benefits from the Social Security Administration to which he was not entitled over nine years, according to the indictment.

 

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti is prosecuting the case.

 

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

 

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

Two Cleveland women were indicted on charges of conspiracy to make false claims for fraudulently claiming false tax refunds for more than $300,000, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Frank S. Turner II, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

 

Janice Parks, 57, and Helen Wynder, 56, filed a series of false tax returns during 2011, and 2012 to claim inflated refunds. Parks held herself out of a tax preparer. She, Wynder and others falsely claimed tax credits on behalf of people who were not entitled to the credits, according to the indictment.

 

In some instances, Parks requested that portions of the refunds be directed to various bank accounts and that Parks and Wynder converted the funds for their own use, according to the indictment.

 

"As we draw near the end of this year’s income tax filing season, we want everyone who files a tax return to take advantage of the deductions and credits to which they are entitled by law; however, no one is entitled to defraud the government," Turner said.

 

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

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen E. Henderson following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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.

Jarrett N. Dragic, 22, of Austintown, was indicted on two counts of bank robbery, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, FBI Special Agent in Charge.

 

Drajic robbed a Farmers National Bank in East Liverpool on Feb. 10. He robbed a Farmers National Bank in Canfield on Feb. 17, 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 East Liverpool Police Department, the Columbiana Police Department and the Canfield Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

 

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cleveland Division, Toledo Resident Agency, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of Cordell Jenkins, age 46, and Anthony Haynes, age 37, pursuant to a federal complaint and arrest warrant for sex trafficking of children.

Agents placed Jenkins and Haynes into custody early this morning at their residences in Toledo without incident. Additional law enforcement activity occurred today in regards to this ongoing investigation.

Jenkins and Haynes are accused of knowingly recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining a person(s) that the defendants knew was less than eighteen years old to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition to the above, Haynes is also being charged with Obstruction of Justice and Jenkins is being charged with sexual exploitation of children. Both men will have their initial appearance in U.S. District Court later today.

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.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.

A Toledo man was indicted for allegedly stealing $182,000, said David A. Sierleja, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Gilbert W. Young, 70, was indicted on one count of theft of government money. Young, between 1995 and 2016, allegedly converted for his own use $182,724 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to which he was not entitled, 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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General, in Cleveland. The case is being handled by Assistant United States 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.