Northern District of Ohio

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jamaican citizen Trevor Arthur Junior Campbell, 41, for re-entering the United States illegally after being deported to Jamaica, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. 

Campbell was found in the United States after being previously deported on August 11, 1997. Campbell previously entered the United States and was deported in 1997 after being convicted of an aggravated felony and was later found in Cleveland, according to the indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney Karrie D. Howard is prosecuting the 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 returned a one-count indictment charging Donald Boozer, 37, of Fredericktown, with a pharmacy robbery, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on or about August 24, 2014, Boozer took a controlled substance from a Rite Aid pharmacy in Uhrichsville, Ohio.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Uhrichsville Police Department. The matter 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.

Criminal charges were filed in federal court against two men for sexually exploiting children, law enforcement officials said.

Charges in the cases, which are not related, coincide with the 10th anniversary of Project Safe Childhood, the Justice Department’s program to combat the sexual exploitation of children, both online and in person.

Eric Shotwell, 41, of Minerva, was charged with crossing state lines to engage in sexually explicit conduct with a minor after police recovered a missing 14-year-old Missouri girl at his home in Stark County.

The girl was reported missing on March 11. Police determined the girl was using the “TextNow” app on her phone and traced it to Shotwell’s home on West 1st Street. The girl was recovered on March 17 and Shotwell was arrested, according to court documents.

The girl told investigators she met Shotwell on a dating site she was on to make new friends. She texted with Shotwell for two months before he wanted to meet in person. She stated Shotwell provided nude photos of himself and she then sent nude photos of herself. He then picked her up at a pizza shop in Missouri. They returned to Ohio and Shotwell engaged in sexual acts with the girl even though he knew she was 14, according to court documents.

The girl told investigators that Shotwell became violent at his home, punching her, slapping her, pushing her into a wall and calling her a “stupid bitch” and “stupid whore”. He placed chains around feet and neck, tightening the chains until she passed out. Investigators found chains in Shotwell’s bedroom when they searched his home, according to court documents.

In another case, James D. Sullivan, 58, of Cleveland, was charged with one count of attempted production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Federal agents searched his computer after he was arrested for filming girls and women in the shower at Geneva State Park on July 18. The search revealed Sullivan used the laptop to view child pornography and images of children being sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

At the time of his arrest, Sullivan was on probation after having served more than 25 years in state prison for raping a 12-year-old girl, photographing the act, and assaulting other child victims, according to court documents.

A grand jury this week indicted Richard Purnell, 55, of Parma, on one count of sex trafficking of children. Purnell knowingly solicited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts between October 2015 and May 6, 2016. He sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl who was advertised on the web site backpage.com. These assaults continued after the girl turned 14, according to court documents.

Experts offer the following tips for parents and guardians about how to help their children avoid being exploited:

• Talk to your kids about the topic from an early age and establish open lines of communication.
• Know what your child is looking at, and who they’re talking to.
• Think beyond “stranger danger” – as our relationships are more social-media focused, some kids don’t think of someone online as a stranger, even if they’ve never met in person.
• Parents should not be afraid to technology. Educate yourself about apps like kik and whisper, which allow users anonymity and don’t verify ages. And find out your child is using.
• Monitor your children’s use of the internet and their phone; keep your computer in an open, common room of the house.
• Tell your kids why it’s so important not to disclose personal information online.
• Check your kids’ profiles and what they post online.
• Report inappropriate activity to the web site or law enforcement immediately.
• Explain to your kids that once images are posted online they lose control of them and can never get them back.
• Only allow your kids to post photos or any type of personally identifying information on websites with your knowledge and consent.
• Trust your gut and parental intuition.

For more information for both parents and children about how to avoid being exploited, go to: www.justice.gov/ndoh/defending-children, www.justice.gov/psc, or www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/vc_majorthefts/cac

Federal, state and local law enforcement regularly investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases.

This morning in Toledo, former Northwood High School teacher Frank Stefan, 59, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography. Stefan had on his computers nearly 2,000 videos and images of children being raped and sexually assaulted by adults. He also admitted that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student in 2005 and attempted to have a relationship with another student during the 2009-10 school year, according to court documents.

David Guevara, Sr., 35, of Youngstown, was charged Wednesday via criminal information with transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Guevara met a 15-year-old girl last summer. He engaged in a sexual relationship with the minor and traveled with her to Philadelphia, even though he knew she was just 15 years old.  Guevara stated that it was his intent to have a child with the minor and to move her and the baby to Mexico, according to court documents.

“These are the latest in a steady stream of cases in which people exploit our children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “Law enforcement will continue to do all it can to lock up these predators. Parents, guardians and relatives need to do all they can to know who children are communicating with, whether it’s over their phones, on their computers on in person.”

“Child predators, like Eric Shotwell, build trust through coercion techniques to ultimately satisfy their perverse, criminal desires,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI commends the Great Plains, Missouri, and Minerva Police Departments for their swift efforts in rescuing this young girl, and the Canton Police Department for their hard work on this case. The FBI will continue efforts of supporting and collaborating with our law enforcement partners in order to educate and protect our children.”

“Sexual exploitation of children is an alarming concern in our society,” said Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Field Office, Craig Wisniewsky. “The Secret Service is committed to work closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute these predators.”

“The Stefan case is particularly troubling because of the defendant's prior position of trust with children,” said Marlon Miller, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Detroit. “HSI actively works with our law enforcement partners in our shared fight against those who sexually exploit children. Removing these predators from our communities and bringing them to justice is a responsibility we take very seriously. We applaud the court's significant prison sentence.”

“The law enforcement partnership to protect children from predators cuts across all jurisdictional lines because we all are deeply committed to our mission,” said Holly Welsh, chief prosecutor of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “Our Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force involves hundreds of police agencies and prosecutors around the state, it receives significant funding from the Department of Justice, and it works hand in hand with the FBI and federal prosecutors to root out and punish those who exploit children. We also work on the prevention side to help parents, teachers and children recognize the dangers that of the Internet and use it safely.”

Shotwell is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI. James Sullivan is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Skutnik following an investigation by the United States Secret Service and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Purnell is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget Brennan following an investigation by the FBI. Stefan was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Tangeman following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Guevara is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benedict Gullo following an investigation by the FBI, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Youngstown Police Department.

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.

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

A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Erwin Mazariegos, Jr., 33, of Los Angeles, with possessing and using a fraudulently obtained State of Ohio identification card, in the name of another person, in an attempt to obtain a U.S. passport, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. 

Mazariegos knowingly transferred, possessed and used, without lawful authority, the identification of another to make false statements in an application for a U.S. passport. Mazariegos, Jr., attempted to obtain the passport from a Post Office in Warren, Ohio, according to the indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney Karrie D. Howard is prosecuting the case, following an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

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 Akron man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for sending pornography to what he believed to be a 12-year-old girl and attempting to coerce her into illicit sexual activity, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

David T. Beiter, 55, of Akron, was previously found guilty of four counts: enticement, transfer of obscene material to a minor, possession of child pornography and receipt and distribution of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Beiter knowingly used a device connected to the internet, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a 12-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. On Feb. 9, 2015, Beiter used a device connected to the Internet to knowingly attempt transfer obscene matter to a 12-year‑old girl. From February 2014 through March 2015, Beiter knowingly received and distributed in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On March 20, 2015, Beiter possessed a computer that contained videos of the raping and sexual abuse of children, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Akron, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Middlesex County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office.

A Copley man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and related crimes, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

Lawrence Tipton, 48, was sentenced to 25 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

Ebony Brown, 41, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to more than four years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $440,000 in restitution.

12-count federal indictment was unsealed today charging Lawrence E. Tipton, 48, Angela G. Tipton, 46, both of Copley, and Ebony Brown, 41, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, with conspiracy to defraud the United States of America, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Lawrence and Angela Tipton, 46, also of Copley, conspired to evade the payment of assessed taxes between 2003 and 2014. Their conduct involved failing to report income, creating various business entities to hide their income and assets from the Internal Revenue Service, according to the indictment.

Brown conspired to distribute cocaine she acquired in Texas and Florida and sold in Ohio, according to court documents.

Angela Tipton was sentenced to four months of home confinement and ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Bulford and Samuel A. Yannucci.

A Youngstown man was sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of crossing state lines to rape an 11-year old, law enforcement officials said.

Iraephraim Underwood, 59, was convicted following a jury trial of one count of crossing a state line to engage in a sexual act with a person who had not attained the age of 12 years old and one count of crossing a state line to engage in a sexual act with a person who had not attained the age of 18 years old.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Benedict Gullo following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Youngstown Police Department and the Boardman Police Department.

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Division, Northern District of Ohio, and Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon announced the arrest of Richard Purnell, 54, of Parma. 

Purnell has been charged in federal court with Sex Trafficking of Children, Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1591. 

In November 2015, the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force became aware of an online advertisement for a “lovely college girl” who has a “thing for older men.”  Photos were attached to this advertisement and appeared to indicate a female under the age of 18.  An investigation ensued and agents confirmed that the “lovely college girl” was in fact 14 years of age, according to court documents.    

A federal arrest warrant was obtained on May 6, 2016 and Purnell was taken into custody by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force that evening at approximately 8:30pm in Parma, Ohio.  The Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of the Adult Parole Authority, Cleveland Metro Housing Authority, Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The Parma Police Department provided substantial assistance to this successful investigation and arrest. 

Purnell has been held in the Parma jail since his arrest Friday night.   He is scheduled to appear before federal Judge Parker today at 2:30 p.m. 

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

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. 

 

           

 

Four Ohio men were convicted for conspiring to defraud investors out of more than $10 million by selling unregistered securities and making several misrepresentations to investors about the product they purported to develop, law enforcement officials said.

Kenneth Jackson, 59, of Glenmont; William Schureck, 81, of Lexington; Dennis Deciancio, 73, of Macedonia, and Daryl Dane Donohue, 67, of Mansfield, were convicted by a jury following a four-week trial. They are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 1.

The men were convicted on counts including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, making false statements and other charges.

“More than 500 people were scammed out of money by this group,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “Retirements were stolen and dreams were destroyed by their fraudulent conduct.”

“These four individuals conspired to misrepresent a product to their investors in order to make a profit,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office. “The FBI will continue efforts to bring to justice those that have duped investors out of their hard-earned money.”

"These defendants built a house of cards laced with a web of financial lies.  Well, the underlying structure fell apart and exposed these individuals for who they really are, thieves," said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.  "Combining the financial investigative expertise of the IRS with the skills and resources of the FBI, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Attorney's Office makes a formidable team for combating major, greed-driven crimes."

All four men were affiliated with Medical Safety Solutions, or MSS, a company Jackson founded in 2007 which operated out of Mansfield and had a purported “research and development center” at Jackson’s home in Glenmont. Jackson held the title of Director of Research and Development at MSS. Schureck co-founded the company held the title of Chief Executive Officer at MSS. Deciancio co-founded the company and attended trade shows on the company’s behalf. Donohue was a longtime associate of Jackson who communicated with shareholders of MSS and held himself out as an “FDA consultant” hired by the company for the sole purpose of obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval for the Sharps Terminator, according to trial testimony.

The founders of MSS held the company out as an entity created to develop, market and sell a hypodermic needle destruction device they called the Sharps Terminator. The Sharps Terminator required premarket approval from the FDA before it could be sold in the United States. Jackson and Schureck filed a provisional application for a patent on the Sharps Terminator around April 2007 but did not file an actual patent application until September 2011. MSS filed a premarket approval application for the Sharps Terminator in October 2012. Between 2007 and May 2013, the defendants were engaged in the unregistered sale of securities. They did this by seeking out individuals to buy private shares of stock in MSS, but those shares were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to trial testimony.

They defrauded investors by inducing them to buy stock and making false and fraudulent misrepresentations about MSS and the Sharps Terminator, including: that MSS had submitted a premarket approval application when it had not; that FDA approval of the Sharps Terminator was forthcoming or imminent when MSS had not even initiated the approval process; that the FDA had approved the Sharps Terminator when it had not; that the product was “market ready” that was ready for mass production when it was not, and other misrepresentations, according to trial testimony.

To make MSS appear functional and the Sharps Terminator market ready, the defendants took current and prospective investors to MSS’s “R&D facility” and showed them parts, a small number of assembled Sharps Terminator units, and large numbers of Sharps Terminator boxes, many of which were really empty, according to the indictment.

More than 500 investors were defrauded as part of the scheme. They lost more than $10 million between 2007 and 2013, according to trial testimony and court documents.

Jackson and Schureck transferred the money to cover other expenses, and Jackson gambled more than $3.3 million at Mountaineer Casino between 2009 and 2013, according to the court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Lutzko and Adam Hollingsworth following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration.

Two Westlake men were sentenced to prison and ordered to repay $931,045 for illegally redeeming food stamps for more than a decade, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon.

Mahmoud Zayed, 61, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. His son Ashraf Zayed, 41, was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, food stamp fraud and unlawful food stamp redemptions.

The Zayeds fraudulently applied for a food stamp vendor license for their convenience store, Al-Manar Market, located on West 117 Street in Cleveland. Mahmoud Zayed had prior state felony convictions related to food stamp fraud, but he and his co-conspirators hid this fact from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by means of a proxy food stamp application submitted by a relative of the Zayeds.  This application claimed that Mahmoud Zayed’s relative was the owner of Al-Manar Market but neglected to state that Mahmoud Zayed would be involved in the operations of the market.  The application also failed to state that Mahmoud Zayed had prior criminal convictions for food stamp trafficking, which would have barred him from future participation in the food stamp and SNAP programs, according to court documents.

The Zayeds improperly trafficked food stamp and SNAP benefits in exchange for ineligible non-food items such as cash, hookah tobacco, pipes and accessories, and calling cards, in violation of the program’s rules and regulations.  This took place between 2001 and 2013, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Miranda Dugi, following an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.

A Cleveland woman was named in a 21-count indictment, accused of filing false income tax returns on behalf of friends and relatives and fraudulently claiming more than $131,000, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Monique Kirk, 39, held herself out as a tax preparer and offered to prepare returns from friends and relatives. Kirk used the personal information they provided to file false and fictitious returns, including false wage income and tax credit information, many for claimants who earned little or no money, according to the indictment.

Kirk requested some of the refunds be paid by direct deposit into bank accounts in the name of third parties that she controlled. Kirk converted his money to her own personal use, according to the indictment.

Kirk filed 21 false tax returns between 2012 and 2014 in which she claimed approximately $131,871 in tax refunds to which neither she nor the claimants were entitled, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the IRS-CI.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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 indictment was filed charigng Antwuan T. Lawson, 35, of Toledo, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.       

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.

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

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

A man was indicted for robbing two Canton banks last month, Acting U.S. Carole Rendon said.

Richard Ricky Hampton, 58, robbed the First Merit Bank on Atlantic Boulevard of $4,820 on April 8. Three days later, he robbed the Key Bank on Cleveland Avenue South of $2,183, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Barr following an investigation by the FBI and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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

Two Cleveland men were indicted for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.

Indicted are Noel Del Valle Cruz, 31, and Carlos Juan Torres Mendoza, 36.

They are accused of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine between January and April, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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

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

A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Maurice J. Sinkfield, 33, of Cleveland, with assaulting federal officers as well as firearms offenses, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. 

The indictment alleges that Sinkfield, who was wanted on an arrest warrant, assaulted a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal with a motor vehicle. Sinkfield also possessed a firearm and ammunition despite prior convictions for robbery and domestic violence that precluded him from having firearms. 

Assistant United States Attorney Megan R. Miller is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

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 returned a two-count indictment charging a California man with trafficking methamphetamine, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon. 

George Schepp, 53, brought in more than one kilogram of methamphetamine for distribution in the Cleveland area in April.  Based on the methamphetamine’s purity, Schepp trafficked into Cleveland at least 10,000 doses of methamphetamine.

Metroparks rangers seized methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, GHB and marijuana during a traffic stop earlier this year. That led to information that Schepp regularly brings two to three pounds of methamphetamine to Cleveland from the Los Angeles area. Schepp normally drove the methamphetamine to Cleveland but sometimes flew it in, according to court documents.

Schepp was arrested on April 10 at the baggage claim area at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. This happened after a drug dog alerted to the presence of narcotics on Schepp’s suitcase, according to court documents.

“This defendant brought drugs worth tens of thousands of dollars into our community from California,” Rendon said. “The law enforcement agents who worked this case should be credited for turning routine police work into a major drug bust.”

Plancon said: “Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug. Thanks to good investigative work and cooperation between our law enforcement partners, we have successfully halted this individual from regularly importing large amounts of this addictive drug into Ohio to be distributed and ultimately consumed.”

“We are pleased to have launched an investigation, and worked side-by-side with our law enforcement partners at the DEA, to help disrupt the supply of methamphetamine to Greater Cleveland,” said Chief Daniel J. Veloski of the Cleveland Metroparks Rangers. “Through collaborative efforts such as this, we are able to significantly curtail drug trafficking and safeguard our communities.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department and the Lakewood Police Department.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.  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 Grafton couple who owned a chain of head shops were sentenced to prison for conspiring to distribute synthetic cannabinoids known as spice, law enforcement officials said.

Sean Lightner, 41, was sentenced to three years in prison while Sherry Lightner, 40, was sentenced to two years in prison.

Nathan Albright, 30, of Glendale, Arizona, was sentenced earlier this month to two years in prison.

All three previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, as well as engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

“This couple operated stores throughout the state to sell dangerous synthetic drugs to anyone who walked through the front door,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon. “They knew what they were doing was illegal.”

"This is an important victory for the residents of Northern Ohio.  Not only are criminals going to jail for their crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs.  Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations.”

Dale Drummond, 41, of Cleveland, and Mark Picard, 34, of Whittier, Calif., have pleaded guilty to their roles in the case and are awaiting sentencing.

Synthetic cannabinoids are a large family of chemically unrelated structures functionally similar to THC. Synthetic cannabinoids may contain Schedule I controlled substances or controlled substance analogues and have purported physchotropic effects when smoked or ingested.

The Lightners operated a chain of head shops -- retail stores specializing in drug and smoking paraphernalia -- doing business as Twilight Boutique, where they sold synthetic cannabinoids along with accessories such as bongs, pipes and rolling papers, according to court documents.

They franchised the Twilight Boutique on Madison Avenue in Lakewood to Drummond for a percentage of the store’s monthly revenue. Drummond also sold synthetic cannabinoids from the store, according to the court documents.

The Lightners expanded their business to include several locations in Ohio after they began selling synthetic cannabinoids. They controlled Twilight Corp., located on Royalton Road in Grafton, and the Twilight Boutique stores located on State Route 43 in Streetsboro, Cleveland Road West in Sandusky, Pearl Road in Brunswick, North Abbe Road in Elyria, Lorain Road in Fairview Park, Whipple Avenue in Plain Township, North Court Street in Athens, Midway Plaza in Tallmadge, South Alex Road in West Carrollton, West Fourth Street in Ontario and Clinton Plaza Drive in Oneonta, N.Y., according to court documents.

The Lightners presented laboratory reports to others, including employees, alleging that the synthetic cannabinoids sold in the Twilight Boutique stores did not contain controlled substances or controlled substance analogues in an effort to give the appearance that the synthetic cannabinoids were legal when the Lightners knew they were illegal, according to court documents.

Albright manufactured and sold synthetic cannabinoids through his company, Desert Distribution, LLC and Albright and Picard sold synthetic cannabinoids through their company, Royal Dutch, LLC.

Prosecutors forfeited nearly $400,000 in cash as well as several firearms and automobiles as part of the case.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carmen Henderson, Teresa Dirksen and Christian M. Stickan following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration -- Tactical Diversion Squad, Internal Revenue Service -- Criminal Investigations, Lorain County Drug Task Force, Medina County Drug Task Force, Portage County Drug Task Force, Westshore Enforcement Bureau, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency, METRICH Enforcement Unit, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Linndale Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, Ontario Police Department, Sandusky Police Department, Ohio HIDTA and the Ohio State Patrol.

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Wallace A. Lewis, Sr., 26, of Youngstown, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on or about January 5, 2016, Lewis possessed a Charter Arms, .22 caliber revolver, and ammunition, after having been previously convicted of felonious assault with a firearm specification, in Case Number 09CR1304, in the Mahoning 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 Youngstown Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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.

Bryan Blankenship, 24, of Rittman, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment charges that from on or about July 22, 2015, through on or about January 11, 2016, in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Blankenship knowingly received and distributed, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and which files had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.  The indictment also charges that on March 24, 2016, Blankenship possessed a computer and a hard drive, each of which contained child pornography.  

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

The case was investigated by the Canton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.  

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

Frank J. Richards, 53, of Ravenna, Ohio, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The Indictment charges that from on or about January 13, 2014, through on or about January 14, 2014, and again on July 22, 2015, Frank J. Richards, did knowingly receive and distribute in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  In addition, on January 27, 2011, March 5, 2015, and April 5, 2016, Frank J. Richards did knowingly possess computers and computer media that contained child pornography

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Cleveland Office.

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

A federal grand jury indicted Barbara J. Gable, 50, of Mogadore, for theft of public money, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Gable fraudulently converted to her own use her mother’s Social Security retirement and survivor’s benefits after her mother died in June 2009. The SSA did not learn of her mother’s death until December 2013. Gable’s theft resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of approximately $62,509, according to the indictment.

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

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.

Brian C. Sanner, 25, of Elyria, was charged with receiving visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment charges that on or about April 22, 2015, through on or about August 27, 2015, in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Sanner did knowingly receive in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Cleveland 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.

David H. Six, 56, of Elyria, was charged with possessing child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The Indictment charges that on or about August 27, 2015, images of child pornography were found on a PNY thumb drive in Six’s possession.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Cleveland Office.

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

A grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Omar A. Hasan, 55, of Cleveland, with three counts of bank robbery, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on November 6, 2015, Hasan robbed the KeyBank, 3110 West 117th Street, of $2,369. On December 11, 2015, Hasan robbed the Ohio Savings Bank, 1866 West 25th Street, of $3,938. On March 21, 2016, Hasan robbed the US Bank, 1958 West 25th Street, of $4,543. All three banks were located in Cleveland and all were federally insured financial institutions at the time of each robbery.

If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the federal sentencing guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benedict S. Gullo. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cleveland Division of Police.

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

 

An Elyria man was sentenced to more than nine years in prison for a firearms violation, said Acting U.S. States Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely.

Steve Hamilton, 24, was sentenced to 110 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hamilton pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon, specifically a Heritage MFG “Rough Rider” .22 Caliber revolver. Hamilton had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition, according to court documents.

Hamilton used the firearm and a knife to threaten his then-girlfriend in Elyria.  When Elyria police officers arrived at the scene, Hamilton did not immediately comply with their commands and ultimately the knife and the firearm were found concealed on him. Hamilton stated to the arresting officers that he “...should have shot it out with you guys”. Hamilton later said that he should have choked out the police officers and identified himself as a Heartless Felon and should have shot it out with the officers.  He continued and stated: "I’m a threat and you  . .  . better watch out when I get out . . . I’m going to shoot one of you in the head,” according to court documents 

This prosecution of a violent felon possessing a firearm is just one of multiple prosecutions the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is engaged in with local Lorain County law enforcement. These prosecutions represent a coordinated effort on behalf of the federal and state partners to hold accountable these individuals who all have significant prior firearm and or drug charges and have continued to possess firearms and/or sell drugs in Lorain County.

Recent cases from Lorain County prosecuted in federal court include the following:

Jason Vasquez, 37 of Lorain, was indicted by the grand jury in a multiple count federal conspiracy indictment for the distribution of heroin in Lorain County. He was also charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition after being previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm. Vasquez was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense.  Vasquez was believed to be a major source of heroin and fentanyl in the Lorain County area. Vazquez has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on May 27, 2016.  He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

Anetaeus Spencer, 33, of Lorain, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and several firearms, namely: a Rohm Arms 7.62 x 39 mm. rifle, a Taurus “Judge” .45LC/410GA revolve, a Smith and Wesson pistol, a Keltec .380 handgun, and a Mossberg 12 gage shotgun. Spencer had been previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Spencer also sold quantities of crack and heroin, and had several thousand dollars on his person at the time of his arrest, according to court documents. Spencer was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. He has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on June 2, 2016. He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Calvin L. Williams, 32, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon, namely a Glock 9 mm. handgun.  Williams also has pending state drug cases and was previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Williams was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas at the time of the most recent offense. Williams has entered pleas of guilty and will be sentenced on June 2, 2016.  

Octavious Smith, 37, of Elyria, was indicted on one count of possessing a 9 mm. firearm and distributing quantities of heroin and crack cocaine in Lorain County.  Smith had been previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Smith was out on bond from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas when he committed the new offense. This case is pending

Each defendant had at least one previous felony conviction, rendering them ineligible to possess a firearm. 

In prior cases the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted multiple Lorain County residents who ran afoul of gun and drug laws in cooperation with local law enforcement.

These previous cases include but are not limited to the following: 

Jeremy Mack, 38, of Elyria, human trafficking, drug crimes and obstruction of justice after forcing four females, including a 16-year-old girl, to have sex for money.  Mack was sentenced to life in prison. 

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

Anthony Paul Montoy, 40, of Elyria and Fred Alston, 60, of Elyria were convicted of conspiracy to distribute kilograms of cocaine in the Lorain County area.  Montoy was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and Alston was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is observing National Reentry Week with a variety of activities designed to remove barriers for those returning to society after prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday participated in the announcement that the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will be awarded $100,000 to address re-entry barriers for CMHA residents with criminal convictions.

The office also participated earlier this month in the Northeast Ohio Reentry Business Summit, an event that focused on the opportunities available for businesses to participate in reentry. The summit provided guidance, as well as legal advice, tax credit information and real-life examples of the rewards, both personal and professional, in hiring our returning citizens and building stronger neighborhoods.

The Office also participated in Reentry Courts in all four of our courthouses – Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown.

“Too often, justice-involved individuals who have paid their debt to society confront daunting obstacles to good jobs, decent housing, adequate health care, quality education, and even the right to vote,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch.  “National Reentry Week highlights the many ways that the Department of Justice – and the entire Obama Administration – is working to tear down the barriers that stand between returning citizens and a meaningful second chance – leading to brighter futures, stronger communities, and a more just and equal nation for all.”

“We have long seen having meaningful re-entry activities as being just as important as aggressive law enforcement and crime-prevention activities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon. “The public expects us to not only be tough on crime, but also smart on crime. Condemning someone who has paid their debt to society to a life of joblessness is not good for anyone – the returning citizen, the community or law enforcement.”

Monday’s announcement is part of the Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program (JRAP), funded through DOJ’s Second Chance Act funds. The Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development are teaming up to help young Americans who’ve paid their debt to society rehabilitate and reintegrate back into their communities.  JRAP funding was awarded to Public Housing Agencies who have a partnership with a nonprofit legal service organization with experience providing legal services to juveniles.

Having a juvenile or a criminal record can severely limit a person’s ability to seek higher education, find good employment or secure affordable housing.  Today, there are nearly 55,000 individuals under age 21 in juvenile justice facilities, and approximately 185,000 young adults aged 18 to 24 in state and federal prisons.  These collateral consequences create unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity and productivity. 

To  help alleviate collateral consequences associated with a juvenile or criminal record, JRAP assists young people up to age 24 residing in public housing, or who would be residing in public housing but for their record, by:

• Expunging, sealing, and/or correcting juvenile or adult records; as permitted by state law;

• Assisting targeted youth in mitigating/preventing collateral consequences such as reinstating revoked or suspended drivers’ licenses;

• Counseling regarding legal rights and obligations in searching for employment;

• Providing guidance for readmission to school; and

• Creating or modifying child support orders and other family law services, and more.

As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, the Department of Justice designated the week of April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week. 

The Obama Administration has taken major steps to make our criminal justice system fairer, more efficient and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities. Removing barriers to successful reentry helps formerly incarcerated individuals compete for jobs, attain stable housing, and support their families. An important part of that commitment is preparing those who have paid their debt to society for substantive opportunities beyond the prison gates, and addressing collateral consequences to successful reentry that too many returning citizens encounter.  

National Reentry Week events are being planned in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  U.S. Attorney’s Offices alone are hosting over 200 events and BOP facilities are holding over 370 events.

A Cleveland dentist was charged with one count of health care fraud after billing Medicaid for more than $407,000 in work that not authorized or never done, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Robert Rouzaud, 59, operated Five Points Dental Centre on East 152nd Street. Rouzaud submitted claims on behalf of Medicaid recipients for services that were not pre-authorized, as required, and/or not provided. This took place between 2009 and 2015, according to the criminal information.

For example, Rouzaud billed for an excessive number of fillings on the same teeth, when he had not done fillings, filed claims for fillings on teeth that had been previously extracted, and submitted claims for fillings on patients who had dentures, according to the information.

Rouzaud submitted false claims totaling $407,982 for services he did not provide between 2009 and 2015. He was paid more than $343,000 for these services, according to the information.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Collyer following an investigation by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

A two-count criminal information was filed against James W. Wallace, of North Canton, charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio,and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland Office.

Aged Shelf Corporation Scheme

The information alleges that Wallace, and Joseph Beck of Allentown, Pennsylvania, acting together and with others,  from approximately January 2009 through December 2012, engaged in a scheme to defraud at least fifteen small business owners of at least $1,500,000 through an investment and loan scam.  Wallace and Beck, acting through their companies Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity, fraudulently induced individuals to purchase “aged shelf corporations,” which served no legitimate business purpose other than to funnel money back to Wallace and Beck for their personal use.  Wallace and Beck told potential buyers, who were individuals who often could not get funding from traditional financial institutions, that they could get them loans substantially greater than any available to them from commercial institutions through the purchase of an “aged shelf corporation” through Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity. 

“Aged shelf corporations” were corporations that had been created some years before, but had never engaged in any business and were corporations on paper only. Wallace and Beck allegedly induced the would-be borrowers to believe that with the purchase of these previously created but dormant corporations they would qualify for private loans, credit cards with high credit limits, and other credit opportunities in amounts greater than were otherwise available to them from financial institutions.  It is further alleged that Wallace and Beck misinformed buyers by telling them that they had “private lenders” waiting to lend money to the owners of these “aged shelf corporations” when they knew that no such private lenders existed.  Wallace and Beck allegedly also falsely told would-be borrowers that other individuals had successfully obtained funding, but shrouded the details of their prior “successes” as well as the identities of their “private lenders” under a veil of mystery, citing proprietary and trade secrets, when no customers in fact received any private funding.         

The information further alleges that Wallace and Beck fraudulently misrepresented that the money that customers paid to Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity for aged shelf corporations was used to obtain trade references, gain high PAYDEX scores (credit scores for corporations), and effect private placement of the loans.  Wallace and Beck falsely told customers that their profit in the transaction would come later, after loans had been funded, from a percentage of the loans they succeeded in acquiring.  Meanwhile, Wallace and Beck allegedly used a substantial share of the money to pay for personal expenses including strip clubs, jewelry, tattoo salons, meals at restaurants and bars, vacations and resort hotels, testosterone supplements, luxury products, sports equipment, tanning salons, payments on personal loans and mortgages, cash withdrawals, and transfers to personal accounts.

Bankruptcy Fraud

The information also alleges that, after agents with the FBI executed a search warrant on Beck’s residence and offices in Pennsylvania, and after former Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity customers filed civil lawsuits against Wallace, that he filed a false bankruptcy petition, under penalty of perjury, in the Northern District of Ohio.  It is alleged that in the bankruptcy petition, titled In re: James Wallace, Case No. 12-61185, Wallace falsely withheld information regarding: his involvement with Beck and Washington Integrity; the number and amounts of creditors and debts owed by Wallace and his companies; bank accounts he possessed; his interests in executory contracts in the forms of the aged shelf corporation agreements he held with customers of Wallace Financial and Washington Integrity; and by falsely claiming a negative gross income for the two years preceding his bankruptcy filing. 

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, his role in the offense and the characteristics of the criminal conduct.  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 Om Kakani, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

 

A four-count indictment was filed in federal court charging a Puerto Rican man with assaulting federal officers and failing to register as a sex offender, as well as firearms offenses, law enforcement officials said.

Luis Cruz-Ramos, 30, was indicted on one count each of assaulting federal officers, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crime of violence, failing to register as a sex offender, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

“This defendant is a threat and does not belong in society,” said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“The U.S. Marshals Service and the members of our task force will not rest when it comes to dangerous fugitives like Cruz-Ramos,” said U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott. “We, along with local police departments and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will make sure that Cruz-Ramos will answer for his heinous charges in Puerto Rico and to the U.S. government for crimes he committed while on the run.”

Ramos was wanted on an arrest warrant when he was assaulted two special deputy U.S. Marshals on April 1, and brandished a firearm to do so, according to the indictment.

Ramos also failed to register as a sex offender between 2013 and 2016 after traveling to Ohio. He also possessed ammunition on April 1, despite a prior conviction for sexual assault that precluded him from having ammunition, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Ohio State Highway Patrol.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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

A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Joseph W. Basham, Jr., 32, of Rome, Ohio, with being a felon in possession of firearms and failing to register as a sex offender, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Basham possessed a Winchester, model 50, 12 gauge shotgun in June 2015 after having been convicted of multiple felonies between 2007 and 2012. He also traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register or update a registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

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

A former East Cleveland police detective was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy in which he kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, law enforcement officials said.

Antonio Malone, 34, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $23,000 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy.

Malone is the last of three former East Cleveland police officers sent to prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

Torris Moore, of South Euclid, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Eric Jones, of Cleveland Heights, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy.

“These three officers are a disgrace to the badge they wore and the community they swore to protect,” said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “They personally profited from the drug trade that has ravaged East Cleveland. They deserve to be sent to prison for their extensive crimes, which undercut the credibility of law enforcement and the court system.”

“These officers acted like cunning criminals rather than honorable public servants who swore to protect and serve,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “They are now all behind bars for their reprehensible, unlawful conduct.”

“When detectives target and rob a drug dealer and then create false evidence to cover up their own crimes, those officers are Benedict Arnolds,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty said. “They have betrayed all the dedicated law enforcement officers, alive and dead, who gave their lives upholding the law and protecting our communities. So this officer now deserves to switch places with the drug dealer whose conviction we had to vacate and who has been released from prison.”

Moore was a sergeant at the East Cleveland Police Department, where she supervised the Street Crimes Unit. Malone and Jones were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. The defendants were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.

From 2014 through June 2014, they conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.

These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.

The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.

For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.

On June 20, 2013, SCU officers, including Moore, searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.

On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

A Lakewood man was charged in federal court for taking improper write-offs and not reporting more than $2 million in taxable income, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Thomas G. Klocker, 47, was charged via criminal information with four counts of tax evasion. The counts cover the tax years 2007 through 2010.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, but we all have to pay our fair share, which includes being honest about deductions and expenses,” Rendon said. “Those who underreport their income and take improper deductions will be held accountable.”

“As this tax filling season comes to a close, we are reminded of our collective duty to accurately file and pay our taxes,” Enstrom said. “Those who willfully abscond from this duty will be pursued and brought to justice.”

Klocker was the sole shareholder and operator of All Metal Sales (AMS) in Westlake. He also operated TT Charter Leasing, which was in the business of chartering the luxury yacht “Tommy Time”, according to the information.

Klocker diverted corporate funds from AMS for his own use to benefit his personal lifestyle and avoid personal income liabilities between 2007 and 2010, according to the information.

For example, Klocker diverted funds from AMS to construct a waterfront residence in Lakewood and to maintain his 68’ Sunseeker yacht, as well as to pay for luxury travel and to make cash withdrawals. He reported substantial business losses arising from the operating costs and expenses arising from the personal use of the TT Charter Leasing yacht, according to the information.

He also misrepresented his personal expenses entered into AMS’ books and records by falsely describing them as legitimate business expenses. Klocker also provided false information to his tax-return preparers about expenses he described as business-related which were, in fact, personal in nature – including luxury travel with his family, according to the information.

Klocker underreported his taxable income by more than $2 million during tax years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. He owes at least an additional $611,000 in taxes for that period, according to the information.

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Field Office.

A former Army recruiter was charged with theft of public money, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.

Robert L. Lucks, 51, of Warsaw, was charged via a criminal information.  On or about April 17, 2009, Lucks, a former Disabled Veteran Outreach Representative with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), used his former position to obtain personal identification information of a spouse of an ODJFS customer, to steal $1,000 of Department of Defense funds, according to the information. 

To aid the military in its recruiting efforts, the Army National Guard established the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP).  The program was designed to offer monetary recruiting incentives to part-time soldiers to identify and encourage individuals to serve in the Army National Guard and other military branches.

Lucks fraudulently submitted the personal information of a potential soldier through his online G-RAP account.  The potential soldier did not provide her information to Lucks to be used for G-RAP.  Lucks submitted fabricated details of his relationship with the potential soldier, in order to receive recruiting incentives to which he was not entitled.  Because of the inappropriately procured personal information and fabricated relationship details Lucks submitted, he received $1,000 in money belonging to the United States to which he was not entitled, according to the information.

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karrie Howard following an investigation by Major Procurement Fraud Unit, US Army CID.

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.

On April 11, 2016 an arrest warrant for David Guevara, Sr., 35, of Youngstown, was executed.  Guevara was being held in the Mahoning County Jail on state charges at the time of this federal arrest.  Guevara has been charged in federal court with attempted transportation and transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, law enforcement officials said.

Guevara met a 15-year old girl in July 2015 and began a sexual relationship with her. Initially, Guevara would have sex with the minor in a tent under a Youngstown bridge.  On July 31, 2015, Guevara purchased travel arrangements to move them to Philadelphia. During their trip and once they arrived in Philadelphia, Guevara Sr. continued to engage in sexual intercourse with the minor, according to the complaint.

Guevara was originally interviewed by local law enforcement on December 14, 2015.  He admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with the minor and traveling with her to Philadelphia, even though he knew that she was just 15 years old.  Guevara also stated that it was his intent to have a child with the minor and to move her and the baby to Mexico, according to the complaint.

A detention hearing has been set for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 10a.m. in Magistrate Limbert’s court room in Youngstown, Ohio.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Youngstown Resident Agency, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, and the Youngstown Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benedict S. Gullo. 

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.    

Loretta Irby, 63, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has been charged with theft of government property, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Irby stole approximately $33,963 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she was not entitled. Irby defrauded the Social Security Administration by concealing her true marital status and living arrangements with her husband. The concealment deprived SSA of the ability to properly administer the SSI program, and caused SSA to pay her benefits when she was not eligible for those benefits. Irby concealed these material facts knowing that it would affect her right to SSI benefits.The scheme lasted approximately 10 years, beginning in or around July 2005, through in or around April 2015, according to court documents. 

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

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

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

A Richfield Township man pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally dealing firearms after he sold approximately 300 firearms over a three-year period, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and Donald J. Soranno, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division.

Timothy J. Cassinger, 48, is scheduled to be sentenced July 13.

Cassinger was not a licensed firearms dealer but sold approximately 300 firearms between June 2012 and October 2015. Many of the weapons were purchased from federal firearms licensees and then resold by Cassinger at gun shows or online, according to court documents.

Eleven firearms originally purchased by Cassinger were intercepted by Spanish authorities in September 2014, on a ship destined for Beirut, Lebanon . Other firearms purchased by Cassinger were later recovered in Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, New York City and other cities, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Galvin following an investigation by the ATF.

A former East Cleveland police officer was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role in a conspiracy in which he  kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Eric Jones pleaded previously guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy

Malone, of Cleveland, and Antonio Jones, of Cleveland Heights, were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. They were supervised by Sgt. Torris Moore. The unit, including Moore, Malone and Jones, were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.

From 2014 through June 2014, the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.

These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports, which Moore reviewed, knew was incorrect, but she failed to correct the inaccuracies. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.

The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.

For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.

On June 20, 2013, SCU officers searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.

On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.

Torris Moore pleaded guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. She was sentenced to nine years in prison

Officers Antonio Malone pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy. His sentencing is pending.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

Conrado Salgado Soto, 53, of Mexico, was sentenced to 51 months in prison today in the Northern District of Ohio for his role in luring Guatemalan minors and adults into the United States on false pretenses, then using threats of physical harm to compel their labor at egg farms in Ohio. 

The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

Salgado Soto pleaded guilty to the labor-trafficking conspiracy in August 2015. 

According to the indictment, which was unsealed on July 2, 2015, members of the labor-trafficking conspiracy recruited workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States.  Salgado’s co-conspirators then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where he and his co-conspirators ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day for minimal amounts of money.  The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens.  Eight minors and two adults were identified in the indictment as victims of the forced labor scheme.

Another co-defendant, Pablo Duran Jr., was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for alien harboring.  Duran Jr. pleaded guilty in December 2015. 

“The defendants operated a criminal enterprise that exploited the hopes and dreams of young people eager to make better lives for themselves here in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta.  “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute and hold accountable those who target innocent men, women and children for trafficking and threaten violence to assert their illegal control.”

“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children with false promises of a better life and instead forced them into manual labor in horrific conditions on an egg farm for little or no pay,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rendon.  “We will continue to prosecute human traffickers, whether they force children into the commercial sex industry or enslave them in rural parts of our district.  Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities will always remain a top priority.”

“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children and families,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “This investigation revealed how they used threats, humiliation, deprivation and other means to keep these minors working and enriching the defendants.”

Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, 33, led the conspiracy and pleaded guilty in December 2015 to the labor-trafficking conspiracy, forced labor, witness tampering and alien harboring.  He will be sentenced on June 27, 2016.  Ana Angelica Pedro Juan, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to the trafficking conspiracy and her sentencing hearing is set for June 27.  Pedro Juan’s role in the scheme included falsely representing herself to government officials as a family friend of the minor victims in order to have them released to her custody, as well as overseeing the trailers where the victims were housed and arranging for their wages to be transferred to co-conspirators in Guatemala and elsewhere.

Two other co-defendants, Conrado Salgado-Borbon and Bartolo Dominguez, pleaded guilty to immigration offenses in connection with this case and were sentenced to six and 12 months, respectively.  

The investigation is ongoing.  The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Mansfield Resident Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sherriff’s Office.  The case is being jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio.

Conrado Salgado Soto, 53, of Mexico, was sentenced to 51 months in prison today in the Northern District of Ohio for his role in luring Guatemalan minors and adults into the United States on false pretenses, then using threats of physical harm to compel their labor at egg farms in Ohio. 

The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

Salgado Soto pleaded guilty to the labor-trafficking conspiracy in August 2015. 

According to the indictment, which was unsealed on July 2, 2015, members of the labor-trafficking conspiracy recruited workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States.  Salgado’s co-conspirators then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where he and his co-conspirators ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day for minimal amounts of money.  The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens.  Eight minors and two adults were identified in the indictment as victims of the forced labor scheme.

Another co-defendant, Pablo Duran Jr., was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for alien harboring.  Duran Jr. pleaded guilty in December 2015. 

“The defendants operated a criminal enterprise that exploited the hopes and dreams of young people eager to make better lives for themselves here in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta.  “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute and hold accountable those who target innocent men, women and children for trafficking and threaten violence to assert their illegal control.”

“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children with false promises of a better life and instead forced them into manual labor in horrific conditions on an egg farm for little or no pay,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rendon.  “We will continue to prosecute human traffickers, whether they force children into the commercial sex industry or enslave them in rural parts of our district.  Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities will always remain a top priority.”

“These defendants preyed upon vulnerable children and families,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “This investigation revealed how they used threats, humiliation, deprivation and other means to keep these minors working and enriching the defendants.”

Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, 33, led the conspiracy and pleaded guilty in December 2015 to the labor-trafficking conspiracy, forced labor, witness tampering and alien harboring.  He will be sentenced on June 27, 2016.  Ana Angelica Pedro Juan, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to the trafficking conspiracy and her sentencing hearing is set for June 27.  Pedro Juan’s role in the scheme included falsely representing herself to government officials as a family friend of the minor victims in order to have them released to her custody, as well as overseeing the trailers where the victims were housed and arranging for their wages to be transferred to co-conspirators in Guatemala and elsewhere.

Two other co-defendants, Conrado Salgado-Borbon and Bartolo Dominguez, pleaded guilty to immigration offenses in connection with this case and were sentenced to six and 12 months, respectively.

The investigation is ongoing.  The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Mansfield Resident Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sherriff’s Office.  The case is being jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice of the Northern District of Ohio.

A Richfield man was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon said.

Khalid Farmer Black was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of receipt of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI

A federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging Tamyra Gudzinas, 74, of Hubbard, Ohio, and Elie J. Faraj, 31, of Youngstown, with various firearms violations, law enforcement officials said.

Thirteen counts of the indictment allege that on various dates beginning in August 2015 until on or about December 8, 2015, Gudzinas, aided and abetted by Faraj, made false and fictitious written statements to federally licensed firearm dealers, stating that she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when she was purchasing the firearms for another individual. The dates and locations of these purchases are as follows:

Date

Firearm Dealer

Firearm

8/24/15

Gander Mountain, Warren, OH

Sig Sauer P238, .380 caliber pistol

10/13/15

Miller Road and Gun

Youngstown, OH

Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol

10/14/15

Buckeye Firearms

Austintown, OH

Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol

10/16/15

Miller Road and Gun

Youngstown, OH

Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol

10/24/15

Stocker’s Shop

Warren, OH

Kahr, model CT380, .380 caliber pistol, and a

Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol

10/25/15

J&D Firearms

Warren, OH

Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol, and a

Taurus Millennium, 9mm pistol

11/13/15

Stocker’s Shop

Warren, OH

Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol

11/23/15

Miller Road and Gun

Youngstown, OH

Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol

11/23/15

Buckeye Firearms

Austintown, OH

Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol, and a

Kahr .380 caliber

11/24/15

Buckeye Firearms

Austintown, OH

Smith and Wesson, model MNP15, 5.56 caliber rifle

11/26/15

Tactical Firearms

Youngstown, OH

Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol and a

Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol

12/4/15

Tactical Firearms

Youngstown, OH

Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol;

Smith and Wesson M360, .38 caliber rifle;

Sig Sauer, model P938, 9mm pistol; and an

Anderson Mfg., model AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle

12/8/15

Buckeye Firearms

Austintown, OH

Sig Sauer, model P239, .40 caliber pistol

 

Four counts of the indictment allege Faraj, having been previously convicted of possession of cocaine in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas in 2012, illegally possessed the following firearms on the following dates:

 

Dates

Firearms

10/24/15

Kahr, model CT380, .380 caliber pistol

11/23/15

Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol

12/4/15

Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol

12/4-12/11/15

Sig Sauer, model P938, 9mm pistol, and an
Anderson Mfg. AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle

12/8-12/11/15

Sig Sauer, model P239, .40 caliber pistol

 

“We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to prosecute those people who get firearms despite prohibitions against them – and those who illegally help them get the guns,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.

“This case demonstrates one avenue by which firearms end up in the hands of violent criminals,” said Donald J. Soranno, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to close off these illegal transfers and keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm and intimidate others.”

“These suspects facilitated arming individuals that were attempting to conceal their possession and use of firearms,” said Steven D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI and its partners will continue efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms to the criminal element.”

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.  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.

Ten people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that brought large shipments of crystal methamphetamine to Ohio from California, law enforcement officials said.

Named in the 20-count indictment are: Hector Sabino Gonzales, 36, of Los Angeles; Carlos Elias, 33, and Lisa Elias, 36, both of Massillon; Jance Randolph, 33, of Canton; Michael Mack, 39, of Akron; Nikki Greenwood, 37, of New Philadelphia; Richard Stewart, 57, of Akron; Robert Willham, 45, of Medina; Steven Petit, 35, of Akron, and Wilmer Martinez, 25, of Painesville.

The Elias’s also face charges for distribution of heroin. Stewart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Carlos Elias received large shipments of methamphetamine from Gonzales and others in California, usually via FedEx or UPS, from June 2015 through March 2016. Court documents detail shipments of methamphetamine to homes in Akron, New Philadelphia and Painesville, among others. The Elias’s sent cash via FedEx, UPS and the U.S. mail to Gonzales to pay for the drugs, according to the indictment.

The Elias’s provided methamphetamine to Martinez, Mack, Greenwood, Willham, Stewart, Randolph and others for distribution. Mack supplied methamphetamine to Petit for distribution, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stark County Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the police departments of Canton, Jackson Township, Alliance, Louisville and Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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 three-count indictment was filed charging a Maple Heights man with distributing heroin, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.

Rodney A. Haynes, 34, sold heroin on three occasions in the fall of 2015, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to seize more than $12,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Darden and Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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 14-count indictment was filed charging a Toledo man for sexually exploiting minors, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Steven Calmes, 37, was charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, five counts of coercion and enticement and one count of receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.        

Calmes targeted several girls between the ages of 10 and 14 over the internet and convinced them to send nude picture of themselves to him, or appear naked on a web camera for him. This took place numerous times between 2012 and 2014, according to court documents.

An examination of electronic devices seized during a search revealed 70 videos that constituted child pornography. Calmes used real-time text messages to direct the minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents.

Several minor victims have been identified, including females as young as eight years old, including victims in Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, according to court documents.

Calmes interacted with another child victim who he tried to convince to meet him in person for “more fun.” In another video, Calmes convicted another victim to become fully naked on the web chat. Calmes created a plan to meet this victim at her school, according to court documents.

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

The investigating agency in this case is the United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the Toledo Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.

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

 

A criminal information was filed charging Trashon Autman, 19, of Toledo, with transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

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

The investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.

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

A jury convicted a traveling minister from Arkansas on all 14 counts for his role in a $4.8 million tax refund scam, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Allen D. Miles, 58, of Little Rock, Arkansas, is scheduled to be sentenced June 13. He was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.

Miles, acting with Zinara Highsmith, engaged in a false tax refund scheme in which approximately 2,750 false income tax returns were filed, claiming false income tax refunds of approximately $4.8 million.

Miles obtained personal identification information from congregants and others by telling them that he could help them obtain money from an alleged government stimulus fund program. Miles did not tell congregants that income tax returns were going to be filed on their behalf. After he obtained the information, Miles forwarded it to Highsmith, and then Highsmith and others created the false income tax returns that generated refunds based on certain credits for which the taxpayers did not qualify, like the American Opportunity Credit, Making Work Pay Credit, and Earned Income Credit, according to trial testimony and court documents.

For each refund, Miles collected a $125 commission and Highsmith received $275; the taxpayers received the balance. Miles received approximately $300,000 for his efforts in the refund scam, which operated between March and July 2011, according to trial testiony and court records.

"This defendant traveled the country defrauding people and the goverment," Rendon said. "He took advantage of their religious faith and their faith in the government to enrich himself."

"Misusing his position of trust as a minister, Mr. Miles perpetuated an elaborate scheme driven by insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on innocent victims. The jurors have spoken and Mr. Miles is being held accountable for his criminal actions," Enstrom said.  "Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.  IRS Criminal Investigation, along with the United States Attorney's Office, remain vigilant in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the United States Treasury and blatantly disregard the victims of their schemes."

Highsmith has pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Carmen Henderson, following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

Four people were indicted in federal court on charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 20 pounds of marijuana and nearly 20 pounds of MDMA, law enforcement officials said.

Indicted are: Rinald Turhani, 37, of Macomb, Mich.; Denisa Alicka, 26, of Rocky River; Jonida Alicka, 28, of Rocky River, and Leka Konini, 46, of Canton, Mich.

The indictments follow a joint investigation of multiple sales of MDMA and marijuana by the  Alicka sisters from their residences and vehicles between September 2014 and March 2016. Investigators determined the Alickas obtained MDMA and marijuana through Turhani and Konini. Jonida Alicka also obtained MDMA from her boyfriend who resides in Canada, according to court documents.

Denisa Alicka travelled to Michigan on several occasions to pick up the narcotics and transport them back to Ohio. Jonida Alicka, a reserve police officer with the Linndale Police Department, traveled to New York to pick up MDMA and transport it back to Ohio. Denisa and Jonida Alicka distributed the narcotics throughout the Northern District of Ohio, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Corts, Marissa Darden and Antoinette T. Bacon following an investigation by the FBI, Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio HIDTA, Parma Police Department, Rocky River Police Department and US Border Patrol.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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

A former East Cleveland police sergeant was sentenced to nine years in prison for her role in a conspiracy in which she kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Torris Moore pleaded guilty late last year to one count each of conspiracy against rights, Hobbs Act conspiracy and false statements to law enforcement and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Officers Antonio Malone and Eric Jones both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy. They are scheduled to be sentenced Monday.

“This police supervisor betrayed her badge and her community,” Rendon said. “She profited from the drug trade that has devastated the city she swore to protect. She has earned every day of this prison sentence through her criminal behavior.”

“Torris Moore acted like a cunning criminal rather than an honorable public servant who swore to protect and serve,” Anthony said. “She will now serve time behind bars for her reprehensible, unlawful conduct.”

Moore, of South Euclid, was a sergeant at the East Cleveland Police Department, where he supervised the Street Crimes Unit. Malone, of Cleveland, and Jones, of Cleveland Heights, were detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. The unit, including Moore, Malone and Jones, were familiar with several drug traffickers, according to court documents.

From 2012 through June 2014, the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter premises and exceed the scope of lawful entry, thereafter conducting unlawful searches and seizures, used their power to seize money and property for themselves under the guise of legitimate search warrants, and created and approved false reports, affidavits and other documents to conceal their illegal searches and seizures, according to court documents.

These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland. The conspirators placed false and inaccurate information in police reports, which Moore reviewed, knew was incorrect, but she failed to correct the inaccuracies. This false information was used to obtain search warrants, according to court documents.

The conspirators seized money and property during these searches, and diverted some of the seized money and property for their own use. Malone provided false information to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office about certain investigative techniques in order to conceal their illegal conduct, including attributing information to a confidential informant that did not exist, according to court documents.

For example, on Sept. 10, 2012, Jones presented an affidavit to an East Cleveland Municipal Judge, which the conspirators knew contained false and misleading statements. The judge, unaware of false information, issued a search warrant for a home on Sheldon Avenue. Moore, Malone, Jones and another officer then executed the search warrant and seized $20,000. On Sept. 11, Moore, Malone and Jones met at a park in East Cleveland and divided a portion of the $20,000, which each officer receiving between $2,000 and $3,000. Jones then authored a report reflecting that they had seized a total of $11,173, according to court documents.

On June 20, 2013, SCU officers, including Moore, searched a home on East 85th Street. Malone, without a search warrant, forced his way into a room that was secured by a padlock and seized approximately $100,000 in cash. Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department’s evidence room. Later that day, the three officers met at an East Cleveland park and divided the money, with each receiving about $10,000. Malone later wrote the search resulted in the recovery of $74,670, according to court documents.

On June 19, 2014, Malone encountered a parked car driven by a known drug trafficker, identified in the indictment only as M.M. Malone arrested M.M., who told the officer he had approximately $11,000 or $12,000 in the car’s glove box. Malone agreed to release M.M. but insisted on towing the car. Malone said: “I looked out for you. You gotta look out for me,” before instructing M.M. to get the cash from the glove box but to leave behind $3,000. Malone removed $3,000 from M.M.’s car but did not list the money when he completed the vehicle’s inventory form, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward F. Feran following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cleveland Division, with assistance from the East Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

A grand jury returned an indictment charging Anthony J. Natale, 37, of Warren, with one count of conveying false information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Natale mailed an envelope containing white powder via the United States Postal Service to American Business Center, at 7677 South Avenue, Youngstown, on November 10, 2014.  This was done with the intent to convey false and misleading information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction, according to the indictment.

Natale formerly worked at American Business Center. He was terminated on Oct. 6, 2014, according to court documents

“This defendant scared employees at his former workplace who opened an envelope containing white powder that they thought was a toxin,” Rendon said. “He caused panic, fire, police and HazMat units were forced to respond, and his former employer was forced to close their operations for more than two days. Mr. Natale will be held accountable for his actions.”

“There are appropriate, lawful avenues to express your displeasure at work, and inducing panic by sending what is believed to be a weapon of mass destruction is not one of them,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue efforts to identify and protect the public from threats such as the one perpetrated by Mr. Natale.” 

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mahoning 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.

A Virginia executive was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for providing things of value to the former director of the Cleveland and Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in exchange for confidential information about VA construction projects, law enforcement officials said.

Mark S. Farmer, 55, of Arlington, Virginia, was convicted by a jury last year on one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the Hobbs Act, two counts of wire fraud, six counts of mail fraud and four counts of theft of government property.

U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi sentenced Farmer to 33 months in prison and fined him $12,500.

Farmer was employed at CannonDesign, an integrated design firm headquartered in Buffalo, New York, that performed work for the VA. He worked in several different capacities, including associate principal.

Farmer and CannonDesign received VA records and things of value, including non-public information concerning the VA and streamlined access to public information concerning the VA, which William Montague had embezzled and stolen without authority from the VA. This was done to give Farmer and CannonDesign an advantage over other companies in the awarding and administration of VA business, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Montague, the former director of the Cleveland and Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, previously pleaded guilty to 64 counts related to his role in the conspiracy.

“Bribing a public official to obtain internal government documents and information for a competitive business advantage is illegal,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI will continue to root out corruption at all levels.”

“This prison sentence shows VA contractors will be held accountable for defrauding our nation’s veterans,” said Gavin McClaren, U.S. VA OIG, Resident Agent in Charge, Cleveland.

Farmer asked Montague to obtain information concerning VA contracts and business, including VA records. Montague used his power and influence at the VA to gain access to VA employees in ways that Farmer could not. Montague gave false and misleading information to VA employees about Montague’s reasons for requesting VA records and information, according to court records and trial testimony.

 The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Paul Flannery following an investigation by the FBI and United States Department of Veterans Affairs—Office of Inspector General.