Northern District of Ohio

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Cleveland Division, Northern District of Ohio, and Steven Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio announce the arrest of Taylor Crisman and Chris Hill for the hostage-style armed robbery of KeyBank in Ontario, Ohio in early November.  

On November 5, 2015, an unknown suspect held a KeyBank employee and his family hostage at gunpoint overnight in their home. On the morning of November 6, 2015, the suspect ordered the bank employee to travel to the bank, remove a large sum of money from the vault and return home. The suspect held the bank employee's wife and small children hostage until the employee returned home with the money. The bank employee complied with the demand.  The suspect then notified an accomplice to pick him up from the residence. 

A composite sketch of the unknown suspect was released to the public via the media on November 23, 2015.  Various tips were received. Based on the composite sketch being shown by various media outlets, on November 28, 2015, a tip was provided indicating knowledge of the person that committed the KeyBank robbery.  Investigators worked with the tipster to corroborate the information obtained over the next several days. 

At approximately 12pm today agents from the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Mansfield and Canton resident offices, along with officers from the Ontario Police Department and Richland County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop in Galion, Ohio and placed Crisman, 18, and Hill, 23, both of Galion, Ohio, into custody.  

"The FBI commends the media and the public for helping to identify the individual who terrorized a KeyBank employee and his young family overnight," said SAC Anthony.   "Crisman and Hill underestimated the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community."

"The one thing that these violent criminals did not count on was the incredible work of the FBI, the Ontario Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff's Office," said Dettelbach.   "Now they will pay the price at the bar of justice for that oversight." 

Crisman was placed into federal custody based on a federal arrest warrant obtained this week.  Crisman was transported to Akron, Ohio this afternoon.  Hill is currently being held on probable cause charges in the Richland County jail and will be federally charged tomorrow.  

Evidence has been obtained at various locations where these two individuals have recently resided.  Some items of evidence recovered include the fedora hat and bandana believed to be worn by Crisman during the time he held the family hostage in their home.  Also, the .38 caliber handgun believed to be used by Crisman has been recovered. 

Investigative activity continues to occur.  Additional information will be released when appropriate. 

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

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

A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Ryan L. Peltan, 30, of Doylestown, and Derik W. Snell, 39, of Wooster, with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. 

Count 1 of the indictment alleges that on October 26, 2015, Peltan and Snell possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 2,952 dose units of Adderall and approximately 90 dose units of Adderall patches, Schedule II controlled substances.

Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on the same date, Peltan and Snell possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 999 dose units of Alprazolam (Xanax), approximately 592 dose units of Conazepam, approximately 1,494 dose units of Lorazepam, and approximately 1,052 dose units of Tramadol, Schedule IV controlled substances. 

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Akron Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linda H. Barr.

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 pair from Stark County were indicted for allegedly counterfeiting $20 bills, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Keith Bloomfield, 20, of Canton, and Jordan R. Custer, 20, of Canal Fulton, were charged wtih with aiding and abetting one another in making counterfeit obligations of the United States. The indictment alleges that Bloomfield and Custer, aiding and abetting one another, falsely made, forged, and counterfeited approximately 20 falsely made, forged and counterfeited twenty-dollar Federal Reserve notes, obligations of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 471 and 2.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen E. Henderson, and was investigated by the United States Secret Service.

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

Two people from Northeast Ohio were charged wtih mail theft by a postal employee, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Indicted are Joseph W. Dixon, III, 36, of Parma, and Tiffany C. Miller, 26, of Cleveland.

The indictment against Dixon charges that, while he was a Postal Service employee, he stole mail from a Postal Service collection box in Brook Park.

A separate indictment against Miller charges that, while she was a Postal Service employee, she stole mail from Postal Service collection boxes in Cleveland and an envelope addressed to a resident of Euclid.

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

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.  The cases were investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

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

A Cleveland man was sentenced to 55 years in prison for committing three armed robberies, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland Office.

Eric Gooch, 24, was convicted by a jury this summer on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, use of a firearm during commission of a felony, armed bank robbery and Hobbs Act robbery.

Gooch conspired with others to rob Rose's Discount Store in Cleveland, Ohio.  On January 21, 2013, Gooch and others entered and robbed the Rose's Discount Store, and during the robbery, a firearm was brandished.  Gooch robbed the PNC Bank at 16614 Harvard Avenue in Cleveland on Feb. 22, 2013, and the PNC Bank at 2771 South Moreland Boulevard in Cleveland on March 13, 2013. A firearm was brandished during each bank robbery, according to trial testimony.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle M. Baeppler and M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the FBI and Cleveland Division of Police. 

A Sandusky man was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a billing scheme to defraud his employer, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Anthony K. Jones, 59, worked at Kyklos Bearing International LLC (KBI), where he had authority to make purchases for KBI using an acquisition credit card and the company’s purchase order process. Scott C. Wagner was the owner of Construction Equipment and Supply (CES), which sold and rented industrial machinery, according to the criminal information.

Beginning in 2001 and continuing through 2013, Wagner submitted invoices to Jones for goods that were never delivered and purchases of goods far in excess of what was actually delivered. Jones in turn arranged for KBI to pay the invoices, according to the information.

Wagner made large sums of money through the false billing scheme and compensated Jones with cash kickbacks, according to the information

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

The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sandusky, Ohio, with the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gene Crawford.

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.

Three men were indicted today on charges that they violated federal drug law, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Indicted are: Dockery Cleveland, 36; Menford McCain, 33, and Larone Williams, 45.

Count one of the indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. County two charges Dockery Cleveland and Larone Williams with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Count three charges the defendants with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

If convicted, the defendants' sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendants' prior criminal record, if any, the defendants' ro le in the offenses and the unique characteristics of the vio lations. 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 Daniel J. Riedl. The ninvestigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Youngstown, Ohio.

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.

Charles Lee Davis, Jr., 49, of Lisbon, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment charges that from on or about November 7, 2013, through on or about January 28, 2014, Davis 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 July 23, 2014, Davis possessed a computer containing 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 Youngstown Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

A 61-count indictment was filed charging Marcus Butler, of Houston, with making multiple false statements to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Department of Labor while defrauding the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and several of his former employees, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced that.

The indictment alleges that Butler ran an electrical company called LB Electric of Northeast Ohio in the Cleveland area.  Butler and his company agreed to work as subcontractors on a number of CMHA construction projects, including projects at the Riverside Park, Union Square and Delaney Village properties. 

Butler, as a subcontractor on the CMHA project, agreed to pay his employees a prevailing wage while they worked on these CMHA projects and further agreed to provide certified weekly payrolls to CMHA. Although Butler submitted numerous certified payrolls claiming that he paid a prevailing wage to his employees, he did not in fact make such payments to his employees and instead submitted false certified payrolls to conceal this conduct. As a result of his conduct, Butler overstated the amount of wages paid to his employees, and thus underpaid his employees, by approximately $126,514, according to the indictment.

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, the defendant’s 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 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and CMHA. 

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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

A federal grand jury returned a 15-count indictment charging Emmanuel Antwi, a Ghanaian national, with credit card fraud and bank fraud, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that Antwi defrauded Fifth Third Bank, First Merit Bank, and Key Bank through misrepresentations relating to numerous cash advances. 

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after review of the factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, the defendants’ roles 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

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Elyria 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 the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Jeffrey J. Justice, 32, of Chester Township, with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and with possessing child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the 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 Brian M. McDonough following an investigation by the FBI Cleveland Field Office, Painesville Resident Agency.

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.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Christopher B. Yates, 24, of Canfield, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment charges that from on or about September 25, 2013, through on or about October 28, 2013, Yates 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 November 15, 2013, Yates possessed a computer containing 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 Youngstown Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

An Akron, Ohio, man was arrested today on federal charges that he solicited the murder of members of the U.S. military.

Terrence J. McNeil, 25, appeared in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Ohio after being charged with one count of solicitation of a crime of violence.

The charge was announced by Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

“According to the allegations in the complaint, Terrence McNeil solicited the murder of members of our military by disseminating ISIL’s violent rhetoric, circulating detailed U.S. military personnel information, and explicitly calling for the killing of American service members in their homes and communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “ISIL and its followers continue to use social media in an attempt to incite violence around the world, including in the United States.  The National Security Division's highest priority is counterterrorism and we will use all of our tools to disrupt threats and acts of violence against our military members and their families.”

“As this nation honors our veterans, we must make clear that we will not tolerate threats of violence against our service members,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “This defendant is charged with urging harm to our men and women in uniform and will now answer for those threats.”

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

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

McNeil professed his support on social media on numerous occasions for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

On or about Sept. 24, 2015, using a Tumblr account, McNeil reblogged a file with the banner “Islamic State Hacking Division,” followed by “Target: United States Military” and “Leak: Addresses of 100 U.S. Military Personnel.”

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

The file then loops several dozen photographs, purportedly of U.S. military personnel, along with their respective name, address and military branch.

The final image looped is a picture of a handgun and a knife with text that reads “…and kill them wherever you find them…”

A charge is not evidence of guilt.  It is the government’s burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and a defendant is presumed innocent until that time.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland.  This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Ohio and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

McNeil Complaint

Several indictments regarding drug trafficking and firearms crimes in Lorain County were recently unsealed in federal court as part of an ongoing coordinated enforcement initiative, law enforcement officials said.

The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach, Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will, Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely, Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera, Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti, Drug Enforcement Administration Resident Agent in Charge Keith Martin, ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald J. Soranno and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Steven D. Anthony and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force.

Cases recently filed include:

Jason Vasquez, 37 of Lorain, was charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute heroin. He also faces charges for possessing a firearm and ammunition despite previous convictions for drug trafficking, felonious assault and intimidation. Vasquez is believed to be a major source of heroin and fentanyl in the Lorain County area.

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 revolver, a Smith and Wesson pistol, a Keltec .380 handgun and a Mossberg 12 gage shotgun. He was 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 the indictment.

Octavious Smith, 37, of Elyria, was indicted for possessing a 9 mm firearm and distributing heroin and crack cocaine in Lorain County. Smith was previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

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.

Steve J. Hamilton, 24, of Lorain, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, namely a Heritage MFG “Rough Rider” .22-caliber revolver.  Hamilton was previously convicted of felony offenses which would prohibit him from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

These indictments are just the latest in the continuing efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office to work with local partners Lorain County to ensure those who repeatedly violate gun and drug laws in Lorain County are held accountable.

“These defendants’ days of selling drugs on the streets of Elyria and Lorain, or carrying firearms despite prior felony convictions, are over,” Dettelbach said. “These cases are a great example of what happens when agencies and departments combine their resources and expertise to work together. We will build off these successes and work to keep Lorain County safe.”

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:

Jeremy Mack, 38, of Elyria, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted him of human trafficking, drug crimes and obstruction of justice.

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.

John H. Allen, 49, of Lorain, was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison after being convicted of possession with the intent to distribute PCP and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Paul Montoy, 40, and Fred Alston, 60, both 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.

Jerry Wells, 34, of Elyria, recently pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin, MDMA, marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Wells was previously convicted of felony offenses which prohibited him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. He is awaiting sentencing.

Quentin Jackson, 24, of Elyria was recently convicted of felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing is pending.

If convicted, each 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.

An Akron man was arrested today on federal charges that he solicited the murder of members of the U.S. military.

Terrence J. McNeil, 25, appeared in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Ohio after being charged with one count of solicitation of a crime of violence.

The charge was announced by Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

“According to the allegations in the complaint, Terrence McNeil solicited the murder of members of our military by disseminating ISIL’s violent rhetoric, circulating detailed U.S. military personnel information, and explicitly calling for the killing of American service members in their homes and communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “ISIL and its followers continue to use social media in an attempt to incite violence around the world, including in the United States.  The National Security Division's highest priority is counterterrorism and we will use all of our tools to disrupt threats and acts of violence against our military members and their families.”

“As this nation honors our veterans, we must make clear that we will not tolerate threats of violence against our service members,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “This defendant is charged with urging harm to our men and women in uniform and will now answer for those threats.”

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

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

McNeil professed his support on social media on numerous occasions for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

On or about Sept. 24, 2015, using a Tumblr account, McNeil reblogged a file with the banner “Islamic State Hacking Division,” followed by “Target: United States Military” and “Leak: Addresses of 100 U.S. Military Personnel.”

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

The file then loops several dozen photographs, purportedly of U.S. military personnel, along with their respective name, address and military branch.

The final image looped is a picture of a handgun and a knife with text that reads “…and kill them wherever you find them…”

A charge is not evidence of guilt.  It is the government’s burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and a defendant is presumed innocent until that time.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes local, state and federal agencies from Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland FBI would like to thank the following partners in this investigation: Akron Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Transit Police, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations. This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Ohio and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A federal grand jury sitting returned a six-count superseding indictment charging a Roaming Shores man with distribution of heroin, distribution of crack cocaine, possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

James E. Brooks, 40, remains detained in federal custody.

Brooks knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine on August 12, 2015, on August 13, 2015, and on August 17, 2015. He also distributed heroin on August 17, 2015, according to the indictment.

Brooks possessed a firearm during the August 17, 2015, drug trafficking crime. The indictment also alleges that on August 20, 2015, Brooks possessed a Walther, model P22, .22 Caliber Pistol; a Winchester, model 50, 12 gauge shotgun; and a Winchester, model 120, 12 gauge shotgun. Brooks was forbidden from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions including drug abuse, burglary, aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, felonious assault, escape, and felonious assault with a firearm specification, all in the Trumbull 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, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio BCI&I and the TAG Law Enforcement Task Force. 

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 13-count indictment charging a former Cleveland woman with tax fraud, obstruction and related charges was unsealed, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Troy Stemen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Lerona Renay Shelton, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. Shelton is charged wtih conspiracy to defraud the United States, six counts of aiding and abetting tax returns, obstruction of an official proceeding, four counts of making false statements and one count of perjury.

Shelton in 2010 obtained taxpayer names, addresses and W-2 forms that claimed false employments, wages and taxes withheld. Shelton sent this information to Sean Houston, of Cleveland, who prepared and submitted false tax returns to the IRS, according to the indictment.

Shelton was questioned in the Grand Jury about his activities with Houston and gave answers that he knew to be false, according to the indictment.

Houston pleaded guilty on April 13, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to file false claims for income tax refunds with the IRS and 10 counts of filing false claims for income tax refunds with the IRS.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 24, 2015.

Another related defendant, Nikita Griffin, pleaded guilty on April 14, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to file false claims for income tax refunds with the IRS.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2015.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James V. Moroney following an investigation by 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.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging a Cleveland man with robbing three banks and attempting to rob a fourth during a one-week period, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Kevin Lamar Anderson, 46, is charged with robbing the Key Bank located at 5703 Broadway Avenue, twice robbing the U.S. Bank located at 6509 Harvard Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, and attempting to rob the Ohio Saving Bank at 1866 W. 25th Street in August.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cleveland Division of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

A Norton man was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison  for sexually assaulting minors while in Honduras, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio

Corey L. Bryant, 25, pleaded guilty earlier this year to traveling in foreign commerce and engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

Bryant traveled from the United States to Honduras, and engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with three minors at various times between August 2011 and November 2014, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan and Trial Attorney Amy Larson of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. The case was investigated by the Cleveland Office of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from HSI Tegucigalpa and the HSI Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit.

A 61-count indictment was filed in federal court charging 19 people for their roles in a drug conspiracy that brought large shipments of heroin to the Cleveland area and then distributed the drug in Ashtabula, Conneaut and Bellaire, Ohio and Wheeling, West Virginia, law enforcement officials said.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit 14 firearms, three vehicles, nearly $100,000 in cash and the proceeds of a $50,000 winning lottery ticket seized as part of the investigation.

Indicted are: Rayshone Mitchell, 37, of Euclid; Jermaine King, 39, of Warrensville Heights; T-Shawn Yarber. 35, of Ashtabula; Ashley Washburn, 29, of Ashtabula; John Sabo, 44, of Conneaut; Jeanie Sabo, 44, of Conneaut; Brenda Burdick, 55, of Conneaut; Jacob Payne, 23, of Ashtabula; Laroo Wells, 22, of Ashtabula; Francis Mitchell, 34, of Cleveland; Dawn Perry, 44, of Cleveland; Arthur Ezell, Jr., 24, of Ashtabula, Dymond Williams, 22, of Ashtabula; Julius Mitchell, 35, of Cleveland; Jacob Moser, 25, of Conneaut; Curry Williams, 24, of Ashtabula; Claude Bernard, 24, of Ashtabula; Michael Mlynek, 54, of Powhatan Point and Trayshon Kimbrough, 30.

Rayshone Mitchell and Jermaine King obtained heroin from outside Ohio from early 2014 through this year. Rayshone Mitchell supplied heroin to John and Jeanie Sabo, who in turn transported it to Ashtabula and Conneaut and redistributed it to Yarber, Washburn, Burdick, Payne, Well, Ezell, Dymond Williams, Moser, Curry Williams and Bernard to distribute in those cities. King provided heroin to Perry and Mlynek, who distributed it to individuals in Bellaire, Ohio, and Wheeling, West Virginia, according to the indictment.

Drug proceeds were then transported from those cities back to Rayshone Mitchell and King, according to the indictment.

All 19 defendants are charged in count one with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Counts 2-24 charge various individuals with distribution of heroin. Counts 25-56 charge various individuals with use of a telephone to facilitate commission of a felony. Count 57 charges Perry with using a residence to store heroin and Count 58 charges Francis Mitchell with the same.

Count 59 charges Rayshone Mitchell with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for having five firearms despite convictions for aggravated robbery with a firearms specification, felonious assault and other convictions.

Count 60 charges Julius Mitchell with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for having two firearms despite convictions for drug trafficking with schoolyard specifications.

Count 61 charges T-Shawn Yarber with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for having a  firearm despite convictions for drug trafficking, criminal gang activity and escape.

“These defendants profited off the pain and addiction of others,” said U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach. “They left behind a trail of broken lives and damaged families from Cleveland to Conneaut, Ashtabula and elsewhere.”

“This investigation demonstrates that the disruption of heroin trafficking is a top priority to DEA and our law enforcement partners,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Joseph P. Reagan.  “We continue to focus on identifying and bringing to justice those individuals that are responsible for the increasing heroin problem in Ohio and across the United States.”

“We’re committed to working together with our partners to stay ahead of this problem,” Ashtabula County Sheriff William Johnson said. “These investigations are lengthy but help us reduce the drug and major crime problems in our county.”

“We are thankful for the state and federal partnerships we have that assist us in removing drug dealers from our community,” said Capt. Jeff Orr, commander of the Trumbull Ashtabula Group Law Enforcement Task Force.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Daniel J. Riedl and following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ashtabula Police Department, the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office and the Trumbull Ashtabula Group Law Enforcement Task Force, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, the Conneaut Police Department, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Euclid Police Department.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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 Ohio man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for sexually abusing three Honduran minors, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio. 

Corey L. Bryant, 26, of Norton, Ohio, was a volunteer at two different homeless ministries in Honduras that provided housing and supportive services for impoverished children.  Bryant admitted that between August 2011 and November 2014, he traveled between the United States and Honduras 10 times.  Bryant further admitted that while serving as a resident volunteer at one of these ministries and teaching fourth grade at a local private school, he repeatedly sexually abused three Honduran minors who resided at these ministries.  On Aug. 7, 2015, Bryant pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct abroad as a U.S. citizen.

The investigation was conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations Cleveland Field Office.  Trial Attorney Amy E. Larson of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan of the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A four-count indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio charging four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.

The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.

Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37; Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36; Asif Ahmed Salim, 35; and Sultane Room Salim, 40, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.  Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad both face an additional count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

“According to the allegations in the indictment, Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim conspired to provide and did provide material support to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.”

“The charges in this case outline a plan to send thousands of dollars to a known terrorist, a plan which came to fruition shortly before one of the most notorious attempted attacks in recent memory – an attack supported by that same terrorist,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “This indictment is a testament to the perseverance of those who stand watch over our nation and is a clear message to those who support terrorism – we will not forget and you will face justice.”

“In today’s world, Kansas is not far removed from the battlefields of the war on terror,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “We will do everything in our power to prevent funding and material support from finding its way from the heart of America to terrorists in foreign lands.”

“These individuals conspired and then acted on their radical beliefs by providing support to a known terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “The identification of their conspiracy and the subsequent investigation demonstrate how members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate terrorist’s threats in order to protect our citizens.”

Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004.  In or around March 2008, he married a U.S. citizen.  His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005.  In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen.  He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.

Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005.  He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007.  His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago-area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus area.

According to the indictment, from January 2005 through January 2012, the four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki.  Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010.  The indictment also alleges that the defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.

The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East.  Allegations in the indictment charge that Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions.

The indictment further alleges that on July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki.  They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates.  Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki.

An indictment is only 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’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and 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 investigated by the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Criminal charges were filed against the owner of a Sandusky equipment rental company for his fraudulent conduct related to Castalia Farms and other businesses, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

A 32-count indictment was filed charging Scott C. Wagner, 51, of Perkins Township, with several criminal conspiracies, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and destruction of records.  Tom Walters, Jr., of Swanton, is also charged in the indictment with conspiracy and mail fraud.

According to court documents filed in the case:

Castalia Farms was a hospitality facility owned by Owens-Illinois, Inc. and used by the company as a recreational facility since the 1930s. O-I closed the facility in 2012 and later sold the property.

Michael K. Conrad, 48, of Castalia, Ohio, managed Castalia Farms. In this capacity, Conrad had an occasional need for industrial equipment and was a regular customer of Wagner and his company, Construction Equipment & Supply (CES), a Sandusky business that rented and sold industrial machinery and equipment for commercial use.

Wagner controlled the day-to-day operations of CES and submitted false invoices to Conrad that were then passed on to O-I for equipment rentals that never occurred, purchases of construction supplies and other goods that never occurred, purchases of construction supplies that were far in excess of what was actually delivered, and other fraudulent billings.

For example, O-I was billed more than $350,000 for 532 days of renting a piece of equipment used to grind trees and other vegetation, when in reality the grinder was not at Castalia Farms for nearly all the time it was billed to O-I as a rental, according to court documents.

In October 2010, Conrad submitted to O-I a fraudulent invoice for $47,925 worth of landscaping work, purportedly done at Castalia Farms. The work was actually done at Wagner’s personal residence. O-I paid the invoice in December 2010, according to court documents.

The indictment also charges Wagner with defrauding two other Northwest Ohio companies using a similar false-billing scheme.  The first victim company, Kyklos Bearing International, LLC of Sandusky, Ohio, paid false invoices Wagner submitted with the assistance of a Kyklos Bearing International employee.  The indictment alleges that the invoices were false because they sought payment for goods that were never delivered by CES.

The second victim company, Sawyer Structural Steel, Inc. of Holland, Ohio, paid false invoices Wagner submitted with the assistance of Tom Walters, Jr., a Sawyer Steel employee at the time of the fraud.  Wagner and Walters conspired to defraud Sawyer Steel, where Walters worked as a general manager. To do this, Wagner submitted invoices to Sawyer Steel that were false, including invoices for supplies and other goods that were never delivered, equipment rentals that never occurred and the purchase of supplies and other goods that were far in excess of what was actually delivered, according to court documents.

Conrad has already pleaded guilty to crimes related to his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sandusky, Ohio, with the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

A charge 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.

Two men from the Mahoning Valley face federal firearms charges, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio

Indicted are Chance D. Wells, 25, of Warren, and Arian O’Connor, 38, of Youngstown. Both are charged with being a felon in possession of firearms in unrelated cases.

Wells possessed a Ruger, Model P85 MKII, 9mm pistol, and a Mossberg, Model 146B, .22 caliber rifle, and ammunition, on September 4, 2015, despite prior convictions for conspiracy to distribute heroin and failure to comply, according to the indictment.

O'Connor, also known as Noble Bullhorn Sirius O’Connor Bay, possessed a Maddi Company, Model Arm, 7.62 rifle on or about August 12, 2015, O’Connor, despite prior convictions for felonoius assault and two convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer following investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Youngstown Police Department and the U.S. Probation 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 former attorney from Van Wert was charged with one count of mail fraud for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Charles Allan Runser, 72, advised clients on wills, estates and trusts, served as executor of clients' estates and served as guardians for clients, according to the criminal information.

Runser illegally obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients in this capacity, by writing checks to himself, falsifying his law firm's accounting system to create phantom accounts, withdrawing client funds for personal use, selling client securities to enrich himself, misrepresenting the amount of assets in trusts to probate court, and other actions, according to the information

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

The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Lima Resident Agency.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah P. Hood and Gene Crawford.

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

A North Ridgeville man was sentenced to 15 years in prison related to distribution of child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland office.

Sean M. Barnhill, 37, was previously convicted of distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Barnhill knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place from August 1, 2014, through August 30, 2014. Barnhill accessed with intent to view images of child pornography on his computer between September 1, 2013 and January 8, 2015, according to court documents

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Elyria Office.

The former postmaster of the Gates Mills Post Office was sentenced to 10 months in prison and ordered to repay approximately $57,000 that she stole, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Monica Weyler, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service -- Office of Inspector General, Eastern Area Field Office.

Ann Apana, 66, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was previously found  on one count of theft of property used by the U.S. Postal Service.

From at least June 12, 2009 until June 15, 2014, as part of a continuing course of conduct, Apana stole approximately $38,741.42 in money and merchandise from the Postal Service and made approximately $18,341.08 in unauthorized purchases of postage using customers’ credit card information.

"The vast majority of the Postal Service's 600,000 employees are hardworking, dedicated individuals worthy of the American public's trust,” Weyler said. “Unfortunately, a small few decide to take advantage of that trust and steal from their employer and customers. Today's sentence shows that special agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General work diligently to identify those few individuals, and seek their prosecution and removal from employment. The message is clear -- if you steal from the Postal Service, you will go to jail and lose your job."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda E. Dugi following an investigation by special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Eric V. Bartoli, who was indicted in 2003 and was a fugitive for more than a decade, is in custody in the United States, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the FBI, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom.

Bartoli is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge John Adams Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Akron to be arraigned on a 10-count indictment.

Bartoli is accused of operating a large-scale ponzi scheme from 1995 through 1999.  Bartoli allegedly created and operated a company by the name of Cyprus Funds, Inc., which was based in Doylestown, Ohio and incorporated in Central America. Bartoli and his co-conspirators allegedly operated Cyprus to sell certificates of deposit and unregistered mutual funds.  Cyprus raised approximately $65 million from an estimated 800 investors in Latin America and the United States. Some of Cyprus’s victims include retirees, according to court records.

Bartoli was sued in 1999 by the Securities and Exchange Commission on charges involving the Cyprus Funds, Inc. Bartoli did not appear at a scheduled hearing regarding the SEC charges. He was subsequently found in contempt of court and a civil arrest warrant was issued. Bartoli had fled Ohio and was arrested in New Hampshire. Bartoli was not detained at that time and became a fugitive.

A 10-count federal indictment was filed against Bartoli in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in October 2003. He was charged with conspiracy, securities fraud, sale of unregistered securities, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and attempted income tax evasion.

Bartoli has been featured on shows including American Greed and Life on the Run, among others.

Bartoli was taken into custody by the Peruvian National Police in Lima, Peru, in 2013. The operation was a joint effort between the FBI, Diplomatic Security Service, and the Peruvian National Police.

“The fact that this man is back on American soil and will finally stand before a judge to answer to these charges is a tribute to all who have worked on this case,” Dettelbach said. “They never stopped pursuing justice for the victims.”

“A little over 12 years past the date of indictment, Bartoli's life on the run has come to an end,” Anthony said. “The over 800 investors will now have some closure by seeing that the FBI, in cooperation with our international partners, never gave up and has brought this fugitive to justice.”

“Honest and law-abiding citizens are fed up with those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” Enstrom said. “Tax evasion and fraud of this magnitude, and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserves to be punished.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and Miranda Dugi following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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 sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases they 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.

Cleveland Thermal LLC will replace three coal‑fired boilers with new natural gas-fired boilers which will significantly reduce sulfur dioxide emissions under the terms of a settlement reached between the company and federal authorities, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“This agreement will improve the air quality for those who live, work and play in Cleveland,” Dettelbach said. “It will help our collective health while bringing a local company in compliance with the law.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, acting on the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, filed a complaint and proposed consent decree.

U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman said: “This settlement will protect Cleveland residents from air pollutants that are especially harmful to children, older people and those with asthma.”

Cleveland Thermal owns and operates a facility on Canal Road that houses three coal-fired boilers that generate steam for distribution to customers in downtown Cleveland. In the complaint, the United States alleges that Cleveland Thermal undertook major modifications to two boilers, in 2005 and 2006, but failed to obtain the necessary permits and use the best available control technology for sulfur dioxide and achieve the lowest emission rate for nitrogen oxides.

According to the complaint, significant amounts of excess sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides have been and continue to be released into the air. These pollutants harm public health and the environment, contributing to premature mortality, asthma attacks, acid rain, smog and other adverse effects.

Under the proposed consent decree, Cleveland Thermal will shut down the two coal-fired boilers that are the subject of the complaint.  Cleveland Thermal also will shut down the remaining coal-fired boiler in its system as well as three fuel oil-fired boilers located at its facility on Hamilton Avenue.

Cleveland Thermal will replace the lost capacity with new natural gas-fired boilers, one of which will begin operation by the end of November.  Cleveland Thermal also will have the option to install and operate a new natural gas-fired cogeneration facility, according to the proposed consent decree.

The injunctive relief is estimated to cost $16 million and sulfur dioxide emissions are estimated to be reduced by approximately 900 tons per year.

Cleveland Thermal will pay a penalty of $75,000 and perform an Environmental Mitigation Project worth $350,000.

The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.  The consent decree will be available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

A Pepper Pike woman was sentenced to seven years in prison for an identity-theft scheme in which she attempted to claim nearly $550,000 in fraudulent tax refunds, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

Ghana Johnson, 46, was previously found guilty to one count of wire fraud, five counts of filing false claims for income tax refunds and five counts of aggravated identity theft. She was ordered to pay $357,119 in restitution.

"This defendant stole identities from unsuspecting people and then tried to get rich off of taxpayers," Dettelbach said.

“Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” Enstrom said. “Stealing identities and filing false tax returns is a serious crime that hurts innocent taxpayers.”

Johnson electronically filed 106 false, fictitious, and fraudulent tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2011 — in her own name and others’ — claiming a nearly $550,000 in tax refunds. Johnson requested that these false income tax refunds be paid by direct deposit to prepaid debit cards, according to court documents.

Johnson used stolen means of identification, including names and Social Security numbers, to execute her scheme. She obtained these means of identification in a variety of ways, including from stolen admission records from a medical and dental assistant school in Cleveland, according to court documents.

Johnson held herself out to be an income tax preparer to family, friends, and others; even though Johnson did not list herself as an income tax preparer on any of the fraudulent income tax returns she filed in the names of others. She falsified wage income, federal income tax withholdings, dependents, exemptions, and tax credit information in order to obtain income tax refunds for which neither Johnson nor the individuals she prepared the income tax returns for were entitled to receive. Many of the fraudulent income tax returns filed by Johnson shared common characteristics, including addresses, employers, wages, federal income tax withholdings, and tax credits, according to court documents.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Unit, in Cleveland, Ohio conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miranda E. Dugi.

A Cleveland man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his armed robbery of a Family Dollar store, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Willie L. Monroe, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Adams after previously being found guilty of attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in commission of the robbery.

Monroe robbed the Family Dollar at 1915 South Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights on Sept. 23, 2014, according to court documents.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Cleveland Heights Police Department.

A grand jury returned an indictment charging Gerald D. Dotson, 45, of Cleveland, with 27 counts of filing false tax returns, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that Dotson filed a series of false tax returns during 2011, 2012, and 2013 claiming falsified wage income and tax credit information for individuals resulting in at least $139,675 in fraudulent refunds.  The indictment further alleges that in some instances, Dotson requested that portions of the refunds be directed to bank accounts directly and indirectly controlled by him.

“The nation’s tax system should not be seen as a free standing ATM for criminals to ransack at will for personal enrichment,” said Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Honest taxpayers are the real victims with these schemes and IRS-CI will ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

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 sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases they will be less than the maximum.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.

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

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Devin Cooper, 26, of Cleveland, with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that Cooper executed a scheme to defraud Fifth Third Bank by fraudulently obtaining debit cards associated with three victim business accounts. The indictment further alleges that Cooper used these debit cards to make unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals totaling over $290,000. The indictment also charges Cooper with unlawfully using the means of identification of two individual victims during the course of the Bank Fraud.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Parma 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.

Eighteen people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that brought large amounts of heroin and crack cocaine to Canton from Chicago, law enforcement officials said.

Some of the defendants illegally used firearms as part of the conspiracy. Drug addicts were sometimes used to transport the narcotics from Chicago to Ohio, and the drugs were then distributed from houses in Canton and elsewhere, according to the indictment.

Named in the 11-count indictment are: Jermaine Ramsey, 39, of Canton; Philon Ramsey, 33, of Akron; Caitlin Dixon, 22, of Canton; Eric Edwards, 24, of Canton; Deonte Lewis, 29, of Canton; Terence Harper, 42, of Alliance; Drakco Edwards, 34, of Canton; Lowrell Neal, 35, of Canton; Shaun Smith, 36, of Canton; James Clark, 36, of Alliance; Cory Abbott, 30, of Canton; Matthew Carmichael, 19, of Riverside, Illinois; Frederick Coleman, 31, of Alliance; Dominique Edwards, 26, of Canton; Clifford Edwards, 57, of Canton; Thomas Bergener, 33, of Canton; Quinton Campbell, 28, of Chicago, and Patrick Thomas, 31, of Massillon.

Philon Ramsey, Jermaine Ramsey, Caitlin Dixon, Eric Edwards, Lowrell Neal and others obtained large quantities of heroin and cocaine from a supplier in Chicago. Edwards, Philon Ramsey, Dixon and others had addicts and relatives drive them and others to Chicago to obtain the drugs, according to the indictment.

Philon Ramsey, Edwards, Neal and others used addicts as “runners” to deliver heroin and cocaine to drug customers. They also used addicts and relatives to live in “trap houses” from which they distributed heroin and cocaine. These included residences on Lawn Avenue SW, Holland Court and 16th Street NE, and Piedmont Street in Canton, according to the indictment.

Eric Edwards used Shaun Smith and Patrick Thomas as “enforcers” for his drug trafficking organization, according to the indictment.

Philon Ramsey, Lowrell Neal, Terence Harper, Eric Edwards and Patrick Thomas face additional charges for being felons in possession of firearms.

Jermaine Ramsey, Matthew Carmichael and Quinton Campbell face additional charges for distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of Heritage Christian School. Drakco Edwards is charged with selling heroin within 1,000 feet of Fairmount Elementary School. Cory Abbott is charged with selling heroin within 1,000 feet of Timken High School.

The conspiracy took place between February 2013 and April 2015. Twenty-three firearms were seized as part of the investigation.

“These defendants spread misery throughout Stark County,” said U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach. “They illegally used firearms and held neighborhoods captive all in the name of selling drugs for profit.”

“The FBI will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to remove the gun-toting suppliers and distributors of dangerous drugs being brought to the streets,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

“The result of an ongoing effort and belief among all levels of law enforcement with the common purpose of assisting the community in the saving of lives in the effort against heroin,” said Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the Stark County Safe Streets Task Force. The task force includes members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, Alliance Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department and the State of Ohio Parole Authority.

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 Solon man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for his role in murder-for-hire plot, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.

Dennis A. Totarella, 66, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and fined $40,000. He was previously found guilty of one count of use of an interstate communication facility to commit murder for hire.

Totarella, working with James Martino, used cellular telephones and Internet websites as part of a plot to murder someone in exchange for $40,000. This took place between January and June 2013, according to court documents.

Martino, of Highland Heights, has pleaded guilty for his role in the offense and is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 15.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan Brown and M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A former Copley resident was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for stealing more than $1.5 million from healthcare plans he administered and using the money to pay for bonuses, operating expenses, luxury car leases and a country club membership, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Robert Hartenstein, 62, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.5 million in restitution. He previously was found guilty of seven counts of theft from a health benefit program.

“This defendant was entrusted with millions of dollars to pay for hospital stays and medical tests, but instead betrayed that trust and used his clients’ money for fancy cars, lavish entertainment and his own business operations,” Dettelbach said.

Hartenstein in 1994 started Professional Benefits Association (PBA), a company that was a third-party administrator of healthcare plan benefits. It was located in Cuyahoga Falls and had a branch office in Austintown. Hartenstein was the majority owner, chief executive officer and chairman and secretary of its board of directors.

PBA had several clients that were companies which sponsored self-funded health care benefit plans for their employees. These companies hired PBA and paid it a fee to administer their benefit plans. Hartenstein knew PBA was required by law and by contract to establish individual segregated bank accounts for each of the client companies to hold, in trust, the funds the companies sent to PBA to pay claims from medical service providers, according to court documents.

From at least 2000 through 2010, Hartenstein caused, authorized and directed expenditures from PBA’s operating account. Such expenditures included salaries and periodic bonuses to Hartenstein and PBA employees, payments to lease luxury cars and a country club membership Hartenstein used and an entertainment account Hartenstein used, according to court documents.

A PBA employee identified in the indictment only as L.W. began regularly depositing plan funds from the companies into the PBA operating account instead of depositing those funds into the companies’ respective segregated trust accounts, as required by law and PBA’s contracts with the companies. This improper comingling of funds was done with Hartenstein’s knowledge, according to court documents.

Hartenstein learned in 2008 or earlier that PBA did not have sufficient funds to pay the medical service provide claims for which the companies had already provided funds in trust to PBA. When he learned of the shortfalls, Hartenstein directed PBA employees to withhold payments from service providers for increasing periods of time. Employees made up excuses for the delays at Hartenstein’s direction, according to court documents.

Hartenstein did not inform the companies of the shortfalls. Instead, he directed PBA employees to divert funds to pay for other outstanding claims. He misled PBA clients about the status of payments and why claims had not been paid. At Hartenstein’s direction, PBA employees made up false excuses for lack of payment to companies or falsely claimed payment had been made, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the health benefit plans that Hartenstein defrauded were for the following organizations: Guyan International, Inc. dba the Permco ($501,380); Pritchard Mining Company, Inc. ($435,837); Hocking Athens Perry Community Action ($384,574); O’Bleness Memorial Hospital ($91,877); Precision Gear ($54,612); Lordstown Schools ($32,835) and the Joseph Badger Local Schools ($29,357).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko following an investigation by the United States Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Cincinnati regional office and the Office of Inspector General

.

A Richmond Heights woman was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison for operating an $18 million home healthcare fraud scheme, law enforcement officials said.

Sharon Ward, 45, was sentenced to 94 months in prison and ordered to pay $18 million in restitution after previously being found guilty to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Her mother, Queen Ward, 64, of Cleveland Heights, was previously found guilty of healthcare fraud. She was sentenced to five years supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and ordered to pay more than $400,000 in restitution .

Together, they owned and operated Heritage Home Healthcare Agency in Cleveland Heights, despite the fact that Sharon Ward was previously convicted of Medicaid fraud, which precluded her participation in all federal health care programs for five years. Sharon Ward continued to own Heritage Home Health while she was excluded, as well as continued to see patients as a nurse, conducted nursing visits and bill Medicaid for her and her employees’ services. Queen Ward continued to bill Medicaid for her daughter’s services, and continued to pay Sharon Ward, despite the fact that she had been told by the Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that Sharon Ward was an excluded provider and had never been reinstated as an accredited provider, according to court documents.

Queen Ward also created fraudulent background checks for prospective employees that had criminal records and therefore would have been disqualified, according to court documents.

Between 2006 and 2014, Heritage Home Health received more than $18.1 million from Medicaid and Sharon Ward received a salary of more than $2.2 million, all during Sharon Ward’s period of exclusion from federal health care programs, according to court documents.

“The conduct detailed in these cases is egregious,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “These programs were designed to help the sick and infirm, and these defendants defrauded them out of millions of dollars for their own personal gain.”

“Health care fraud affects every American,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office. “Waste, fraud and abuse take critical resources out of our health care system, contribute to the rising cost of health care and degrades the integrity of our health care system and legitimate patient care. This week’s efforts send a message to those defrauding our system that authorities will collaboratively address this significant crime problem.”

“The defendants in this case exhibited a complete disregard for the law and potentially put the safety and well-being of elderly and ill homebound patients at risk,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a deterrence to those who attempt to execute health care fraud schemes, and demonstrate that the OIG and our law enforcement partners are actively engaged in protecting vulnerable patients and taxpayer dollars.”

“Ohio has one of the best Medicaid Fraud Control Units in the country, and we diligently work with our state, local, and federal partners to weed out those who bill Medicaid and Medicare for services they did not provide or services that are not medically necessarily,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine. “Heath care fraud diverts funds from people who legitimately need care, and through joint efforts like this one, we intend to continue to aggressively go after those who steal from taxpayers and take money that they are not entitled to receive.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hollingsworth following an investigation by the FBI, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

A 10-count indictment was filed charging a Garrettsville executive with withholding nearly $250,000 from his employees’ paychecks but not paying the taxes over to the government, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office.

Jonathan M. Lawrence, 57, was indicted on 10 counts of failure to truthfully account for and pay over employment taxes.

“The conduct described in this indictment is no different than theft,” Dettelbach said.

“Corporate executive and business owners have a significant responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the IRS,” Enstrom said. “Those who fail to do so to gain a competitive advantage will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Lawrence served as president and chief executive officer of Laurenco Systems of Ohio LLC, a company he established in 2006 with an office in Leavittsburg, Ohio. As the person with control of the company’s finances, payroll and tax liabilities, Lawrence was responsible for withholding income tax from employees and paying that money to the IRS, according to the indictment.

For 2008 through 2010 and parts of 2011, Lawrence withheld payroll taxes from the company’s employees but did not pay the money to the IRS. The total amount withheld but not paid was approximately $228,482, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca  Lutzko following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

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

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

A Cleveland man was indicted on three counts of money laundering for accepting $20,000 in drug proceeds, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Matthew J. King, 44, accepted $20,000 in cash and then wrote two checks totaling $4,000 in early 2014. The funds were provided for the purpose of money laundering that had been represented to King were the proceeds of the distribution of controlled substances, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Baeppler  following an investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force. The NOLETF is a task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the police departments of Cleveland Heights, Euclid, Lakewood, the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Shaker Heights. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiatives, which supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking in Ohio.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey will be among the speakers Wednesday, Oct. 14, when Northeast Ohio organizations host the region’s inaugural CyberSecurity Conference.

The free event, which also features Chris Inglis, former Deputy Director of the National Security Administration, marks the official launch of a public-private partnership designed to enhance the region’s capacity for preventing and responding to cyber attacks.

Two of Northeast Ohio’s most important assets are the intellectual property that is developed here, and the cooperative spirit that separates this region’s DNA from others, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and one of the conference organizers.  ”This conference and the consortium that is being announced tap into these collective strengths to safeguard our area’s future.”

In addition to national speakers, the one-day conference at the Cleveland Convention Center also includes an overview of the new partnership as well as a presentation regarding cyber preparations for the Republic National Convention. Attendees also will participate in a simulation of a cyber attack on key Cleveland entities.

“This partnership has immense potential to advance Northeast Ohio,” said Ronn Richard, President and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation and one of the conference panelists. “Not only will it strengthen our collective ability to combat cyber crime, but it also will connect industry, government and education in ways that encourage innovation and economic development.”

Over the past several months, Dettelbach’s office has been working closely with Case Western Reserve, Cleveland Clinic, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland to explore ways to increase Northeast Ohio’s expertise in this realm. Over time the four original groups engaged major organizations across the area, and also researched successful efforts elsewhere. One of the most well-known of these initiatives is Boston’s Advanced Cyber Security Center (ACSC).

Begun in 2007, that center now includes more than 30 members representing fields from government and financial services to health care and higher education. Members of the nonprofit consortium have access to a threat information sharing portal, an email list server, a structured information database platform, and other secured means of online engagement. In addition, those directly responsible for threat protection in their organizations meet every other week, while senior leaders meet every other month.

MITRE, a national nonprofit that runs research and development initiatives for the federal government, played a pivotal role in the development of Boston’s initiative. Cleveland leaders consulted extensively with MITRE when they first began discussing the issue, and later visited Boston to learn more about it and the ACSC. MITRE is continuing to assist with Northeast Ohio’s initiative, and will have representatives at the conference.

In addition to Dettlebach, the event’s opening speakers include Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland division; Toby Cosgrove, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic; and Barbara R. Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve.

James Penrose, Chief Technology Officer of the global cyber security firm Darktrace, will explain some of  the benefits of public-private partnerships, while representatives of the FBI, Federal Reserve Bank and U.S. Secret Service will detail government’s efforts to combat cyber attacks. The conference also will cover specific industry trends in banking, education, energy and health care.

Ultimately the consortium could expand its work to encourage regional research and job training initiatives, as Boston’s center has done. As higher education entities increasingly interact with other consortium members, universities will gain a deeper understanding of immediate and longer term needs in terms of staffing and potential countermeasures.

For more information about the consortium and to register, please visit www.neocyberconsortium.com.

Three former East Cleveland police officers were charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy in which they kept thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of which was seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports, said Steven M. Dettelbach, 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 was arrested this morning following the unsealing of a five count federal indictment, which charged Moore with 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.

At the same time, a criminal information was filed in U.S. District Court. Antonio Malone and Eric Jones were both charged with one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy.

“The three officers charged today – unlike the overwhelming majority of police officers -- did not protect and serve, but rather pillaged and plundered,” Dettelbach said. “They viewed the drug trade as an opportunity to enrich themselves, and lied to the court, their fellow officers and the citizens of East Cleveland to pull off their criminal conspiracy.”

“These three officers acted like cunning criminals rather than honorable public servants that are sworn to protect and serve,” Anthony said. “They will be held accountable for their reprehensible conduct.”

Moore, 42, of South Euclid, was a sergeant at the East Cleveland Police Department, where he supervised the Street Crimes Unit. Malone, 33, of Cleveland, and Jones, 38, 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 the indictment.

The defendants, between 2012 through June 2014, 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 the indictment.

These illegal searches took place in East Cleveland but also outside city limits, in various locations throughout Greater Cleveland, according to the indictment.

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 the indictment.

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 the indictment.

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 the indictment.

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 the indictment.

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 the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon and 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.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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.

Roberto Ledesma, 52, of Maumee, was charged with receipt and distribution of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and 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.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

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 Defiance man was indicted for allegedly stealing $22,000 in 2015 in his capacity as a postal employee, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio

Douglas A. Bush, 20, was charged with one count of misappropriation of U.S. postal funds.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and 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 Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

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 criminal information was filed in U.S. District Court today charging Barbara J. Clark, 62, of Cleveland, with theft of public money, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The alleged theft, occurring between1983 and 2014, resulted in a loss of approximately $188,973 to the Social Security Administration.

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.

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

A federal grand jury today returned an indictment in U.S. District Court charging Stacey R. Carlton, 36, of Cleveland, with possessing with intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of heroin, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marisa T. Darden.       

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.

Eight people from the Cleveland area were indicted for federal firearms or narcotics violations as part of a long-term undercover investigation, law enforcement officials said.

Indicted in seven separate indictments are: Joyce E. Minter, 50, of Cleveland; Arllie Joe Jones, 68, of Cleveland; Darryl W. Thompson, 41, of Cleveland; Richard Smith, 59, of Cleveland Heights; Joseph L. Moore, 25, of Cleveland; Brian Abernathy, 33, of Cleveland; Christopher Scott, 32, of Cleveland, and Thomas L. Scott, 31, of Cleveland.

These indictments are the result of an undercover operation targeting the illegal sale of firearms and narcotics in Cleveland’s 4th Police District, on the city’s southeast side.

“This undercover operation is part of a comprehensive strategy to get illegal guns off the streets of Cleveland and lock up those who sell or possess them,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“Violence does not have to be the norm in our cities and streets,” said Donald Soranno, Special Agent in Charge of ATF's Columbus Field Division. “As demonstrated with these cases, ATF will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets.  If you live in a community that is plagued by crime, you don't have to just look the other way. Work with us to make our community the place we all want it to be.”

“The illegal sale of firearms is something that plagues our community, perpetuating the problem of guns getting into the hands of criminals and becoming the tools used to commit violent crimes,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. “The dedicated officers and agents involved in this operation have partnered together to take weapons off of our streets and compile solid cases that will put violent offenders behind bars. The Cleveland Division of Police thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms along with our other partners for their eagerness to assist in combating violent crime in our city.”

Thirty firearms were seized as part of the operation, including several Bushmaster .223-caliber semiautomatic rifles, a Beretta .40-caliber pistol, a Tangfolio 9 mm pistol, a Hi Point 9 mm pistol, a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol, a Rohm .22-caliber revolver, a BRNO .25-caliber pistol, a Norinco pistol, a F.I.E. .38-caliber revolver, a Remington .22-caliber rifle, a Iver Johnson .38-caliber revolver, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol, a Intratec 9 mm pistol, a Ruger .22-caliber pistol and a SWD 9 mm pistol.

 Charges against additional defendants are expected to be filed in state court in coming weeks.

According to the indictments unsealed today in U.S. District Court:

United States v. Richard Smith: Smith is charged with possessing a Hi Point 9 mm semiautomatic rifle, a Beretta 9 mm semiautomatic rifle, a Romarm/Cugir .39-caliber semiautomatic rifle and a Bushmaster .223-caliber semiautomatic rifle, despite convictions for burglary and theft.

United States v. Joyce E. Minter and Arllie Joe Jones: Jones is charged in a 15-count indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition for having a High Standard .22-caliber revolver and six rounds of ammunition, despite a previous conviction for felonious assault with a firearm specification.

Minter is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition for having a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun with two loaded magazines and a loaded Ruger .357-caliber revolver, despite a previous conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime.

Minter and Jones are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin.

United States v. Darryl W. Thompson: Thompson is charged in a seven-count indictment with possessing a Weirauch .32-caliber revolver and a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber pistol despite previous convictions for drug trafficking and attempted escape. He also faces multiple charges of distribution of crack cocaine.

United States v. Christopher Scott and Thomas L. Scott: The Scotts are charged in a 13-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, as well as multiple counts of distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of heroin.

United States v. Joseph Moore: Moore is charged with nine counts of distribution of heroin.

United States v. Brian D. Abernathy: Abernathy is charged with five counts of distribution of heroin and two counts of distribution of crack cocaine.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl, Marisa Darden and Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force. The NOLETF is a task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the police departments of Cleveland Heights, Euclid, Lakewood, the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Shaker Heights. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiatives, which supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking in Ohio.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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 Westlake cardiologist was convicted of performing unnecessary catheterizations, tests, stent insertions and causing unnecessary coronary artery bypass surgeries as part of a scheme to overbill Medicare and other insurers by $7.2 million, law enforcement officials said.

Dr. Harold Persaud, 56, was convicted of one count of health care fraud, 13 counts of making false statements and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from criminal activity. He was acquitted on one count of making a false statement.

“The evidence presented at this trial was troubling,” said U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach. “Inflating Medicare billings alone would be bad enough. Falsifying cardiac care records, making an unnecessary referral for open heart surgery and performing needless and sometimes invasive heart tests and procedures is inconsistent with not only federal law but a doctor’s basic duty to his patients.”

“This doctor violated the sacred trust between doctor and patient by ordering unnecessary tests, procedures and surgeries to line his pockets,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “He ripped off taxpayers and put patients’ lives at risk.”

 “Medical providers have a duty and obligation to provide only those services that are medically necessary and are in the best interests of the patients under their care,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “This conduct shows a disregard for patient needs in exchange for financial gain at taxpayer expense. The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to identify fraudulent health care schemes and hold individuals accountable for their actions.”

Persaud had a private medical practice at 29099 Health Campus Drive in Westlake and had hospital privileges at Fairview Hospital, St. John’s Medical Center and Southwest General Hospital, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Persaud devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money from Medicare and other insurers. The scheme took place between Feb. 16, 2006, through June 28, 2012. According to according to court documents and trial testimony, his activities in furtherance of the scheme included:

• Persaud selected the billing code for each customer submitted to Medicare and private insurers, and used codes that reflected a service that was more costly than that which was actually performed;
• Persaud performed nuclear stress tests on patients that were not medically necessary;
• He knowingly recorded false results of patients’ nuclear stress tests to justify cardiac catheterization procedures that were not medically necessary;
• Persaud performed cardiac catheterizations on patients at the hospitals and falsely recorded the existence and extent of lesions (blockage) observed during the procedures;
• He recorded false symptoms in patient records to justify testing and procedures on patients;
• Persaud inserted cardiac stents in patients who did not have 70 percent or more blockage in the vessel that he stented and who did not have symptoms of blockage;
• He placed a stent in a stenosed artery that already had a functioning bypass, thus providing no medical benefit and increasing the risk of harm to the patient;
• He improperly referred patients for coronary artery bypass surgery when there was no medical necessity for such surgery, which benefitted Persaud by increasing the amount of follow-up testing he could perform and bill to Medicare and private insurers;
• Persaud performed medically unnecessary stent procedures, aortograms, renal angiograms and other procedures and tests.

As a result of this scheme, Persaud overbilled and caused the overbilling of Medicare and private insurers in the amount of approximately $7.2 million, of which Medicare and the private insurers paid approximately $1.5 million, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Chelsea Rice following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General

A Streetsboro man was sentenced to nine years in prison for child pornography crimes, law enforcement officials said.

Ronald Flick, 47, was previously found guilty of one count of receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of possessing computers, hard drives and compact discs containing child pornography.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Streetsboro Police Department.

Nine people were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to ship marijuana from California to Ohio, then launder the drug proceeds and send the money back to California, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Indicted are: James Sorgi, 33, of McKinleyville, Calif.; Robert Serina, 35, of Cleveland; Stuart Pflaum, 34, of Hudson; Craig Kavak, 26, of Parma; Allyson Love, 27, of McKinleyville, Calif.; Dino Silvestri, 32, of Parma; Dustin Allred, 34, of Parma; Madelaine Davidson, 21, of McKinleyville, Calif., and Daniel Linton, 27, of McKinleyville, Calif.

Sorgi operated a drug trafficking organization that shipped marijuana from California to Cleveland. He grew the marijuana in California and also obtained marijuana from other growers. Sorgi then worked with Serina and Pflaum to direct others to receive multi-pound shipments of marijuana in Ohio and sell it there, according to the indictment.

Sorgi, working with Serina, Pflaum and others, then directed people to collect the drug proceeds and make cash deposits into various bank accounts. Sorgi, through Pflaum and Serina, then directed people to convert the cash into money orders and send the money to California, according to the indictment.

This took place between June 2013 and Februay 2015, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit at least $86,000 from the organization.

“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed with taking the profit away from the drug traffickers and ensuring the major players of these operations are held accountable.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force. The NOLETF is a task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the police departments of Cleveland Heights, Euclid, Lakewood, the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Shaker Heights. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiatives, which supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking in Ohio.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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.

The owner of a business in Cleveland’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood was indicted for paying bribes to city officials in order to receive payment from a $25,000 city grant despite failing to achieve the equal opportunity employment goals required by the grant agreement, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

Ashwani “Eddie” Adya, 49, of Solon, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and one count of making a false statement to a law enforcement officer.

Adya operated a retail food and beverage business. Lawrence Payten worked at a nonprofit community organization that promoted commercial development in Cleveland’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood. Lejon C. Woods worked as a contract compliance officer in the City of Cleveland’s Office of Equal Opportunity.

Woods previously pleaded guilty to receiving bribes from three other businesses and a criminal case against Payten is pending.

Between November 2009 and August 2010, Adya paid cash bribes to Payten and Woods. Adya and the City of Cleveland entered into Neighborhood Capital Funds Grant Agreement as part of Adya opening a business in Cleveland’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood, according to the indictment.

The city awards funds for certain construction or rehabilitation projects and the recipients are subject to certain hiring goals. In this project, the Office of Equal Opportunity set a subcontractor participation goal of 15 percent for minority business enterprises, 7 percent for female business enterprises and 8 percent for Cleveland Area Small Businesses, according to the indictment.

Adya, Payten and Woods met at City Hall in November 2009. Adya and Payten told Woods that the businessman was not going to meet the OEO subcontractor guidelines and asked Woods to help them cover up the lack of compliance so the businessman could still receive the $25,000 Neighborhood Capital Funds disbursement, according to the indictment.

About two weeks later, Adya, Payten and Woods met again. Adya paid Woods $1,500, promised Woods an additional $1,500 and promised Payten $2,500 for facilitating the arrangement between Woods and the businessman, according to the indictment.

Woods then falsified the OEO compliance documents relating to the construction project. On August 20 2010, Adya received a NCF grant check for $25,000. Four days later, Adya gave Woods the additional $1,500, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hollingsworth and Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.