Northern District of Ohio

A Solon man was charged 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, 65, was charged via criminal information with 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 the information.

Martino, 65, of Highland Heights, was indicted last month on one count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and one count of financing extortionate extensions of credit. He has pleaded not guilty and his case is pending.

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.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the dourt after a review of 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.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

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

Three Ohio men were indicted on federal charges related to the production or possession of child pornography, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The cases are not related.

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging John Clements, 32, of Willoughby, with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and with possessing child pornography.

Bradley D. Dawson, 27, of Canton, was charged with producing, receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment charges that from on or about May 1, 2015, through on or about June 21, 2015, Dawson knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  On June 22, 2015, images of child pornography were also found on his RCA Tablet. The indictment also charges that in or around May 2015, Dawson used, persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced a four-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, and such visual depiction was produced or transmitted using materials that had been mailed, shipped, or transported in or affecting interstate commerce by any means, including by computer.

Joshua M. Buss, 26, of Spencer, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment charges that from on or about December 29, 2014, through on or about June 23, 2015, in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Buss 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 June 24, 2015, Buss possessed a computer that contained child pornography.

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

The Clements case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough following an investigation by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.

The Dawson case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton Office.

The Buss case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following ann investigation by the Akron 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 North Royalton man was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for operating a loan-modification scheme in which he defrauded more than 90 homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments out of $286,000, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office.

Robert Walker, age 44, was sentenced ot 33 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to five counts of fraud.

Walker convinced homeowners on the verge of foreclosure to pay himself and his company an up-front fee of at least $1,995 but then did little or no work to get a loan modification for customers. He also promised customers that, if not modification was obtained, 80 percent of the fee would be reimbursed. But Walker never intended to reimburse those fees and when he failed to obtain a loan modification, he regularly refused the promised reimbursement, according to court documents.

According to court documents:

Walker incorporated and owned The Modification Group, or TMG, where he supervised and directed the employees. TMG did business under various names, including The Modification Group 4, U.S. Modification Group and Loan Modification Group, among others. It had offices at various times in Broadview Heights, Middleburg Heights, Bedford, Parma Heights, Ravenna and Cleveland.

TMG solicited people who were struggling to pay their home mortgages or that were pending foreclosure and offered to help improve their financial situation and avoid foreclosure by interceding on their behalf with the lending institution and obtaining a loan modification. TMG advertised itself – using direct mailings, telephone calls, a website and Internet and radio advertisements – as “specializ(ing) in loan modifications, debt settlements, credit repair, and financial planning services” and having “experienced negotiators that will secure your home with the lowest fixed rate available.” TMG claimed it “will eliminate or reposition all late payments back into your loan, bringing the account current, while also lowering your interest rate or payment, making it easier for you to afford.”

From 2009 through 2011, Walker devised a scheme to defraud by making representations that he knew TMG could not keep and had no intention of keeping, including: “”Are You In A Loan You Can’t Afford? We Will Modify It. Guaranteed.” Or “What [TMG] Can Do To Help: Lower interest rates (2-5.5 percent fixed) giving you a reduction in monthly payments; eliminate or shorten 2nd Lien, and/or lowering overall principle balance; Position yourself out of an interested only or adjustable rate mortgage and into a fixed 30 or 40 year payment.”

Walker, through TMG, required consumers to pay $1,995 or 1 percent of the mortgage balance, whichever was greater, up front, before TMG worked on obtaining a loan modification.

Walker directed his employees at TMG to solicit and accept clients for whom he knew TMG would not be able to obtain loan modifications on terms that that customers could realistically afford. Through TMG, he required customers to enter into written service agreements that were substantially one-sided, in favor of TMG. He also directed employees to tell potential customers that TMG would refund 80 percent of the fee paid if TMG failed to obtain a loan modification, when Walker had no intention of refunding the fee.

Walker, through TMG, prohibited customers from contacting their lending institution and directed customers to send any and all correspondence from their lenders to TMG.

TMG often failed to obtain any loan modification for the customer. In some cases, TMG never contacted its customer’s lending institution to discuss a modification even though the customer had paid substantial monies to Walker and TMG to do so.

Walker and his employees at TMG often created illegitimate reasons that they claimed voided TMG’s contract to avoid refunding customer’s fees. For example, TMG often told customers that they had not provided requested documents quickly enough, and terminated their contracts without a refund.

Walker, through TMG, told customers who attempted to cancel their contracts that doing so was a breach that voided their right to a refund. He often refused to issue a refund for customers for whom TMG had failed to obtain a loan modification unless the customer filed a complaint with a consumer protection agency.

Defrauded customers include residents in Lakewood, Cleveland, Eastlake, Streetsboro and North Ridgeville, as well as North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, Indiana and elsewhere, according to the court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section.

A federal grand jury indicted Selina Scott, 52 of Cleveland today for theft of government funds, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that Scott fraudulently received Social Security Title XVI Supplemental Security Income benefits from March 2006 until May 2014, taking approximately $62,249 to which she was not entitled.

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

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

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

 

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Thomas Lee Jones, 25, of Canton, with bank robbery, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on June 16, 2012, Jones robbed the PNC Bank located at 2800 Whipple Avenue, NW, Canton, Ohio.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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 Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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.

Applications for the Community Police Commission will be released July 20, at 7:00 p.m. during a public meeting held at Cuyahoga Community College’s Advanced Technology Training Center. The application and related materials are available online at clecpc.org. Links to Community Police Commission application will be accessible through the City of Cleveland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio websites. Paper copies of the application will be available for pickup at Cleveland City Hall and all branches of the Cleveland Public Library.

Completed applications for the Commission must be submitted to the Selection Panel by Thursday, August 6, 2015.  Applications may be submitted online via clecpc.org, by email, U.S. postal mail, or in person to a secure drop-off box that will be available at City Hall for the delivery of paper copies. The Selection Panel is working with community groups and faith-based organizations to facilitate the distribution of these applications throughout the city.

In addition to the 10 members appointed by the Selection Panel, the commission will also include a member appointed by each of the three local police associations: the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Shield.

The Community Police Commission will work to bring forward recommendations to the Mayor and Cleveland Division of Police on policies and practices that will help strengthen relations between the City of Cleveland Police Department and the communities they serve. The commission will regularly issue progress updates to the community.

The former postmaster of the Gates Mills Post Office was charged today with theft of property used by the U.S. Postal Service, 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 charged by criminal information with a single count of theft of property used by the U.S. Postal Service.

The information charges that 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.

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

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

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Ryan P. Reynolds, 29, of Wellington, with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possessing child sexual abuse images, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the 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 Akron FBI.

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

 

 

A man from Warren, Ohio, and an Indiana man were named in 10-count federal indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud banks out of millions of dollars through fraudulent short sales of gas stations in the Youngstown area and other means, law enforcement officials said.

Shaukat Sindhu, 56, of Warren, and Tahir Iqbal, 48, of Crown Point, Indiana, were each indicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, one count of making false statements to a financial institution. Sindhu is also charged with one count of corrupt interference with the administration of the IRS and four tax counts.

Sindhu owned several gas stations and other commercial property, but at times failed to make mortgage payments on these properties. Sindhu, Iqbal and others defrauded First Midwest and Consumers National banks by making false and misleading omission and representations about ownership of the properties between 2008 and 2013. Iqbal acted as a straw buyer for Sindhu in a short sale, enriching Sindhu by reducing or eliminating the principle owned on the properties, according to the indictment.

Iqbal also served as a straw buyer for Sindhu for a 16,800-square foot, nine-bedroom home in Oak Park, Illinois, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

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 28-count indictment was filed charging a Sheffield Lake man with providing material support to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as firearms and narcotics violations.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division made the announcement.

Indicted is Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, 38, also known as Robert C. McCollum. He was arrested last month after he attempted to buy an AK-47 from an undercover agent.

“The charges in this case should remind us that ISIL does not simply present a far-away threat,” U.S. Attorney Dettelbach said. “Through social media and other means, ISIL and its mantra of violence can seek to radicalize people of all backgrounds in prisons and communities right here in Ohio. We must keep up our guard.”

“This indictment demonstrates law enforcement’s number one priority -- to keep our communities and our nation safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “It is clear that no area is immune from the influence of ISIL and its supporters.  We hope this indictment will serve as a strong message to others who may consider providing support to terrorists.  The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners are committed to identifying and stopping these individuals.”

Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum earlier this year, is alleged to have pledged his support to ISIL and Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014.  From July 2014 to June 2015, Al-Ghazi made multiple statements trying to persuade others to join ISIL.  He also expressed his own desire to perpetrate an attack on the United States and had attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle.  Al-Ghazi has communicated with individuals he believed to be members of ISIL in the Middle East and took steps to create propaganda videos for ISIL, according to court documents.

Count one of the indictment charges Al-Ghazi with attempting to provide material support to ISIL. Counts two and three charge Al-Ghazi with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Counts four through 28 pertain to his sale of marijuana from February 2014 through last month.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos N. Georgalis following an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

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.

Four Ohio men were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud investors out of more than $7 million by selling unregistered securities and making several misrepresentations to investors about the product they purported to develop, law enforcement officials said.

Named in the 31-count federal indictment are: Kenneth Jackson, 58, of Glenmont; William Schureck, 80, of Lexington; Dennis Deciancio, 72, of Macedonia, and Daryl Dane Donohue, 66, of Mansfield. The counts include conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, making false statements and other charges.

“These men travelled around the country and deliberately misled investors,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “They left financial hardship in their wake. Now they will be held accountable for their actions.”

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

"Honest and law-abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money," said Kathy Enstrom, IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge,  Cincinnati Field Office. "Financial fraud is not a victimless crime, and IRS-CI will continue with our law enforcement partners in bringing those responsible to justice.”

All four men were affiliated with Medical Safety Solutions, or MSS, a company Jackson founded in 2007 which operated out of Mansfield and had a purported “research and development center” at Jackson’s home in Glenmont, according to the indictment.

Jackson held the title of Director of Research and Development at MSS. Schureck co-founded the company held the title of Chief Executive Officer at MSS. Deciancio co-founded the company and attended trade shows on the company’s behalf. Donohue was a longtime associate of Jackson who communicated with shareholders of MSS and held himself out as an “FDA consultant” hired by the company for the sole purpose of obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval for the Sharps Terminator, according to the indictment.

The founders of MSS held the company out as an entity created to develop, market and sell a hypodermic needle destruction device they called the Sharps Terminator. The Sharps Terminator required premarket approval from the FDA before it could be sold in the United States, according to the indictment.

Jackson and Schureck filed a provisional application for a patent on the Sharps Terminator around April 2007 but did not file an actual patent application until September 2011. MSS filed a premarket approval application for the Sharps Terminator in October 2012, according to the indictment.

Between 2007 and May 2013, the defendants were engaged in the unregistered sale of securities. They did this by seeking out individuals to buy private shares of stock in MSS, but those shares were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to the indictment.

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

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

MSS investors, between 2007 and 2013, incurred a combined out-of -pocket loss of more than $7 million. Jackson and Schureck transferred the money to cover other expenses, and Jackson gambled more than $3.3 million at Mountaineer Casino between 2009 and 2013, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Food and Drug Adminstration.

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 federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Ahmad D. Fletcher, 24, of Cleveland, with receiving a package containing approximately 1,677 grams of Phencyclidine, or PCP, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The United States Postal Service seized the package and made a controlled delivery to Fletcher’s residence. Fletcher received the package containing the PCP, according to the indictment.

The United States Postal Service 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.

A criminal information was filed against charging a Sandusky man with conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent invoices, 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.

Robert A. Bellamy, 43, worked at an auto dealership. He conspired with someone identified in the charges only as MKC. This person was a regular customer at the dealership where Bellamy worked, according to the information.

MKC was responsible for managing Castalia Farms, a recreational facility then owned by Owens-Illinois, Inc. The company equipped Castalia Farms with several automobiles, which MKC had serviced at the dealership where Bellamy worked, according to the information.

Bellamy, MKC and others devised a scheme to defraud Owens-Illinois in which Bellamy created invoices for vehice repairs that never occurred, repairs on vehicles owned by MKC, his family or his friends and auto parts never installed in vehicles owned by Owens-Illinois. Bellamy submitted the invoices to through his employer to MKC and Castalia Farms, and Owens-Illinois paid the fraudulent invoices, according to the information.

The investigation is ongoing.

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.  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.

Twenty people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy in which kilogram-quantities of heroin and cocaine went from New York to Akron and then were throughout Northeast Ohio by drug dealers, law enforcement officials said.

Named in the 51-count indictment are: Emery Lee, 60, of  Akron; Angel Pichardo-Martinez, 30, of the Bronx, N.Y.; Lesley Pichardo Feliz, 29, of the Bronx, N.Y.; Antoine Dortch, 25, of Akron; Ailyson Clipper, 29, of Akron; Leardrus Burris, 31, of Cuyahoga Falls; Ronnie Johnson, Jr., 44, of Mentor; Larry Smoot, 34, of Akron;   Kyle Ballard, 30, of Akron; Collie Brooks, 51, of Akron; George Locke, Jr., 58, of Akron; Demond Baker, 39, of Akron; Tyrone Allen, 54, of Akron; Rhonda Collins, 46, of Akron; Sharae Ramsey, 25, of Akron; David Robinson, 38, of Akron; Divine Daniels, 24, of Akron; Orlando Reed, 43, of Akron; Reginald Blair, 44, of Akron; and Larry Dixon, 57, of Akron.

The charges include conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and heroin in Count 1, and with use of a telecommunication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense in Counts 15-51. Blair is charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin in Counts 2 and 3, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in Count 5 and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Count 12.

Lee is charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin in Counts 4 and 8, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in Counts 6, 7, and 9, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Count 13. Burris is charged possession with the intent to distribute heroin in Count 10 and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Count 11. Collins is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Count 14.

Lee obtained heroin and cocaine from Pichardo-Martinez,  Pichardo Feliz  and others. Lee then provided the drugs to others named in the indictment for distribution. This took place dating back to 2010, according to the indictment.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative, and included assistance by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office,  Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Copley Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Reminderville Police Department, Springfield Twp. Police Department, Stow Police Department, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Tallmadge Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Riley.

This investigation has resulted in the recovery of six firearms, a Kevlar vest, ammunition, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and U.S. currency. 

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

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

Two men were charged for paying bribes to the former head of a Cleveland-area anti-poverty agency in return for contracts from the agency, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office, and Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General—Chicago Region.

Robert Moman and John Calvetta were each charged via criminal information with one count of honest services mail fraud.

Moman, 77, of Tougloo, Miss., and John Calvetta, 71, of Solon, are charged with paying bribes to Jacqueline K. Middleton, who served as president and chief executive officer of the Council of Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland.

The CEOGC was organized with the purpose of serving low-income people of Cuyahoga County and Greater Cleveland. The CEOGC administered several federal, state and local programs designed to address the needs of low-income individuals, including Head Start, the Community Services Block Grant program and the Home Energy Assistance program.

Middleton, of Shaker Heights, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of honest services fraud, one count of bribery in federally funded programs and one count of Hobbs Act Conspiracy. She was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

Moman worked as a consultant for CEOGC. He received approximately $169,036 from CEOGC from 2008 through 2012. Moman provided $11,200 in kickback payments to Middleton in return for favorable actions, such as her authorization of contracts to Moman, according to the information.

Calvetta was an employee of a home and business renovation company located in Cleveland. That company received approximately $318,699 from CEOGC between 2008 and 2010 for parking lot renovations, flooring installation,classroom remodeling and other work. Calvetta provided gifts, payments and other things of value to Middleton worth $9,249 in the form of home renovation work and payments to vendors for related supplies on her behalf. This was done in return for Middleton steering work to the company, according to the information.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General.

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.

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 criminal information was filed charging Sharon E. Piper, 55, of Columbus Grove, Ohio, with making a materially false statement relating to a matter within the jurisdiction of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Piper worked as the head teller for the Union Bank Company at its Columbus Grove branch. In 2010, she falsely stated the vault at the bank was in balance when she knew it was missing $145,000 in currency, 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, Lima, Ohio.  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.

A Cleveland woman faces criminal charges related to collecting Section 8 payments for renting a property to a relative, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Jasmine Ganaway, 36, was charged via criminal information with one count of theft of public money and one count of concealment of assets in bankruptcy.

Ganaway formerd LRG Development in 2006. She purchased residence on East 146th Street in Cleveland then transferred ownership to LRG. That residence in 2008 was certified for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, In November 2008, two of Ganaway’s relatives executed a lease agreement for part of the property on East 146th Street, despite a prohibition against leasing to relatives, according to the information.

Between 2009 and 2015, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority made deposits under the Section 8 program into Ganaway’s checking account totaling approximately $35,611, according to the information.

In October 2013, Gananway also fraudulently concealed her ownership interest in LRG and rental income as part of her bankruptcy proceedings, according to the information.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General and the CMHA police.

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.

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.

Mayor Frank G. Jackson and U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach announced today the appointment of an 11-member selection panel that will have the duty to appoint 10 representatives to the City of Cleveland Community Police Commission, as detailed in the agreement between the City of Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“I have confidence in this panel to accomplish their goal of selecting qualified members for the Community Police Commission and to keep the city on track as we continue down the Road to Reform,” said Mayor Jackson.

“It is now time for this impressive panel to independently select 10 members of Cleveland's first-ever Community Police Commission, said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “Looking at the commitment, diversity and accomplishments of this group, I have every confidence that they will pick a panel that will serve the people well. I hope Cleveland's best and brightest will follow this group's lead and apply to serve.”

The Community Police Commission will be comprised of 13 members, 10 selected by the newly formed selection panel and three selected by City of Cleveland police unions. The Community Police Commission will make recommendations to the Chief of Police and the City, including the Mayor and City Council, on policies and practices related to community and problem-oriented policing, bias-free policing and police transparency.

The members of the selection panel are:

• • Eugenia Cash, Chair, Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County
  • Gabriella Celeste, Director, Case Western Reserve University Schubert Center for Child Studies
  • Rev. Dr. Jawanza Colvin, Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
  • Colleen M. Cotter Esq., Executive Director, Legal Aid Society
  • Rev. Jimmy Gates, Pastor, Zion Hill Missionary Baptist
  • Anita Gray, President/CEO, Anti-Defamation League
  • Phyllis Seven Harris, Executive Director, LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland
  • Dr. Alex Johnson, President, Cuyahoga Community College
  • Ronald B. Richard, President/CEO, The Cleveland Foundation
  • Victor A. Ruiz, Executive Director, Ezperanza Inc.
  • Timothy L. Tramble, Executive Director, Bell-Burten-Carr Development Corporation

The selection panel will ensure that members of the Community Police Commission include one representative from faith-based organizations, civil-rights advocates, the business/philanthropic community, organizations representing communities of color, advocacy organizations, youth or student organizations, academia and individuals with expertise in the challenges facing people with mental illness or the homeless. Additionally, the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Shield will each select a representative to serve on the Commission.

“We are honored to be part of the selection panel and look forward to getting to work,” stated the members in a joint statement. “We embrace our role in building community trust and engagement, and encourage a diverse pool of people to consider applying to serve on the Community Police Commission. We plan to regularly update the public on our progress, beginning with a public meeting in the near future in which we will explain the application process and the role of the Commission.”

A Brooklyn, Ohio, man faces charges related to his operation of a sports wagering business,   said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Jay Jacobs, 63, was charged via criminal information with one count of transmission of wagering information and one count of money laundering.

Jacobs engaged in the business of betting and wagering between 2009 and 2012. He used communication facilities in interstate commerce to transmit bets, wagers and information assisting in the placing of bets and wagers on sporting events and contests, according to the information.

He also engaged in monetary transactions derived from unlawful activity. On August 31, 2010, he transferred $20,000 from his Fire Fighters Community Credit Union account to his TD Ameritrade account, according to the information.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service’s Money Laundering Task Force, which is comprised of representatives from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Cleveland Division of Police and the Lake 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.

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

Two Youngstown men were indicted for their roles in unrelated bank robberies in Youngstown, said said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

On or about May 29, 2015, Randy L. Jamison, 40, robbed the Huntington Bank at 23 Federal Plaza East, of approximately $2248, according to the indictment.

On or about February 24, 2015, Jayquawn T. Manigault, 22, robbed the Chase Bank at 2900 Market Street, of approximately $12,997, according to the indictment.

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

The investigation preceding the both indictments was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Youngstown Police Department. These matters are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

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

A Youngstown man was indicted for four bank robberies that took place earlier this year, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

G. Shannon McColor, 27, was indicted on four counts of bank robbery.

Count one of the indictment alleges that on or about January 9, 2015, McColor robbed the Huntington Bank, Boardman, Ohio.

Count two of the indictment alleges that on or about February 4, 2015, McColor robbed the PNC Bank, Struthers, Ohio.

Count three of the indictment alleges that on or about February 6, 2015, McColor robbed the Fifth Third Bank, Toledo, Ohio.

Count four of the indictment alleges that on or about February 14, 2015, McColor robbed the Chase Bank, Canfield, Ohio.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boardman Police Department, the Struthers Police Department, the Toledo Police Department and the Canfield Police Department.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

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

A federal grand jury returned a four-count superseding indictment charging Jeffery C. Howell, aka Jeffrey C. Howell, aka “J”, 34, of Youngstown, Ohio, with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); possessing with intent to distribute heroin; and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Count one of the indictment alleges that on or about February 26, 2015, Howell possessed with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of crack cocaine.

Count two of the indictment alleges that on or about February 26, 2015, Howell possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

Count three of the indictment alleges that on or about February 26, 2015, Howell possessed a Glock, model 30, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, after having been convicted of Improper Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle (2008); Possession of Cocaine and Having Weapon while Under Disability (2011); and Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of Peace Officer (2011); all in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio.

Count four of the indictment alleges that on or about May 29, 2015, Howell possessed a Smith and Wesson, model SM40VE, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition, after having been convicted of Improper Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle (2008); Possession of Cocaine and Having Weapon while Under Disability (2011); and Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of Peace Officer (2011); all in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Liberty Police Department.   The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

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

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Walter Jackson, 49, of Cleveland, with making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Specifically, the indictment alleges that Walter Jackson, a convicted felon, used another individual as a straw purchaser of a firearm from Atlantic Gun & Tackle in Bedford Heights, Ohio.  Walter accomplished his scheme by having the straw purchaser lie on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Form, stating that she was the actual buyer and recipient of the firearm.   

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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

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

 

A two-count indictment was filed charging a Cleveland man for his role in an armed robbery in Cleveland Heights, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Keyonte Oates, aka Keyontae Berry, aka “Pacco,” 23, of with one count of interference with commerce by means of robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and In relation to a crime of violence.

The indictment alleges that Oates, Monroe (named but not charged in the present indictment), and other unknown individuals, attempted to rob a Family Dollar store in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on September 23, 2014.  It further alleges that Monroe, aided and abetted by Oates, carried and brandished a firearm during the incident.

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 the sentence will be less than the maximum.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division, and the Cleveland Heights Police Department.

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

A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Franklin D. Conley, 27, and Patrick W. Griffin, 28, both of Akron, with conspiracy to affect commerce by extortion and use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense, 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.

Conley and Griffin began threatening the victims and their family in February 2015 with serious physical harm or death if they were not given money or introduced to a source of illegal drugs, according to the indictment.

They were arrested after investigation revealed the extortion plot.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Riley.

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.

In an indictment unsealed today, a federal grand jury charged three people with smuggling Guatemalan minors into the United States and forcing them to work at egg farms in Ohio, law enforcement officials said.

A fourth defendant was charged with harboring illegal aliens as part of a 15-count superseding indictment.

The indictments were announced by Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office, and Marlon Miller, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio.

The defendants and their associates smuggled workers as young as 14 or 15 from Guatemala to the United States, falsely promising them that they would be able to attend school in the United States. The defendants transported the minors to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where they ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and to work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day. The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens, and vaccinating chickens, according to the indictment.

The defendants threatened workers with physical harm and withheld their paychecks in order to compel them to work. The indictment lists eight victims under the age of 18 and two adult victims.

Indicted are: Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, 33, of Pecos, Texas; Conrado Salgado Soto, 52, of Raymond, Ohio; Ana Angelica Pedro, 21, of Columbus and Juan Pablo Duran Jr., 23, of Marysville, Ohio.

Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, Conrado Salgado Soto, and Ana Angelica Pedro Juan are charged with a labor-trafficking conspiracy. Castillo-Serrano is also charged with 10 individual counts of forced labor; Salgado Soto and Pedro Juan are charged in eight of those 10 counts. Castillo-Serrano and Salgado Soto are also charged with harboring illegal aliens, as is an additional defendant, Pablo Duran Jr.

Castillo-Serrano and Pedro Juan are charged with witness tampering for trying to persuade another person to give false information to the FBI. Pedro Juan herself is also charged with lying to the FBI.

“This indictment charges the defendants with putting profits ahead of common decency,” Dettelbach said. “Human beings are not commodities like farm products. Those who are somehow confused about that difference need to learn that lesson.”

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

“Human trafficking and forced labor are forms of modern-day slavery,” Miller said. “Criminal organizations involved in human trafficking truly damage their victims and undermine basic human decency. HSI, FBI, U.S. Border Patrol as well as our state and local law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively combat human trafficking and forced labor in all its forms.”

Each of the 11 trafficking counts and the witness tampering count carries a sentence of up to 20 years. Each count of harboring illegal aliens and lying to the FBI carries a sentence of up to 5 years.

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

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

 

An indictment was filed charging John Lee Robinson, 53, of Toledo, with two counts of bank robbery.

Robinson is accused of robbing the Citizens Bank at 4260 Monroe Street in Toledo on June 3 and the same bank the following day.

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, Toledo.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.

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

A criminal information was filed charging Edward Erickson, 68, of Elyria, with theft of government money and property, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Erickson is accused of illegally receiving low-income pension payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the amount of $57,024, 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 Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General-Criminal Investigations Division, Cleveland Resident Agency.  The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah P. Hood and Gene Crawford.

A Westlake police officer was indicted in federal court for excessive use of force on an arrested suspect and subsequently attempting to cover up the incident, law enforcement officials said.

Robert Toth, 48, of North Olmsted, was indicted on one count of excessive use of force and two counts of obstruction.

Count 1 charges Toth, in his capacity as a police officer, with causing bodily injury to someone identified as T.A. on or about April 24, 2014. In doing so, Toth deprived T.A. of his Constitutional right to be free from the unreasonable use of force by a law enforcement officer.

Count 2 charges that between April 25, 2014, and May 1, 2014, Toth knowingly falsified a document – specifically an official report concerning the arrest of T.A. – with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence the investigation and proper administration of that matter.

Count 3 charges that on May 3, 2014, Toth impeded an investigation by providing false information to a federal law enforcement officer surrounding the encounter with and arrest of T.A.

“The vast majority of police officers do their jobs with courage and honor,” U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach said. “However, when we believe that the evidence demonstrates that an officer has intentionally crossed the line into criminal conduct, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action. I want to compliment the FBI on their thorough and professional investigation into this matter.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Chelsea Rice following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office.

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

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

A Mississippi man was sentenced to more than four years in prison for a conspiracy in which he defrauded a Tennesse bank out of $1.2 million, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, adn Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland office.

Paul D. Allen, 53, of Oxford, Mississippi, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiriacy to commit bank fraud.

He was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.

Allen, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur and businessman, moved to the Northern District of Ohio in 1999. Prior to that, he lived in Tennessee, where he developed a relationship with Stephen Henry, an unindicted co-conspirator.

Allen and Henry executed a scheme to defraud Oakland Deposit Bank and obtain money and property from the bank by means of materially false and fraudulent representations. The bank was chartered and had offices in Tennessee. Henry served as president of the bank and also served as a loan officer, according to court documents.

Allen contacted several people in Ohio and recruited them to invest in various business projects he promoted, including B-Telecom Incorporated, a purported data-storage company. Allen promised investors they would receive a percentage ownership in the business in return for the investors obtaining loans from the Oakland Deposit Bank in their own names. Allen told the investors the loan proceeds would be used for operating the business, according to court documents.

Between 2003 and 2008, Allen had the investors complete loan documentation in support of the loans, and then submit the loan applications to Henry, or accompany the investors when they submitted the loan applications to Henry. Allen forged borrower signatures on loans for amounts ranging between $42,770 and $168,000. He sometimes took out additional loans in borrowers' names without their knowledge. He used the proceeds to pay personal expenses or to make interest payments on existing loans, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Cleveland Division, Painesville Resident Agency) and with the assistance of the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office.

An Akron man was sentenced to two years in prison for operating a dog-fighting venture and related counts, law enforcement officials said.

Alvin Banks, 56, was also ordered to pay more than $44,000 in restitution to the Human Society of Greater Akron.

Banks pleaded guilty earlier this year to five counts: sponsoring and exhibiting a canine in an animal fighting venture; buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training and transporting canines for participation in an animal fighting venture; attending an animal-fighting venture; being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to manufacture and distribute less than 50 marijuana plants.

The sentenced was announced by Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office, Akron Police Chief James Nice, Summit County Sheriff Steve Barry and Summit County Prosecutor Sherry Bevan Walsh.

"This defendant had a dog-fighting ring at his home, and a firearm that he was forbidden from having," Dettelbach said. "The entire range of conduct uncovered at Banks' home was disturbing."

Banks is one of 10 people to plead guilty in federal court related to a dog-fighting operation uncovered in Akron last year. They will be sentenced in July.

Federal and local authorities raided a home on Cordova Avenue in Akron on Nov. 15, 2014 as part of an investigation into dog fighting. In addition to firearms, narcotics and more than $52,000 in cash, investigators discovered a blood-stained 16x16 foot ring used as part of an animal fighting venture, as well as two “break sticks” used to pry a dog’s mouth and teeth off another dog when the fight is finished. They also found eight pit bull or pit bull mixes, two of which were covered in blood and had fresh wounds from a fight that occurred just prior to the execution of the search warrant, according to court documents.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Akron Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and the Humane Society of Greater Akron. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linda H. Barr.

A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Ryan E. Ramey, 30, of Wooster, with passing and creating counterfeit currency, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Count 1 charges Ramey with passing counterfeit ten dollar, fifty dollar, and one hundred dollar Federal Reserve Notes from on or about June 1, 2013, to on or about June 28, 2013.

Count 2 charges Ramey with creating counterfeit ten dollar, fifty dollar, and one hundred dollar Federal Reserve Notes during the same time period.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the United States Secret Service. 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.

An information was filed harging Thronda Deloach, 39, of Willoughby Hills, with three counts of making a false tax teturn and two counts of failure to file income tax return, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The information charges that between 2007 and 2011, Thronda Deloach operated two daycare centers and used money belonging to the daycares to fund her lavish lifestyle without reporting it as income.  In total, Deloach misappropriated approximately $1.3 million from the daycares for her own use and did not report any of this money as income on her 2007, 2008, or 2009 individual tax returns. Deloach did not file any individual tax returns for 2010 or 2011, even though her income exceeded the threshold of income requiring an individual to file a tax return. Had she reported this income, she would have owed the Internal Revenue Service an additional $395,556.00 in personal income taxes.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of 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.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.       

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hollingsworth after an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service -- Criminal Investigation.

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

Three men from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud about 70 investors out of approximately $17 million, law enforcement officials said.

Indicted are Thomas Abdallah, 51, of Brunswick, Mark M. George, 58, of Independence, and Jeffrey L. Gainer, 51, of Akron.

The 12-count indictment was announced by Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office.

“This case is another sad reminder that so-called investment gurus who make promises of big guaranteed returns should send up red flags,” Dettelbach said. “If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.”

“These defendants callously preyed on the desires of many to make wise investments for a secure future and duped them out of their life savings,” Anthony said. “Fraudsters such as these remain a top priority of the FBI.”

“Financial fraud schemes are often described as a house of cards,” Enstrom said. “The underlying structure can fall apart at any time and expose the individuals responsible. Today’s indictment is just one step in holding accountable those who prey on investors for their personal financial gain.”

Kenneth A. Grant, Jerry A. Cicolani and Kelly C. Hood previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to this fraud.

Abdallah and Grant owned and operated KGTA Petroleum, Ltd. They and others marketed KGTA as a company that earned profits from buying and selling crude oil and refined fuel products. They represented to investors that they had relationships with third-party purchasers and investor funds would be used to purchase fuel products at a discount and then resold at substantial profit, according to the indictment.

KGTA issued investment agreements and promissory notes which offered guaranteed monthly payments up to 5 percent per month or annual payments of approximately 60 percent per year, according to the information. The defendants never filed documentation about KGTA with the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to the indictment.

Together, they obtained approximately $31 million from about 70 investors between 2010 and 2014 through false and fraudulent pretenses. They knew KGTA did not have agreements in place to sell oil and fuel, and that investors would not earn 5 percent per month on their investments, according to the indictment.

The defendants used investor money for personal expenditures and luxury items including a Mercedes Benz, a boat and mortgage payments on high-end residential property. As a result of the conspiracy, the defendants defrauded the investors out of approximately $17 million, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark S. Bennett and M. Kendra Klump following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

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 federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Jacob B. Ross, 29, of Rittman, with intentionally damaging a protected computer, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on or about March 18, 2013, Ross caused the intentional damage to a protected computer by the transmission of a program, information, code, or command.

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

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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 federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Cristi M. Wellen, 36, of Painesville, with stealing cash from various first-class mail while employed by the United States Postal Service, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Wellen worked at the Post Office’s Cleveland Processing and Distribution Center, and rifled through various envelopes, taking cash from the mail intended for its recipients, according to the indictment.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General 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.

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Tyrauli Ramon Cutler, 33, of Canton, with bank robbery, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that on May 28, 2015, Cutler robbed the Citizens Bank located at 3528 Tuscarawas Street, West, Canton, Ohio.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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 Canton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Canton Office.  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 New York man was sentenced to 15 months in prison and fined $10,000 for making false statements relative to a loan and his operation of a winery near Sandusky, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

David J. Kraus, 53, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty earlier this year to making a false statement to the United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA).

Kraus, the owner and operator of Kraus Winery, Inc., aka Kraus Vineyard aka Hermes Winery, knowingly and willfully made a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement or representation to the USDA-FSA in connection with the agency’s administration of the Direct Loan Program, a program meant to benefit family farmers. Specifically, on December 15, 2009, Kraus knowingly and willfully provided a 2008 federal income tax return, purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service to a USDA-FSA Farm Loan Officer. The tax return had not been filed with the IRS and substantially inflated the winery’s net losses.

The false statement was part of a fraud scheme during which Kraus sold and directed the sale of grapes and wine valued at approximately $2 million which had been pledged as collateral for loans totaling $594,870, and failed to remit the proceeds from such sales to the USDA-FSA as required by the terms of the loans.

He was employed as a psychiatrist and vintner at the time of the false statement.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Kern and Noah P. Hood prosecuted the case following an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Investigator General.

Amir Said Abdul Rahman Al-Ghazi, 38, a U.S. Citizen, was arrested this morning in North Olmsted, Ohio, on charges that he attempted to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and trafficked marijuana.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division made the announcement.

“According to the allegations in the complaint, Al-Ghazi attempted to provide material support to ISIL and committed other federal weapon and drug offenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Counterterrorism is the National Security Division’s highest priority and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”

“Today’s charges are a stark reminder that the radical and dangerous philosophies espoused by groups such as ISIL can be spread in our community through computers and social media,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach.  “Law enforcement will remain vigilant in combating violent extremism in all its forms.”

“This arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s number one priority – to keep our communities and our nation safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony.  “It is clear that no area is immune from the influence of ISIL and its recruitment machine.  We hope this arrest will serve as a strong message to others who may consider providing support to terrorists.  The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners are committed to identifying and stopping these individuals.”

According to the complaint, Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum earlier this year, is alleged to have pledged his support to ISIL and Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014.  From July 2014 to June 2015, Al-Ghazi made multiple statements trying to persuade others to join ISIL.  He also expressed his own desire to perpetrate an attack on the United States and had attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle.  Al-Ghazi has communicated with individuals he believed to be members of ISIL in the Middle East and took steps to create propaganda videos for ISIL.

Al-Ghazi was also charged with distributing a schedule 1 controlled substance – marijuana.  From the period of February 2014 through June 2015, Al-Ghazi sold almost two kilograms of marijuana to a confidential informant.  He was also charged with possessing a firearm even though he had multiple prior felony convictions.  On multiple occasions Al-Ghazi expressed his interest in purchasing an AK-47, eventually purchasing one from an undercover agent on June 19, 2015.

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

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

On June 12, 2015, the United States District Court approved an agreement between the United States Department of Justice and the City of Cleveland to reform the way police services are delivered by the Cleveland Division of Police.  One of the important goals of the agreement is to increase community input into the policies and practices of the police department.

To leverage the experience and expertise of the people of Cleveland, the agreement creates a Community Police Commission that will be responsible for:  making recommendations on policies and practices of the police department, including by helping to develop important policies and trainings; working with the communities that make up Cleveland to develop the recommendations; and reporting to the community on the status of police department reforms.

The members of the commission will be chosen by a Selection Panel.  The Selection Panel must include representation from each of the following groups:

(a) faith based organizations;

(b) civil rights advocates;

(c) the business/philanthropic community;

(d) organizations representing communities of color;

(e) advocacy organizations;

(f) youth or student organizations;

(g) academia; and

(h) individuals with expertise in the challenges facing people with mental illness or the homeless.

The Justice Department is seeking your suggestions into who should be on the Selection Panel.  If you are interested in serving as a member of the Selection Panel, or if you would like to recommend someone to serve on the Selection Panel, please send the following information by June 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm to jena.suhadolnik@usdoj.gov:

• the name and contact information of the person you suggest
• why you believe that person should be considered

Please remember that anyone who serves on the Selection Panel will not be eligible to serve on the Community Police Commission.

 

            Re: Independent Monitor of the Cleveland Division of Police

Dear Applicant,

We are in receipt of the information that you submitted in response to our Request for Information for an independent monitor for the Cleveland Division of Police (“CDP”).  As contemplated in that Request for Information, on May 26, 2015, the City of Cleveland and the United States of America (the “Parties”) filed a joint motion and memorandum seeking the entry of a Consent Decree.  The matter, which is pending before United States District Court Judge Solomon Oliver, is United States of America v. City of Cleveland, 1:15-CV-01046-SO.   Attached is a copy of the Consent Decree as entered by the Judge, which details the applicable timetables, duties, and responsibilities of the independent monitor.

We recognize that your initial submission was made without the benefit of the terms of the proposed Consent Decree.  If you remain interested in serving as an independent monitor for the Cleveland Division of Police, please submit any additional information and formal proposals that you wish to have considered by the Parties who will be selecting the monitor.

This request is not part of, and shall not be governed by, any formal municipal, state, or federal procurement process.  The Parties will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to the request.  All costs associated with responding to the request will be solely at the interested party’s expense.  Candidates considered for monitor or as a subject-matter expert on the monitor’s team must disclose all actual and potential conflicts of interest.  All information submitted may become a matter of public record.

A description of the scope of work required by this project, along with the information that must be included in the application, is set out below.  The exact requirements and terms of monitoring, as well as the designation of the monitor, are included in the Decree.  The ultimate term of the monitorship is to be determined by the Parties and the Court, but is expected to be at least five years.  Respondents should carefully consider this multi-year commitment in developing their monitoring teams and plans.  As further described below, applications must include a projection of estimated costs and expenses, including yearly estimates, an estimated overall total amount, and a cost-cap above which fees and costs will not be billed.

Scope of Work

The following descriptions of the monitoring team’s expected responsibilities and duties are illustrative and non-exclusive.  Generally, the monitoring team will be responsible for independently and objectively assessing and reporting on whether the requirements of the Decree are being implemented, and whether implementation is resulting in constitutional policing by and increased community trust in the Cleveland Division of Police.

The monitoring team’s duties are expected to include the following:

• Development and implementation of an organizational plan, including appropriate staffing and scheduling, for auditing and reviewing CDP’s compliance with the requirements and purpose of the Decree;
• Development of methodologies for conducting reliable audits and reviews of CDP’s compliance with the Decree;
• Recommendation and review of metrics for assessing police practices and their effects during the pendency of the Decree;
• Conducting reliable assessments to determine whether the Agreement has resulted in Constitutional policing;
• Reviewing and commenting on policies, training, and initiatives developed pursuant to the Decree;
• Conducting, analyzing, and reporting on methodologically sound surveys of community members and police officers regarding CDP police practices;
• Reviewing use of force and misconduct investigations to assess their quality, reliability, and adherence to the requirements of the Decree;
• Providing or facilitating technical assistance to CDP, including recommending strategies to improve CDP’s implementation of the Decree;
• Receipt from and provision of information to the Cleveland community, including civilian oversight entities, related to implementation of the Decree;
• Regularly communicating with the City and the United States regarding CDP’s progress implementing the Decree, any obstacles to implementation, and as otherwise necessary to facilitate effective implementation;
• Regularly producing public reports on CDP’s progress implementing the Decree and any obstacles to implementation;
• Maintaining all documents related to this project in a confidential manner as required by the Decree;
• Testifying in proceedings only as provided by the Decree;
• Making public statements only as permitted by the terms of the Decree; and
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

The substantive requirements of the Decree are generally grouped into the following areas:

• Community Engagement and Building Trust
• Community and Problem-Oriented Policing
• Bias-Free Policing
• Use of Force
• Crisis Intervention
• Search and Seizure
• Accountability
• Transparency and Oversight
• Officer Assistance and Support
• Supervision
• Policies

Requirements of Monitoring Team

The application to serve as or on the court-appointed monitoring team should clearly demonstrate the respondent’s qualifications to perform the requested scope of work. The application to monitor the Decree should include the following:

1. Executive Summary

A brief description of how the team would complete the project.

1. Personnel

• The names of the individuals and/or subcontractor consultants who would comprise the team;
• A summary of the relevant background of each team member;
• The internal organization of the team including the areas of responsibility for each member; and
• A description of all other current employment, projects, or other professional undertakings for each team member, noting the team member’s time commitments for each.

1. Qualifications

Each team member’s qualifications, addressing the following areas as applicable:

• Monitoring, auditing, evaluating, or otherwise reviewing performance of organizations, including experience in monitoring settlements, consent decrees, or court orders;
• Law enforcement practices, including training, community and problem-oriented policing, complaint and use of force investigations, and constitutional policing;
• Evaluating the breadth and depth of organizational change, including the development of outcome measures;
• Development of effective quality improvement practices;
• Mediation and dispute resolution;
• Statistical and data analysis;
• Information technology;
• Data management;
• Working with government agencies, municipalities, and collective bargaining units;
• Language skills and experience working with limited English proficient persons and communities, in particular communities whose primary language is Spanish;
• Familiarity and understanding of local issues and conditions;
• Effective engagement with diverse communities;
• Creation and evaluation of meaningful civilian oversight;
• Familiarity with federal, Ohio, and local laws, including civil rights laws and policies and rules governing police practices;
• Completing projects within anticipated deadlines and budget;
• Preparing for and participating in court proceedings; and
• Report writing for a broad variety of stakeholders.

1. Prior Experience and References

List current or recent (within the past 10 years) project experience for members of the team relevant to the monitoring duties and responsibilities; references for each project listed, including the name of the organization, contact person, title, address, e-mail address, and telephone number; and, if available, examples of non-confidential work product that is similar to the reports required for this project.

1. Proposed Activities

Describe (in as specific detail as possible and using illustrations as necessary) the activities proposed to perform the Scope of Work. This discussion may address, but is not limited to:

• Methods of obtaining information;
• Methods of analyzing information;
• Methods of reporting information;
• Frequency of proposed activities;
• Personnel responsible for the various activities described in the Scope of Work and the number of hours anticipated to be devoted to specific aspects of the project by month or quarter, including the number of hours that would be spent on site in Cleveland;
• Coordination with the City and CDP to arrange visits, on-site records reviews, and interviews; and
• Coordination of monitoring activities, information gathering, and communications with the City, the United States, and members of the community.

1. Potential Conflicts of Interest or Bias

Disclose any potential or perceived conflicts of interest involving team members, associated firms or organizations, and any employee(s) assigned to the project, or proposed subcontractor(s), including current or former employment, contracts or grants with the City, CDP, or the United States, and any involvement in the last eight years (whether paid or unpaid) with a claim or lawsuit by or against the City, CDP, or the United States or any of their officers, agents, or employees.  Any close, familial, or business relationships with any of the mentioned entities, or their agents or employees, must be disclosed.  Disclose whether any member of the team has been the proponent or subject of any complaint, claim, or lawsuit alleging police misconduct.  To the extent a conflict or potential bias exists, explain why it does not bar the individual’s or the team’s selection, including any legal or ethical opinions or waivers upon which the team relies.

1. Estimated Costs

Provide a Cost Estimate for this project based on the above Scope of Work and requirements of the Decree:

• Include a projected budget for all costs including, but not limited to:  hourly billing rates, travel costs, whether travel time is billed, sub-consultant/contractor services, overhead, and supplies.
• Break down the different activities that members of the team will perform (e.g., policy review, technical assistance, training assessment, report writing, and/or incident review).
• Include a projected allocation of hourly commitments by each team member, broken down by the number of hours projected for both on-site and off-site work.
• Take into account the uncertainty of the duration of the Decree and include both one­time or fixed costs that are expected regardless of the duration of the contract, and annual costs that are expected for each year the contract is in effect.
• Include an estimate of total costs and a cost-cap above which fees and costs will not be billed.

Application Materials as a Public Record

Under the laws of the State of Ohio, all parts of the application, other than trade secret or proprietary information, may be considered a public record which, if properly requested, the City must make available to the requester for inspection and copying.  Additionally, the Parties may choose to share all or some of the submissions with the public.  Therefore, to protect trade secret or proprietary information, the Responder should clearly mark each portion of each page—but only that portion of each page—of its application that contains that information.  The City will notify the Responder if such information in its application is requested, and will make every attempt to protect trade secret or proprietary information by citing to the applicable exemption in Ohio’s Public Records Laws.  Blanket marking of the entire application as “proprietary” or “trade secret” is not acceptable and will not protect the entire application unless each part of the entire application is in fact trade secret or proprietary information.  The City is not obligated to protect information that is obviously not a trade secret, obviously not proprietary, and obviously public, even if labeled as such.  Upon submission of an application that contains clearly marked trade secret or proprietary information, the Responder is agreeing to defend and indemnify the City against any lawsuit or claim that the City improperly withheld a public record based upon the Responder marking it as a trade secret or proprietary information.

All formal proposals or other additional information must be submitted by close of business Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in electronic format (preferably pdf) to the Parties as follows:

For the United States Department of Justice:

Carole S. Rendon                                                        Rashida J. Ogletree

First Assistant U.S. Attorney                                     Trial Attorney

U.S. Attorney’s Office                                               U.S. Department of Justice

Northern District of Ohio                                           Civil Rights Division

801 West Superior Avenue                                         Special Litigation Section

Suite 400                                                                     950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Cleveland, Ohio 44113                                               Washington, D.C. 20530

Carole.Rendon@usdoj.gov                                        Rashida.Ogletree@usdoj.gov

 

For the City of Cleveland:

 

Barbara A. Langhenry

Director of Law

City of Cleveland

Department of Law

601 Lakeside Avenue. Suite 106

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Blanghenry@city.cleveland.oh.us

Twelve people were charged in federal court this week as part of a nationwide sweep targeting  healthcare fraud violations, law enforcement officials said.

Locally, the charges represent more than $28 million in money fraudulently obtained from Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance providers. The charges stem from three unrelated cases.

Details of cases filed this week:

United States v. Knight et. al.: Five people were named in an 18-count indictment for their roles in a $7 million home healthcare fraud conspiracy in which they provided forged documents and fraudulent forms to bill for services that were not provided.

Indicted are: Delores L. Knight, 69, of Cleveland Heights; Theresa L. Adams, 42, of Twinsburg; Isaac R. Knight, 28, of Macedonia; Sonja N. Ferrrell, 43, of Cleveland, and Juliet L. Bonner, 60, of Cleveland.

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

Together they defrauded Medicaid, Medicare and the Department of Veteran Affairs out of more than $7 million as a result of the conspiracy in which they prepared and submitted forged or false records in support of previously submitted and reimbursed billings for patients they did not actually provide face-to-face services, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit all money that was illegally obtained, as well as a home at 1048 Morning Glory Drive in Macedonia owned by Delores L. Knight, and a home at 7915 Ridgetop Drive in Twinsburg owned by Theresa L. Adams.

United States v. Warsame et. al.: Five people were named in a 10-count indictment for their roles in a $3 million conspiracy involving a home health service company with offices in Cleveland to defraud government insurance programs by billing for services not provided.

Indicted are: Abdulazis Warsame, 50, of Cleveland; Yasin Warsame, 48, Amir Ahmed, 50, both of Columbus; George Epps, 42, of Cleveland, and Norma Lauer, 67, of Reynoldsburg.

All five worked for Lifeline Home Health Services, which was incorporated in 2006 and had an office at 12200 Fairhill Road in Cleveland.

The defendants conspired between 2009 to 2013 to defraud Medicaid by submitting false documentation to become an accredited home healthcare provider, forging documents to make it appear doctors had approved specific plans of care, fabricating and billing for home health visits that had not taken place. Ahmed also recruited patients by offering cash kickbacks in exchange for becoming patients of Lifeline, according to the indictment.

Collectively, Ahmed, Lauer and the Warsames received payment for more than $3 million in fraudulent claims, according to the indictment.

United States v. Ward: Queen Ward, 64, of Cleveland Heights, was charged with one count of healthcare fraud while her daughter, Sharon Ward, 45, of Richmond Heights, was charged with one count each of healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft related to the fraudulent billing of more than $18.1 million.

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.”

“Today’s announcement illustrates the OIG’s continued efforts in combating health care fraud,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “The OIG and our law enforcement partners are steadfast in our commitment to detecting and dismantling health care fraud schemes and holding perpetrators of these crimes accountable.”

“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.”

“Healthcare Fraud Task Force investigations are vital in identifying and holding accountable those who would steal from taxpayers, Medicare beneficiaries and veterans,” said Gavin McClaren, Cleveland Resident Agent in Charge, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division.

“IRS-Criminal Investigation is dedicated to ensuring those that choose to launder their ill-gotten gains are held accountable for their crimes,” said Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office. “Forfeiture of these assets should serve as a warning that law enforcement will not tolerate such flagrant abuse of our safety net programs.”

These are the just latest healthcare fraud cases filed by federal prosecutors following investigations by federal and state agencies. Others include indictments against Dr. Harold Persaud, who is awaiting trial on charges that he performed unnecessary catheterizations, tests, stent insertions and caused unnecessary coronary artery bypass surgeries as part of a scheme to overbill Medicare and other insurers by $7.2 million; seven people and a company for their roles in a multi-million dollar fraud conspiracy involving an experimental form of chiropractic manipulation performed in Shaker Heights; three people who operated Eman Transportation Services in Cleveland charged with defrauding Medicaid of approximately $245,000 by billing for rides of patients who did not use or need wheelchairs and for transporting Medicaid recipients to non-covered appointments and an Akron physician was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally prescribing hundreds of thousands of doses of painkillers and defrauding health insurance by submitting insurance claims for unperformed services, billing insurance providers for services after collecting a cash payment, and other fraudulent practices.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer, Mark Bennett, Adam Hollingsworth and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Maritsa Flaherty, following investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

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

An indictment or 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.

Kenneth J. Smith, 36, of North Canton, 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 August 18, 2012, through on or about December 3, 2014, Smith knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  On December 9, 2014 and December 12, 2014, images of child pornography were also found on his Blackberry cellular phone, Dell computer, and a Western Digital external hard drive .

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

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

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

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging a Mansfield man with crimes related to the purchase and sale of counterfeit prescription drugs, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Tamacio Walls, 23, was indicted on one count of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce and one count of trademark violations.

Walls purchased, warehoused, dispensed and offered for sale, counterfeit versions of Viagra (active ingredient Sildenafil), Cialis (active ingredient Tadalafil) and Levitra (active ingredient Vardenafil) to consumers without requiring consumers to provide any form of prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, as required by law, according to the indictment.

The indictment also charges that Walls did not inform consumers that said drugs were prescription drugs and that they should seek medical advice before consuming the drugs, and that Walls failed to provide any warnings to consumers concerning potential dangers associated with taking the drugs. Walls obtained the drugs from unauthorized sources in China and India.  The customs declarations for the shipments to Walls typically misrepresented the package contents in an attempt to avoid detection and seizure by U.S. Customs officials, according to the indictment.

Walls intentionally trafficked in and attempted to traffic in goods, specifically counterfeit Viagra pills, while knowingly using on or in connection with said items certain counterfeit trademarks such as pill color, pill shape and other identifying characteristics which were identical to, or substantially indistinguishable from marks that were in use and registered for Viagra with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the use of which was likely to cause confusion or mistake, and which was likely to deceive others, according to the indictment.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Kern, following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Postal Inspection 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.

Daniel Nieberding, 25, of Lakewood, 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 6, 2010, through on or about February 8, 2011, Nieberding knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  On March 31, 2011, images of child pornography were also found on his Dell laptop computer and external hard drive.

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

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

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

A grand jury indicted a Highland Heights man for charges related to a 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.

James A. Martino, 65, was indicted on one count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and one count of financing extortionate extensions of credit.

The indictment alleges that between January and June 2013, Martino and another individual conspired to use interstate-commerce facilities with the intent that a murder be committed in exchange for a promise to pay approximately $40,000.  It further alleges that Martino advanced approximately $5,000 to another individual for the purposes of making extortionate extensions of credit between November 2014 and January 2015.

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 the sentence will be less than the maximum.

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

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.

James Kovac III, 29, of Canton, 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 13, 2013, through on or about October 10, 2013, Kovac knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  On October 21, 2013, images of child pornography were also found on his Compaq laptop computer.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton 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 Hudson woman was sentenced to two years in prison for making false statements related to the purchase of three firearms, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Marcia M. Masters, 47, was convicted earlier this year following a trial before U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson.

Masters acted as a straw purchaser of a firearm from Semi-Arms Inc. in Broadview Heights, Ohio. She did this by lying on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Form, falsely stating that she was the actual buyer and recipient of a Smith and Wesson Model 317 .22mm revolver, a Colt Model AR15 .223mm rifle and another Colt Model AR15 .223mm rifle.

She was employed as a police officer at the time of the purchases.

Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa Darden and Matthew Kall are prosecuting the case following an investigation by the ATF.

A Canfield man was charged with mail fraud related to a scheme to defraud a North Canton company out of nearly $2.5 million, 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.

Peter J. Luchansky, 60, was charged via criminal information with one count of mail fraud.

Luchansky was employed as an information technology manager with a large medical practice in North Canton. Beginning in 2005, he formed two Ohio companies with registered mailing addresses in Ohio. From 2005 until July 2014, Luchansky used these companies to bill the medical practice for computer equipment and services. In turn, the medical practice paid Luchansky’s companies for invoices submitted by Luchansky and his companies. The medical practice was the only customer of Luchansky’s companies, according to the information.

Luchansky fabricated the invoices and the amounts for payment for services and equipment that he did not provide in order to obtain monies from the medical practice. Through the submission of the false and fraudulent invoices of these companies, Luchansky defrauded the medical facility of at least $2,486,028, according to the information.

Luchansky has agreed to forfeit certain property obtained as a result of these false and fraudulent invoices including cash, jewelry appraised at $43,940, 2009 Corvette, 2007 Lexus, 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle and 108 firearms. In addition, Luchansky previously submitted funds totaling over $2 million to be used as restitution to the victims in this case.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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 filing of the information was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Canton Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linda H. Barr.

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

An Ohio man was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for mailing threatening communications and threatening to damage or destroy a building with an explosive, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland office.

Charles James Reighard, 67, of Burghill, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi to to 46 months in prison, with mental health counseling, and ordered to pay $3,788 in repayment to first-responders
 

Reighard previously pleaded guilty to two counts. Reighard sent communications to his victim with the intent to extort money from him and which contained a threat to injure him and/or his family. This occurred between September 4, 2014, to on or about October 17, 2014. On October 16, 2014, Reighard engaged in conduct with the intent to convey false or misleading information that the offices at 6630 Seville Drive, in Canfield, Ohio, would be damaged or destroyed by an explosive, according to court documents.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Seabury Gould, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations of Youngstown, and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department.