Southern District of Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today a federal grand jury indicted Nalah T. Jackson, 24, of Columbus, on two counts of kidnapping of a minor.

 

Each count as charged is punishable by at least 20 years of incarceration and up to life in prison.

 

According to the indictment, between Dec. 19, 2022, and Dec. 22, 2022, Jackson kidnapped two minor children in Columbus and traveled interstate with one of them. 

 

“Jackson is currently in custody in Indiana and will be transported to the Southern District of Ohio to face her federal charges in U.S. District Court in Columbus. Those federal charges will supersede her current state charge of kidnapping,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Protection of our youth is vital and ensuring the safe return of the children in this case was paramount. Now, as we move into the accountability phase of this incident, I can assure you that my office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in Ohio and Indiana to fully investigate the matter.”

 

U.S. Attorney Parker acknowledged the numerous law enforcement agencies who have assisted in this case, including FBI field offices in Columbus, Dayton and Indianapolis; the Columbus, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside, Vandalia, Dayton International Airport and Indianapolis police departments; the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST).

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

 

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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CINCINNATI – A 76-year-old Cincinnati woman has been ordered to repay $461,780 that she illegally took from the Veterans Administration over 48 years by impersonating her mother, who died in 1973.

 

Irene Ferrin was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati today to five years of probation, including one year of home detention.

 

According to court documents, Ferrin’s mother was receiving widow’s benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when she died in January 1973. Ferrin did not notify the VA of her mother’s death and kept receiving checks, forging her mother’s signature on the back. In ensuing years, she led the VA to believe her mother was still alive. She sent fraudulent paperwork to the VA from 1982 until 2017 to keep the theft going.

 

“For nearly 50 years the defendant stole from the military veterans of this country and now, at this time of her life, is facing a criminal sentence,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “That’s not a legacy you want to leave for your loved ones.”

 

“Fraudulently obtaining benefits from the VA diverts valuable resources intended for deserving veterans and their families,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the US Attorney’s Office for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”

 

Ferrin pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of theft of public money.

 

U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole presided over the case and imposed the sentence. The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

 

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A federal jury convicted a doctor formerly licensed in Ohio today for illegally prescribing controlled substance pills in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Freeda Flynn, 69, formerly of St. Clairsville, unlawfully prescribed controlled substances, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, to her patients outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Some patients were prescribed high doses of medication without justification despite their addictions, which were known to Flynn and which placed them at risk for overdose or death. Others were prescribed medication in dosages, or in combinations, that were outside the course of professional practice. Flynn previously surrendered her DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances, and her medical license was revoked by the State Medical Board of Ohio in January 2021. 

Flynn was convicted in the Southern District of Ohio of eight counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio; Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the DEA Detroit Division; and Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. 

The DEA, FBI, HHS-OIG, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Christopher Jason and Maryam Adeyola of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in late 2018, ARPO has partnered with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. Over the past three years, ARPO has charged over 115 defendants, collectively responsible for issuing prescriptions for over 115 million controlled substance pills. To date, more than 60 ARPO defendants have been convicted. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

CINCINNATI – A former insurance agent pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to defrauding dozens of victims in the Cincinnati and Dayton area.

 

Specifically, Seneca Birchmore, 45, of Cincinnati, admitted to committing aggravated identity theft, a federal crime punishable by a mandatory two-year prison sentence. Birchmore also fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans.

 

According to court documents, Birchmore lost his license as an insurance agent in 2019 because he was writing unauthorized insurance policies so that he could collect the commissions.

 

After losing his license, Birchmore then stole the identities of two other insurance agents and used those identities to write more life insurance policies for customers who did not want them. Birchmore had the commissions from dozens of local customer victims deposited into his own bank accounts.

 

Local law enforcement departments received complaints from victims that money was being automatically withdrawn from their bank accounts for insurance policies they never ordered. Many of the victims are senior citizens, and most reside in Dayton, Englewood, Middletown and Cincinnati.

 

The commissions for Birchmore’s original fraudulent insurance policies under his own name as an agent totaled more than $8,000. The commissions for policies created under the stolen identities of other agents totaled more than $93,000.

 

As part of his plea, Birchmore has agreed to pay the following restitution:

• Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company: $34,820.37
• Columbian Life Insurance Company: $16,604.01
• Transamerica Life Insurance Company: $4,671
• Mutual of Omaha: $2,104.65
• Great Western Insurance Company: $16,303.17
• Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company: $8,826.84
• American General Life Insurance Company: $158.82
• Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company: $17,906.07
• U.S. Small Business Administration: $41,665

 

In a separate scheme, Birchmore fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $40,000. Birchmore claimed on both loan applications that he owned a business in his name and stated his gross income for 2019 was more than $13 million. No such business exists.

 

The defendant was charged federally and arrested in June 2022.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, was joined by the Social Security Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, U.S. Marshals Service, Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Cincinnati Police Department in announcing the guilty plea entered yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

 

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CINCINNATI – Four Cincinnatians were sentenced in U.S. District Court for their roles in a conspiracy to steal bank customers’ information in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

 

Lead defendant Keyonte Bronson, 27, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.

 

Juan Leonard, Diamond Brocks and Kelliele Berry were also sentenced in Cincinnati this week. Leonard was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Brocks and Berry were both sentenced to time served and a period of supervised release.

 

Co-defendants previously sentenced include:

• Marcus Knox – 30 months in prison
• Gregory Palmer – 30 months in prison, and
• Kinesha Cavitt – 12 months and one day in prison.

 

The defendants were all indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. They are seven of 11 individuals charged in this case.

 

According to court documents, five of the defendants were employed as customer service representatives at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, and in conspiracy with the other defendants, stole customer account information from 2018 until August 2020.

 

The bank employees were recruited into the scheme through social media. The employees were paid by other co-conspirators to identify bank customers with high cash balances, and to steal and provide the customer information to the other co-conspirators.

 

Other individuals known as “runners” were recruited to enter Fifth Third bank branches to withdraw money from the compromised accounts. These runners were often homeless or drug-addicted. They were given false ID cards with their picture and the name of the account theft victim.

 

Runners were sometimes taken to thrift stores and bought clothing to match the victims’ identities more appropriately. Co-conspirators drove the runners to and from the bank branches. After withdrawing $3,000 to $8,000, the runners would receive a small payment. Total losses to the bank exceeded $800,000.

 

Fifth Third had protective measures and a culture in place to help identify potential misuse of customer information and came forward to work together with law enforcement in this case.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. U.S. Attorney Parker commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service in coordination with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (DART) and Cincinnati Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A fire department administrator and former 911 dispatcher has been charged federally with crimes related to at least 24 arson fires since spring 2022 in Wayne National Forest.

 

James A. Bartels, 50, of Patriot, Ohio, was arrested yesterday and appeared in federal court in Columbus.

 

Bartels is an administrator at the Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as a 911 dispatcher for Gallia County.

 

According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, Ohio Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officers observed a truck registered to Bartels near Wayne National Forest on Oct. 29, 2022. Bartels was observed on Dry Ridge Road. Within an hour, a fire was reported in the forest near Dry Ridge Road and Cauley Creek Road.

 

In the days after Bartels’s Nov. 8 resignation from working as a 911 dispatcher for Gallia County, at least 17 fires were lit. Bartels was seen at two separate locations in the vicinity of multiple fire starts within minutes of their ignition.

 

The affidavit details that in a law enforcement interview, Bartels admitted to starting the fires with a lighter to “give the boys something to do” and to distract himself from depression. He identified 24 arson fires for which he was responsible. His truck’s infotainment system data also placed him at the locations of the fires.

 

Bartels is schedule for a preliminary hearing in U.S. District Court on Jan. 3, 2023, in Columbus.

 

Willfully committing arson is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and the U.S. Forest Service announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Hunter is representing the United States in this case.

 

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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CINCINNATI – A Miami, Florida, man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiring in a racketeering enterprise to defraud individuals through moving companies located throughout the United States. Identified victims of the fraud lost more than $2.4 million total.

 

Serghei Verlan, 39, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati today.

 

The criminal enterprise used a series of moving companies to exploit thousands of people across the country by demanding ransom for the personal possessions those people had entrusted the enterprise to transport.

 

Verlan was one of 12 defendants indicted in July 2018 and was one of two leaders of the conspiracy. According to court documents, the defendants operated and worked through at least 12 affiliated moving companies to enrich themselves by defrauding customers who hired them to move their household goods.

 

The enterprise executed their scheme through various moving companies in Florida, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, California, Connecticut, Colorado and Missouri. More than 1,000 customers have been identified as victims.

 

One of the enterprise’s warehouses was in West Chester, Ohio, and some of the identified victims reside in the Southern District of Ohio.

 

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants would provide customers with low binding estimates to do their move, promising to beat their competitor’s prices. After the customers agreed to hire the moving companies, employees of the moving companies would load the customers’ goods onto the truck and then the price of the move would be bumped. Co-conspirators would use an inflated cubic footage for the price of moving the customers’ goods.

 

Verlan was one of the few defendants who knew the “actual” or “real” cubic footage for customers’ goods and instructed workers to charge customers based on the fraudulently inflated price. He told employees to cap the overcharge at 20 percent to keep customer complaints down.

 

Verlan also paid employees to write fake positive reviews of their various companies to manage their online image. He was also directly responsible for furthering the conspiracy by “reincarnating” affiliated companies into “new” companies controlled by the enterprise through false statements to federal regulators.

 

Verlan pleaded guilty in August 2022 to participating in the racketeering conspiracy.

 

The other leader of the conspiracy, Andrey Shuklin, 34, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in May to 78 months in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Andrea M. Knopf, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT); and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Gaffney Painter and Matthew C. Singer are representing the United States in this case.

 

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DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton woman pleaded guilty in federal court here today to stealing the identities of several young women in the Dayton area and using those identities to commit various types of fraud.

 

Tiffany Lewis, 29, was charged federally in September 2022. She pleaded guilty today to three counts of aggravated identity theft.

 

According to court documents, in March and April 2021, Lewis stole the identities of two area women and used their information to obtain approximately $8,000 total in personal loans from Lendmark. Lewis cashed out those loans at Checksmart locations in Fairborn and Monroe, Ohio. Lewis was photographed at each Checksmart location and is covering her distinctive neck tattoos in each of the photographs.

 

In June and July 2021, Lewis used a third stolen identity to commit various acts of fraud.

 

For example, Lewis used the victim’s identity to obtain a fraudulent Ohio driver’s license and a car loan for approximately $48,000.

 

In addition, Lewis used the identity on two separate occasions to rent Chevrolet Silverado trucks from Uhaul in Dayton. One of the trucks was later discovered at Lewis’s residence and had been spray-painted black.

 

Lewis also used the third victim’s identity to write fraudulent checks at Menards in Fairborn totaling more than $3,500. When questioned at the store by a Fairborn police officer, Lewis presented her fake driver’s license, which was flagged as fraudulent in the officer’s computer.

 

As part of her plea, the parties involved have recommended a sentence of two years in prison. Lewis has agreed to pay restitution as follows:

• $7,999 to Lendmark,
• $67,800 to UHaul,
• $47,596 to Carmax, and
• $3,590.50 to Menards.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and Andrew Boockmeier, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) announced the plea. The U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, and Dayton, Fairborn, Whitehall and Riverside police departments all contributed to this investigation.

 

Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A South African woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 12 months and one day in prison for mailing large amounts of K2 and Suboxone via mail into the United States. Inmates in Ohio jails were the end recipients of the packages.

 

Tanya Baird, 46, of South Africa, was arrested by federal agents in March 2022 at John Glenn International Airport.

 

According to court documents, Baird obtained K2 from China and saturated legal documents with the substance in South Africa before mailing the papers to the United States.

 

“This office will not tolerate anyone sending controlled substances into jails or prisons in our District, no matter the method,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Such conduct will earn individuals their own place in prison, as highlighted by Baird’s sentencing today.”

 

For example, in June 2021, Baird mailed at least eight packages each containing 30 pieces of saturated paper to an inmate in an Ohio prison.

 

Another individual sometimes received packages from Baird containing legal privileged documents that were saturated in K2. The individual would then send the legal documents into Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities and collect proceeds from inmates. The proceeds were then sent to Baird via CashApp or PayPal.

 

In total, import records showed 69 packages being sent from Baird into the United States from June through August 2021, 34 of which were destined for the Southern District of Ohio. Multiple recipients of the packages from Baird had been in communication with or attended visits with current Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction inmates.

 

Baird pleaded guilty in June 2022 to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute K2.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and officials with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Hunter is representing the United States in this case.

 

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Dublin, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 240 months in prison for sexually exploiting two minors and possessing child pornography of at least three more.

 

Timothy W. Wright, 50, was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration.

 

Wright installed a hidden camera in the bathroom of his home, using that hidden camera to record and produce pornographic content of two minors. To save videos or images of the minors from the hidden camera to his phone, Wright would record the video feed live as it was happening and save the images and photos to his phone. Investigators discovered approximately 27 videos and 152 images from the hidden camera of the minor victims on Wright’s phone.

 

In addition, Wright admitted he paid three additional minor victims at least $300 on numerous occasions in exchange for those minors lying nude on Wright’s bed while Wright engaged in sex acts or acts of masturbation with the minors. The defendant also paid money for nude images and videos from these three minors, media content that was also recovered on Wright’s phone.

 

“Exploiting minors does irreparable harm to the victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Wright’s abuse was especially perverse, and children in Central Ohio are safer with him incarcerated for 20 years.”

 

Wright was arrested in September 2021 and pleaded guilty in June 2022 to producing and possessing child pornography.

 

U.S. Attorney Parker announced the sentence imposed on Dec. 9 by Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

 

The case was primarily investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance and cooperation of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which operates under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and, Columbus Division of Police, Dublin Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Unit, Delaware County Drug Task Force, and the United States Marshals Service.

 

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CINCINNATI – Two Cuban nationals were brought into federal custody today for allegedly placing skimmers on gas pumps in Loveland, Ohio, to steal credit card data.

 

Yasmany Ulacia Garcia, 34, and Luis Ernesto Vigil Ochoa, 29, were arrested by police officers on Dec. 8 in Dayton. Their case was unsealed today.

 

According to the criminal complaint filed against them, the two placed credit card skimmers at gas pumps in Loveland, Ohio, on multiple occasions in April 2022.

 

It is alleged Garcia and Ochoa then stole credit card information via the skimmers and used that information to purchase gift cards at area stores.

 

For example, surveillance video in April 2022 shows the two defendants spending a significant amount of time at self-checkout registers purchasing gift cards and other merchandise at the Home Depot stores in Mason, Hamilton, Lebanon, West Chester, Beechmont and Milford, Ohio, and Cold Spring, Kentucky. Similar video surveillance shows Garcia and Ochoa allegedly using stolen credit card information to purchase gift cards at the Target in Mason, Ohio.

 

Garcia and Ochoa were fugitives for approximately seven months before they returned to the Southern District of Ohio and were encountered by law enforcement last week.

 

Agents learned Garcia and Ochoa were staying at a hotel on Miller Lane in Dayton, Ohio, and followed the defendants to four Home Depot stores and two Target stores in the greater Dayton area.

 

Agents discovered multiple gift cards and a fraudulent American Express card in their vehicle. During a subsequent search of the hotel room being used by Garcia and Ochoa, agents discovered a magnetic strip reader/writer and an illicit skimming device.

 

According to records from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, both Garcia and Ochoa were ordered removed from the United States in 2019.

 

Knowingly possessing a skimmer device with the intent to defraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case, and it was investigated by the United States Secret Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office and Loveland Police Department.

 

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a former ICE deportation officer Wednesday evening on federal charges claiming he abused his position to coerce sex from victims under his supervision in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program.

 

Andrew Golobic, 51, of Cincinnati and Mason, Ohio, is scheduled to appear in federal court at 1:30pm today in Cincinnati. His case was unsealed this morning.

 

A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment on Wednesday charging Golobic with sex trafficking by means of force, fraud or coercion, depriving individuals of their civil rights while acting under color of law, tampering with witnesses and obstructing a federal investigation.

 

According to the indictment, Golobic sexually assaulted at least two females under his supervision in the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. ATD allows certain asylum seekers and other immigrants who ICE had determined posed a low risk to public safety to remain in their communities while their immigration cases were pending.

 

Golobic was employed as a deportation officer with ICE from 2006 to 2020 and was assigned to the ICE office in Blue Ash, Ohio. He was assigned to the ATD program from approximately 2015 to 2020.

 

In his role, Golobic supervised immigrants with vulnerable backgrounds including those fleeing violence, exploitation and sexual assault. The defendant was given discretion over the degree of freedom and movement afforded to participants under his supervision. He had the authority to decide the type of monitoring, frequency of reporting and level of supervision, as well as the authority to recommend that ATD participants who violated conditions of the program be detained or deported.

 

If convicted as charged, Golobic faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and John R. Pias, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (DHS-OIG) ask any individuals who believe they may be a victim of Golobic’s alleged conduct to contact the FBI.

 

Members of the public with information concerning the allegations can call the dedicated tip line at 513-979-8353 or email ICEOfficerComplaints@fbi.gov. Members of the public can also report potential incidents of law enforcement misconduct to the U.S. Attorney’s Office  using the civil rights referral form available on https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh or by emailing usaohs.civilrights@usdoj.gov.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo and Ashley N. Brucato are representing the United States in this case.

 

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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CINCINNATI – A federal jury has convicted two individuals of crimes related to their participation in a foreclosure rescue scheme that defrauded at least 780 financially distressed homeowners throughout the United States. The defendants preyed on homeowners who had defaulted on their mortgages and convinced the victims to pay to take part in fraudulent programs on the promise it would save their homes.

 

Lorin Kal Buckner, 66, of Hamilton, Ohio, and Dessalines Sealy, 59, of Brooklyn, New York, were two of four defendants who began trial in federal court in Cincinnati on Nov. 14. The other two trial defendants – Joel Harvey, 40, of Cincinnati, and Garrett Stevenson, 45, of Cincinnati – pleaded guilty during the trial.

 

Buckner and Sealy’s verdicts were announced today following the trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.

 

Buckner, Sealy, Harvey and Stevenson are four of 13 total defendants in this case.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, from 2013 through 2018, the defendants took advantage of homeowners’ desperation to save their homes and used money from homeowner victims to personally enrich themselves.

 

“The defendants took advantage of folks’ financial despair and emotional vulnerabilities to fill their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “It was a priority for our office and our law enforcement partners to address this nationwide foreclosure scheme.”

 

Co-conspirators used companies to engage in a multi-level marketing scheme. The companies named in this case include:

• MVP Home Solutions, LLC, also known as
  • Stay In or Walk Away;
• Bolden Pinnacle Group Corp., also known as
  • Home Advisory Services Network
  • Home Advisory Services Group Inc.; and
• Silverstein & Wolf Corp.

 

Defendants promised affiliates commissions by recruiting distressed homeowners to the above-named companies.

 

They used multiple ways to recruit affiliates, including conference calls and direct mailings. For example, some co-conspirators hosted weekly conference calls where participants from across the country dialed in to hear details of the scheme and share sales strategies. During the calls, defendants encouraged affiliates to recruit homeowners to their companies on the promise of easy money.

 

Affiliates were encouraged to be aggressive in recruiting homeowners. Affiliates used online databases and court records to identify vulnerable, financially distressed homeowners who had recently received notice of foreclosure on their home.

 

Co-conspirators mailed more than 56,000 postcards in the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere promising that they could “stop foreclosure” or “stop the sheriff sale” for a fixed fee. Co-conspirators also reached out to homeowners using Craigslist ads, websites, email and social media platforms.

 

On the promise of reducing or eliminating mortgage obligations in exchange for a fee, initial recruiters would collect payments from homeowners and refer the victims to the co-conspirator companies.

 

Among other things, the referral programs promised:

• to negotiate with mortgage lenders on the homeowners’ behalf for the purchase of the mortgage notes at a discount;
• to negotiate the sale of their home and release of their mortgage loans through a short sale and/or deed in lieu of foreclosure sale;
• to stop an imminent foreclosure sale;
• to remove the mortgage lien via a tender offer; and
• achieve short sale prices at a fraction of the value of the outstanding lien/note.

 

Further, defendants represented that they had “proprietary” methods or “legal tactics” to help homeowners stall or completely avoid foreclosure. In actuality, the defendants persuaded homeowners to file chapter 13 bankruptcies to delay foreclosure actions.

 

Defendants filed skeletal bankruptcy petitions that they called “pump fakes” or “missiles,” These petitions intentionally failed to disclose the co-conspirators as preparers giving the appearance that the homeowners had filed the petitions pro se. Any relief from foreclosure delay was temporary until the bankruptcy court dismissed the proceeding.

 

The jury convicted Buckner and Sealy of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud as well as conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud. 

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Robert Manchak, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Housing Finance Agency -  Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), Northeast Region; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley C. Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector in Charge, USPIS, New York Division, announced today’s verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo and Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former federal probation officer was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to six months in prison for extortion.

 

During her time as a probation officer, Helwa H. Qasem, 45, of Bexley, Ohio, accepted cash, pills, goods and services from individuals under her supervision.

 

According to court documents, from 2016 through 2018, Qasem accepted Xanax, cash, a sweater, a bag and below-market personal services in exchange for official actions as a probation officer.

 

In her role as a U.S. Probation Officer, Qasem supervised offenders who had been sentenced to terms of probation by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio or who were serving terms of supervised release after release from prison. It was part of her duties to report individuals who violated their terms of probation or supervised release.

 

Qasem extorted property from at least four individuals under her supervision and, in return, did not report violations committed by those individuals. For example, at least two individuals under supervision and the spouse of a third provided Xanax to Qasem for her personal use.

 

Qasem also unlawfully received several personal services, including moving services to help her relocate to a new home, and repairs to blinds, a dryer, a dishwasher, a washing machine and a vehicle. A person under Qasem’s supervision arranged for workers to provide these personal services for her.

 

Finally, Qasem shared confidential information she received from a Columbus police officer to an individual under her supervision. Qasem had received a police report detailing that an officer had met with a person who was attempting to become a confidential informant. The individual had provided information that a person under Qasem’s supervision was a drug trafficker. The report contained a photograph of the potential informant. Qasem showed that photograph to the person under her supervision and told him to stay away from the potential informant.

 

Qasem pleaded guilty in June 2022 to a bill of information charging her with extortion under color of official right.

 

As part of her sentence, Qasem was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served under home detention.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and other members of the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Bristol, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 36 months in prison for multiple counts of mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy. He was also ordered to pay more than $1.1 million in restitution.

 

Sagarkumar Suresh Patel, 29, conspired with others to cause victims to mail bulk amounts of cash by pretending to be federal government officials.

 

According to court documents, co-conspirators would call victims and identify themselves as law enforcement officers or attorneys working with the federal government. They would threaten victims by falsely informing them they had active warrants for their arrest, and that their bank accounts and social security numbers had been compromised.

 

Co-conspirators would tell the victims that to avoid losing money from their bank accounts they needed to withdraw large sums of cash from their bank.

 

The victims were told to insert the cash between the pages of several reading magazines and then place each magazine in a bubble-wrapped envelope before placing the wrapped magazines in a cardboard box. Victims mailed packages to Walgreens and other mail depositories to aliases used by Patel.

 

In June 2021, Dublin police officers intercepted a package mailed to Patel at the Walgreens on Hospital Drive that contained $22,000 in cash inserted into magazines. When officers searched Patel’s vehicle, they discovered another magazine package containing $25,000 in cash, $30,000 in a white plastic bag that was wrapped in bubble wrap, a plastic Donatos pizza bag that contained $31,500 and a Southern First bank bag that contained $22,500.

 

“I listened to three of the victims who participated in today’s sentencing hearing, said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “As each of them made clear, the defendant’s illegal actions nearly wiped out all of their life savings. The defendant’s actions caused so much pain and despair to numerous people. A sentence of imprisonment was definitely warranted in this case. This office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who engage in this type of criminal activity.”

 

Patel was charged federally in June 2021 and pleaded guilty in November 2021.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dublin Police Chief Justin Paez announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth F. Affeldt is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – FBI agents have arrested a Centerville, Ohio, man on federal charges related to online threats to commit a mass shooting at a California school.

 

Alex Jaques, 21, has been charged federally with making interstate threats.

 

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on Nov. 15, the FBI National Threat Operations Center received a tip about a video Jaques allegedly posted on YouTube.

 

In the video, Jaques allegedly uses multiple firearms to shoot a Chromebook computer and threatens to attack Washington Middle School in Salinas, California. The Chromebook has a Washington Middle School sticker affixed to it. The video shows an uzi-style weapon being discharged in rapid succession and multiple shots fired from a rifle-style weapon.

 

Law enforcement communicated with school officials in Salinas, California, and discovered that Jaques had been a student at a school within the same county.

 

Other videos on Jaques’s YouTube page allegedly depict the defendant driving while shooting a pistol at street signs.

 

While executing a search warrant at Jaques’s residence today, FBI agents seized eight firearms, including an uzi-style weapon.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Mahy is representing the United States in this case.

 

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A California man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbus to crimes related to supplying the military with faulty parts.

 

Timothy W. Foley, 72, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to money laundering. Each is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

 

As part of his plea, Foley has agreed to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution.

 

According to court documents, Foley was the operator and co-owner of Parts Source International Inc. in Goleta, California. Parts Source was a Department of Defense contractor who sold and supplied a variety of military parts to the DOD for use on military weapons systems, and some of which were critical application items, and invoiced the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Columbus, Ohio, for payment.

 

Foley admitted that from 2012 through 2019, he conspired to supply non-conforming parts to the DOD. Foley submitted 131 quotes for purchase orders that stated he would provide the exact product as required by the government. Rather, as testing and documents revealed, Foley provided unapproved substitutions in fraudulent packaging rending them unacceptable for use by the military.

 

Parts Source received a total of approximately $1.36 million in payments for the parts.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea entered on Nov. 16 before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight and Special Assistant United States Attorney J. Michael Marous are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – The first Chinese government intelligence officer ever to be extradited to the United States to stand trial was sentenced today in federal court in Cincinnati.

 

Yanjun Xu was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

 

Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of China.

 

“This case sends a clear message: we will hold accountable anyone attempting to steal American trade secrets,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Xu conspired to steal American science and technology. Thanks to the diligent work of the FBI, GE Aviation, and our trial team, he’ll spend decades in federal prison.”

 

“The historic sentencing of a Chinese government official for committing espionage against the U.S. is a significant achievement and also should serve as a warning to foreign governments that the U.S. will not tolerate this type of illegal activity,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to steal the sophisticated technologies of U.S. companies, our military, and our government.”

 

On Nov. 5, 2021, a federal jury in Cincinnati convicted Xu on all counts: conspiracy to commit economic espionage, conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, attempted economic espionage and attempted trade secret theft.

 

Xu was a career intelligence officer, beginning in 2003 and rising to the rank of deputy division director at the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS), the intelligence and security agency for China.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, beginning in at least December 2013, Xu targeted specific companies in the United States and abroad that are recognized as leaders in the field of aviation.

 

Xu used aliases, front companies and universities to deceive aviation employees and solicit information. He identified individuals who worked for the companies and recruited them to travel to China, often initially under the guise that they were traveling to give a presentation at a university. Xu and others paid the individuals stipends on top of covering travel costs.

 

The scheme was executed with full coordination between the MSS and China’s aviation entities. Xu worked with others in the MSS to hack or copy computers in hotel rooms while the aviation employees – his “guests” – were taken to dinner by the MSS.

 

Xu also openly talked about efforts to obtain U.S. military information in addition to commercial aviation trade secrets.

 

Attempted GE Aviation trade secret theft

Xu attempted to steal technology related to GE Aviation’s exclusive composite aircraft engine fan module – which no other company in the world has been able to duplicate – to benefit the Chinese state.

 

In March 2017, a GE Aviation employee in Cincinnati was solicited to give a report at a university in China. The employee traveled to China two months later to present at the university and was introduced to Xu. Xu and others paid the employee’s travel expenses and a stipend.

 

After the trip to China, the FBI took over communications with Xu, posing as the employee.

 

In January 2018, Xu requested “system specification, design process” information from the employee and – with the cooperation of GE Aviation, who was working with the FBI – the employee emailed a two-page document from the company that included a label that warned about the disclosure of proprietary information.

 

In February 2018, Xu began discussing with the employee the possibility of meeting in Europe during one of the employee’s business trips and asked the employee to send a copy of the file directory for his company-issued computer.

 

Xu traveled to Belgium with cash and pictures of the employee on April 1, 2018. He was scheduled to meet with the employee and was arrested at that time.

 

The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs secured Xu’s extradition to the United States, with valuable assistance provided by the government of Belgium, as well as the Belgian Federal Police.

 

Handling of MSS spy in Chicago

In September 2022, a federal jury in Chicago convicted an individual (Ji Chaoqun) for working on behalf of the MSS under the direction of Xu.

 

Xu served as Ji’s MSS handler while Ji, a Chinese citizen, lived and studied in Chicago. Xu officially registered Ji as a formal MSS overseas agent in January 2014 and directed Ji to collect biographical information on people to potentially recruit to work with them.

 

Xu provided Ji with the names of at least nine individuals in America to attempt to recruit. Ji obtained and provided Xu with more detailed background reports on the individuals. Ji also received training on how to speak to the FBI if approached at his school.

 

In May 2016, Ji joined the U.S. Army through a program that allowed legal aliens with vital skills like Chinese fluency. Ji told Xu and the MSS that he had successfully infiltrated the U.S. military as an MSS officer. His plan was to obtain citizenship quickly and obtain a top-secret security clearance.

 

Ji reported to an undercover FBI agent that he had access to all military bases with his military ID and volunteered, without prompting, to take pictures of aircraft carriers for the MSS.

 

The crimes committed by Ji were done on behalf of the MSS, through Xu Yanjun.

 

“Xu’s handling and placement of a spy within the United States to obtain information regarding aviation technology and employees is yet another facet of Xu’s egregious crimes towards the United States and further justifies the significant sentence of imprisonment he received today,” added U.S. Attorney Parker.

 

The MSS hacking of a French aerospace manufacturer

The evidence at trial showed Xu recruited insiders within a French aircraft engine manufacturer’s facility in China who were willing to spy on Xu’s behalf.  Xu and his assets targeted a French employee of the company that often traveled to the facility in China for work. In 2013, Xu directed one of his assets within the company to plant malware on the French employee’s work computer, with the ultimate goal of being able to infiltrate the company’s network in France. The evidence at trial also showed Xu’s integral role in the installation of the malware, his instructions to destroy the malware, and Xu’s monitoring of the success and cover-up of the operation.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan, Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter, and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie from the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section represented the United States in this case.

 

U.S. Attorney Parker commended the integral cooperation of GE Aviation throughout the investigation and subsequent prosecution, as well as the DOJ Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Illinois and the District of Arizona.

 

# # #

The first Chinese government intelligence officer ever to be extradited to the United States to stand trial was sentenced today in federal court in Cincinnati.

Yanjun Xu, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to court documents, Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“As proven at trial, the defendant, a Chinese government intelligence officer, used a range of techniques to attempt to steal technology and proprietary information from companies based in both the U.S. and abroad,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the seriousness of those crimes and the Justice Department’s determination to investigate and prosecute efforts by the Chinese government, or any foreign power, to threaten our economic and national security.”

“This case sends a clear message: we will hold accountable anyone attempting to steal American trade secrets,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “Xu conspired to steal American science and technology. Thanks to the diligent work of the FBI, GE Aviation and our trial team, he’ll spend decades in federal prison.”

“This case is just the latest example of the Chinese government’s continued attacks on American economic security – and, by extension, our national security,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The Chinese government tasked an officer of its spy service to steal U.S. trade secrets so it could advance its own commercial and military aviation efforts, at the expense of an American company. This brazen action shows that the Chinese government will stop at nothing to put our companies out of business to the detriment of U.S. workers. As long as the Chinese government continues to break our laws and threaten American industry and institutions, the FBI will work with its partners across the globe to bring those responsible to justice.”

On Nov. 5, 2021, a federal jury in Cincinnati convicted Xu on all counts: conspiracy to commit economic espionage, conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, attempted economic espionage and attempted trade secret theft.

Xu was a career intelligence officer, beginning in 2003 and rising to the rank of deputy division director at the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS), the intelligence and security agency for China.

According to court documents and trial testimony, beginning in at least December 2013, Xu targeted specific companies in the United States and abroad that are recognized as leaders in the field of aviation.

Xu used aliases, front companies and universities to deceive aviation employees and solicit information. He identified individuals who worked for the companies and recruited them to travel to China, often initially under the guise that they were traveling to give a presentation at a university. Xu and others paid the individuals stipends on top of covering travel costs.

The scheme was executed with full coordination between the MSS and China’s aviation entities. Xu worked with others in the MSS to hack or copy computers in hotel rooms while the aviation employees – his “guests” – were taken to dinner by the MSS.

Xu also openly talked about efforts to obtain U.S. military information in addition to commercial aviation trade secrets.

Attempted GE Aviation trade secret theft

Xu attempted to steal technology related to GE Aviation’s exclusive composite aircraft engine fan module – which no other company in the world has been able to duplicate – to benefit the Chinese state.

In March 2017, a GE Aviation employee in Cincinnati was solicited to give a report at a university in China. The employee traveled to China two months later to present at the university and was introduced to Xu. Xu and others paid the employee’s travel expenses and a stipend.

After the trip to China, the FBI took over communications with Xu, posing as the employee.

In January 2018, Xu requested “system specification, design process” information from the employee and – with the cooperation of GE Aviation, who was working with the FBI – the employee emailed a two-page document from the company that included a label that warned about the disclosure of proprietary information.

In February 2018, Xu began discussing with the employee the possibility of meeting in Europe during one of the employee’s business trips and asked the employee to send a copy of the file directory for his company-issued computer.

Xu traveled to Belgium with cash and pictures of the employee on April 1, 2018. He was scheduled to meet with the employee and was arrested at that time.

The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs secured Xu’s extradition to the United States, with valuable assistance provided by the government of Belgium, as well as the Belgian Federal Police.

Handling of MSS spy in Chicago

In September 2022, a federal jury in Chicago convicted an individual (Ji Chaoqun) for working on behalf of the MSS under the direction of Xu.

Xu served as Ji’s MSS handler while Ji, a Chinese citizen, lived and studied in Chicago. Xu officially registered Ji as a formal MSS overseas agent in January 2014 and directed Ji to collect biographical information on people to potentially recruit to work with them.

Xu provided Ji with the names of at least nine individuals in America to attempt to recruit. Ji obtained and provided Xu with more detailed background reports on the individuals. Ji also received training on how to speak to the FBI if approached at his school.

In May 2016, Ji joined the U.S. Army through a program that allowed legal aliens with vital skills like Chinese fluency. Ji told Xu and the MSS that he had successfully infiltrated the U.S. military as an MSS officer. His plan was to obtain citizenship quickly and obtain a top-secret security clearance.

Ji reported to an undercover FBI agent that he had access to all military bases with his military ID and volunteered, without prompting, to take pictures of aircraft carriers for the MSS.

The crimes committed by Ji were done on behalf of the MSS, through Xu Yanjun.

“Xu’s handling and placement of a spy within the United States to obtain information regarding aviation technology and employees is yet another facet of Xu’s egregious crimes towards the United States and further justifies the significant sentence of imprisonment he received today,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.

The MSS hacking of a French aerospace manufacturer

The evidence at trial showed Xu recruited insiders within a French aircraft engine manufacturer’s facility in China who were willing to spy on Xu’s behalf. Xu and his assets targeted a French employee of the company that often traveled to the facility in China for work. In 2013, Xu directed one of his assets within the company to plant malware on the French employee’s work computer, with the ultimate goal of being able to infiltrate the company’s network in France. The evidence at trial also showed Xu’s integral role in the installation of the malware, his instructions to destroy the malware, and Xu’s monitoring of the success and cover-up of the operation. 

The FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois and the District of Arizona provided valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan and Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section represented the United States in this case.

CINCINNATI – A Greenfield, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography.

 

Nathan Lee Murray, 33, sexually exploited a victim under the age of five for the purpose of creating child pornography. As part of his sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

 

According to the indictment, in February 2021, when Murray was on parole with the state of Ohio for a prior sex offense, he possessed child pornography on his cell phone.

 

Further investigation by the FBI revealed that Murray had produced the child pornography by sexually assaulting a young victim. Murray’s left hand can be seen in the images; he has the word “LOVE” tattooed on his hand. In other images, Murray’s reflection is seen in the mirror.

 

Murray created the images and videos in July 2020 and February 2021.

 

Murray was sentenced in July 2021 in Highland County for the underlying sex abuse that was depicted in the videos. The local court ordered him to serve an indeterminant term of imprisonment of 15 years to Life. Murry will have to serve a minimum of 15 years before being considered for parole.

 

Murray will serve 15 years of his federal sentence after he is released from his local term of imprisonment.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Greenfield Police Chief Jeremiah Oyer announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy and Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – A convicted felon was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 96 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm that he stole.

 

Timothy Crider, 29, of Dayton, stole a pink revolver and a gold Jaguar vehicle from a victim in Dayton, Ohio.

 

According to court documents, on March 13, 2021, Dayton police officers responded to a suspected overdose at the intersection of Watts Street and Burkhart Avenue, where they discovered Crider in the stolen Jaguar. Crider had an active warrant for grand theft auto and theft of a firearm, specifically the pink revolver.

 

Officers discovered the pink revolver under the driver’s seat, where Crider had been sitting. DNA lab reports confirmed his DNA on the weapon.

 

Crider has prior convictions for robbery resulting in injury and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, both felony offenses. As a previously convicted felon, Crider is prohibited from possessing firearms.

 

Crider pleaded guilty to the instant offense in July 2022.

 

Crider’s federal sentence will be served after he is released from his current term of imprisonment in Shelby County, Ohio. Crider was sentenced to 30 months in prison in Shelby County Common Pleas Court for spitting on a corrections officer while in pre-trial detention for the instant offense, when he knew he was hepatitis C positive.

 

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Through the violent-crime reduction program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – A Heath, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 180 months in prison for committing three armed bank robberies in Ohio in July and August 2021.

 

Stefan Chadwick Crawmer, 54, knowingly brandished a firearm during crimes of violence and stole nearly $8,000 total from three different banks.

 

According to court documents, on July 1, 2021, Crawmer stole $3,350 from People Savings Bank in Urbana, Ohio. On Aug. 7, 2021, he stole more than $3,000 from Richwood Bank in Springfield, Ohio. Finally, on Aug. 17, 2021, the defendant stole approximately $1,300 from Civista Bank in West Liberty, Ohio.

 

During these robberies, Crawmer entered the banks wearing a face mask. He approached a teller and demanded cash, removing a handgun from his pocket, and placing it in front of the teller.

 

On each occasion, Crawmer pointed the gun at the teller and during at least two of the robberies he racked the slide to indicate the firearm was real and loaded.

 

As part of his conviction, the defendant forfeited two pistols and a rifle.

 

Federal agents arrested Crawmer in October 2021 and he pleaded guilty to armed robbery in July 2022.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Urbana Police Chief Matthew D. Lingrell; Springfield Police Chief Lee Graf; Logan County Sheriff Randall J. Dodds; and West Liberty Police Chief Shane Oelker announced the sentence imposed on Nov. 8 by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Nicholas A. Dingeldein are representing the United States in this case.

 

 

# # #

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former high school chemistry teacher was taken into federal custody today on charges related to using hidden cameras to take tens of thousands of explicit videos of students at school and filming females in dressing rooms and other public places.

 

Justin Foley, 47, of Delaware, Ohio, appeared in federal court at 1:30pm in Columbus today after a federal criminal complaint and warrant were issued for his arrest.

 

Foley was employed as a chemistry teacher at Columbus Alternative High School at the time of his alleged offenses. He is charged with sexually exploiting minors and distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography. It is alleged Foley used his cell phone and other digital media devices in a hidden manner to capture female genitalia under skirts and shorts.

 

According to court documents, in August 2022, the Delaware Police Department received CyberTip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding numerous images of apparent child pornography that were uploaded via Google email accounts. Investigators tracked the IP addresses for the reported email accounts to Foley.

 

It is alleged that Foley’s email accounts contained numerous videos that were voyeuristic in nature and appear to have been self-produced. The videos appear to have been recorded at the school in which Foley worked as a chemistry teacher, at local department stores in central Ohio, in public areas of downtown Delaware, Ohio, and in dressing rooms. It is apparent that the victims in the videos do not know they are being recorded.

 

Delaware County law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Foley’s residence on Sept. 20, 2022. Court documents detail that Foley admitted to creating videos in the classroom and hallways of the school at which he taught and that he had created some of these videos as recently as the previous week.

 

Foley was arrested and charged locally in Delaware County in September 2022. His federal charges will supersede his previous local charges.

 

Sexually exploiting a minor is a crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. Distribution and receipt of child pornography is a crime punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; Delaware Police Chief Adam Moore; Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel; and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

 

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

If you believe you may be a victim of or the parent of a potential victim of Foley’s alleged conduct, please call 614-901-6883.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight will lead the Southern District of Ohio’s Election Day Program efforts for the general election tomorrow.

 

As the District Election Officer, Ms. Knight is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.

 

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

 

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

 

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. 

 

It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

 

The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  Please direct allegations of election fraud and other election abuses to the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI.

 

Deputy Criminal Chiefs Emily Glatfelter and Brent Tabacchi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate are also serving as District Election Officers. Ms. Knight and Mr. Glenn-Applegate can be reached in Columbus at 614-469-5715. Ms. Glatfelter can be reached in Cincinnati at 513-684-3711. Mr. Tabacchi can be reached in Dayton at 937-225-2910.

 

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

 

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

 

“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – Five are men were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to prison for their roles in a drug trafficking organization distributing bulk amounts of methamphetamine to the greater Dayton region.

 

They include:

Name

Age

City

Prison Sentence Imposed

Justus Ruby

26

Englewood, Ohio

78 months

William Green III

27

Dayton, Ohio

97 months

Robert Walker

30

Dayton, Ohio

110 months

Andre Figures

38

Dayton, Ohio

36 months

D’Erius Warfield

28

Dayton, Ohio

74 months

 

According to court documents, from September 2020 until January 2021, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a group of individuals who used the alias “Jose” and distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Dayton area.

 

The defendants distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of methamphetamine and other narcotics.

 

During the investigation, investigators witnessed Ruby selling fentanyl to drug users from the state of Indiana. When they executed a search warrant at his properties, agents discovered bulk amounts of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and more than $13,000 in cash.

 

Investigators also executed a search warrant at Green’s property. Officers seized a respirator, rubber gloves, paraphernalia, and bulk amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

 

Walker is currently incarcerated in Indiana for conspiracy to commit murder. He will serve his federal sentence partially consecutive to his state term of imprisonment.

 

Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

 

This investigation was conducted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A former Post Office supervisor pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to embezzling mail packages for profit.

 

Kerry Beech, Jr., 31, of Cincinnati, was paid $500 on each occasion to intercept certain packages from the mail system and hand deliver them himself.

 

According to court documents, Beech was employed with the Post Office from 2013 to 2021, most recently at the Parkdale Post Office in Cincinnati. In 2020, the defendant embezzled at least 28 packages in coordination with the individual who received the packages in person.

 

In July 2020, four of the packages were seized by federal agents. The sealed packages contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.

 

When agents searched Beech’s vehicle, they discovered $4,500 in cash and a loaded pistol.

 

Beech was charged by a Bill of Information in September 2022.

 

Theft of mail by an employee of the Postal Service is punishable by up to five years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett and commended the investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and United States Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man has been charged with committing a federal hate crime by physically assaulting a victim based on the victim’s race.

 

Darrin Johnson, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday and arrested this morning. His case was unsealed when he appeared in federal court at 1:30pm.

 

According to the indictment, on Aug. 17, 2021, Johnson physically attacked an Asian American victim on Calhoun Street at the University of Cincinnati.

 

It is alleged Johnson made racist comments toward the victim, including, “Go back to your country…You brought the kung flu here…You’re going to die for bringing it.”

 

After allegedly threatening to kill the victim, Johnson’s charging documents detail that he punched the victim on the side of his head. The force of the punch caused the victim to fall and hit his head on the bumper of a parked car.

 

The victim suffered multiple injuries, including a minor concussion and facial lacerations.

 

Two individuals who witnessed the assault intervened and one held Johnson down until law enforcement arrived.

 

In October 2021, Johnson pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and criminal intimidation for the incident and was sentenced to serve 360 days in county jail.

 

If convicted of a federal hate crime, Johnson would face up to 10 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter is representing the United States in this case.

 

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 192 months in prison for distributing fentanyl that caused the near-fatal overdose of a high school student.

 

In March 2019, Marcus Phoenix, 33, sold a teenager fentanyl. Court documents detail that the overdose victim had texted Phoenix and requested $20 worth of “fire.” The high schooler believed “fire” to be Percocet, which he/she had purchased from Phoenix in the past.

 

The teenager overdosed and, after two doses of Narcan failed to stop the overdose’s effects, emergency room doctors performed life-saving surgery. Ultimately, the overdose victim was on life support in a medically induced coma for a week before regaining consciousness. In all, the overdose victim was hospitalized for nearly two weeks and required extensive physical therapy to regain the ability to walk and perform other daily tasks.

 

“When teens seek out prescription opioids, they are often in fact buying counterfeit versions, which increasingly contain fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “My office will continue to identify, investigate and prosecute those responsible for putting deadly drugs in the hands of our youth.”

 

Subsequent law enforcement investigation revealed that Phoenix, who was on probation at the time for a local aggravated drug trafficking conviction, continued to sell fentanyl in March and April 2019. While conducting a search warrant at Phoenix’s apartment in June 2019, investigators discovered 20 grams of fentanyl and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

 

Phoenix was arrested on federal charges in June 2019 and pleaded guilty in May 2021.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; Lt. Col. Charles A Jones, Superintendent, Ohio State Highway Patrol; West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog; and other members of the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Timothy D. Oakley are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

Dayton, Ohio – The final of five defendants has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to participating in the summer 2019 kidnapping and subsequent death of Kwasi Casey, whose body was later found in a detached garage on Fountain Ave. in Dayton.

 

Devon Love, 29, admitted to conspiring with four others to kidnap and abduct the victim at gunpoint on July 7, 2019.

 

Mr. Casey was taken to one of the defendant’s homes, where he was held against his will and beaten with a baseball bat. Another defendant made ransom demands of the victim’s family.

 

Court documents detail that the victim escaped on July 8, 2019, but was recaptured and forced into a co-conspirator’s minivan, where the victim was again physically assaulted. Mr. Casey ultimately died as a result of the defendants’ actions.

 

Between July and September 2019, the defendants concealed the victim’s body at a garage on Fountain Ave. in Dayton. On Sept. 17, 2019, the defendants set the garage on fire to destroy evidence and the victim’s body. On Sept. 26, 2019, the victim’s burnt remains were recovered from the burnt garage.

 

Eric Blackshear, 43; Antoine Dye, 37; Markale Thomas, 28; and Ryan Reese, 27; have also pleaded guilty in this case. Blackshear was sentenced in June 2022 to 360 months in prison. The other four defendants are pending sentencing.

 

Sentencing of the defendants is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L, Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith and Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A federal jury convicted a registered sex offender on all counts following a four-day trial in Cincinnati.

 

Nicholas J. Veerkamp, 30, of Colerain Township, Ohio, sexually exploited a 9-year-old victim and a 12-year-old victim and kept images of the exploitation.

 

The verdict was announced yesterday evening following a trial that began on Oct. 24 before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, in August 2017, Veerkamp sexually exploited a 12-year-old victim to create three images of child pornography.

 

In October 2017, Veerkamp sexually exploited a 9-year-old child for the purpose of making child pornography. Veerkamp created 19 images of the victim, including images in which he exposed the child’s genitals while the victim slept.

 

The defendant also possessed other images of minor females on his electronic devices. 

 

Veerkamp was convicted of sexual imposition in 2016, and as a result, was required to register as a sex offender.

 

Sexually exploiting a minor is a federal crime punishable by a range of 15 to 30 years in prison. Possessing child pornography carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Committing a felony offense involving a minor while registered as a sex offender mandates an additional 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

 

Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Colerain Township Police Chief Edwin C. Cordie III; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey’s Regional Electronics Crimes Investigations unit and other members of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children task force, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Jennifer K. Weinhold are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two men were charged with civil rights crimes related to the use of excessive force during their employment with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Jeremy C. Mooney, 47, of Piketon, and William Stansberry, Jr., 46, of Chillicothe. That indictment was unsealed today at the defendants’ initial appearances in federal court.

 

According to the indictment, Mooney and Stansberry violated the victim’s constitutional rights on November 18, 2019, while the victim was in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

Mooney and Stansberry are both charged with crimes related to Mooney’s use of force. According to the indictment, Mooney repeatedly used pepper spray and struck the victim, while the victim was restrained and not posing a threat. The indictment charges that Mooney’s conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon and resulted in bodily injury.

 

Stansberry is charged with violating the victim’s constitutional rights by willfully failing to intervene to prevent Mooney’s conduct. The indictment alleges that Stansberry - who held a supervisory position at the sheriff's office at the time – was aware that Mooney was using unreasonable force and did not intervene, despite having an opportunity to do so.

 

If convicted, both men face a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment. 

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are representing the United States in this case.

 

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

# # #

A federal grand jury indicted two former Pike County, Ohio, sheriff’s deputies on civil rights crimes for using excessive force during their employment with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. 

According to the indictment, Jeremy C. Mooney, 47, of Piketon, and William Stansberry Jr., 46, of Chillicothe, violated the victim’s constitutional rights on Nov. 18, 2019, while the victim was in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Mooney allegedly used pepper spray repeatedly while the victim was restrained and not posing a threat. Separately, Mooney also allegedly struck the victim while the victim was restrained. The indictment charges that Mooney’s conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon and resulted in bodily injury.

Stansberry is charged with violating the victim’s constitutional rights by willfully failing to intervene to prevent Mooney’s conduct. As alleged, Stansberry was aware that Mooney was using unreasonable force and did not intervene, despite having an opportunity to do so.

If convicted, both men face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment on each count, a fine of up to $250,000 and a three-year term of supervised release. 

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Cincinnati Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

CINCINNATI – A Sardinia, Ohio, woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to stealing more than $700,000 from the family-owned business for which she worked.

 

Tina Coday-Townes, 49, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

 

According to court documents, Coday-Townes previously served as the office manager for a business in Clermont County. In that role, she was responsible for accounts payable and bookkeeping, including inputting and sending data to a third-party payroll company.

 

The defendant admitted that from 2013 until 2019, she wrote checks using an employers’ signature stamp to pay off her personal credit cards. Coday-Townes made false entries into the accounting database, indicating the checks were to vendors rather than to her personal credit cards.

 

In addition, Coday-Townes entered overtime hours for herself, even though she was ineligible for overtime as a salaried employee.

 

As part of her plea agreement, Coday-Townes will pay $697,000 in restitution to her former employer, $11,500 to the State of Ohio for fraudulently paid unemployment benefits, and $35,000 to West American Insurance Company.

 

Coday-Townes was arrested by federal agents in April 2021.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A local man pleaded guilty in federal court today to making and selling “ghost guns,” untraceable homemade weapons made in whole or in part with a 3D printer.

 

Court documents detail that Thomas Develin, 25, of Columbus, also made antisemitic and violent statements online while employed to provide security services at local synagogues and Jewish schools.

 

Develin admitted in his plea agreement that he created ghost guns to sell for profit. He also made and possessed homemade conversion devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns. Develin admitted that he made and sold firearms that he knew were illegal.

 

Develin advertised online that he possessed and was selling 3D-printed sears, which are devices designed to convert semiautomatic AR-type rifles into fully automatic rifles.  Devices that are intended to convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic firearms are considered “machineguns” under federal law.  Other messages on Develin’s phone stated that he had manufactured a two-handed firearm with an overall length under 26 inches, which is illegal.

 

On March 31, the day Develin was arrested, agents discovered in his vehicle: night vision goggles, ballistic plates, a ballistic helmet, first aid equipment and a large quantity of ammunition including several loaded magazines.

 

Agents discovered more than 25 firearms in Develin’s residence and vehicle while executing search warrants in March and April 2022. They also discovered two IED manuals.

 

Develin admitted in his plea agreement that in late March 2022, he knew law enforcement may be coming for him so he went to the property surrounding the cabin of a person he knew to hide and burn illegal firearms parts.  In text messages with another person, Develin also discussed hiding and destroying incriminating evidence.  Develin admitted he took these acts with the intent to obstruct the investigation.

 

The defendant has been charged in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas with various crimes, including making terroristic threats. Those charges remain pending.

 

Illegally making firearms and unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing machine guns are federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Manufacturing and dealing any firearms without a license are punishable by up to five years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. The law enforcement agencies were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Jessica W. Knight are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The former director of a local Islamic center pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to embezzling funds from the mosque, defrauding public housing, and filing for fraudulent COVID assistance funds.

 

Ahmed A. Sh. Ahmed, 43, of Gahanna, admitted in federal court today to committing wire fraud, submitting a false statement and making a false statement.

 

According to court documents, from at least 2009 until March 2019, Ahmed was employed as the Director of the Ibn Taymiyah Masjid and Islamic Center (ITMIC) on Mock Road in Columbus.

 

During his tenure as director, Ahmed used his position of trust to embezzle funds from the religious organization. Specifically, Ahmed wrote unauthorized checks from ITMIC’s accounts to himself. Each year from 2015 through 2018, Ahmed increased the amount he embezzled, writing himself $4,500 in checks in 2015; approximately $11,000 in checks in 2016; $12,900 in checks in 2017; and approximately $21,000 in checks in 2018.

 

Ahmed spent thousands of dollars of ITMIC funds to pay his own personal credit card bill and towards the purchase of his own personal vehicle.

 

Ahmed also defrauded the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority’s housing choice voucher program. From 2014 until at least 2020, Ahmed submitted false claims to obtain housing subsidies he would not otherwise qualify for given his true income and assets.

 

The defendant falsely claimed his personal income was $18,000 annually and did not report any household assets. In reality, Ahmed and his wife deposited more than $235,000 into their bank accounts from 2014 through 2018.

 

Finally, Ahmed fraudulently applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance nine times from August until October 2020. During that same time frame, Ahmed generated at least $4,000 in revenue by producing and posting approximately 126 YouTube videos to his YouTube channel.

 

As part of his plea, Ahmed will pay more than $37,400 in restitution to the Islamic center.

 

Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Making and submitting false claims are federal crimes that carry a potential maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati division; and Jerome Winkle II, Acting Special Agent in Charge, HUD-OIG, announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Canal Winchester man who was found guilty of 35 counts of money laundering crimes following a jury trial in May was sentenced today in federal court to 60 months in prison.

 

Seth Nyamekye, 40, was also ordered to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution to the victims of the romance fraud.

 

Nyamekye was convicted for his role in laundering the proceeds of online romance scams.

 

“This defendant helped fraudsters prey on vulnerable peoples’ desires for love and connection,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Nyamekye conducted financial transactions to conceal that money was generated by fraud and to get the money to co-conspirators in Ghana. He deserves the sentence he received today.”

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, the perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites and then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere. The scammers cultivated a sense of affection and, often, romance, with the victims they met online before requesting money for investment or need-based reasons. The romance scam perpetrators then provided victims with bank account information where the money should be sent. Nyamekye controlled one of these accounts and received more than $1.3 million in romance fraud proceeds from victims. Nyamekye was not charged with defrauding the victims himself, but instead was charged with laundering the proceeds of the romance fraud.

 

The government proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Nyamekye laundered the victims’ money on behalf of the conspiracy. The defendant conspired with others from at least June 2016 until February 2018 to commit money laundering in multiple transactions of more than $10,000 with the purpose of concealing the fraudulent nature of the proceeds.

 

At least eight victims sent their money directly to Nyamekye’s bank account, which was in the name of Gloseth Ventures LLC. For example, one victim was defrauded by a purported member of the military and sent a $170,000 wire transfer to Nyamekye’s bank account. Another victim fell in love with a man he met online who also claimed to be in the military overseas and sent two wire transfers to Nyamekye totaling $73,000. A separate victim believed she was engaged to the man who was scamming her and sent $50,000 to the defendant’s bank account.

 

After the funds were deposited into Nyamekye’s bank account, Nyamekye took a cut of the victims’ money and then conducted financial transactions to move the funds where the perpetrators of the romance fraud could enjoy the criminal proceeds.

 

Nyamekye was charged by a criminal complaint in October 2020 and was later indicted in May 2021.

 

If you believe you are the victim of an online romance scam, you can file a complaint at ic3.gov.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Cincinnati Field Office, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly represented the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Logan, Ohio, woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography.

 

Carrie Daniels, 41, was charged federally in April 2022, along with her significant other, Robert Gemienhardt, 37. Gemienhardt pleaded guilty to related offenses on Sept. 30 and awaits sentencing. 

 

The two defendants groomed minor victims whom they had access too, sexually abused the victims, and created child pornography of the abuse.

 

According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Kik messenger regarding Gemienhardt’s online child exploitation activities conducted at Daniels’s residence. The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office then began investigating the allegations.

 

Subsequent search warrants executed by the Hocking County Sherriff’s Office, in conjunction with the FBI, revealed that Daniels had produced child pornography of an approximately 3-year-old child and distributed the images she had produced to Gemienhardt.  Those images were ultimately recovered on Gemienhardt’s phone. In addition, further evidence revealed that at times, Gemienhardt and Daniels acted together and produced child pornography through the grooming and sexual abuse of minor victims they had access to between April and June of 2020.

 

Daniels and her boyfriend, who was a registered sex offender in the state of Ohio, exchanged thousands of illicit text messages detailing their sexual fantasies about four separate minor victims to whom they had access.  Those text messages further revealed both Gemienhardt and Daniels had plans to act out some of the detailed fantasies by sexually abusing some of the minors.

 

Sexually exploiting a minor is a crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. Possessing child pornography carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A local, self-identified “Incel” pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to attempting to conduct a mass shooting of women.

 

Tres Genco, 22, of Hillsboro, Ohio, admitted he plotted to commit a hate crime, namely, a plan to shoot women at a university in Ohio. He was arrested by federal agents in July 2021 and has remained in custody since.

 

“Genco formulated a plot to kill women and intended to carry it out. Our federal and local law enforcement partners stopped that from happening,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Hate has no place in our country – including gender-based hate – and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute any such conduct.”

 

“Thankfully, law enforcement partners working closely together prevented a deadly killing spree targeting women,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “Genco’s hate-filled beliefs and actions were extremely dangerous and could have resulted in irreparable harm to our community and many precious lives. We urge the public to report concerning behavior to the FBI and local police to help prevent future violence.”

 

Genco identified as an Incel or “involuntary celibate.” The Incel movement is an online community of predominantly men who harbor anger towards women. Incels advocate violence in support of their belief that women unjustly deny them sexual or romantic attention to which they believe they are entitled.   

 

According to court documents, Genco maintained profiles on a popular Incel website from at least July 2019 through mid-March 2020 and posted hundreds of times on the site.

 

In one post, Genco detailed spraying “some foids and couples” with orange juice in a water gun. Foids is an Incel term short for “femoids,” referring to women. Genco compared his “extremely empowering action” to similar conduct by known Incel Elliot Rodger. In May 2014, Rodger killed six people and injured 14 others, including shooting individuals outside a University of California, Santa Barbara sorority house. Prior to his mass attack, Rodger shot a group of college students with orange juice from a water gun.

 

Genco also wrote a manifesto, stating he would “slaughter” women “out of hatred, jealousy and revenge…” and referring to death as the “great equalizer.”

 

As part of this investigation, law enforcement agents discovered a note of Genco’s that indicated he hoped to “aim big” for a kill count of 3,000 people with a reference to the same date as Elliot Rodger’s attack and intended to attend military training. The investigation revealed that the day he wrote his manifesto, he searched online for sororities and a university in Ohio.

 

In 2019, Genco purchased tactical gloves, a bulletproof vest, a hoodie bearing the word “Revenge,” cargo pants, a bowie knife, a skull facemask, two Glock 17 magazines, a 9mm Glock 17 clip, and a holster clip concealed carry for a Glock.

 

Genco attended Army Basic Training in Georgia from August through December 2019. He was discharged for entry-level performance and conduct.

 

In January 2020, Genco wrote a document entitled “isolated” that he described as “the writings of the deluded and homicidal.” Genco signed the document, “Your hopeful friend and murderer.”

 

Genco’s court documents detail that he conducted surveillance at an Ohio university on Jan. 15, 2020. That same day, he searched online for topics including “planning a shooting crime” and “when does preparing for a crime become an attempt?”

 

On March 12, 2020, Highland County sheriff’s deputies responded to Genco’s residence. At the residence, in the trunk of Genco’s vehicle, police officers found, among other things, a firearm with a bump stock attached, several loaded magazines, body armor and boxes of ammunition. Inside the residence, police officers found a modified Glock-style 9mm semiautomatic pistol, with no manufacturer’s marks or serial number, hidden in a heating vent in Genco’s bedroom. As part of his plea, Genco admitted that he possessed both firearms in furtherance of his plot.

 

Genco pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to commit a hate crime, which, because it involved an attempt to kill, is punishable by up to life in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Gaffney Painter and Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The government added 12 defendants and 28 new charges to a federal narcotics conspiracy case that now charges 23 total individuals. 

 

A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July after a federal grand jury indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

 

A superseding indictment unsealed Friday now charges additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

 

According to the 42-count superseding indictment, from at least January 2008 until 2022, the drug trafficking organization sold drugs out of local West side Columbus residences to customers and distributed larger amounts to regional drug traffickers who then trafficking those narcotics to places such as West Virginia and the Northern District of Ohio.

 

Most of the alleged drug dealing took place within 1000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus.

 

The indictment also alleges two defendants distributed fentanyl and crack cocaine that initially resulted in serious bodily harm to the victim, who ultimately died of an overdose.

 

As part of this case, local, state, and federal law enforcement officers have executed more than 20 search warrants at various locations throughout Central Ohio and seized more than $1.7 million in alleged drug proceeds. For example, while executing a search warrant at Car-Go storage units, law enforcement officials discovered at least $1.2 million in cash. Searches of residences yielded 47 firearms, diamonds, Rolex watches and additional bulk amounts of cash.

 

 

Those originally charged include:

Name

Age

City of Residence

Cordell A. Washington, aka Corey, Dub, Bro

35

Columbus, Ohio

Patrick M. Saultz, aka White Boy Pat

44

Columbus, Ohio

David E. Price, aka DP

53

Columbus, Ohio

Allison E. Smith, aka Alli

27

Columbus, Ohio

Tavaryyuan Johnson, aka Gucci

22

Columbus, Ohio

Tyler N. Bourdo

28

Columbus, Ohio

Alexis C. Lewis

30

Columbus, Ohio

Michael Fowler

45

Canton, Ohio

Carmela Brooks

48

Canton, Ohio

Dustin A. Speakman, aka Dawg

32

Columbus, Ohio

Danny G. Mullins

53

Columbus, Ohio

 

Defendants added in the superseding indictment unsealed today include:

Name

Age

City of Residence

Robert E. Tinsley, III, aka Cam

22

Columbus, Ohio

Priscilla L. Washington

58

Columbus, Ohio

Lauren E. Brezney

29

Shallotte, N.C./Columbus, Ohio

Brittany A. Williams

36

Columbus, Ohio

Gabriel R. Smith, aka Gabe

34

Canal Winchester, Ohio

Robert L. Pyles, aka Pork

45

Columbus, Ohio

Mitchell A. Powers

33

Columbus, Ohio

Vincent T. Griffin

50

Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Caitlin R. Duff

27

Columbus, Ohio

Michael D. Burton

39

Columbus, Ohio

Brian K. Long, II

32

Columbus, Ohio

Anthony B. Frierson, aka Royal

31

Columbus, Ohio

 

Twenty-two defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone. The narcotics conspiracy is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. 

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

 

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

Indictments merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced seven law enforcement and community awards today.

 

The U.S. Attorney is presenting the awards to individuals or groups nominated for their bravery and sacrifice, law enforcement excellence, focus on violent crime, protection of children and positive impact on their communities.

 

“Each and every day in the Southern District of Ohio, we have community and law enforcement members working diligently to improve our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “These individuals and groups dedicate their time and talents to bettering our District and they deserve to be recognized.”

 

The awardees include:

 

Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award

Deputy U.S. Marshal David Youngless, Jr.

On Dec. 8, 2021, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Southern District of Ohio, Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) conducted a fugitive investigation for an individual wanted by the Columbus Division of Police for robbery.

 

During the search, the team encountered the fugitive in a bedroom on the second floor of the home. As the officers were taking her into custody, her male companion, who was hiding in a nearby closet, opened fire and shot Deputy United States Marshal David Youngless Jr., the team leader of Columbus SOFAST.

 

“Deputy Youngless’ professionalism and bravery was evident in the way he stayed in control of the team. Deputy Youngless remained poised and continued to direct the actions of the team while calming both the team and others inside the home,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.

 

The bullet that struck Deputy Youngless entered through his arm, ricocheted off his spine breaking two vertebrae, and lodged in his chest. Deputy Youngless spent four nights in the hospital before being released.

 

Law Enforcement Excellence

Sgt. Shawn Gruber (Columbus Division of Police)

Sgt. Gruber led the Zone 2 Summer Safety Initiative in Columbus. During a six-week period, Sgt. Gruber and his team recovered 17 firearms, including an automatic weapon, from numerous known gang members. The seized weapons helped further unsolved homicide investigations.

 

Sgt. Gruber and his team made 35 felony arrests and seized at least half a kilogram of crack cocaine along with numerous other narcotics.

 

Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award

Det. & Task Force Officer Sam Chappell (Columbus Division of Police)

Every firearm recovered in the city of Columbus includes a report that is reviewed by Columbus Division of Police Detective and ATF Task Force Officer Sam Chappell. TFO Chappell then gathers and presents all related information to state and federal prosecutors to determine the most appropriate venue for potential prosecution. Many of the cases TFO Chappell has opened in 2022 are domestic violence related.

 

One of TFO Chappell’s firearms trafficking cases led to the seizure of 31 firearms from one home that were slated to be sold on open forums to anyone who wanted them.

 

Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence

Det. & Task Force Officer Brett Peachey (Westerville Division of Police)

Westerville Detective Brett Peachey has been a dedicated Task Force Officer with the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit and the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children task force for nearly 14 of his 27 years of law enforcement service.

 

During his tenure, TFO Peachey has arrested hundreds of child pornography offenders and rescued countless children. He’s stopped numerous dangerous pedophiles through undercover online chat communications and continues to tirelessly pursue the most heinous offenders.

 

Polaris Community Service Award

Maj. Brian Johns (Dayton Police Department)

Maj. Brian Johns, Commander of the Investigations Division, was awarded the Polaris Community Service Award for his role in an innovative new program aimed at helping youth recover from trauma.

 

In 2022, the Dayton Police Department organized a special summer program for local youths that have experienced trauma either through being a victim or witness to a crime, or the loss of a parent or close loved one to violence or overdose. The Youth Recovery Outdoor Summer Program featured eight days of outdoor activities throughout the summer months (one day per week over eight weeks), allowing them to find positive ways to deal with stress and loss, learn a new hobby or skill, increase self-confidence, and spend time with other youths going through similar situations.

 

Maj. Johns was nominated by the Dayton YWCA, writing, “Having the opportunity to connect the youth we serve with a program tailored to their needs and considerate of their challenges – a program that reinforces that they are seen, heard, and valued – is life-changing, and helps to expedite the healing process.”

 

Five children in the YWCA’s domestic violence shelters participated in this summer’s program.

 

Serve Thy Neighbor Award

FBI Cincinnati Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association

The FBICCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI that is comprised of graduates from the FBI’s Citizens Academy program who wish to support area law enforcement organizations and give back to the community. In recent years, the nonprofit group has had a positive impact on the community by raising awareness of human trafficking in Southern Ohio.

 

For the last two years, the group has held a fundraising event to support anti-trafficking programs in our area. More than $6,000 has been donated to End Slavery Cincinnati, Hope House in Dayton, and Out of Darkness in Columbus. This total does not include funds raised at the third annual event that occurred on Oct. 2 at Topgolf in Cincinnati.

 

The FBICCAAA raised funds to purchase backpacks and supplies that could be given to women served by the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) in Nelsonville, Ohio. SAOP works with survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence in seven southeastern Ohio counties. Members of the FBICCAAA put together 50 survivor backpacks filled with comfort items, toiletries, snacks, and other necessities. SAOP plans to distribute the backpacks throughout Southeast Ohio to sex trafficking victims, many of whom are homeless and have little or nothing of their own.

 

Serve Thy Neighbor Award

Malissa Thomas-St. Clair (Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children)

Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, the president and founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, coordinates a small army of mothers affectionately referred to as Sister Soldiers.

 

“Tragically, admission to the group is predicated by the most unthinkable act – a mother losing a child to violence,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “Ms. Thomas-St. Clair has taken her own personal loss and turned the pain into a vehicle to advocate for others.”

 

Ms. Thomas-St. Clair has created a powerful support network for those losing a loved one to violence. These ladies, often dressed in orange and camouflage, tirelessly take to the streets to advocate for violence reduction and improved relations between the police and the community

 

“Each award recipient in this first annual set of law enforcement awards highlights that we make better, stronger communities when we work together,” added U.S. Attorney Parker. “I’m proud to work alongside such innovative and devoted members of our community, law enforcement and otherwise.”

 

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus vice officer was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 18 months in prison for conspiring to violate an individual’s constitutional rights. 

 

Steven G. Rosser, 46, of Delaware, was convicted following a jury trial in February 2022.

 

Rosser was employed with the Columbus Division of Police for 19 years and assigned as a detective in CPD’s vice unit from April 2013 until October 2018.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, in 2018, Rosser and others conspired to deprive one of the owners of the Dollhouse, a gentlemen’s club on Karl Court, of his civil rights by seizing and searching him and his vehicle without probable cause in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

 

At trial, the government presented evidence that Rosser was part of a scheme to frame the victim for cocaine possession. The actual amount of cocaine planted on the scene as part of the scheme was a miniscule amount, approximately .017 gram.

 

After orchestrating the fraudulent arrest, Rosser falsified documentation to conceal the conspiracy activity.

 

Rosser was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested in March 2020.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Superintendent Joseph Morbitzer; and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s BCI, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to 16 counts of wire and passport fraud. The defendant stole the identity of a baby who died as an infant and used the infant’s identity to obtain a passport, a student pilot license, a job as a flight attendant, and pandemic relief loans.

 

As part of her plea, Ava Misseldine, 49, will pay more than $1.5 million in restitution and forfeit her Utah home and profits from the recent sale of her Michigan home, both of which she bought with stolen government money.

 

According to court documents, Misseldine stole the identity of a baby who died in 1979 and is buried in a Columbus cemetery.

 

In 2003, Misseldine applied for an Ohio ID and later a Social Security card and driver’s license using the stolen identity.

 

In 2007, Misseldine posed as the stolen identity to obtain a student pilot certificate and U.S. Passport. Misseldine submitted paperwork claiming she needed the passport to travel internationally in her occupation as a flight attendant for JetSelect. She was employed under the false identity.

 

Over the next 13 years, Misseldine continued to obtain identity documents in both her real and fake names. An investigation was launched in 2021 when she tried to renew the fraudulent passport.

 

Misseldine obtained approximately $1.5 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans in 2020 using both her real and fake identities. Her loan applications list her businesses as various bakeries and catering companies, including her former bakeries Sugar Inc. Cupcakes & Tea Salon in Dublin and Koko Tea Salon & Bakery in New Albany and at Easton. She submitted forged documents to support her loan applications.

 

Misseldine used the pandemic relief loan money to purchase a home for $647,500 adjacent to Zion National Park in Utah and a home for $327,500 in Michigan.

 

In August and September 2021, Misseldine, after relocating to Utah, obtained driver’s licenses in both names.

 

Misseldine was arrested in Utah in June.

 

Wire fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and passport fraud carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the guilty plea offered today and commended the investigation by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service and Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, assisted by the U.S. Marshals, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

 

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CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today the creation of an environmental justice initiative in the Southern District of Ohio.

 

Members of the public may now report potential environmental violations by emailing USAOHS.Environment@usdoj.gov.

 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio is committed to enforcing all environmental laws and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all Ohioans,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.

 

This includes addressing any violation concerning discriminatory environmental and health impacts.

 

“Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to developing, implementing and enforcing environmental law,” U.S. Attorney Parker added. “We are committed to ensuring that all individuals receive equal protection under environmental laws, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income.”

 

Other potential environmental violations may involve topics such as air quality, drinking water, asbestos, lead paint, dangerous workplace conditions, endangered species or chemicals harming wildlife.

 

For more details, see the environmental justice information sheet now available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website at: justice.gov/usao-sdoh. The sheet contains contact information for several federal agencies including U.S. EPA, OSHA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FDA, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam Cullman serves as the District’s Environmental Justice Coordinator.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today that nine prosecutions in the Southern District of Ohio are included in the Department of Justice’s National Elder Justice Sweep. The initiative also includes outreach within the Southern District of Ohio to connect with the District’s senior citizens.

 

“Elder fraud schemes can be devastating to senior citizen victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “My office is firmly committed to working with the community to prevent these crimes, and to using all available tools – both civil and criminal – to address those who prey on the trust and emotions of some of our most vulnerable people in the community.”

 

U.S. Attorney Parker announced his office is partnering with AARP Ohio to conduct outreach to senior citizens located in the Southern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is distributing materials to AARP members about how to prevent elder abuse, the types of abuse and resources for reporting suspected fraud.

 

“There were more than $86 million in scam losses reported in Ohio last year, but the true cost is much higher,” said AARP Ohio State Director Holly Holtzen. “AARP Ohio is working hard to help people spot and avoid these criminal scams, but education alone is not enough. We are proud to partner with the Department of Justice and commend their efforts to stand up for seniors and bring these criminals to justice.”

 

The national law enforcement sweep announced today includes filed cases with events happening between Sept. 1, 2021, and Sept. 16, 2022.

 

The cases in the Southern District of Ohio include romance scams, investment fraud, embezzlement, marketing scams and government imposters.

 

Romance Scams

In U.S. v. Seth Nyamekye, the defendant and co-conspirators created profiles on online dating sites and cultivated romantic relationships with elderly victims who they then convinced to send money for investments that did not exist. A federal jury convicted Nyamekye of 35 counts of money laundering and related fraud counts in June 2022 following a two-week trial in Columbus.

 

Defendants related to U.S. v. Samuel Antwi committed a similar online romance fraud scheme. In this case, the eight co-conspirators convinced victims to send money or to share their personal financial information. The defendants in this case, which was filed in Columbus, have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging form 18 months to 42 months.

 

In the Cincinnati case U.S. v. Delove Kofi Amuzu, Amuzu and others led victims to believe they were in romantic relationships and needed money for things such as medical bills, plane tickets and other valuable items. Amuzu was indicted in January 2022 and his charges remain pending.

 

Investment Fraud Scams

Shahiydullah Binraymond was sentenced in Columbus in April 2022 to 44 months in prison for defrauding an elderly couple. Binraymond executed a sophisticated scheme to get the victims to transfer real estate property to him.

 

In Dayton, Steven L. Humphrey pleaded guilty in May 2022 to committing wire fraud and defrauding an elderly victim of $1 million. Humphrey convinced the elderly victim to invest approximately $250,000 in rubber, classic cars and bitcoin. In fact, Humphrey was using the money for automobiles, clothes, fishing gear and firearms.

 

Embezzlement

Mark Alan Thomas pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus in June 2022 to mail fraud. Thomas stole more than half a million dollars from an elderly victim with dementia while acting as the woman’s power of attorney.

 

Marketing Scam

In U.S. v. Mary-Helene Massullo, D.O., which was indicted in August 2022, telemarketers allegedly targeted Medicare and Medicaid recipients as part of a pain cream scheme. It is alleged that Massullo authorized authorized pain creams for recipients without ever seeing or examining them. The victims were then harassed with telemarketing calls.

 

Government Imposters

In February 2022, Sagarkumar Patel pleaded guilty to mail fraud crimes. In this case, call center scammers identifying themselves as government officials contacted elderly victims and convinced them that warrants would be issued for their arrest unless the victims mailed the scammers large sums of money.

 

In U.S. v. Christopher Thornton, the defendant called an elderly victim claiming to be a federal officer who was collecting delinquent taxes and fees on the victim’s property. Thornton told the victim if she did not pay immediately her property would be seized by the government. The defendant signed a pretrial diversion agreement in March 2022.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Affeldt is the Elder Justice Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Affeldt and Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Garcia, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Noah R. Litton, Rob Painter, Timothy Prichard, S. Courter Shimeall and David Twombly represented the United States in these cases.

 

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CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 37 months in prison for illegally possessing a pistol that had been converted into an automatic weapon, which he used in self-defense during a shootout outside a restaurant.

 

“Even if you use the firearm in self-defense, it is illegal to possess an automatic weapon like the one used in this case, and you are breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “My office will hold you accountable for these types of firearms and you will spend time in federal prison.”

 

Gionni Dews, 23, took the loaded, converted firearm to his job at IHOP in Oakley on Nov. 26, 2021.

 

At some point that evening, Dews got into a physical altercation with a coworker. Dews then walked off the job and waited outside for a friend to pick him up.

 

About 15 minutes after the initial altercation, an adult male confronted Dews and allegedly started shooting at him, striking Dews in the leg. Dews ran away while shooting back toward the other man, unloading more than 20 rounds in rapid succession. Some of the rounds hit the IHOP.

 

Dews’s friend arrived in an SUV, and Dews ran to the vehicle. The men then led police on a high-speed chase onto I-71. The driver of the SUV swerved into a guardrail as the SUV exited the expressway, and Dews threw the loaded gun out of the passenger window.

 

Dews was eventually driven to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated for a bullet wound in his leg.

 

Dews was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2022 and pleaded guilty in March 2022 to illegally possessing a machine gun.

 

Sentencing of defendants is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Lt. Col. Teresa A. Theetge announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Julie D. Garcia is representing the United States in this case.

 

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CINCINNATI – Three defendants pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to several crimes relating to a September 2019 shooting and a conspiracy to bribe the shooting victim to recant his identification of the shooter.

 

Darias Jackson, 32, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing ammunition, conspiring to commit perjury, and witness tampering. Jackson’s brother, Gregory Jackson, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit witness tampering and witness tampering, and Jackson’s girlfriend, Jessica Brown, 31, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and to making illegal gratuity payments to a witness.

 

According to court documents, in September 2019, a man was shot several times outside an apartment complex in Cincinnati. Officers found nine 9mm casings at the scene.

 

After receiving life-saving emergency surgery, the gunshot victim identified Darias Jackson as the person who had shot him. The victim’s identification was corroborated by a video taken moments before the shooting, which depicted a man—identified by witnesses as Jackson—in a heated argument with the victim at the scene of the crime.

 

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office charged Jackson with state crimes related to the shooting. And because Jackson, a felon, was on federal supervised release at the time of the shooting, his probation officer also charged him with violating the terms of his release.

 

Shortly thereafter, Jackson, his brother Gregory Jackson, and his girlfriend, Jessica Brown, in an effort to thwart the state and federal charges against him, devised a plan to bribe the gunshot victim to recant his identification of Jackson as the person who had shot him. The three paid the victim $7,000 upfront, promised another $8,000 after all charges were dismissed, and had him sign a typewritten affidavit from his hospital bed.

 

In December 2019, Jackson’s state defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss the state charges and attached the victim’s affidavit as an exhibit. In January 2020, when the victim did not appear for trial, the state charges against Jackson were dismissed without prejudice, and he was transferred to federal custody on the pending petition alleging he had violated his federal supervised release.

 

While supervised release proceedings were pending, the federal government continued to investigate the shooting, including by obtaining dozens of search warrants and subpoenaing Brown to testify before the federal grand jury. On a recorded jail call, Jackson instructed Brown not to cooperate with the investigation and to lie to the grand jury if she did not feel comfortable answering certain questions. The next day, Brown testified falsely before the grand jury.

 

A few months later, the victim contacted the brother, Gregory Jackson, about the second half of the bribery payment the victim was still owed. The victim also contacted Brown about the payment, asserting that he had already done what he was supposed to do to get Jackson’s charges dismissed. Brown explained to the victim that, although things were “all good” with the state charges, “the feds [had] picked up the case.”

 

In his plea today, Jackson admitted he possessed the nine rounds of ammunition used to shoot the victim. Having previously been convicted of a federal drug-trafficking conspiracy, he was prohibited from possessing ammunition. Jackson and his co-defendants also admitted to the conspiracy to bribe the shooting victim.

 

Conspiracy to tamper with a witness and tampering with a witness each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Conspiring to commit perjury is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Being an accessory after the fact to providing an illegal gratuity to a witness is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Joseph T. Deters, Hamilton County Prosecutor, announced the pleas entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Kelly K. Rossi are representing the United States in this case.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – On his third day of trial this week in federal court in Columbus, a Westerville man pleaded guilty to laundering the proceeds of online romance scams for at least two years.

 

Edward Amankwah, 45, admitted to conspiring to launder nearly $4.3 million through bank accounts in his control.

 

Amankwah and others were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2021. Six other defendants charged with money laundering in the case have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. They are Robert K. Asante, Kwame O. Yeboah, Eric Ahiekpor, Mohamed Toure, Uriah Lamdul and Alexis Wellington. The total amount generated by romance fraud that these individuals laundered was more than $11.8 million.

 

The romance scams involved individuals who created several profiles on online dating sites. They then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection, and often, romance.

 

After establishing relationships, perpetrators of the romance scams requested money, typically for investment or need-based reasons, and provided account information and directions for where money should be sent. In part, these accounts were in the names of Amankwah and the other defendants, their family members and their companies.

 

Funds were not used for the purposes claimed by the perpetrators of the romance scams. Instead, Amankwah and the other defendants conducted transactions designed to conceal, such as withdrawing cash, transferring funds to other accounts, buying official checks, sending wires to Ghana, China, and the United States, and more. Part of the conspiracy was for the defendants to move the romance fraud proceeds from the United States to Ghana.

 

Amankwah was not charged with defrauding the victims himself, but instead was charged with laundering the proceeds of the romance fraud.

 

Trial began on Sept. 26. On the first two days of trial, five victims testified about being defrauded.

 

As part of the romance fraud scheme, the victims were directed to send money to business bank accounts in the control of Amankwah. For example, one victim was defrauded by a purported member of the military who said he wanted to retire early and needed money to do so. The victim sent two wire transfers totaling $131,400 to Amankwah’s accounts. 

 

Another victim fell in love with a person who claimed he owned a mine in Canada and needed help covering operating expenses. The victim sent $70,000 to one of Amankwah’s accounts. 

 

Yet another victim began an online relationship with a man who claimed to be in the military in Afghanistan and sent four wires totaling more than half a million dollars to bank accounts in the control of Amankwah.

 

On the morning of the third day of trial, Amankwah pleaded guilty.

 

The public can report online romance scams and other internet crimes at ic3.gov.

 

Conspiring to commit money laundering is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. As part of his plea, Amankwah has agreed to pay approximately $4.29 million in restitution.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the plea entered Sept. 28 before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.

 

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CINCINNATI – The former bookkeeper of My Sister’s House, a now-shuttered domestic violence shelter in Washington Court House, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 12 months in prison for crimes related to stealing funds from the shelter.

 

Jaime Cardinal, 46, of Washington Court House, was arrested in July 2020.

 

Cardinal spent tens of thousands of dollars intended for the operation of the shelter on personal expenses, including food, a trip to Disney World and Universal Studios for her daughter, and thousands of dollars in purchases from Avon, Thirty-One and iTunes.

 

Between January 2014 and October 2016, Cardinal and a coconspirator misused debit cards connected to the shelter’s bank accounts to make hundreds of personal purchases at restaurants, auctions, craft stores and bowling alleys, among other places – including purchases made when few, if any, victims were living at the shelter.

 

For example, in March and April 2016, when no victims were in the shelter, Cardinal and the coconspirator charged more than $6,000 to the shelter’s debit cards for food at restaurants and grocery stores, car repair and fuel for personal cars, weight-loss supplements, and other personal expenses.

 

Due to the thefts, which totaled more than $50,000, My Sister’s House fell behind on payroll and on paying taxes. In November 2016, the shelter’s board placed all employees on administrative leave pending further investigation. The domestic violence shelter—the only such shelter in Washington Court House—never reopened.

 

As part of her conviction, Cardinal will pay $25,000 in restitution. She was also sentenced to two years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment.

 

My Sister’s House received more than $10,000 annually in federal grant funds, including grants under the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act and the Victims of Crime Act. The grants are intended to be used to pay for salaries and benefits of staff and for shelter operations, including supplies and shelter maintenance.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Julie D. Garcia is representing the United States in this case.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jeremie Adam Elkins, 45, of Newark, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to causing more than $1.5 million in fraud in connection with access devices. Elkins committed wire fraud and illegally possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony crime.

 

According to court documents, from July to October 2020, Elkins used his company-issued credit card to pay for personal expenses like hotels/resorts, restaurants, bars, pawn shops and auction houses. Elkins had been employed as a Network Engineer at Verizon, Inc.

 

Elkins also used an old Verizon work order number to place multiple fraudulent orders with vendor W.W. Grainger, Inc. Grainger provides tools and equipment for Verizon service vans.

 

Elkins placed 46 unauthorized orders to Grainger and personally picked up the majority of the equipment, which totaled approximately $936,000. He used the illicit proceeds to purchase two boats and a motorcycle.

 

The defendant placed an additional 20 unauthorized orders to Grainger, for items totaling nearly $954,000, but never obtained the equipment.

 

As part of his plea, Elkins agrees to pay nearly $24,000 in restitution to Verizon and more than $936,000 in restitution to W.W. Grainger.

 

When he was arrested in August 2021, Elkins illegally possessed a pistol. Elkins was previously convicted of a felony crime in Licking County. Elkins also admitted to investigators that he has sold 15 to 20 firearms.

 

Wire fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Fraud in connection with access devices is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the plea entered Sept. 22 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. and commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda S. Shoemaker is representing the United States in this case.

 

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CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati-area men have been charged with federal crimes alleging they illegally flew drones over professional sporting events in Cincinnati.

 

A federal grand jury has charged the men in separate incidents involving Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds events.

 

NFL

The Cincinnati Bengals hosted an NFL playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on Jan. 15. During the game, it is alleged that Dailon Dabney, 24, of Cincinnati, illegally flew his drone into the stadium and hovered over the players and portions of the stadium crowd. Dabney allegedly recorded his drone flight and posted the video to social media sites and YouTube.

 

MLB

April 12 was Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds’ 2022 season and featured the first game of the season at Great American Ballpark. It is alleged that Travis Lenhoff, 38, of Northern Kentucky, flew a drone into the restricted flight area of Great American Ballpark during the Opening Day festivities.

 

“This is a growing problem that poses a direct risk to the players and the individuals in the stands,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Even if the operator does not have an intent to harm, the operator could easily lose control and injure someone. Moreover, the sight of a drone flying overhead could lead to a panic in the crowd. If you attend these events like Reds games and Bengals games – leave the drones at home.”

 

“Flying a drone over a stadium full of fans is dangerous and illegal without the proper FAA training, licensing, and approved flight plan," stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “We will continue to work with the FAA and local police to investigate these incidents when proper FAA protocols and procedures are not followed.”

 

Any drone that weighs more than .55 pounds and less than 55 pounds must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Dabney’s and Lenhoff’s drones are not registered with the FAA and they do not have a remote pilot certification.

 

Each defendant is charged with operating an unregistered drone, which is a federal crime punishable by up to three years in prison. Dabney is also charged with violating a temporary flight restriction (punishable by up to one year in prison).

 

Dabney and Lenhoff each have an initial appearance scheduled at 1:30pm on Oct. 12 in Cincinnati.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.

 

Indictments merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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