Southern District of Ohio

CINCINNATI – The owner of a Blue Ash gun shop pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to manufacturing firearms without a license, selling them, and knowingly reporting sales incorrectly on federal firearms forms.

 

Limin Ye, 53, of Blue Ash, Ohio, who owns and operates Opticzoom and Limin Sports Gun Shop, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license and one count of aiding and abetting making false entry in records by a federal firearms dealer.

 

Terms of Ye’s plea agreement require her to forfeit more than 520 firearms and firearm receiver frames, surrender her federal firearms license, and not to apply or reapply for a federal firearms license. That prohibition applies to any business entity with which she is associated, either legally or in fact. 

 

According to court documents, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Industry Operations Investigators (IOI) conducted a compliance inspection at Opticzoom on Jan. 26 and found 71 lower receivers that Ye had manufactured into firearms, as well as a large stock of firearms parts and lower receivers that could be used to manufacture firearms. The inspectors told Ye that she was not allowed to sell the firearms she built because she did not have a federal firearms manufacturing license.

 

Yet three days later, an undercover agent went to the Dayton Gun Show and purchased two illegally manufactured firearms from Ye, who was a vendor at the show. Ye instructed one of her employees to list the purchase on the ATF 4473 transfer form as just “receivers” or the lower portion of a firearm instead of accurately listing the purchase as pistols.

 

Further investigation determined that Ye had been manufacturing firearms without a license since April 2021.

 

Manufacturing firearms without a license is punishable by up to five years in prison. False entry is punishable by up to one year in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Logan, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to producing child pornography of a three-year-old child and possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse, some of which depicted other minor children to whom the defendant had access.

 

Robert Gemienhardt, 37, was charged federally in April 2022, along with his significant other Carrie Daniels, 41 for their child exploitation offenses. Daniels is set to plead guilty on Oct. 5 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.

 

Gemienhardt pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a minor – a crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison – and possessing child pornography. Gemienhardt also admitted to possessing child pornography of a prepubescent minor, which carries a potential penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison. 

 

More than 1,000 images and 350 videos depicting child sexual abuse were ultimately recovered from Gemienhardt’s digital media devices, some of which depicted minors as young as toddler age engaged in oral sex, masturbation, bestiality and sexual acts with adults.

 

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. 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 Gemienhardt and Daniels were acting together and produced child pornography through the grooming and sexual abuse of minor victims they had access to between April and June of 2020.

 

Gemienhardt and Daniels exchanged thousands of illicit text messages detailing their sexual fantasies about the minor victims. Those text messages further revealed both Gemienhardt and Daniels had plans to act out some of the detailed fantasies by sexually abusing the minors. Daniels also distributed images she created of the sexual abuse of minors to Gemienhardt.

 

Gemienhardt is a registered sex offender from a prior Franklin County conviction in July 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 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.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Logan, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to producing child pornography of a three-year-old child and possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse, some of which depicted other minor children to whom the defendant had access.

 

Robert Gemienhardt, 37, was charged federally in April 2022, along with his significant other Carrie Daniels, 41 for their child exploitation offenses. Daniels is set to plead guilty on Oct. 5 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.

 

Gemienhardt pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a minor – a crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison – and possessing child pornography. Gemienhardt also admitted to possessing child pornography of a prepubescent minor, which carries a potential penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison. 

 

More than 1,000 images and 350 videos depicting child sexual abuse were ultimately recovered from Gemienhardt’s digital media devices, some of which depicted minors as young as toddler age engaged in oral sex, masturbation, bestiality and sexual acts with adults.

 

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. 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 Gemienhardt and Daniels were acting together and produced child pornography through the grooming and sexual abuse of minor victims they had access to between April and June of 2020.

 

Gemienhardt and Daniels exchanged thousands of illicit text messages detailing their sexual fantasies about the minor victims. Those text messages further revealed both Gemienhardt and Daniels had plans to act out some of the detailed fantasies by sexually abusing the minors. Daniels also distributed images she created of the sexual abuse of minors to Gemienhardt.

 

Gemienhardt is a registered sex offender from a prior Franklin County conviction in July 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 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.

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – A federal jury convicted a Dayton man, who as part of his fraud scheme purported he was a Ghanian prince, to 10 counts of various federal fraud crimes.

 

Daryl Robert Harrison, also known as Prince Daryl R. Attipoe and Prophet Daryl R. Attipoe, 44, defrauded at least 14 victims of more than $800,000. He was convicted of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and witness tampering.

 

The verdict was announced at 9pm on Sept. 16 following a trial that began on Sept. 5 before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, from January 2014 until September 2020, Harrison defrauded victims who thought they were investing in African trucking and mining companies.

 

Harrison – falsely holding himself out to be a royal prince from the African national of Ghana – told investors he had direct connections with these companies, and that they could expect an investment return of 28 to 33 percent.

 

Harrison and his stepfather claimed to be ministers with Power House of Prayer Ministries, which sponsored religious services in various church facilities and private residences throughout the Greater Dayton area, Southwestern Ohio area and Parker, Colorado. Many investor victims were members of the congregation.

 

Harrison routinely withdrew thousands of dollars in cash from the Ministries bank accounts shortly after receiving investments. Harrison and his stepfather used the investment funds to rent a house in Colorado, purchase luxury vehicles, airplane tickets, hotel accommodations and rental cars.

 

The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2020.

 

Harrison will be sentenced at a future sentencing hearing. He faces up to 20 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, and Jaime Carazo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Dwight K. Keller and Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Lancaster, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 18 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms after being convicted of a felony offense.

 

David Scott Scofield, 58, was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $15,000 fine.

 

In May 2019, law enforcement officials seized five firearms, three silencers, more than 6,300 rounds of ammunition, more than 2,000 bullets, nearly 39,000 primers, two canisters of pepper spray, an expandable baton and a stun gun from Scofield’s residence.

 

Agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) were alerted to Scofield’s weapons after Fairfield County probation officers conducted a home visit. Scofield was previously convicted of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle in 2016 in Fairfield County.

 

During the encounter that led to his 2016 local arrest, Scofield falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer and possessed an AR-15 automatic rifle with two magazines, a pistol, a knife in a compartment under the steering wheel, a police scanner, and various other magazines, ammunition and knives.

 

Scofield was also convicted of impersonating a police officer in 2015. The defendant pretended to be a sheriff’s deputy and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorist who turned out to be a real Akron police officer. During that incident, officers found  a loaded magazine in Scofield’s pocket and two loaded pistols, a rifle, a shotgun, silencers, a bulletproof vest, a fake badge and a SWAT shirt in his vehicle.

 

Scofield previously held a Federal Firearms License and operated a part-time, online-only firearms business called Dave’s World. His license was revoked in 2019 as a result of his criminal conduct.

 

As a convicted felon, Scofield was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson and commended the cooperative investigation by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and Fairfield County Adult Community Control Department. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – An Indiana man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to distributing explosive materials to a person without a permit or license.

 

A federal grand jury charged Paul Eberhard, 66, of Shelbyville, Indiana, in May 2021.

 

The investigation began after the July 4, 2020, death of a Mt. Healthy man. According to reports, the man died after being struck in the head by a display firework that he had purchased from Eberhard.

 

According to his plea documents, Eberhard admitted that he illegally sold display fireworks in 2020.

 

Display fireworks are large fireworks designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation. Display fireworks contain more than 50 milligrams of flash powder for ground devices, and more than 130 milligrams of flash powder for aerial explosives. Under federal law, a person must have an ATF license or permit to receive or use display fireworks.

 

Eberhard had an ATF explosive permit.  As part of maintaining his permit from 2008 until 2021, Eberhard repeatedly acknowledged that it was illegal for him to distribute explosive materials to anyone who is not an ATF explosives licensee or permittee. Despite this, Eberhard sold display fireworks to the man who died, who was neither an ATF explosives licensee or permittee.

 

Distributing explosive materials to a person without a permit or license is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland.

 

U.S. Attorney Parker and Special Agent in Charge McCormick commended the work of the Mount Healthy, North College Hill and Shelbyville police departments, the sheriff’s office bomb squads from Hamilton and Butler counties, and the Hamilton County Coroner.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton woman was arrested by federal agents this afternoon on charges alleging she has stolen the identities of several young women in the Dayton area and used those identities to commit various types of fraud.

 

Tiffany Lewis, 29, appeared in U.S. District Court in Dayton today following her arrest.

 

According to the charging 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 allegedly 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 allegedly used a third stolen identity to commit various acts of fraud.

 

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

 

In addition, it is alleged that 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 allegedly 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.

 

Lewis is charged with committing Social Security number fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

 

If you think you may also be a victim of Lewis’s alleged fraud, please contact the Social Security OIG tip line at: 1-800-269-0271.

 

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 charges. 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.

 

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

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to federal crimes related to making straw purchases of firearms.

 

Jermaine Pulley, 30, admitted to making false statements during purchases of firearms, including by lying about the identity of the true buyer on ATF Form 4473, which a buyer must fill out when purchasing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). Pulley also admitted to conspiring with Nylisha Hill, 22, to do so.

 

He and Hill were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2022.

 

According to court documents, Pulley was prohibited from possessing firearms under the terms of his probation. To circumvent this restriction, Pulley would provide Hill with cash to purchase firearms on his behalf, and the defendants would then make false representations to FFLs to the effect that Hill, not Pulley, was the true purchaser of the firearms.

 

The defendants visited two area FFLs on Oct. 12, 2021, in an attempt to purchase multiple firearms.

 

Pulley admitted to attempting to pay for a firearm at Cincinnati-area FFL Shoot Point Blank – Cincy West. During the attempted purchase, Pulley told a store associate that he was paying for the firearm but that it was for Hill’s use, and he refused to fill out ATF Form 4473. The associate declined the sale, saying he believed it to be a straw purchase and warning the defendants that it was a felony for Hill to purchase a firearm for Pulley or anyone else.

 

Later that same day, at a different FFL, Hill successfully purchased two pistols at Pulley’s direction, falsely representing that she was the true buyer. Shortly after Hill purchased the firearms, Pulley directed her to go back into the store to buy two more. This additional purchase was denied.

 

Making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Conspiring to commit a felony offense against the United States carries a potential penalty of five years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Julie D. Garcia is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Jackson, Ohio man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 108 months in prison for orchestrating a $50 million dollar Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors.

 

Jason E. Adkins, 46, solicited victims from all over the country and world.

 

“The victims in this case had their lives upended, their life savings taken, and their security ripped away, all while Adkins enriched himself and lived lavishly” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Adkins deserves the prison sentence he received today.”

 

According to court documents, from 2012 through 2018, Adkins conspired to solicit millions of dollars from investors under false pretenses, failed to invest the funds as promised, and misappropriated investors’ funds for his own benefit and the benefit of others.

 

Adkins and others claimed that they bought and sold over-sized tires commonly known as off-the-road tires, which are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Investors were told their money would be used to buy the tires at a steep discount, and that the tires would then be re-sold to a buyer at a much higher rate.

 

Investors were promised a 15 to 20 percent rate of return on investment, generally within 180 days. Adkins would sometimes pay the return on investment for the first transaction with investor victims.

 

In addition, Adkins and his co-conspirators employed a sham escrow agent to falsely reassure investor-victims that their money was safe until the tire deals were consummated; more than $80 million flowed through the so-called escrow agent’s accounts related to the scheme.

 

Adkins also laundered his ill-gotten proceeds for at least five years, including by investing in front businesses created by co-conspirators.

 

Adkins bought cars, vacations and property with the funds from the scheme. For example, he paid for the construction of a pool at his personal residence and more than $20,000 to lease a private jet.

 

Further, Adkins failed to file individual income tax returns reporting his income derived from the scheme. In 2013, specifically, Adkins earned at least $1.1 million, which caused a tax loss of nearly $237,000 to the IRS.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the case. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 121 months in prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 750 grams of methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, in May and July 2021, Levi Phillips, 25, sold methamphetamine to undercover DEA agents on at least two occasions.

 

While executing a search warrant in August 2021, law enforcement agents discovered more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 112 grams of fentanyl in Phillips’s bathroom packaged for distribution.

 

Agents also discovered a semi-automatic pistol and a magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition on a dresser; an AM-15 rifle, loaded with 223 rounds of ammunition under the bed; additional magazines and ammunition in a safe; and a semi-automatic pistol with a magazine and 14 rounds of ammunition in a backpack.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James L. Graham. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Pakiz 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.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – All 11 defendants charged federally in a Scioto County child sex trafficking operation have been convicted.

 

A federal grand jury originally indicted Larry Dean Porter, 71, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and several of his family members and associates in June 2020. Porter exchanged drugs obtained in Columbus and elsewhere for sexual access to the children of drug-addicted mothers.

 

Porter and nine of the co-defendants have since pleaded guilty to federal charges.

 

A jury found the final co-defendant, Joshua Aldridge, 38, of South Webster, Ohio, guilty following a trial in Columbus that concluded this week. Aldridge transported minor victims to Porter’s home and received illegal drugs from Porter in return. He was convicted of conspiring to sex traffic children and conspiring to sex traffic adults by force, which are both crimes punishable by up to life in prison, and sex trafficking children, which is punishable by at least 15 years and up to life in prison.

 

“The defendants in this case committed heinous acts against some of the most vulnerable people in our society – children,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “The jury properly found Joshua Aldridge guilty of his crimes. Now, each of the defendants will be held accountable for their roles in this atrocious child sex trafficking operation by facing significant time in federal prison. I cannot thank the jury enough for their service.”

 

Agents with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force began investigating Porter in April 2019 following reports from several sources that Porter was involved in sexually abusing male and female minors with consent of the minors’ parents in exchange for illegal drugs from Porter.

 

Porter sexually abused children and produced child pornography that he kept on flash drives and used extreme methods to conceal, including by burying the flash drives in the yard surrounding his house.

 

He often instructed drug-addicted parents to sexually abuse their own children and recorded it to use as blackmail. Porter also used other methods of force, such as duct taping and tying women to chairs, burning them with cigarettes and firing guns by their ears.

 

For example, two co-defendants took a seven-year-old child to Porter’s residence on a regular basis to traffic the child sexually in exchange for pills. The abuse occurred a few times per week for up to five years.

 

Porter was arrested in March 2020 on local charges during a human trafficking sting operation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

 

After Porter was arrested locally, his friends and relatives – including two of his daughters and one of his cousins – attempted to destroy evidence on Porter’s behalf.

 

For example, his daughters dug holes in the ground on Porter’s property to retrieve and attempt to conceal or destroy SD cards containing child pornography that had been buried in Porter’s yard. Agents found eight DVDs containing Porter’s child pornography at the house of one of Porter’s friends. Porter’s cousin discussed in jail calls with Porter their plans to assault and potentially kill a witness they believed was a source for law enforcement.

 

Porter pleaded guilty on Aug. 10 to conspiring to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, child sex trafficking, and participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Porter’s plea agreement includes a sentencing range of a minimum of 15 years and up to 55 years in prison.

 

The Court will set future sentencing dates for each of the defendants and the sentences imposed 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; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Jackson County Sheriff Tedd E. Frazier; Jackson County Prosecutor Justin Lovett; Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Scioto County Prosecutor Shane A. Tieman announced the convictions. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rausch and Jessica W. Knight are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Belmont County attorney pleaded guilty to a crime related to stealing more than $882,000 from an elderly woman with dementia while purporting to act in her best interests under a Power of Attorney.

 

Mark Alan Thomas, 62, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

 

“My office is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable among us, particularly those targeted through elder fraud,” U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker said. “The victim in this case was 85 years old, exhibiting symptoms of dementia, and living in a senior-care facility, making the defendant’s conduct even more depraved.”

 

According to court documents, from 2012 through August 2019, Thomas defrauded a client while acting as her agent under a Power of Attorney. Thomas took the victim’s money without her knowledge or permission to use for his own benefit.

 

Thomas improperly used the victim’s Power of Attorney and his status as a lawyer – even after his law license was revoked in 2015 – to convince various entities, including banks and life insurance companies, to transfer the victim’s money for his use.

 

In May 2012, a family member of the victim obtained a separate Power of Attorney for the victim, and Thomas drafted a revocation of the family member’s Power of Attorney for the victim to sign. Thomas acted as the notary to verify the victim’s signature on the revocation.

 

Furthermore, Thomas falsely told a banker he needed $200,000 from the victim’s investment account to set up an educational fund that the victim wanted to establish. Once he received the money from the bank, Thomas transferred the money to himself instead.

 

In January 2014, Thomas cashed more than $290,000 of the victim’s U.S. Treasury Bonds, then subsequently transferred $200,000 into his law firm’s bank account, and eventually into his own personal bank account.

 

According to court documents, in 2016, Thomas wrote letters to three life insurance companies purporting to be the victim asking to cash out the victim’s policies and direct all correspondence to Thomas.

 

Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2021.

 

“Older Americans can be especially vulnerable to fraudsters who take advantage of the elderly and steal their hard-earned savings,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “It is deeply concerning when an individual exploits their position of trust in an effort to steal from a senior victim.”  

 

“A power of attorney is a special kind of trust—and the abuse of that trust is a special kind of crime. It deserves an especially long sentence,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the guilty plea entered before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. The Ohio Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Unit and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Twombly and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.

 

To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Bexley, Ohio, couple were sentenced in federal court last evening for their crimes related to the sexual abuse of minor children.

 

Stephen Wilson, 39, was sentenced to 720 months in prison for the sexual exploitation of minors, and Jessica Wilson, 38, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for distributing and receiving child pornography.

 

Their crimes included creating child pornography videos and pictures of sexual abuse while exchanging text messages discussing the abuse.

 

According to court documents, from 2016 until 2021, Stephen Wilson sexually abused at least three minors between the ages of 7 and 16. Stephen had video cameras inside his home, including his bedroom, and used those cameras to document and create videos and still images of the abuse. He also filmed and photographed the sexual assault of the minor children with his cell phone.

 

In one incident, Stephen drugged a minor victim with alcohol and ecstasy and raped the victim while she was semi-conscious-to-unconscious. He created a 22-minute video depicting that sexual assault. In another incident, Stephen used a handheld camera to film his penis near the face of a seven-year-old child while he showed the minor adult pornography of himself and Jessica Wilson. 

 

Stephen created hundreds of still images from the videos of him sexually assaulting minors. He also possessed hundreds of child pornography images depicting the abuse of children as young as toddler age. Additionally, Stephen possessed at least 25 images in which he had photoshopped his genitalia onto images of minor children, including prepubescent and toddler aged females, to give the effect of those children engaging in sexual activity with him.

 

Jessica was present for or aware of the sexual assaults that were perpetrated by Stephen. She and Stephen continued to engage in conversations about the sexual assaults of the minor children, exchanging still images of the videos that Stephen had created and fantasizing about them together.

 

On several occasions, Jessica exchanged numerous files of child pornography with Stephen, discussing those files at length in text conversations and even seeking advice from Stephen on where she could access child pornography online. Thousands of text messages were recovered between the two of them, during which, the Wilsons exchanged pornographic images of victims as young as one to eight months old.

 

Stephen and Jessica Wilson were both arrested locally in January 2021. A federal grand jury indicted the defendants in April 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 Bexley Police Chief Gary D. Lewis, Jr. announced the sentences imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – William J. Dishman, 40, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 60 months total in prison for possessing multiple firearms as a convicted felon and violating his supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in August 2021, Dishman was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST).

 

Dishman had previously been convicted of burglary of a pharmacy and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Following his release from prison, Dishman was placed on supervised release. An arrest warrant was issued in the Southern District of Ohio after reports of Dishman violating his supervised release.

 

On Aug. 6, 2021, SOFAST members executed a search warrant at the property of Dishman’s wife in Cincinnati. Dishman’s wife said she had not seen Dishman for more than a month but allowed agents to search the apartment. In truth, Dishman was hiding in a wooden box underneath a furnace located in one of the bedroom closets. SOFAST members found and apprehended Dishman without incident.

 

While searching the apartment, agents discovered an assault rifle with an extended magazine and four pistols. One of the pistols was stuffed into a couch where a child was resting.

 

“The risk of danger to the officers who were executing Dishman’s arrest warrant is not hypothetical,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “They were potentially being lured into an ambush inside while Dishman hid. It is even more egregious that this occurred in the same apartment in which a child was sleeping. Within months of Dishman’s arrest, another deputy marshal was shot and wounded while executing a warrant under nearly identical circumstances.”

 

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 Acting United States Marshal Bradley Stuart announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 78 months in prison for two separate armed robberies of United States Postal Carriers.

 

Brandon J. Campbell, 21, admitted in March 2022 to using violence and a firearm to endanger the mail carriers’ lives and steal property from them.

 

According to Campbell’s court documents, he robbed two postal carriers at gunpoint on separate dates in September 2021.

 

On Sept. 8, 2021, Campbell stole an “arrow” key – which is used to access USPS mailboxes and receptacles – and vehicle keys from a postal carrier who was delivering mail at Vistas at Rocky Fork Apartment Complex in Gahanna. Campbell wore a balaclava mask and used a Glock-style handgun.

 

On Sept. 21, 2021, Campbell committed armed robbery against a second postal carrier who was delivering mail near 4500 Hemingway Court in Columbus. He again used a handgun and mask and stole the carrier’s arrow key.

 

Investigators followed Campbell’s champaign-colored Saturn Aura and subsequently executed search warrants on an apartment into which Campbell fled, as well as his vehicle. Law enforcement officers discovered four firearms in that apartment, as well as the balaclava mask. Forensic examination of Campbell’s iPhone showed the phone was in the location of both robberies during the timeframe of the robberies. Campbell’s phone also showed pictures of himself holding a Glock-style firearm.

 

“This case represents two robberies in a string of assaults against postal carriers in Ohio,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “The sentence imposed here should serve as a reminder to anyone committing these crimes that you will be identified and prosecuted, and you will spend time in federal prison.”

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Gary R. Barksdale, Chief Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 44 months in prison for carrying out a complex fraud scheme to steal a Columbus couple’s home and rental properties valued at roughly $1 million.

 

Shahiydullah A. Binraymond, also known as Raymond Walker III, 49, was convicted of committing mail fraud.

 

According to court documents, in 2019, Binraymond posed as a government employee and sent several letters to the victims demanding that they sign deeds and other documents related to the victims’ real estate. Binraymond then modified the documents and filed them with a county recorder’s office to transfer the properties to an entity he controlled.

 

The defendant created fake business entities, set up bank accounts, drafted letters and fake deeds and attempted the sale of a victim property. Binraymond posed as an agent of the Franklin County Treasurer and attempted to steal the home the victims were living in.

 

Binraymond registered limited partnerships in Ohio with names identical to those through which the victims owned their properties. He also drafted and mailed several fraudulent letters designed to convince the victims to sign property-conveyance documents. These documents included quitclaim deeds and related affidavits.

 

For example, one letter includes what appears to be a seal of the Franklin County Treasurer’s office and states there is a problem regarding tax payments made on a parcel. The letter asks the victims to “read, sign and return the enclosed affidavit and letter for our internal records.”

 

Binraymond was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2021 and pleaded guilty to mail fraud in March 2022.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Gary R. Barksdale, Chief Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Twombly and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 100 months in prison and 84 months of supervised release for conspiring to sex traffic minors.

 

Doyenn J. Clayborne, 35, was arrested in October 2020 as part of an FBI and Blue Ash Police Department operation targeting human trafficking.

 

Blue Ash police officers, assisted by agents with the FBI, encountered Clayborne and two co-defendants as part of the operation at a Blue Ash hotel. The three men conspired to sell 16-year-old minor females for sex.

 

In addition to audio recordings of the defendants discussing logistics for providing underage females for sex, law enforcement officials discovered condoms, sexual devices, bottles of lubricant and a firearm in the defendants’ hotel room.

 

Officers and agents also encountered a 16-year-old female victim who had been brought to the hotel to perform sex acts for money, a portion of which would be given to the defendants. Clayborne and others picked the minor up from her residence and transported her to the hotel with the intention of having the minor engage in sex acts for $300.

 

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 Blue Ash Police Chief Scott Noel announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Florida man who conspired to steal identities to fraudulently obtain credit and COVID-19 relief funds was sentenced in federal court here today to 96 months in prison.

 

Adesh Alvin Bissoon, 43, of Miami Beach, Florida, defrauded several victims who resided in the Southern District of Ohio. Bissoon caused at least $3.5 million in loss, including more than $1 million in disaster-relief funds he fraudulently obtained during the pandemic.

 

When federal agents executed a search warrant at one of Bissoon’s residences, they found multiple driver’s licenses, approximately 200 credit and/or debit cards, and more than 10 checkbooks, all in other people’s names. Agents also discovered hundreds of other documents containing victims’ personally identifiable information (PII); approximately $70,000 in cash; tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of precious metals; and seven cellphones, each of which was labeled with the name of a victim.

 

According to court documents, from 2012 through August 2020, Bissoon and co-conspirators used the Dark Web to obtain victims’ PII. Bissoon and others also used the victims’ information to create fraudulent Social Security cards and driver’s licenses, which they then used to open financial accounts in the victims’ names. Bissoon then requested convenience checks in high dollar amounts, drawn against the victims’ lines of credit. He also registered LLCs with states and the IRS to obtain business credit cards with higher credit limits. Bissoon separately applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Association using the LLCs he had established using individual victims' PII, claiming that those businesses were experiencing temporary difficulties and loss of revenue due to COVID-19.

 

Bissoon was initially charged by criminal complaint in August 2020 and released on bond in Florida. Bissoon’s pretrial release was revoked after law enforcement discovered he had attempted to steal another $150,000 from a bank while on release by falsely claiming to be the victim of unauthorized bank transfers.

 

Bissoon was indicted by a grand jury in September 2020, along with Michael Jacques Joseph, 39, of Miami Beach, Florida, and Victor Torres, 40, of Apollo Beach, Florida, and charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud affecting a financial institution, as well as aggravated identity theft. Joseph and Torres have pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker recognized the observance of Service Dog Awareness Week in Ohio from July 25 through 29 and reminded the public of the valuable contributions that service animals make in our communities. Parker noted the federal laws that protect these animals and those who use them.

 

“The Department of Justice continues to receive many questions about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to service animals,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “The ADA generally requires state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to allow service animals to go most places where the public can go, unless doing so would ‘fundamentally alter’ the nature of the goods or services provided to the public.”

 

A service animal is any breed of dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Accordingly, entities that have a “no pets” policy generally must modify the policy to allow service animals into their facilities. Entities can, however, ask an individual to remove a particular service animal if such animal is not housebroken or if the service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control the animal. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.

 

Additional information about ADA protections involving service animals is available at https://beta.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/.

 

The Fair Housing Act, which applies to many types of public and privately-owned housing, also offers protections for residents or applicants with a disability who use a service animal or other animal to assist with their disability. More information about the Fair Housing Act is available at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview.  

 

Mr. Parker added that anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination because of their use of a service animal can report potential violations directly to the U.S Attorney’s Office. A referral form is now available at the office’s main website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh.

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – Jermaine Treadwell, 31, of Centerville was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 57 months in prison for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it. FBI's Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force, a multi-jurisdiction agency which includes FBI, Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Trotwood Police Department, investigated Treadwell.

According to court documents, in May 2021 law enforcement conducted a court authorized search of Treadwell’s residence in Centerville—a residence he shared with his girlfriend and three children. Agents found more than 13 grams of cocaine, a scale, drug cutting agents, approximately $17,000, ammunition, and multiple loaded firearms as well as a key to a storage unit. Law enforcement searched the storage unit and discovered $60,000, a scale with drug residue, cutting agents, and a kilogram hydraulic press with metal molds containing fentanyl residue.

“His actions helped continue the cycle of addiction in his own community,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “The presence of children in this environment exposes another generation to the specter of addiction.”

Treadwell pleaded guilty on October 14, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Joining Mr. Parker in announcing the sentence was J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck, Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal, and Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson. Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice imposed the sentence on July 14. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Saunders represented the United States in this case.

# # #

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A 39-year old Bidwell, Ohio man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to dealing and possessing hundreds of grams of deadly fentanyl on a rural property in southern Ohio.

Michael D. Valentine pleaded guilty to all five counts contained in an indictment returned against him in April following a six-month investigation by law enforcement agencies in West Virginia and Ohio. Investigators found that he dealt approximately 141 grams of fentanyl from the rural property and had stored approximately 677 grams more for the purpose of distribution.

Valentine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a crime punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison. Valentine also entered guilty pleas to two counts of dealing 40 grams or more of fentanyl, crimes that carry a penalty of at least five and up to 40 years in prison, distribution of a detectable amount of fentanyl (up to 20 years) and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl (also punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison). Penalties are listed for reference only.

Valentine entered the guilty pleas before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Watson, who is presiding over the case, will determine Valentine’s sentence under federal sentencing guidelines.

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 said that the charges stemmed from an investigation begun by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in Charleston, West Virginia who worked with the FBI and Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin to build the case. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Pakiz 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 the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

#   #   #

DAYTON, Ohio -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland honored the team of individuals who successfully investigated and prosecuted the person who illegally possessed and supplied the firearm used by the mass shooter in Dayton’s Oregon District on August 4, 2019.

In the hours and weeks after the shooting, people in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a team of federal and local law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to determine whether the shooter had acted alone, how he had acquired the weapons and what his motive was. Through hundreds of warrants, subpoenas, and interviews, the team gathered and analyzed mounds of forensic, electronic, and physical evidence to provide answers to the community. While the investigation ultimately concluded that the shooter had acted alone, it resulted in the successful prosecution of Ethan Kollie, an associate of the shooter’s, who had lied on ATF forms to obtain firearms from a licensed gun dealer.  Kollie received 32 months of federal imprisonment.

 “This award recognizes that the substantial information the team gathered concerning the shooter’s motivations and methods gives us a key tool in preventing similar domestic attacks in the future,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “The team worked hard to provide answers to the community and that resulted in a participant being held accountable for his role in the attack.”

Attorney General Garland presented an Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Work in the Investigation and Response to a Domestic Terrorist Attack in Dayton, Ohio at a ceremony in Washington on July 12.

The prosecution team included:

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace,

Former First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vipal J. Patel,

Paralegal Catherine Robillard,

Victim Witness Specialist Acquanette Lindsey,

Justin Sher, Trial Attorney with the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division;

Christina Conrad and Linda James, FBI Victim-Witness Specialists in Cincinnati Field Division;

Michael Herwig and Morgan Spurlock, FBI Supervisory Special Agents;

Patrick Gragan and T.A. Staderman, FBI Special Agents; and Charles Balaj (Oakwood Public Safety), Brad Meeker (Dayton Police Department), Kyle Metz (Greene County Sheriff’s Office) and A.J. Schweier (recently retired from West Chester Police), FBI Task Force Officers, Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Here is a link to the Attorney General’s complete awards announcement.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cindy S. Hardway stole more than $250,000 over 15 years by continuing to claim her father’s pension and Social Security benefits after he passed away.

The 62-year-old Newark woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to pay restitution of $254,115.74, serve six months in federal prison, and spend three years under supervised release.

According to court documents, Hardway used some of the money for a trip to Las Vegas soon after her father’s death in 2005 then continued stealing the money for another 15 years.

“This money was intended for some of our nation’s most vulnerable people: retirees, widows and people with disabilities, among others,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “I commend the Social Security’s Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Labor for continuing to audit its programs and identify inappropriate distributions and theft. People should know they can be identified and held accountable.”

“This sentence holds Ms. Hardway accountable for accessing her deceased father’s account to steal taxpayer funds. I am gratified that a review by our audit office identified this case and alerted our investigators of this fraud,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “These efforts are critical to maintaining the public’s trust in Social Security. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Landry for prosecuting this case.”

Hardway pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of theft of public money and one count of theft or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan. Both crimes are felonies.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James L. Graham and commended the investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI - A U.S. District Court jury here found former Cincinnati City Council member P.G. Sittenfeld, 37, of Cincinnati, guilty of accepting $40,000 in campaign contributions in exchange for votes on a development project pending before the council. 

The jury returned guilty verdicts on one count of bribery (up to 10 years) and one count of attempted extortion by a government official (up to 20 years).

Testimony in the trial which began June 21 included audio and video recordings of Sittenfeld telling undercover agents posing as developers that he could “deliver the votes” in exchange for contributions to a political action committee he controlled. He accepted eight $5,000 checks in 2018 and 2019. A federal grand jury indicted him in November 2020.

“We truly appreciate the jurors’ time and serious consideration of this matter,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Democracy requires politicians to uphold their oath with the highest standards of integrity and respect. In this case, we worked alongside the FBI to hold Mr. Sittenfeld accountable for abusing his oath and, ultimately, the trust that the citizens of Cincinnati placed in him.”

“When elected officials choose to commit illegal acts, they greatly damage the relationship between government and the public they were elected to serve,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “The FBI prioritizes efforts to expose corruption in order to help maintain the integrity of our democracy and the trust citizens have in our government institutions.”

U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole will set a date for Sittenfeld’s sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Parker and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division announced the verdict. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew C. Singer and Megan Gaffney Painter are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – Sterling H. Roberts, 39, of Dayton was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life in prison for fatally shooting his girlfriend’s ex-husband in front of the victim’s children.

A jury convicted Roberts in March 2022 of traveling interstate in August 2017 to murder Robert Caldwell, the former husband of his then-girlfriend after cyberstalking the victim.

According to court documents and trial testimony, around 6pm on Aug. 15, 2017, Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, According to court documents and trial testimony, around 6pm on Aug. 15, 2017, Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, Roberts executed Robert Caldwell by shooting him multiple times in front of his children. Caldwell died at the scene.

Roberts’ girlfriend at the time, co-defendant Tawnney Caldwell, and the murder victim had an ongoing dispute regarding the custody of their children. The two, along with four other co-defendants, collaborated to plan, execute and cover-up the murder.

“This heinous crime continues the American tragedy of children seeing loved ones shot down in front of them,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Our justice system must work hardest to protect our society’s children by ensuring their physical safety and mental well-being.”

“Killing a father in front of his children is a cold and ruthless act that deserves a lengthy prison sentence,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “I applaud the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that investigated this homicide and the prosecutors who pursued justice for the victim’s family.” 

Judge Thomas M. Rose ordered Roberts to serve the life sentence consecutive to undischarged time from sentences in the U.S. District Court in South Carolina and to undischarged time in Montgomery County.

Sterling Roberts’ brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts; Chandra Harmon (Tawnney’s mother); and James Harmon (Tawnney’s step-father) were each charged in March 2018 and have been convicted of crimes related to the cyberstalking and murder.

Tawnney Caldwell was sentenced in July 2021 to 35 years in prison for interstate stalking resulting in death.

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; Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson and Sugarcreek Township Police Chief Michael A. Brown announced the sentence imposed today. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith, Sheila G. Lafferty and Kevin Koller represented the United States in this case

# # #

CINCINNATI – Bryce Montrea Hodges, 34, of Cincinnati has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 230 months in prison for dealing drugs out of an apartment where children lived. He also illegally possessed firearms. 

The FBI, Warren County Drug Task Force, the DEA, and the Northeast Hamilton County Drug Task Force began investigating Hodges in January 2021. Agents made five controlled buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl over a matter of weeks. Investigators arranged a sixth purchase and arrested Hodges without incident when he showed up for the deal at a location on Springdale Pike in March 2021.

Investigators found a stuffed teddy bear in his car. Inside the teddy bear was a hidden compartment containing a plastic bag with approximately 72.5 grams of acetylfentanyl.

Investigators searched Hodges’ apartment in Springdale. Several people, including children, lived there. Agents found a hidden compartment in a bathroom. Hodges had stored a loaded handgun, more fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the compartment. Agents also found a blender used to “cut” fentanyl when they searched a child’s bedroom closet.

A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment against Hodges in May 2021, charging him with five counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count each of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hodges pleaded guilty on October 12, 2021, to all counts charged in the indictment.

“Courts reserve their most severe punishments for those whose crimes can have a devastating impact on children,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Crimes involving illegal drugs and firearms threaten the safety of our entire community.”

Joining Mr. Parker in announcing the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett are J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, members of the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Northeast Hamilton County Drug Task Force, and DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi represented the United States in this case.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Kamar L. Cox, 23, of Columbus was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 102 months in prison for armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm.

A jury convicted Cox of the crimes of robbery and illegal possession of a firearm following a trial in March. According to court documents and trial testimony, on Aug. 21, 2020, an individual working with the ATF attempted to conduct a controlled purchase of a machine gun from Cox for $500. Cox was in possession of a Glock handgun and demanded the $500. Agents later recovered the handgun while executing a search warrant at Cox’s apartment.

Cox’s sentence includes restitution in the amount of $500 and three years of supervised release after his prison term.

As a previously convicted felon, Cox was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and Kevin W. Kelley represented the United States in this case.

# # #

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A multi-agency law enforcement task force today announced the arrests of eight men and three women indicted by a federal grand jury here for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in central Ohio. The charges include dealing drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. Local, state, and federal law enforcement officers executed 14 search warrants at various locations throughout Central Ohio and made the arrests between June 29 and July 1.

Those charged are:

Name

Age

City of Residence

Cordell A. Washington, aka Corey, Dub, Bro

35

Columbus

Patrick M. Saultz, aka White Boy Pat

44

Columbus

David E. Price, aka DP

53

Columbus

Allison E. Smith, aka Alli

27

Columbus

Tavaryyuan Johnson, aka Gucci

22

Columbus

Tyler N. Bourdo

28

Columbus

Alexis C. Lewis

30

Columbus

Michael Fowler

45

Canton

Carmela Brooks

48

Canton

Dustin A. Speakman, aka Dawg

32

Columbus

Danny G. Mullins

53

Columbus

All are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base, which is punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison. The 12-count indictment alleges that some of the dealing over the past two years took place within 1000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus. As part of the conspiracy, defendants created Limited Liability Companies in order to create bank accounts to deposit their drug proceeds.

The indictment alleges that the drug trafficking organization sold drugs out of local residences to customers and distributed larger amounts to regional drug traffickers.

“We’ve reached this milestone in this ongoing two-year investigation through meticulous and determined work by federal, local and state law enforcement agencies working together,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “In this case, it appears the perpetrators of this offense had no regard for the children in the community as they allegedly dealt drugs within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.”

Parker announced that the indictment grew from an 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 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, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, 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.

#   #   #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Denia I. Avila, 39, of Columbus was sentenced to 96 months in prison for leading a failed conspiracy that attempted twice to kidnap her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.

Court documents say Avila recruited seven co-conspirators to plan and carry out her plan to kidnap the couple near their Hilliard residence. Two conspirators dressed in black facemasks approached the victims as they entered their vehicle about 5:30 a.m. on November 25, 2019, while two others were nearby to assist if the victims tried to run back to the residence. One of the conspirators used a stun-gun against the male victim’s neck. The woman victim screamed. The victims fought off the two would-be kidnappers and fled.

During the second kidnapping attempt a week later, Avila blocked in the victims’ vehicle in the early morning hours to try and keep them from leaving the residence. Two co-conspirators dressed as law-enforcement officers approached the victims and presented a fake arrest warrant, demanding that they exit their vehicle. The victim drove over a curb and escaped.

Detectives discovered two videos in which Avila and one of the conspirators discuss plans for kidnapping and injuring the victims. A Taser and leg shackles are shown in the videos.  In the videos, Avila states she knows the victims would be too fearful to go to the authorities because she helped smuggle the male victim back into the United States after he was deported, and therefore she knew he was here illegally. After a federal grand jury indicted Avila, she conspired with another person to tamper with a witness by having the victim she had paid to have smuggled into the country deported.

Avila pleaded guilty on October 29, 2021 to conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Her sentence includes three years under court supervision after she’s released from prison, and payment of $1,396 in restitution. Others charged with participating in the conspiracy have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; James C. Harris, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Jennifer Huerta, Special Agent in Charge, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and Hilliard Division of Police Chief Mike Woods announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General assisted in the case.   

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher N. St. Pierre are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – A Greene County man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to nine years and 364 days in prison for illegally possessing the gun he used to shoot an Ohio wildlife officer.

Brian R. Liming, 45, of Jamestown, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested by ATF agents in April 2021. He pleaded guilty in August 2021.

According to court documents, on Dec. 20, 2020, Liming illegally possessed a loaded 20-gauge shotgun. On that date, an officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was shot while investigating illegal deer hunting near Martinsville, Ohio.

Liming was previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Liming was convicted locally in Clinton County Common Pleas Court of felony assault and misdemeanor hunting charges related to the shooting and sentenced to 54 months of incarceration. Liming’s federal sentence will run consecutively to his local one.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato and Adam Cullman, Department of Justice Trial Attorney from the Environment and Natural Resources Division are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Federal agents arrested a former member of the Ohio National Guard this morning on charges related to making and selling “ghost guns,” untraceable homemade weapons made in whole or in part with a 3D printer.

 

Thomas Develin, 24, of Columbus, also allegedly made antisemitic and violent statements while employed to provide security services at local synagogues and Jewish schools.

 

It is alleged that Develin created ghost guns to sell for profit. It also alleged that Develin possessed homemade conversion devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns.

 

Agents discovered more than 25 firearms in Develin’s residence and vehicle while executing a search warrant in March 2022.

 

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Develin’s Discord and Snapchat activity online revealed a large quantity of antisemitic, white nationalist, racist and misogynistic content. Develin used the fictional name “Patrick Bateman” online.

 

For example:

 

• In September 2021, it is alleged Develin posted a picture of the synagogue where he was working at the time and stated, in part, “Having an inner debate that if an active shooter comes in I might just join him.”

 

• In November 2021, Develin allegedly posted a video of himself sniffing a rifle. In the video, Develin says, “This one smells like dead Jews.”

 

• In a December 2021 Discord post, Develin allegedly wrote, “Ight, time to turn wright pat airbase into Fort hood in 2009.”

 

• In January 2022, Develin allegedly posted a picture of a New Albany synagogue with the text, “The holocaust didn’t happen” and “If anything I’ll scream 6 million wasn’t enough.”

 

• A Snapchat video in March 2022 shows Develin displaying a firearm at a Jewish school in Columbus.

 

• Develin also allegedly posted multiple times advocating the rape of women.

 

• Additional messages Develin posted online discussed committing terrorist attacks at John Glenn International Airport and at the Budweiser manufacturing facility in Columbus, and killing a Morgan County Sheriff’s deputy and the deputy’s entire family.

 

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

 

Develin will appear in U.S. District Court this afternoon regarding his federal charges.

 

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 charges. The 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.

 

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

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in federal court this morning to one year and one day in prison for threatening to bring a bomb to a local reproductive health services facility.

 

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Brime, 26, also threatened to kill a patient whom he believed was seeking reproductive health services, specifically an abortion, at the clinic. 

 

On April 11, 2021, Brime made two separate telephone calls to the local reproductive health care clinic.  In the first, he made a death threat relating to the prospective patient and in the second, he made a bomb threat directly to the clinic, telling the clinic staff “my organization will be bringing a bomb to your facility. I suggest you close your doors.”

 

Specifically, Brime violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act – which makes it a federal crime to threaten the use of force to intimidate anyone receiving or providing reproductive health services. He also transmitted a threat in interstate commerce.

 

“Reproductive health providers and people seeking access to these services must be able to do so free from violence and threats of violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “This sentencing should send a strong message that the Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce the FACE Act and hold those accountable who violate the law. We stand ready to ensure that healthcare providers and people seeking reproductive health services are safe, secure and free from violence and threats of violence.”

 

“Threatening the life of anyone who seeks any type of health service is a heinous act that should not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker. “People must handle their disagreements to positions that are contrary to theirs in a more civil way than using the threat of force or any kind of intimidation.”

 

Brime was indicted by a grand jury and arrested in September 2021. He pleaded guilty in February 2022.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and S. Courter Shimeall and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – This morning federal agents arrested individuals charged as part of a national narcotics distribution operation bringing drugs into Central Ohio from California.

 

They have been charged by criminal complaints for allegedly participating in a polydrug trafficking organization involving 76 kilograms of fentanyl including 115,500 fentanyl-laced pills, nine kilograms each of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and distributable amounts of heroin and crack cocaine.

 

“In what is believed to be the largest single fentanyl seizure ever in the Southern District of Ohio, the government has removed approximately $4.5 million worth of fentanyl and fentanyl pills from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Today’s cooperative law enforcement operation has the potential to save lives.”

 

This investigation stems from the early-June arrest of Isabel Odir Castellanos, of Los Angeles.

 

Those charged today include:

 

Name

Age

City of residence

Darrell Enrico Maurice Peterman Sr.

60

Youngstown, Ohio

Susana Maria Orellana

39

Columbus, Ohio

Martel D. Owens

38

Springfield, Ohio

Dwayne Stanley Childs

33

Columbus, Ohio

Justin M. Berrien

42

Springfield, Ohio

Kelvin R. Battle

47

Springfield, Ohio

Jermaine Anthony Peterson

37

Springfield, Ohio

Linda Laura Marie Houle

47

Springfield, Ohio

Carl Dewayne Jenkins

53

Wadestown, West Virginia

James Ian Sheets

49

Fairview, West Virginia

 

According to the charging documents, Castellanos transported narcotics from Los Angeles to Columbus via semi-truck. Castellanos is a business owner of a transportation company and a semi-truck driver who frequently travels across the United States.

 

It is alleged Castellanos delivered the narcotics to Susana Orellana’s residence in Columbus, which served as a stash house. Orellana then allegedly delivered the drugs to mid-level retail distributors. Those mid-level retailers then allegedly sold the drugs in Central Ohio, Youngstown, Ohio, Springfield, Ohio and in West Virginia.

 

Orellana allegedly collected the drug proceeds and provided them to Castellanos before he returned to California.

 

Many of the individual drug transactions charged involve tens of thousands of dollars. For example, one drug transaction detailed in an affidavit describes Orellana transporting 5,000 fentanyl pills to Childs’ home in Columbus in exchange for $36,000.

 

To date, law enforcement officials have seized from the defendants more than $478,000 in cash, a semi-truck, a Porsche Panamera, a BMW X5 and a GMC Terrain.

 

Defendants are making their initials appearances in federal court in Columbus today.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the charges and commended the cooperative investigation including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Springfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Hunter is 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.

 

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

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to a total of 420 months in prison for transporting a young child in the bunk of his semi-truck across multiple states for the purpose of sexually assaulting the victim.

 

Joseph C. Gaines, 42, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to transporting a minor interstate with the intention of sexually abusing the victim, and committing a new offense against a minor as a registered sex offender.

 

According to court documents, during July and August of 2019, Gaines transported a minor who was approximately 7 years old from Ohio to numerous other states. While in those other states, Gaines sexually assaulted the child repeatedly and in a variety of ways.

 

Gaines was on parole when he committed the sexual assaults. He was convicted in Stark County Common Pleas Court in 2005 of raping a 13-year-old in 1998.

 

In 2000, Gaines was convicted in Florida of kidnapping and attempted aggravated assault after approaching a woman on the beach, placing a knife to her throat, and saying, “you’re coming with me.”

 

Gaines’ DNA also linked him to two other rapes. Around the time of the 1998 rape, the defendant approached a 15-year-old on the street in Canton, Ohio, and threatened her with a box cutter before taking her into the woods and raping her. Gaines’ DNA was found in the victim’s underwear. In 2002, a married couple was walking on the beach in Florida when the defendant approached them with a weapon covered by a towel and forced them to an abandoned building. Gaines raped the wife and forced the husband to watch.

 

“A multi-decade sentence is warranted for this defendant, whose ongoing actions reveal him to be a true predator,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Gaines spent much of the past 20 plus years – other than the times he was incarcerated – perpetrating dangerous sexual assaults. Now, he’ll spend the next 35 years in federal prison. This is the type of incorrigible conduct that prison walls are made for.”

 

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; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men were sentenced in U.S. District Court to more than 11 years in prison each for their roles in an armed carjacking.

 

Eric Lang, 32, was sentenced to 137 months in prison, and Garry Holmes, 38, was sentenced to 180 months in prison.

 

According to court documents, Lang and Holmes conspired to commit the carjacking after Lang saw their victim at a convenience store in the Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati. Lang and the victim knew each other from prison and talked about meeting up for a future drug transaction.

 

Lang and Holmes created a plan to steal the victim’s car at the drug meetup. On Jan. 10, 2020, the defendants, along with others, instructed the victim to drive to a parking lot away from main roadways. The co-conspirators pointed guns at the victim and had the victim lie face down on the ground while they stole the victim’s 2008 Mercedes Benz.

 

As the assailants drove away, individuals shot at the victim, striking him several times. The victim was shot in the head and legs, causing serious bodily injury, including permanent nerve damage in the legs and blindness in one eye.

 

Law enforcement officers recovered multiple shell casings at the scene and those casings were entered into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). Agents learned via NIBIN that two firearms were fired at the carjacking on January 10 and that one of the firearms had been used in multiple shootings in January 2020. Law enforcement officers recovered that firearm from Holmes on March 3, 2020, after NIBIN showed the firearm was used in a shots fired incident the night before in Avondale.

 

As a convicted felon, Holmes was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

 

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 Teresa A. Theetge announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Meagan W. Myers and John Zachary Kessler of the Cincinnati City Solicitor’s Office are representing the United States in this case.

# # #

CINCINNATI – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division hosted a roundtable today for community organizations to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in housing, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.

 

U.S. Attorney Parker is asking anyone in the public who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.

 

The roundtable event included state and local fair housing agencies and numerous community organizations. Assistant United States Attorneys Ebunoluwa Taiwo (Criminal Division) and Michael Downey (Civil Division) and Trial Attorney Lauren Marks (Civil Rights Division, Housing and Civil Enforcement Section) outlined for the audience the unique roles the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office play in enforcing the Fair Housing Act.

 

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act. For example, it is illegal for landlords to request sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, to make unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, or to evict tenants who resist their sexual overtures.

 

“My office is working closely with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that victims experiencing sexual harassment or who have previously experienced sexual harassment in housing in the past know how to connect with federal resources,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and we stand ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.”

 

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country.

 

The Initiative has resulted in lawsuits filed across the country alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and recovered millions of dollars in damages for harassment victims. 

 

U.S. Attorney Parker encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling 844-380-6178 or emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

 

Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also provide information to the U.S. Attorney’s Office using the referral form at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh.

# # #

CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today the creation of a civil rights referral initiative for the Southern District of Ohio.

 

Members of the public may now report potential civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A referral form is now available at the office’s main website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh.

 

“My office – in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice – is charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws throughout the Southern District of Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “We are strongly committed to upholding the civil rights of the residents of our District. We welcome any information from the public that brings to our attention possible violations of our Nation’s civil rights laws.”

 

Potential civil rights violations may involve topics such as access to reproductive health, disability rights, hate crimes, housing discrimination (including sexual harassment by landlords, property managers or other housing providers), voting rights, law enforcement misconduct, and religious liberties.

 

“Hate and discrimination have never had a place in our society. They have no place today,” added U.S. Attorney Parker. “People should be able to practice their faith and worship, go grocery shopping, vote, find housing, and celebrate their heritage without any worry of instances of hate or discrimination being committed toward them.”

 

Mr. Parker noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is primarily a litigating office and not an investigative agency. Information provided on the civil rights referrals may be forwarded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to the appropriate law enforcement or administrative agency.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Ebunoluwa Taiwo (Criminal Division) and Michael Downey (Civil Division) will serve as the points of contact for this initiative. Inquiries can be sent to usaohs.civilrights@usdoj.gov.

 

To view the referral form, visit: /media/1227446/dl?inline.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Dublin, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting at least five minors and possessing child pornography.

 

Timothy W. Wright, 50, faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison.

 

Wright admitted to placing a hidden camera in the bathroom of his home, thereby producing pornographic images of two minors via that hidden camera. To save videos or images of the minors from the hidden camera to his phone, Wright admitted that he would watch the video feed live. Investigators discovered approximately 27 videos and 152 images from the hidden camera 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 admitting to paying for nude images from these three minors and those images were also recovered on Wright’s phone.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio announced the plea entered today before 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 being 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.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in federal court here today for his role in a 2018 murder and robbery.

 

Kyle Castle, 29, was one of five Columbus men indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2021 with crimes involving three murders and a related narcotics ring.

 

In 2018, defendants conspired to rob a local marijuana dealer of drugs and cash in his residence. That robbery resulted in the shooting death of another individual within the house who was unrelated to the marijuana. To cover up for this first murder, it is alleged lead defendant Larry Williams then murdered a man and a woman with knowledge of the first murder.

 

Castle admitted to driving with others to the 800 block of East North Broadway in Columbus during the early morning hours of June 27, 2018, to rob a residence they knew to contain large amounts of marijuana and cash. Each of the co-conspirators was armed, including Castle who was in possession of a pistol.

 

Upon entering the living room of the residence, an individual was shot and killed by an AK-47 style rifle. The co-conspirators also shot numerous dogs within the residence. The men stole 20 to 30 pounds of marijuana from the residence.

 

In total, 13 individuals have been charged federally for their alleged involvement in either the murders, the cover-up of the murders, or the related narcotics conspiracy. The cover-up involved defendants dismembering and burying the bodies of two murder victims.

 

Castle faces up to life in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; James C. Harris III, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.

 

The joint investigation includes assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Franklin County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Columbus Division of Fire and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Prichard and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in the cases.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former federal probation officer pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today for extortion. During her time as a probation officer, she accepted cash, pills, goods and services from individuals under her supervision.

 

Helwa H. Qasem, 44, of Bexley, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging her with extortion under color of official right, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

 

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.

 

As part of her plea, Qasem admitted she 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 admitted to sharing confidential information she received from a Columbus police officer to an individual under her supervision. Qasem had received a police report from the officer. The report stated that the officer had met with a person who was attempting to become a confidential informant and who 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.

 

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 plea entered into today before 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 Columbus woman was arrested in Utah on federal charges related to stealing the identity of a baby who died as an infant. The woman allegedly used the infant’s identity to obtain a passport, a student pilot license, a job as a flight attendant, admission into The Ohio State University and pandemic relief loans.

 

Ava Misseldine, 49, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, was charged by a criminal complaint with passport fraud, Social Security number fraud, aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with an emergency.

 

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

 

In 2007, Misseldine allegedly 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 allegedly 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.

 

Court documents allege 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, allegedly obtained driver’s licenses in both names.

 

If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of two years and up to 30 years in prison. She will be transported to the Southern District of Ohio to face her charges in federal court.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges 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.

 

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

 

# # #

CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has charged two New York men in a narcotics conspiracy involving more than 66 pounds of cocaine and at least 10 pounds of heroin.

 

Maximo Pena Herrera, 40, and Joel Serrata Rosario, 27, were each charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine.

 

Rosario was charged with a second count of possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine.

 

According to court documents, on May 11, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in El Reno, Oklahoma on a commercial truck driver traveling from California to Cincinnati. The DEA Dallas-Oklahoma District Office assisted agents from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) on the traffic stop.

 

A drug-detecting canine alerted to an SUV being transported by the hauler truck. Law enforcement officials discovered 29 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin in a hidden compartment within the SUV. The amount of narcotics seized has a street value of more than $1 million.

 

Court documents detail that law enforcement tracked the vehicle to the Cincinnati area where Herrera and Rosario allegedly picked up the vehicle and paid the commercial truck driver $1,900 in cash. It is alleged the defendants were instructed by an inmate in a New York jail to obtain the narcotics in Harrison, Ohio, and deliver them to a specific location in Cincinnati.

 

A subsequent search of Rosario’s Cincinnati hotel room led agents to discover an additional three kilograms of cocaine.

 

The narcotics conspiracy charged in this case carries a penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, as charged against Rosario, is punishable by five to 40 years in prison.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kent Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and other members of the DEA’s drug task force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi 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 former insurance agent was arrested this morning on federal charges alleging he defrauded dozens of victims in the Cincinnati and Dayton area and fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans.

 

Seneca Birchmore, 44, of Cincinnati, lost his license as an insurance agent in 2019 because he was writing insurance policies for people who did not want them so that he could collect the commissions.

 

According to court documents, 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. It is alleged 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 $80,000.

 

It is also alleged that, in a separate scheme, Birchmore fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $40,000. Birchmore allegedly 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. It is alleged that no such business exists.

 

Fraud in connection with emergency benefits is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Social security fraud carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison and aggravated identity theft includes a mandatory two years of imprisonment.

 

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 charges. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry 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 – The last of 19 defendants to be convicted in a Columbus gang-related racketeering conspiracy was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 40 years in prison.

 

Shawn Nelms, 29, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to his part in furthering the violence of the local Crips gang known as T&A. The racketeering conspiracy first charged in 2018 includes five murders, at least 26 attempted murders, and other violent and drug-trafficking crimes.

 

Nelms participated in the 2013 murder of William Moore. Nelms and others spotted Moore, a rival Poindexter Thug Life Bloods gang member, walking on Mount Vernon Ave. and agreed to kill the man for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions within T&A.

 

Nelms also participated in the 2012 gang-related murder of Franky Tention on Ellison Street in Columbus.

 

According to his plea, in 2011, Nelms shot a separate victim in the chest, and the man survived. During a robbery in 2011, one of several rounds shot by Nelms went into a nearby house and struck a young girl, who also survived.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Travis S. Riddle, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; and United States Marshal Pete Tobin announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Canal Winchester man of 35 counts of money laundering crimes related to an online romance fraud scheme.

 

The verdict was announced yesterday following a trial that began on May 16 before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, Seth Nyamekye, 39, laundered the proceeds of online romance scams that generated millions of dollars of loss.

 

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.

 

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. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of 18 counts, and up to 10 years in prison on each of 17 other counts.

 

“If you believe you are the victim of an online romance scam, I urge you to file a complaint at ic3.gov,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.

 

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

 

# # #

DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton businessman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 36 months in prison for crimes related to a fraudulent insurance claim.

 

Following a trial in January 2022, the jury found Brian Higgins, 50, guilty of three counts of mail fraud and two counts of tampering with a witness with intent to retaliate.

 

According to court documents and trial testimony, in 2014 and 2015, Higgins filed a fraudulent insurance claim in connection with water damage to the Meeker Residence, an 8,000 square-foot house in Dayton. Higgins received more than $100,000 in insurance claims that he used for his personal benefit rather than to repair water damage that occurred from a 600-gallon fish tank.

 

Higgins used money disbursed on the claim to pay for personal expenditures, such as funding a new restaurant space, paying telephone bills, spending money at a casino, and other personal expenses, rather than paying for bona fide repairs and restoration of the home.

 

The defendant submitted invoices and repair cost estimates from a construction vendor to the insurance company in order to obtain money. The vendor documents were false and misrepresented the status of repair work at the Meeker Residence.

 

Higgins then diverted the money to himself and paid for travel, hotels and dining out, among other personal expenses. Higgins had the company keep a small amount of the money to complete small, cosmetic repairs in an attempt to cover up his scheme.

 

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 sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

CINCINNATI –A Mason, Ohio, methadone clinic has agreed to pay the government $37,500 following a DEA inspection of the clinic.

 

“This settlement shows that companies operating methadone clinics have a duty to do so with diligence,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “While it is important work, sloppiness in this area can lead to the improper diversion of drugs onto the streets, which would defeat the very purpose of these clinics’ existence: to provide those with opioid addictions a safe way to heal and recover. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to ensure clinics operate appropriately; no one is above the law.”

 

The Craig and Frances Lindner Center of HOPE operated a methadone clinic in Mason, Ohio, known as HOPE Center North. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

 

According to the settlement, the DEA conducted an inspection of HOPE Center North on July 15, 2020. The inspection included a review of the methadone clinic’s physical and operational security measures, required controlled substance recordkeeping, records of receipt and dispensation of methadone, and a recordkeeping accountability audit of methadone. 

 

The settlement details that the DEA noted seven potential recordkeeping violations at HOPE Center North.

 

For example, the DEA noted that the clinic failed to provide the DEA with a biennial inventory of its controlled substances and did not keep complete and accurate inventory records. HOPE Center North also failed to keep accurate DEA forms evidencing the shipment and disposal of methadone from the facility.

 

As part of the settlement, HOPE Center North agrees to comply with all controlled substance recordkeeping standards as required by law.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Kent Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the settlement. Deputy Civil Chief Brandi Stewart is representing the United States in this matter.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Iraqi citizen living in Columbus, Ohio, has been charged federally with an immigration crime and with aiding and abetting a plot to murder former United States President George W. Bush.

Shihab Ahmed Shihab Shihab, 52, was arrested by FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agents this morning and appeared in federal court here at 2:30pm. His case was unsealed at that time.

Shihab originally entered the United States in September 2020 on a visitor visa, and in March 2021, he filed a claim for asylum with United States citizenship, which is pending review. He lived in both Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis and worked at markets and restaurants in both cities.

It is alleged that Shihab exchanged money with others in an attempt to illegally bring foreign nationals to the United States.

For example, in August 2021, Shihab allegedly intended to help who he thought was another Iraqi citizen enter the United States for a fee of $40,000. Shihab provided specific instructions on how he would smuggle the person into the United States after 60 days. In October and December 2021, Shihab accepted tens of thousands of dollars for the purported smuggling. In reality, the individual was fictitious, and the interaction was coordinated under the direction of the FBI.

The charging document also alleges that Shihab planned to smuggle four additional Iraqi foreign nationals into the United States for the purpose of killing former President George W. Bush in retaliation of Iraqi deaths during “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Shihab then allegedly planned to smuggle the four out of the United States via the United States/Mexico border after they carried out the assassination.

In furtherance of the assassination plot, Shihab allegedly traveled to Dallas in February 2022 to conduct surveillance of locations associated with the former President. In March 2022, it is alleged Shihab met with others in a hotel room in Columbus, Ohio, to look at sample firearms and law enforcement uniforms.

Attempting to illegally bring an individual into the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Aiding and abetting the attempted murder of a former United States Official carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, National Security Division; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Jaime Carazo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight and Trial Attorney Frank Russo from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division 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.

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lucio Manuel Munoz, 29, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 188 months in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy involving more than 75 pounds of fentanyl.

 

According to court documents, in February 2021, law enforcement officials seized approximately 30 kilograms of fentanyl from Munoz’s vehicle. Munoz and two other men, Maximus Alberto Dominguez, 20, and Rene Bernal Gaytan, 23, were charged by federal criminal complaint and arrested on Feb. 3, 2021.

 

The defendants were conducting illicit narcotics operations from the Red Roof Inn on South State Street in Westerville and from a residence on Chesford Road in Columbus.

 

Law enforcement officials were conducting surveillance on both locations on Feb. 2, 2021, and subsequently stopped Dominguez for a traffic stop on Interstate 270 South. A narcotics K9 alerted to the presence of drugs and officers discovered approximately 978 grams of fentanyl in the BMW Dominguez was driving.

 

Munoz attempted to flee the residence on Chesford Road later that evening with bulk amounts of narcotics in his vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated on Munoz, but he failed to yield. A vehicle pursuit was initiated and ended in a foot pursuit. Munoz was apprehended and officers secured the Jeep he was driving. The Jeep contained approximately 30 kilograms of fentanyl.

 

Court records detail that agents also found approximately eight kilograms of fentanyl with Gaytan in a room at the Red Roof Inn. They also discovered a storage locker in Columbus where a duffel bag of vacuum-sealed bulk currency was located.

 

Munoz pleaded guilty in June 2021 to conspiring to possess and possessing with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

 

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; James C. Harris III, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Kent Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Richard S. Fambro and Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. OCDETF Deputy Criminal Chief Kelly A. Norris is representing the United States in this case.

 

# # #

COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced today a civil rights initiative aimed at ensuring that summer camps located within in the Southern District of Ohio are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

 

“As summer approaches and parents make arrangements to send their children to camps, we want to make sure that children with disabilities receive an equal opportunity to attend and experience summer camp,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “Reasonable accommodations are a requirement under the law.”

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio has mailed the attached flyer to dozens of summer camps located in the southern half of the state.

 

Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modifications to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities.

 

Children with disabilities are generally entitled to attend any camp or activity, camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA.

 

Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for children with disabilities to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.

 

Additional information about the ADA can be found by visiting www.ada.gov, calling the Department of Justice ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY), or by emailing the U.S. Attorney’s Office at USAOHS.CivilRights@usdoj.gov.

# # #