Michael A. Garcia, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa Springmann to 60 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to count three of an indictment charging him with carrying and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact our Fort Wayne Criminal Attorneys Now!

Taiwan L. Johnson, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa Springmann to 150 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to count three of an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Michael Lamb, 48, of Fort Wane, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa Springmann to 15 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to counts three and four of an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and use of a communication facility to facilitate the possession with intent to distribute marijuana. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, IMAGE Task Force, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and Allen County Community Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Tina Nommay.

Juan Rosales-Cuen, 32, address unknown, plead guilty before Judge Theresa Springmann to count one of an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allen County Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Juan Alfonso Salas, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge William C. Lee to 94 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to count one of an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine). This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Trgovich.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, contact our Fort Wayne drug arrest attorneys now!

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, contact our Fort Wayne drug defense attorneys now!

Further investigation revealed Schedule II controlled substances. The evidence was forwarded to the DeKalb County prosecutor and no physical arrests were made.

Jose Zapata, 39, of Marion, Indiana, is charged in a two-count Indictment with distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about January 13, 2008, and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about September 10, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Fort Wayne, Indiana, contact our Fort Wayne criminal attorneys now!

Timothy B. Ryan, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two-count Indictment with receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about June 27, 2009, and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about July 23, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Harry Esterline, 71, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors from on or about July 19, 2009 until on or about July 21, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, contact our Fort Wayne drug arrest attorneys now!

source: http://www.allencountysheriff.org/pio/press.html?ID=press_releases1237907467

If you or a loved one has been charged with fraud, contact our Indiana fraud attorneys now!

The sweep was organized by President Obama’s interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which was established to lead an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. Starting on March 1, to date Operation Stolen Dreams has involved 1,215 criminal defendants nationwide, including 485 arrests, who are allegedly responsible for more than $2.3 billion in losses. Additionally, to date the operation has resulted in 191 civil enforcement actions which have resulted in the recovery of more than $147 million.

“Mortgage fraud ruins lives, destroys families and devastates whole communities, so attacking the problem from every possible direction is vital,” said Attorney General Holder. “We will use every tool available to investigate, prosecute, and prevent mortgage fraud, and we will not rest until anyone preying on vulnerable American homeowners is brought to justice.”

“Since 2002, in the Southern District of Indiana, more than 72 persons have been convicted in mortgage fraud schemes, resulting in more than $93.1 million in ordered restitution,” said U.S. Attorney Morrison. “Sixty-one persons received prison sentences averaging over 31 months, and those included mortgage brokers, appraisers, loan officers, closing agents and realtors.”

Earlier in 2010, in the Southern District of Indiana, Robert Penn and seven other defendants were sentenced to terms of imprisonment between 24 and 84 months following the successful prosecution of a $16.6 million dollar mortgage fraud scheme. In February, 2010, Beverly A. Ross was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment for a mortgage fraud scheme involving 34 properties at a loss to lenders of $5.6 million.

“Mortgage fraud is the FBI’s highest financial crime priority. Mortgage fraud is a ruinous blight on communities, the banking industry, and the nation as a whole. The FBI will continue to utilize our financial investigative expertise to address the mortgage fraud problem within the real estate industry. The FBI is committed to pursuing those individuals who have manipulated the mortgage loan process for their own financial gain. While these investigations are lengthy and complicated, the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the individuals who commit mortgage fraud are investigated and prosecuted,” stated Michael Welch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Indiana.

Al Patton, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Chicago Field Office stated that, “These types of crimes create a significant loss of tax revenue, drive buyers into foreclosure, leave lenders burdened with bad loans and neighborhoods with abandoned and deteriorating properties. IRS CI is committed to applying their financial expertise and pursuing individuals who create such havoc.”

Unlike previous mortgage fraud sweeps, Operation Stolen Dreams focused not only on federal criminal cases, but also on civil enforcement, restitution for victims and increasing cooperation with state and local partners.

The President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. For more information on the task force, visit StopFraud.gov.

There are a number of federal, state and local agencies who have partnered together to combat mortgage fraud. Most recently, in the Southern District of Indiana, that includes the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Trustee, Region 10, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Homeowner Protection Unit, the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office Prosecution Assistance Unit, as well as the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, the Richmond Police Department and the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney.

Operation Stolen Dreams cases in the Southern District of Indiana included:

United States vs. Kathy Puckett

Charged May 19, 2010, with mail fraud and obstructing justice, Puckett was co-owner of Richmond Mortgage and served as its mortgage broker. The information alleges that Puckett submitted false information to the lenders, including false verification of employment, inflated account balances and credit scores. Loss to the lenders is alleged to exceed $200,000.

United States vs. Amanda Burroughs

Under the name WWL & Co., Amanda Burroughs was in the business of purchasing distressed homes, improving them and selling them for profit. Between May, 2005 and February, 2008, Burroughs allegedly began to conceal from lenders the source of her buyers’ downpayment money in order to induce the lenders to loan to buyers who would otherwise not qualify for loans. WLL would receive money at each closing from the sale of these properties, many of which went into foreclosure. Lenders purportedly lost $385,000 in the scheme.

Jose Zapata, 39, of Marion, Indiana, is charged in a two-count Indictment with distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about January 13, 2008, and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about September 10, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact our Fort Wayne criminal defense attorneys now!

Timothy B. Ryan, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two-count Indictment with receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about June 27, 2009, and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about July 23, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Harry Esterline, 71, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors from on or about July 19, 2009 until on or about July 21, 2009. The Indictment also seeks for forfeiture. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force and Indiana State Police. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

source:http://indianapolis.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/ip060910.htm

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, contact our Fort Wayne, IN drug trafficking lawyers now!

Additionally, Charles DIES, Adrian LEE and Kevin PORTER were also charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Paris JONES was charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Search Warrants were served at 15 locations. They are:
• 8711 Decatur Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 559 Candlelite Court, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 2726 Jacobs Creek Run, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 7509 Kern Valley Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 4319 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 2626 Pittsburg Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 410 Southfair Court, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 6715 John Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 720 Lawton Place, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 13119 Bolinni Lane, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 1715 Cortland Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 2024 Embassy Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 5720 West Hills Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Lamb)
Unit L0416 and Unit E0201 at Public Storage, 1801 West Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Unit 15, Building A, at Casual Cartage, 2504 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
This complaint was the result of an extensive cooperative investigation. Participating in this investigation were Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Also participating were the United States Marshal’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the IMAGE Drug Task Force.
This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Tina Nommay.
The specific sentence to be imposed upon conviction in each case will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

source:http://indianapolis.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/ip052809.htm

If you or a loved one has been charged with Resisting Law Enforcement, contact our Fort Wayne criminal attorneys now!

Officers were attempting to serve several active arrest warrants on Mr. Harris for Felony Parole Revocation, Resisting Law Enforcement, two counts of Contempt of Court and Criminal Trespassing. Mr. Harris was booked into the Allen County Lock-Up on the outstanding warrants and a second charge of Resisting Law Enforcement.

CONTACT: Steve Stone
Public Information Officer
260-449-4954

Source: http://www.allencountysheriff.org/pio/press.html?ID=press_releases1267043207

If you think you might be charged with an Indiana firearm law, contact our criminal defense lawyers now!

On April 29, 2010, Aguilar was found in Posey County, Ind., after he was observed by federal agents purchasing firearms. Aguilar had not received permission to re-enter the United States from the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security after his deportation. The indictment also alleges that Aguilar unlawfully possessed firearms as a person illegally in the United States. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.