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Western District of Missouri

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2007 Press Releases

December 20 , 2007

Stewartsville man charged with St. Joseph bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Stewartsville, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing a St. Joseph, Mo., bank. Donny James Eskridge, 49, of Stewartsville, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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St. Louis man sentenced for bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A St. Louis, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing a St. Joseph, Mo., bank. Marcus A. Weaver, 36, of St. Louis, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Weaver to pay $1,900 in restitution.
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December 19 , 2007

Operator of KC truck drivign school pleads guilty to conspiracy to provide fraudulent licenses at West Plains school
SPRINGFIELD - The operator of a Kansas City, Mo., trucking company and truck driving school pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to provide fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses to large numbers of Somali and Bosnian nationals. Ernest Arnel White, also known as Mustafa, 50, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 20, 2007, federal indictment.
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Lee's Summit woman pleads guilty to mortgage fraud, identity theft
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a mortgage fraud scheme in which she used stolen identities to purchase homes in Lee’s Summit. Kimberly M. Davis, 42, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to the charges contained in a July 24, 2007, federal indictment.
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Independence man pleads guilty to Northland bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing a Kansas City-North bank. Robert Maynard Surrey, 55, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the charge contained in a federal indictment.
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Two south Missouri men sentenced as armed career criminals
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man and an Alton, Mo., man have been sentenced in federal court, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms. Both men were sentenced as armed career criminals due to their previous violent felony convictions and serious drug offenses. Charles Doyle, 46, of Springfield, was sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Jerry Brown, 47, of Alton, was sentenced on Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
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December 18 , 2007

Three Springfield men sentenced for large-scale marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Three Springfield, Mo., men have been sentenced in federal court for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties. Willie Foxx, 25, Darius L. Ellis, 28, Joshua L. Parrow, 28, all of Springfield, were sentenced U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr. Foxx was sentenced this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Ellis was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2007, to five years in federal prison without parole. Parrow was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2007, to two years in federal prison without parole.
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Bail bondsman sentenced for illegal phone tap
SPRINGFIELD - A part-time bail bondsman from Sparta, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for wiretapping a Springfield woman’s telephone. Richard A. Hugh, 54, of Sparta, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to 18 months in federal prison without parole.
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Oklahoma man sentenced for bank fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Cherokee, Okla., man was sentenced in federal court today for using counterfeit checks to defraud several banks of nearly $58,000. Richard V. Wilson, 52, of Cherokee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 15 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Wilson to pay $57,992 in restitution.
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December 14 , 2007

Lee's Summit man pleads guilty to child pornography, illegally possessing ammunition
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography over the Internet and illegally possessing ammunition. Jeffrey Dewain Dueker, 39, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this afternoon to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.
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Former mail carrier indicted for hoarding mail
SPRINGFIELD - A former rural letter carrier has been indicted by a federal grand jury for not delivering mail along his Strafford, Mo., area route. Gregory Bennett Stewart, 37, of Branson, Mo. (formerly of Springfield, Mo.), was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. Stewart was a rural carrier associate with the Strafford Post Office from Nov. 16, 2002, to Feb. 28, 2007.
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December 13 , 2007

Four California residents indicted in large-scale PCP conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Four California residents were indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of PCP, with two men also charged with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. Today’s indictment is related to a seizure last year of large quantities of the illegal narcotics in a highway stop in Newton County, Mo., which at the time was the largest recorded seizure of PCP in the United States. Marzett L. Parker, 37, and Odell M. Edwards, 38, both of San Francisco, Calif., Kim V. Walker, 44, of Fortuna, Calif., and Alphonso Foster, 38, of Los Angeles, Calif., were charged in a three-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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Raytown man sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Raytown, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for drug trafficking and illegally possessing two firearms. Today’s sentence is the result of a successful investigation under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Roberto V. Soto, 44, of Raytown, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 15 years and one month in federal prison without parole.
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KC man sentenced to 21 years in prison for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo, man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing crack cocaine. This investigation is part of the district’s Public Housing Safety Initiative, which targets violent crime and drug offenses in public, federally assisted housing areas. Denaine L. Allen, 48, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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Mortgage broker sentenced for mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for conspiracy and wire fraud related to his role in a $400,000 mortgage fraud scheme. Ricky L. Hamilton, 53, of Grandview, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hamilton to pay $144,234 in restitution related to the mortgage fraud and an additional $6,000 in restitution related to other conduct. Hamilton was a mortgage broker at Trinity Mortgage in Grandview.
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December 12 , 2007

KC man sentenced for mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for conspiracy and wire fraud related to his role in a $400,000 mortgage fraud scheme. Emanuel M. Kind, 52, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this afternoon to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Kind to pay $144,234 in restitution.
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Olathe man sentenced for enticing a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - An Olathe, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for using the Internet in an attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Eric Ryan Davis, 22, of Olathe, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Davis to forfeit to the government a Compaq computer that was used to commit the offense.
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December 11 , 2007

Former pharmacy owner sentenced for Medicaid fraud
KANSAS CITY - The former owner of a Kansas City, Mo., pharmacy was sentenced in federal court today for defrauding Medicaid of nearly $400,000. James V. Spallo, 37, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to one year and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Spallo to pay a total of $378,877 in restitution to the Missouri and Kansas Medicaid programs.
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Two co-defendants sentenced for large-scale marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man and a Pleasant Hope, Mo., man were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties. Danny Osborne, 39, of Springfield, and Mark A. Nelson, 26, of Pleasant Hope, were sentenced in separate appearances this morning before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr. Osborne was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Nelson was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
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Somalian pleads guilty to conspiracy to provide fraudulent licenses at West Plains school
SPRINGFIELD - A Kansas City, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to provide fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses to large numbers of Somali and Bosnian nationals. Abdulfatah Osman Farah, 24, a citizen of Somalia living in Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England on Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, to the charge contained in a Sept. 20, 2007, federal indictment.
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December 7 , 2007

Lee's Summit man indicted for tax fraud, Pell Grant fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man who owned and operated a college financial planning service that enlisted hundreds of families as clients, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for tax fraud and Pell Grant fraud. Ronald W. Shepard, 68, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in a 17-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007.
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Rolla man sentenced for marijuana trafficking
KANSAS CITY - A Rolla, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute hundreds of pounds of marijuana in Cole County, Mo. Cyrus Otis Pope, 26, of Rolla, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Pope to pay a fine of $12,500.
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Eleven Independence, Blue Springs, KC residents indicted for meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Eleven residents of Independence, Mo., Blue Springs, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Diana Stillwell, 42, Donna Wyzard, 43, Adam M. Joseph, 32, and Oscar R. Lerma, 32, all of Independence, Shawn J. Sharpley, 37, and Micheal S. Anderson, 40, both of Blue Springs, and Daniel Gregg, age unknown, William Hockman, 39, Donnie E. Myers, 38, Douglas Wiggins, 34, and Hector Almeda, 27, all of Kansas City, were charged in a 15-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007.
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December 6 , 2007

Ten metro area residents indicted for stolen vehicle, chop shop conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Ten residents of the Kansas City metropolitan area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to steal a number of vehicles, which were disassembled at several chop shops and the parts sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Darin L. Yohe, 39, Hayden Wells, 33, Angela E. Comer, 36, and Donald L. Buttman, Jr., 34, all of Kansas City, Mo., Timothy W. Holloway, 39, John T. Sloan, 46, and Brandy Fouts, 24, all of Independence, Mo., Harley Harvey, 39, of Blue Springs, Mo., David L. Reiff, 42, of Raytown and Sean C. Dale, 34, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007.
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Grocery owners, livestock dealer sentenced for selling uninspected meat
KANSAS CITY - A livestock dealer and the owners of Queen’s Market grocery store in Kansas City, Mo., were sentenced in federal court today for selling to the general public thousands of pounds of meat that had not been federally inspected. Kim Huynh, 50, of Kansas City, Mo., Nham Pham, 48, of Overland Park, Kan., and their business, Queen’s Market, LLC, a grocery store at 1447 Independence Ave., in Kansas City that primarily caters to the Vietnamese community, and Rick D. Anstine, 49, of Holden, Mo., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning. Anstine is the owner of Anstine Enterprises, Inc., a livestock auction operation in Kingsville, Mo., d/b/a Kingsville Hog Market.
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Springfield man sentenced to 17 years in prison for large-scale marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties. Damien M. Foxx, 28, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Foxx to forfeit to the United States all property derived from the conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
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Jefferson City man sentenced for crack cocaine, illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing crack cocaine and a firearm. Brandon L. Whitehead, 29, of Jefferson City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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December 5 , 2007

KC firefighter indicted for identity theft, credit card fraud
KANSAS CITY - A firefighter with the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department was indicted by a federal grand jury today for identity theft and credit card fraud. Mark M Braden, 38, of Kansas City, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Higginsville man indicted formarijuana conspiracy, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Higginsville, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to grow and distribute marijuana, and for illegally possessing several firearms. Robert Frank Furlong, 27, of Higginsville, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Columbia man sentenced for crack cocaine
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Taijal Obrayn Jones, 30, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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KC man sentenced for armed robbery, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the armed robbery of the Sprint Store in Westport and for violating federal firearms laws. Radford Moore, Jr., 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to nine years and six months in federal prison without parole.
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December 4 , 2007

Milan man indicted for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Milan, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for producing and possessing child pornography. Carol Danny Phillips, 54, of Milan, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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December 3 , 2007

Jury convicts two KC men for double homicide, drug trafficking
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were convicted by a federal jury today for the 2002 double homicide of Anthony Rios and Olivia Raya. Michael L. Dale, also known as Gin, 33, and Dyshawn L. Johnson, also known as Chopper, 33, both of Kansas City, were found guilty of using a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, which resulted in the murders of Anthony Rios and Olivia Raya on Dec. 20, 2002. Dale and Johnson were also found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine from Jan. 1, 2002, to Aug. 31, 2004.
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November 30 , 2007

Parkville woman sentenced for embezzling $440,000 from NKC firm
KANSAS CITY - A Parkville, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for mail fraud and identity theft related to embezzling more than $440,000 from her employer, as well as filing a false tax return. Jenifer Lyne Merriman, 43, of Parkville, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to three years and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Merriman to pay $440,430 in restitution.
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November 29 , 2007

Pleasant Hill man sentenced for tax evasion
KANSAS CITY - A Pleasant Hill, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for tax evasion. Terry L. Gerber, 48, of Pleasant Hill, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.
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November 28 , 2007

Kidder attorney pleads guilty to $866,000 bank fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kidder, Mo., attorney pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding a North Kansas City, Mo., bank in a series of loans totaling $866,810. Dawn Renee Harpster, 38, of Kidder, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to a federal information that charges her with five counts of bank fraud.
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Kansas trucking company owner pleads guilty to conspiracy to provide fraudulent licenses at West Plains school
SPRINGFIELD - The owner of a Kansas City, Kan., trucking company pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to provide fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses to large numbers of Somali and Bosnian nationals. Howard E. Schneider, 40, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 20, 2006, federal indictment. Schneider is the owner of H.E. Schneider Trucking Company in Kansas City, Kan., and involved in the operation of Muslim Brothers and Sisters (MBS), a trucking company that operated a truck driving training school located in Kansas City, Mo.
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November 19 , 2007

Two Springfield men sentenced to life in prison, third co-defendant sentenced to 30 years for crack cocaine
SPRINGFIELD - Three Springfield, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute a significant amount of crack cocaine in the Springfield area. Joseph L. Rainey, 39, Marvin D. Anthony, Sr., 42, and Adrian Davis, 27, all of Springfield, were sentenced in separate hearings this morning before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Rainey and Anthony were each sentenced to life in federal prison without parole. Davis was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
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Former KC man sentenced for 'Baywatch' fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a fraud scheme that bilked 18 investors out of nearly $360,000. David William Port, 53, of Kansas City, a resident alien from Great Britain at the time of the offense, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to three years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Port to pay $169,985 in restitution.
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November 16 , 2007

Money laundering charges added to investment fraud indictment against former Columbia men
JEFFERSON CITY - Two former Columbia, Mo., men who were indicted last year for participating in an investment fraud conspiracy have been charged by a federal grand jury with money laundering. William Colwell McNeely, 76, of Millersburg, Mo., and Craig F. Swoboda, 72, of Lake Ozark, Mo., were charged in a 16-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. Today’s indictment replaces a Sept. 8, 2007, federal indictment and includes allegations of additional conduct by Swoboda in furtherance of the conspiracy, as well as allegations of money laundering by both McNeely and Swoboda.
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Columbia man indicted for child pornography
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing and distributing child pornography. Raymond Darrell Ford, 47, of Columbia, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
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Eldon man indicted for illegal ammunition
JEFFERSON CITY - An Eldon, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing ammunition. Aleksandr Tadzhibayev, 26, a citizen of Uzbekistan residing in Eldon, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
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November 14 , 2007

Independence man sentenced on federal bank robbery charges
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing US Bank in Independence. Clyde Douglas Nelson, 56, of Independence, appeared before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning and was sentenced to five years and ten months imprisonment.
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Former school bus driver, custodian indicted for child pornography
SPRINGFIELD - A former school bus driver and custodian has been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexually exploiting several children in order to produce child pornography. Kevin T. Browning, 47, of Morrisville, Mo., was charged in a four-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. That indictment was unsealed and made public following Browning’s arrest and his initial court appearance today. Browning resigned from his employment with the Marion C. Early R-V School District last August.
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November 13 , 2007

Joplin man pleads guilty to securities and tax fraud violations
SPRINGFIELD - A Joplin man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Richard E. Dorr to federal securities fraud and tax fraud charges. Mark Leon Henry, 37, of Joplin, Mo. operated a financial brokerage business in Carthage, Mo. as an investment advisor representative for Investment Centers of America (ICA) from November of 1996 to August of 2005. According to the charges to which Henry pleaded guilty, ICA terminated its business relationship with Henry in Sept. of 2005, but Henry continued to operate his office in Carthage, Mo. and advertise himself as representative of ICA. After Sept. 2005, Henry also held himself out as an agent for Harbour Investments, despite the absence of any authority to do so.
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November 9 , 2007

Former tester at West Plains truck-driving school pleads guilty to mail fraud conspiracy and two Somalis also plead guilty to conspiracy to provide fraudulent licenses
SPRINGFIELD - Orbin Dale May, 64, of West Plains, and Ahmed Muhidin Sharif, 28, a citizen of Somalia living in Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 20, 2006, federal indictment. Abdiwahab Mohamud Mohamed, 38, a citizen of Somalia living in Minneapolis, Minn., pleaded guilty on Nov. 1, 2007, to his role in the conspiracy. The co-defendants each admitted they were involved in a mail fraud conspiracy from April 1, 2003, to Feb. 6, 2006, that defrauded others by denying the public the right of honest service of contract employees of the state of Missouri. The conspiracy involved fraudulent testing for commercial driver’s licenses on the part of the South Central Career Center Truck Driver Training School (SCCC) in West Plains. May was employed at SCCC, which at that time was a division of the West Plains R-7 School District, to train truck drivers and administer CDL driving tests.
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November 8 , 2007

Stone County man sentenced for meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - a Stone County, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene, Stone and Taney counties. Daniel Patrick Hogan, 48, of Stone County, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Hogan was convicted at trial of participating in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine from June of 2003, to October of 2004. Hogan was also found guilty of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Oct. 17, 2004, and of distributing methamphetamine on Oct. 17, 2004.
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Springfield man sentenced for drug trafficking, firearms violations
SPRINGFIELD - a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., as well as additional drug-trafficking and illegal firearms charges contained in a second federal indictment. Michael D. Caudle, 35, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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Wright county man sentenced on federal narcotics and gun charges
SPRINGFIELD - a Wright County, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal district court today for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. David Lynn Gleason, 47, of Wright County, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to four years and nine months imprisonment without parole for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. On Mar.19, 2007, Gleason pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine to another individual on Feb. 24, 2005, in Wright County, Missouri. On this same date, Gleason also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in August of 2004 after having been convicted of four prior felony offenses involving the illegal sale and possession of drugs and firearms.
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November 6 , 2007

Five federal building workers indicted for false Social Security numbers
KANSAS CITY - Five employees of a firm that contracts to operate the cafeteria at the Kansas City (Richard Bolling) Federal Building were indicted today, in separate and unrelated cases, on charges related to using false Social Security numbers in order to gain employment. Nilda A. Franco, 36, and Fania L. Garza, 27, both citizens of Guatamala residing in Kansas City, Kan., and Felipe Carreon, 29, Luis A. Carreon, 31, and Francisco J. Munoz-Carmona, 33, all citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., were charged in a series of indictments returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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California business owner sentenced for selling stolen pharmaceutical drugs
KANSAS CITY - A California business owner was sentenced in federal court today for his involvement in a conspiracy to sell stolen pharmaceutical drugs. Paul Louis Kriger, 50, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Kriger to pay $1,603,474 in restitution to Roche, $680,000 in restitution to Glaxo-Smith, and to forfeit to the government $500,000, which represents the proceeds of all relevant criminal conduct.
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November 1 , 2007

New Bloomfield woman sentenced for distributing crack cocaine
JEFFERSON CITY - A New Bloomfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for distributing crack cocaine in the Cole County, Mo., area. Angie Marie Roark, 30, of New Bloomfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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Columbia man sentenced for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Tracy Allan Lennex, 39, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to seven years and six months in federal prison without parole.
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October 30, 2007

Jury convicts KC man for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today for illegally possessing a firearm. Alphonzo Henderson, 44, of Kansas City, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
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Jury convicts KC man for crack cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Marcus L. Robinson, 30, of Kansas City, was found guilty of both charges contained in an April 19, 2006, federal indictment.
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October 26, 2007

Lisa Montgomery receives death penalty for kidnapping resulting in death
KANSAS CITY - A federal jury returned a special verdict today finding that Lisa M. Montgomery, 39, of Melvern, Kan., shall be sentenced to death for kidnapping a baby girl in December 2004, resulting in the death of the infant's mother.
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Statement from the Family of Bobbie Jo Stinnett

Jury convicts four defendants in identity theft conspiracies
KANSAS CITY - Four defendants were convicted by a federal jury today for participating in separate identity theft conspiracies. Carlton Strother, 39, and Arlester E. Scott, Jr., 42, both of Kansas City, Mo., Tarik I. Liwaru, 34, of Kansas City, Kan., and Chandra L. Jenkins, 28, of Plano, Texas, were found guilty of all charges contained in an Aug. 10, 2006, federal indictment. Two separate conspiracies, both using stolen identity information and counterfeit Kansas driver’s licenses, resulted in significant losses for 23 victims.
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October 22, 2007

Jury convicts Kansas woman for kidnapping resulting in death
KANSAS CITY - A Melvern, Kan., woman was convicted by a federal jury today for kidnapping a baby girl in December 2004, resulting in the death of the infant's mother. Lisa M. Montgomery, 39, of Melvern, was found guilty of kidnapping Victoria Jo Stinnett by cutting her from her mother’s womb in order to claim her as her own child, taking the baby across the state line from Skidmore, Mo., to Melvern. Montgomery's actions resulted in the death of Bobbie Jo Stinnett, the baby's mother.
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October 19, 2007

Business owner pleads guilty to leading mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A North Kansas City, Mo., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to leading a conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. Raymond Walter Zwego, Jr., 59, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to all of the charges contained in a Jan. 4, 2007, federal indictment. Zwego owns and operates Xpress Car Sales, Xpress Car Rental, North Mission Investments, Cobalt Blue, LLC, and Indigo Blue in North Kansas City.
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Federal prosecutor earns prestigious national award
KANSAS CITY - Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda P. Marshall was honored by the Department of Justice today for her prosecution of large-scale mortgage fraud schemes. Marshall received the prestigious 2007 Director’s Award from Acting Attorney General Peter D. Keisler in a Washington, D.C., ceremony. The Director’s Award, presented by the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, recognizes excellence in law enforcement.
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Three Russian nationals plead guilty to visa fraud-related charges
SPRINGFIELD - Three Russian nationals involved with a Branson, Mo., company that provides workers to area hotels have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to attempting to fraudulently obtain visas for temporary foreign workers. Serguei Choukline, 48, and his wife, Irina Choukline, 44, both of whom were born in Russia and now reside in Springfield, Mo., each pleaded guilty in separate appearances today before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England. Anna Bauer, 28, who was born in Russia and resides in Falls Church, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007.A Mexican national formerly employed in a secretarial position at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to harboring and hiring illegal aliens. Sinthia Valadez-Ramirez, 22, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a three-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.
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Grand jury indicts former employee from George's Processing plant
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national formerly employed in a secretarial position at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to harboring and hiring illegal aliens. Sinthia Valadez-Ramirez, 22, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a three-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.
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October 17, 2007

Grand jury indicts seven employees from George's Processing plant
SPRINGFIELD - Seven individuals who were involved in hiring or supervising employees at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in separate but related cases, on charges related to harboring and hiring illegal aliens. Guadalupe Castro, 32, of Verona, Mo., Brad Vansandt, 48, and Dora Ruiz, 32, both of Monett, Mo., Jody Salinas, 29, and Billy Essley, 41, both of Cassville, Mo., Gary Creed, 31, of Washburn, Mo., and Hilda Gomez, 35, address unknown, were charged in separate indictments that were returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.
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October 11, 2007

Independence man charged in Northland bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing a Kansas City-North bank. Robert Maynard Surrey, 55, of Independence, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City this afternoon with stealing $8,827 from the Bank Midwest located inside the Wal-Mart store at 8551 N. Boardwalk Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
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October 10, 2007

Independence man pleads guilty to distributing child pornography
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing child pornography over the Internet. Jeremy W. Clyborne, 28, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hays this afternoon to the charges contained in an April 17, 2007, federal indictment.
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October 9, 2007

Grand jury returns indictment for two murders related to marijuana conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Three defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for the murders of two men who were found shot to death near a marijuana growing operation in Daviess County, Mo., in September 2006. Those defendants, along with a fourth man, were also indicted on other drug-trafficking and firearms charges related to a conspiracy to manufacture marijuana. Jhanmay Molina-Perez, 28, of Kansas City, Mo., Jorge Alberto Texier Delgado, 36, of Miami, Fla., Jose Beritan, 34, of Chula Vista, Calif., and Frank Diaz, 31, of Miami, Fla., were charged in a seven-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Oct.2, 2007.
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October 5, 2007

Texas man sentenced for hiring illegal aliens
KANSAS CITY - A Texas man was sentenced in federal court today for hiring illegal aliens. Francisco Sandoval, 47, of Garland, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to two years of probation. Sandoval earlier forfeited to the government a 1998 Ford Econoline van and $1,124 that had been seized by law enforcement officers.
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October 4, 2007

Kingsville, St. Joseph area residents indicted in $184,000 fraud
KANSAS CITY - Six defendants from Kingsville, Mo., and the St. Joseph, Mo., area, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for using stolen identities in a fraud scheme that involved loans on several residential properties in St. Joseph totaling more than $184,000. Judith E. Yawakie, 50, of Kingsville, Stephanie E. Davis, 49, Tyrone L. Davis, 40, and Deborah K. Schneider, 48, all of St. Joseph, and Ryan V. Mooney, 35, and Scott E. Schneider, Sr., 51, addresses unknown, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007.
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Peruvians indicted for credit card theft, fraud; conspiracy targeted elderly women
KANSAS CITY - Three Peruvian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to steal credit cards from elderly women, then make thousands of dollars in purchases with the stolen credit cards. Carlow Vidaurre, 40, Jeans Vega-Iturrino, 29, and Felix Jimmy Vega-Iturrino, 36, all citizens of Peru living in California, were charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. Jeans Vega-Iturrino is the sister of Felix Vega-Iturrino.
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October 3, 2007

Howell County father, son plead guilty to operating an illegal still
SPRINGFIELD - Two Howell County, Mo., men pleaded guilty in federal court today to operating an illegal still. Wayne H. Pettyjohn, 70, and his son, Francis Dwayne Pettyjohn, 40, both of Howell County, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charges contained in an Aug. 16, 2006, federal indictment.
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October 2 , 2007

Former poultry plant employees plead guilty to immigration, identity theft violations
SPRINGFIELD - Four former employees of a southwest Missouri poultry-processing plant pleaded guilty in federal court today, in separate cases, to various immigration and identity-theft related violations.
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Two KC men charged with cocaine
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were charged in federal court today with being in possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Law enforcement officers seized three kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle and a residence connected to one of the defendants. Jose L. Ramirez, 30, of Kansas City, and Oscar Ruiz-Ayala, 28, a citizen of El Salvador living in Kansas City, were charged with being in possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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Joplin man indicted for bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Joplin, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the armed robbery of Adrian Bank in Adrian, Mo. John Earl Hall, 44, of Joplin, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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September 27 , 2007

Seneca husband, wife sentenced for $200,000 embezzlement, money laundering
SPRINGFIELD - A Seneca, Mo., couple was sentenced in federal court today for money laundering related to their embezzlement of nearly $200,000 from a Noel, Mo., car dealer. William F. Williams, 56, and Victoria L. Williams, 50, both of Seneca, were each sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to 21 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered the Williams to pay $196,361 in restitution to Hendren Chevrolet-Pontiac in Noel.
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Bolivar man sentenced to 21 years for illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - A Bolivar, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms. Edward McBee, 47, of Bolivar, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. McBee was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
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Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms. Robert Tharp, 41, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Tharp was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior violent felony convictions.
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September 26 , 2007

KC business owner pleads guilty to child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and possessing child pornography. Michael J. Alexander, 44, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to all of the charges contained in an Oct. 19, 2006, federal indictment. Alexander owns Big City Marketing, an advertising company.
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Alton woman sentenced for murder-for-hire
SPRINGFIELD - An Alton, Mo., woman has been sentenced in federal court for attempting to hire an undercover law enforcement officer to murder her husband. Kari Jolene Brown, 37, of Alton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Tax preparer sentenced for false tax returns; $2 million loss, more than 1,000 returns
SPRINGFIELD - An Oronogo, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for preparing fraudulent tax returns for more than 1,000 clients in which she inflated deductions and exemptions and falsified information. The total tax loss on those returns was approximately $2 million. Carrie A. Shafer, 38, of Oronogo, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to three years in federal prison without parole, which is the statutory maximum penalty.
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September 24 , 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood announced charges against four Missourians.
(A high-resolution photograph is available to download)

Four Missourians charged in international anti-steroids operation
KANSAS CITY - Four Missourians are among those charged in separate cases filed in several states as the result of an international investigation targeting the illegal manufacturing and trafficking of anabolic steroids and its raw materials, mainly from China. These cases are the result of Operation Raw Deal, the largest steroid enforcement action in U.S. history. The U.S. operation took place in conjunction with enforcement operations in Mexico, Canada, China, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Thailand.
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Operator of residential care facilities charged with Medicaid fraud
KANSAS CITY - The operator of five long-term residential care facilities in southwest Missouri has been charged today by way of a federal criminal complaint with defrauding the Missouri Medicaid Program. Robert J. Dupont, Jr., 62, of Jasper County, Mo., was charged with executing a scheme to defraud the Missouri Medicaid Program in connection with the operation of five long-term residential care facilities in southwest Missouri.
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September 19 , 2007

Jury convicts Belton man for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Belton, Mo., man was convicted in federal court late yesterday afternoon on charges related to child pornography over the Internet. Kamron E. Dehghani, 21, of Belton, was found guilty of publishing a notice online seeking to exchange or distribute child pornography over the Internet, attempting to receive and attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet, and possessing child pornography.
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Jury convicts KC man of illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted in federal court yesterday of illegally possessing firearms. Yesterday’s conviction is the result of a successful investigation under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Farhad Soltani, 21, of Kansas City, was found guilty of being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms by a federal jury in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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September 12 , 2007

Plattsburg man indicted for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Plattsburg, Mo., man was arraigned today in federal court as a result of an indictment returned by a federal grand jury for receiving child pornography through the mail and for possessing child pornography. Jon Patrick Niday, 45, of Plattsburg, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on September 11, 2007.
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Saline County man sentenced for bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Saline County, Mo., man was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for robbing the Community Bank in Sweet Springs, Mo. Jeffrey Lee Wright, 35, of Saline County, was sentenced by Chief Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr. to 41 months imprisonment without parole in U.S. District Court in Kansas City for stealing $10,594 from Community Bank located at 111 N. Locust, Sweet Springs, Mo.
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Independence man pleads guilty to bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man plead guilty in federal court today for the armed robbery of the First National Bank of Missouri in Independence, Mo. Raymond A. Delacruz, 24, of Independence, plead guilty in front of Judge Howard Sachs to bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Under federal statutes, Delacruz could be subject to a sentence of up to 35 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $500,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
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September 11 , 2007

Former Douglas County judge indicted for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A former Douglas County, Mo., judge was reindicted by a federal grand jury today for being in possession of child pornography. Roger E. Wall, 59, of Ava, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Today’s indictment contains similar charges and replaces a federal indictment that was dismissed on Sept. 5, 2007.
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KC man sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing two firearms. Today’s sentencing is the result of a successful investigation under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Andre L. Jones, 35, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Jones was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior violent felony convictions.
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Four KC men indicted for carjackings
KANSAS CITY - Four Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in two separate and unrelated cases, for a series of carjackings in the metropolitan area.
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September 10 , 2007

Florida fugitive charged in bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Florida man, who remains a fugitive, was charged in federal court today with robbing Bank of America in Springfield last week. Raymond Lynn Patterson, 45, of Florida, was charged with bank robbery in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield.
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Former poultry plant employees plead guilty to immigration, identity theft violations
SPRINGFIELD - five former employees of a southwest Missouri poultry-processing plant pleaded guilty in federal court today, in separate cases, to various immigration and identity-theft related violations. Armando Verde-Villanueva, 23, a citizen of Mexico, and Elias Hernandez-Tevalan, 41, Bladimiro Gomez-Garcia, 33, Gabriel Lopez-Alvarado, 38, and Ervin Mendez-Ordonez, 22, all citizens of Guatemala, pleaded guilty in separate appearances this morning before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England to the charges contained in separate federal indictments returned on June 27, 2007. Each of the defendants was arrested during the execution of search warrants on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo.
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Frosty Treats agrees to pay $47,555; manager pleads guilty to federal charge
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., business has agreed to pay more than $47,555 to six foreign student workers who were recruited in a summer work program. The manager of the company pleaded guilty in federal court today to a federal charge related to his conduct toward those workers. David L. Carslake, 56, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to obstruction of mail. Carslake is a branch manager of the Kansas City division of Frosty Treats, which hired seasonal summer workers using a work and travel program that recruited international students.
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Florida man sentenced for attempting to entice a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - A Jacksonville, Fla., man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to entice a minor over the Internet for illicit sex. Billy G. Hicks, Jr., 44, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hicks to forfeit to the government a laptop computer, a CD containing child pornography and a cellular flip-phone.
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September 7 , 2007

Former Northland EMT indicted for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A former North Kansas City Fire Department emergency medical technician has been indicted by a federal grand jury for producing, distributing and possessing child pornography. Toby L. Rice, 33, of Blue Springs, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007.
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KC man sentenced to 40 years for crack cocaine; murder, assault result in longer prison term
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Following the court’s finding that he murdered and assaulted two men while on supervised release, the statutory maximum sentence was imposed. Anthony D. Sisco, 29, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to 40 years in federal prison without parole.
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Two KC men indicted for drug trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and illegally possessing firearms. Both defendants were originally arrested and charged following a police shooting incident on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. Bryan K. Walker, 21, and Kyle A. Gardenhire, 23, both of Kansas City, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Three KC men indicted for drug trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - Three Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and illegally possessing firearms. The defendants were originally arrested and charged following a police shooting incident on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. Demetrius A. Briggs, 23, Montae T. Robertson, 19, and Dion D. Spriggs, 23, all of Kansas City, were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Former Branson man sentenced for tax evasion
SPRINGFIELD - A former Branson, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for tax evasion. Robert Lee Cavins, Jr., of Chanute, Kan., formerly of Branson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, to two years and nine months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Cavins to pay $201,442 to the Internal Revenue Service, which represents the amount of unpaid taxes plus interest and penalties.
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September 6 , 2007

Former family court commissioner sentenced for failing to report attorney's loan
KANSAS CITY - A former Clay County Family Court Commissioner was sentenced in federal court today to failing to report that he solicited and received a loan from an attorney who appeared before him in court. Patrick D. Beeman, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to one year and one day in federal prison without parole.
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Five Springfield men, Marshfield woman sentenced for marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Five Springfield, Mo., men and a Marshfield, Mo., woman have been sentenced in federal court for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties. Norman L. Schafer, 51, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to four years and two months in federal prison without parole. Billy J. Berringer, 28, Benjamin D. Christian, 30, Travis Hodge, 24, and David E. Foxx, 30, all of Springfield, and Donna S. Berringer, 29, of Marshfield, were sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2007. Billy Berringer was sentenced to nine years and two months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Billy Berringer to forfeit to the government his property in Marshfield that was used to store the marijuana he obtained from California prior to redistribution. Christian and Foxx were each sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Foxx to forfeit to the government a 2000 Lincoln Navigator that was used to commit the offense. Hodge was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Donna Berringer was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
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September 5 , 2007

Grand jury indicts 17 defendants for multi-million dollar meth conspiracy, illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - Seventeen defendants – primarily from Barton and Vernon counties in Missouri and the state of California – have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine. Several defendants are also charged with illegally possessing dozens of firearms. The federal indictment results from Operation Buckshot, a multi-agency investigation into a large-scale methamphetamine conspiracy operating in southwest Missouri. That successful investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 38 pounds of methamphetamine, in excess of $100,000, four vehicles and 89 firearms, along with more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and blasting caps. Numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in both Missouri and Kansas participated in Operation Buckshot.
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Grand jury indicts 15 Joplin, Carl Junction residents in cocaine, marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A federal grand jury has indicted 15 residents of Joplin, Mo., and Carl Junction, Mo., for participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. The federal indictment results from Operation Headhunter, a multi-agency investigation into the distribution of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana in southwest Missouri.
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Former Transamerica employee indcted for $971,000 wire fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a wire fraud scheme that resulted in a $971,000 loss to her employer, Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company. Patricia D. Williams, 51, of Grandview, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Williams to pay $971,384 in restitution.
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August 31 , 2007

13 defendants charged with drug trafficking, firearms violations
SPRINGFIELD - Thirteen defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in four separate but related cases, with drug trafficking and firearms violations. Each of the four indictments results from Operation Family Tree, a multi-agency law enforcement investigation that targeted the large-scale distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana in southern Missouri and Oklahoma. The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007.
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Hollister man indicted on additional bank robbery, firearm charges
SPRINGFIELD - A Hollister, Mo., man who was previously indicted for robbing Liberty Bank was indicted by a federal grand jury today on additional bank robbery charges and firearm violations. Bradley Lynn Fortner, 31, of Hollister, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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New York man indicted for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Brooklyn, New York man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing Guaranty Bank in Springfield. Joseph W. Jean-Louis, 55, of Brooklyn, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Jean-Louis on Aug. 24, 2007.
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August 29 , 2007

KC man pleads guilty to kidnaping
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to kidnaping. Jeffrey S. Clark, 19, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to the charge contained in a March 7, 2007, federal indictment.
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KC woman sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. This case is part of the Public Housing Safety Initiative, an effort by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development to assist in the investigation, prosecution and prevention of violent crimes and drug offenses in public, federally assisted housing areas. Latrice M. Jones, 32, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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August 28 , 2007

Jury convicts five defendants of marijuana trafficking; eleven additional co-defendants pleaded guilty
JEFFERSON CITY - Five defendants have been convicted by a federal jury for their involvement in distributing hundreds of pounds of marijuana in Cole County, Mo. Rodney Keith Rodebaugh, 30, Douglas E. Comstock, 46, Frederick William Weddington, 47, and Bruce Allen Johnson, 29, all of Jefferson City, Mo., and Eugene Rodney Rodebaugh, 56, of Eldon, Mo., were each found guilty on Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, of various charges contained in a 54-count federal indictment.
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KC man ordered to pay $20,000 restitution for copyright infringement on counterfeit DVDs, CDs
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for copyright infringement by using his computer to create counterfeit DVDs, CDs, computer software and video games. Martinis Woods, 31, of Kansas City, was ordered by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to pay approximately $20,000 in restitution to the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America.
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August 27 , 2007

Lee's Summit man sentenced for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to receive child pornography over the Internet. James Curtis Wilson, 40, of Lee’s Summit, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Independence man sentenced for possessing meth ingredients
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine. Mark A. Gannon, 49, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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Springfield man pleads guilty to three bank robberies
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to committing two bank robberies in Springfield and a third bank robbery in Alabama. Jody Lee Keller, 48, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this afternoon to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.
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August 24 , 2007

Lathrop woman pleads guilty to embezzling $400,000 from employer
KANSAS CITY - A Lathrop, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer. Margaret A. Plowman, 59, of Lathrop, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to a federal information that charges her with interstate transportation of stolen property.
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Former mail handler sentenced for receiving child porn in the mail
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for receiving child pornography through the mail. Mark Anthony Mayfield, 52, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, to eight years and one month in federal prison without parole.
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Claycomo man sentenced for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Claycomo, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing child pornography. Jason Romdall, 28, of Claycomo, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Two Branson residents sentenced for meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Two Branson, Mo., residents were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. David L. Sands, 47, Brenda Lee Tarter, 35, both of Branson, were sentenced in separate hearings this morning before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Sands was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Tarter was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Sands to forfeit to the government $24,223, which was derived from the sale of methamphetamine.
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August 23 , 2007

Los Angeles man, woman charged in cocaine conspiracy; one suspect wounded in police shooting
KANSAS CITY - Two Los Angeles, Calif., residents were charged in federal court today with participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of cocaine. One of those defendants was shot several times during a struggle with police officers. Morris Butler, 31, and Artessia Moore, 20, both of Los Angeles, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in a federal criminal complaint filed this morning in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Moore remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing. Butler remains hospitalized.
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KC man sentenced to 20 years for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Anthony D. Dorsey, 31, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
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August 22 , 2007

KC man charged with illegal firearm; officer injured during arrest
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm. Stanford C. Griswold, 23, of Kansas City, was charged with being an unlawful user of marijuana while in possession of a firearm in a federal criminal complaint filed this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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Jury convicts KC man of illegal firearms, crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted in federal court for illegally possessing firearms and for distributing crack cocaine. Anthony J. Thompson, 49, of Kansas City, was found guilty on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Thompson was also found guilty of distributing crack cocaine and of carrying a firearm in relation to distributing a controlled substance.
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August 18 , 2007

KC man charged with illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm. Ronald S. Shephard, 22, of Kansas City, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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August 17 , 2007

Columbia strip club owner sentenced for $177,000 tax evasion
JEFFERSON CITY - The owner of Club Vogue, a strip club in Columbia, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for tax evasion. James Andrew Yeager, 37, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 21 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Yeager to pay all outstanding taxes, along with interest and penalties.
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Columbia man sentenced for fraud, identity theft
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for wire fraud and identity theft related to his scheme to fraudulently obtain credit cards using the names of individuals reported in newspaper obituaries. Daniel Christian Sewell, 30, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to five years and five months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Sewell to pay restitution to the victims of his crime.
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Georgia man sentenced for bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - An Atlanta, Ga., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing or attempting to rob two banks on the same day. Dan W. Russell, 41, of Atlanta, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to three years and one month in federal prison without parole.
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August 16 , 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood was joined by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Parker Marshall.
(A high-resolution version of this image is available to download.)

Jury convicts former KC Councilwoman of mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A former Kansas City Councilwoman was convicted by a federal jury today of conspiracy and wire fraud for her role in a $400,000 mortgage fraud scheme. Saundra A. McFadden-Weaver, 47, of Kansas City, Mo., was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as well as six individual counts of wire fraud contained in a Jan. 3, 2007, federal indictment.
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August 14 , 2007

KC man charged with crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man who is related to an individual involved in last week’s police shooting incident was charged in federal court today with possession of crack cocaine. Elliott Kyles, 29, of Kansas City, was charged with being in possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Kyles is a cousin of Deandre T. Clay, 21, of Kansas City, who was fatally wounded during a shooting with police officers on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007.
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August 10 , 2007

Former USDA employee sentenced for embezzling $160,000
KANSAS CITY - A former employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was sentenced in federal court today for stealing more than $160,000 from the rural development program she was employed to administer. Martha L. Shuler, 55, of Bolivar, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Shuler to pay $160,484 in restitution to the USDA.
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August 9 , 2007

Former Belton bank VP pleads guilty to embezzling $105,000
KANSAS CITY - A former vice president at the Bank of Belton in Belton, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling nearly $105,000 from the bank. Jenny R. Gentile, 35, of Freeman, Mo., waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to a federal information that charges her with theft by a bank employee.
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Former Humphreys postmaster pleads guilty to money order fraud
KANSAS CITY - The former postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service in Humphreys, Mo., has pleaded guilty in federal court to fraudulently issuing money orders. Janet K. Elliott, 57, of Humphreys, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, to a federal information.
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August 8 , 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood was joined by Kevin Harrell, chief deputy of the Jackson County Prosecutor's
Office, when he announced the federal charges at a press briefing in front of the federal courthouse.

Five KC men charged following two police gunbattles
KANSAS CITY - Five Kansas City, Mo., men were charged in federal court today in two separate cases, both related to police shooting incidents that occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007.
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August 7 , 2007

KC man, two Kansas men indicted for assault in post office armed robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man and two Kansas men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for assaulting postal employees during the armed robbery of a post office in south Kansas City. Robert E. Newsome, Jr., 33, of Kansas City, Tony J. Lee, 19, of Shawnee, Kan., and Jesse Cardell Melton, 19, Lenexa, Kan., were charged with assault with intent to rob a post office in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Five KC men indicted for armed bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - Five Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for the armed robbery of U.S. Bank. Marc K. Kindred, 42, John L. Williams, 45, Diallo C. Pruitt, 35, Zaric D. Brown, 31, and Herman Hampton, 38, all of Kansas City, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Springfield man sentenced for marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for marijuana conspiracy. Curtis Scott Cruise, 28, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to five years in federal prison without parole for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties.
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KC man sentenced to 10 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Maurice J. Clark, 35, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole, which is the statutory maximum sentence.
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Parkville woman pleads guilty to embezzling $440,000 from NKC firm
KANSAS CITY - A Parkville, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to mail fraud and identity theft related to embezzling more than $440,000 from her employer, as well as filing a false tax return. Jenifer Lyne Merriman, 42, of Parkville, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to a federal information that charges her with mail fraud, filing a false tax return and identity theft.
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Grandview mortgage broker pleads guilty to fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., mortgage broker pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy and wire fraud for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme. Ricky L. Hamilton, 53, of Grandview, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to the charges contained in a Jan. 3, 2007, federal indictment. Hamilton was a mortgage broker at Trinity Mortgage in Grandview.
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Livestock dealer, grocery owners plead guilty to selling uninspected meat; livestock company fined $10,000
KANSAS CITY - A livestock dealer and the owners of Queen’s Market grocery store in Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to selling to the general public thousands of pounds of meat that had not been federally inspected. Rick D. Anstine, 49, of Holden, Mo., Kim Huynh, 50, of Kansas City, Mo., Nham Pham, 48, of Overland Park, Kan., along with Anstine Enterprises, Inc., a livestock auction operation in Kingsville, Mo., d/b/a Kingsville Hog Market that is owned by Anstine, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning. Huynh and Pham are the owners of Queen’s Market, LLC, a grocery store at 1447 Independence Ave., in Kansas City that primarily caters to the Vietnamese community.
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August 6 , 2007

Sparta man charged with meth; arrested after crashing vehicle through convenience store
SPRINGFIELD - A Sparta, Mo., man was charged in a federal criminal complaint with being in possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Today’s complaint follows an arrest over the weekend that involved an attempt to escape by driving a vehicle into a convenience store. Lane Bohmont, 23, of Sparta, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in a federal criminal complaint filed this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo.
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Drexel man sentenced for $120,000 wire fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Drexel, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a $120,954 wire fraud scheme. James R. Burris, 40, of Drexel, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 17 months and 15 days in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Burris to pay $120,954 in restitution to the victims of the fraud.
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August 2 , 2007

KC-North man sentenced to 15 years for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for publishing a notice of child pornography on the Internet. Kevin C. Richardson, 41, of Kansas City, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to 15 years in federal prison without parole, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
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Iowa man sentenced for seven armed bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - A West Des Moines, Iowa, man was sentenced in federal court today for armed robberies of seven banks in Missouri and Iowa. Geoffrey Alan White, 34, of West Des Moines, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered White to pay $41,937 in restitution to the banks.
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Independence man pleads guilty to bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing US Bank in Independence. Clyde Douglas Nelson, 56, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to the charge contained in an April 4, 2007, federal indictment.
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August 1 , 2007

Grandview man pleads guilty to child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Robert Edward Hall, 57, of Grandview, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this afternoon to the charges contained in a July 17, 2007, federal indictment. The court previously ordered Hall to be detained in federal custody without bond.
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July 30 , 2007

Jefferson City man sentenced for child pornography
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing child pornography. Terry Lee Pratt, 55, of Jefferson City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to five years in federal prison without parole.
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Green Ridge man sentenced for illegal firearms
JEFFERSON CITY - A Green Ridge, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing more than two dozen firearms that he purchased at an auction for $17,000. Marcus Edwin Cox, 39, of Green Ridge, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to three years and four months in federal prison without parole.
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Former Dept. of Revenue employee pleads guilty to $80,000 fraud
JEFFERSON CITY - Two women – one of whom is a former employee of the Mo. Department of Revenue – pleaded guilty in federal court today to a fraud conspiracy that involved stealing the identities of other persons and using them to provide cell phone calls to state prison inmates. Erica Daniece Kelley, 28, and Brenda McKay Adams, 33, both of Jefferson City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charge contained in a May 31, 2007, federal indictment.
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July 27 , 2007

Hollister man indicted for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Hollister, Mo., man has been indicted for the armed robbery of Liberty Bank. Bradley Lynn Fortner, 31, of Hollister, was charged in an indictment returned on Thursday, July 26, 2007, by a federal grand jury in Springfield. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Fortner on June 19, 2007.
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Former tanning salon owner indicted for child pornography
SPRINGFIELD - The former owner of a Springfield, Mo., tanning salon was indicted by a federal grand jury for producing and possessing child pornography. Brett Patrick Kent, 35, formerly of Springfield, was charged in an eight-count indictment returned on Thursday, July 26, 2007, by a federal grand jury in Springfield. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Kent on Dec. 13, 2006. Kent, the former owner of 360 Degree Tan in Springfield, was a federal fugitive until his arrest in Phoenix, Ariz., on June 23, 2007.
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July 26 , 2007

Marionville man indicted for failing to register as a sex offender
SPRINGFIELD - A Marionville, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for failing to register as a sex offender. This case marks the first prosecution in this district under the provisions of the recently enacted Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Perry Lee Nugent, 36, of Marionville, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Nugent on July 10, 2007. Nugent remains in federal custody following a court order that he be detained without bail.
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Kansas man indicted for counterfeit driver's licenses, identification documents
SPRINGFIELD - A Kansas City, Kan., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing dozens of counterfeit driver’s licenses, several counterfeit payroll checks and a collection of employment applications from various individuals that were intended to be used to create false identification documents. He also allegedly possessed implements to make identification documents. David Lorenzo Fletcher, 41, of Kansas City, Kan., was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Fletcher was originally arrested by a state trooper following a traffic stop on Interstate 44 in Jasper County, Mo., on April 19, 2007. He is currently a fugitive and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
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Edwards man indicted for producing, possessing child pornography
SPRINGFIELD - An Edwards, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for sexually exploiting a child to produce child pornography and for being in possession of child pornography. James Ray Starling, 45, of Edwards, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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Republic man indicted for attempting to entice a minor for sex, child pornography, obscenity
SPRINGFIELD - A Republic, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, for receiving child pornography and for attempting to send obscene webcam images over the Internet. Darwin Joe Graham, 30, of Republic, was charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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California man indicted for cocaine
SPRINGFIELD - A San Diego, Calif., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possession with intent to distribute cocaine after 25 kilograms of cocaine was found in his truck during a compliance inspection at a Newton County, Mo., weigh station. Benjamin Perez-Barrios, 46, a citizen of Mexico residing in San Diego, was charged in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Perez-Barrios on July 6, 2007.
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July 25 , 2007

KC woman pleads guilty to $472,000 mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud and money laundering as part of a fraudulent mortgage transaction. Ida Mathis, 52, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charges contained in a July 19, 2006, federal indictment.
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Grandview man pleads guilty to $116,000 fraud, identity theft
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to creating and possessing counterfeit cashier’s checks and to identity theft. James M. Tibbs, 33, of Grandview, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to the charges contained in a March 14, 2007, federal indictment.
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Lee's Summit woman indicted for mortgage fraud, identity theft
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a mortgage fraud scheme in which she used stolen identities to purchase homes. Kimberly M. Davis, 42, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in a 14-count indictment returned Tuesday, July 24, 2007, by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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July 23 , 2007

Five KC men charged in armed bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - Five Kansas City, Mo., men were charged in federal court today with the armed robbery of U.S. Bank. Marc K. Kindred, 42, John L. Williams, 45, Diallo C. Pruitt, 35, Zaric D. Brown, 31, and Herman Hampton, 38, all of Kansas City, were charged with armed bank robbery in a federal criminal complaint filed this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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KC man sentenced to 21 years for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing crack cocaine. Frederico Johnson, 32, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced as a career criminal offender.
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July 20 , 2007

KC man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced to federal prison today for illegally possessing a firearm. Anyanso J. Agwu, also known as Anyanso J. Okekeagwu, 25, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., this morning to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Agwu was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior narcotics convictions.
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July 19 , 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood
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Kenyans, KC residents indicted in $13.1 million tax fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Seventeen defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The alleged wire fraud scheme involved stealing the identities of hundreds of victims, primarily nursing home residents, which were used to seek more than $13.1 million in fraudulent tax refunds.
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Marshall radio announcer indicted for attempting to entice a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - A Marshall, Mo., radio announcer was indicted by a federal grand jury today for using the Internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Ethan D. Handel, 28, of Marshall, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Handel on July 16, 2007. Handel was a sports and weather announcer for KMMO Radio in Marshall.
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July 18 , 2007

Former Northland CEO indicted for child porn
KANSAS CITY - The former CEO of a North Kansas City, Mo., company was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing and receiving child pornography from the Internet. Ronald Earl Elmquist, 61, of Dallas, Texas, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Elmquist was the CEO of QualServ Corp., a North Kansas City company, until November 2006.
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Five Mexican nationals indicted for immigration violations
KANSAS CITY - Five Mexican nationals were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate but related cases, of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Most of the defendants are believed to have been employed by Mid-Continent Specialists, Inc., a roofing company doing business as New Century Roofing. They were arrested in Grandview, Mo., on June 18, 2007, during a worksite enforcement action by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Jury convicts bail bondsman of illegal phone tap
SPRINGFIELD - A part-time bail bondsman from Sparta, Mo., was convicted by a federal jury today for wiretapping a Springfield woman’s telephone. Richard A. Hugh, 54, of Sparta, was found guilty of intercepting the telephone communications of a Springfield resident without permission.
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July 17 , 2007

Grandview man indicted for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Robert Edward Hall, 57, of Grandview, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Hall on June 26, 2007. The court has ordered Hall to be detained in federal custody without bond until his trial.
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July 12 , 2007

Two Branson men plead guilty to failure to file federal income tax returns
SPRINGFIELD - Two Branson, Mo., men today pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England to willfully failing to file federal income tax returns for calendar years 2000 and 2001 as required by law. Martin R. Dingman and Shane O. Grady, both 53, were business partners involved in the manufacture of leather products who failed to file and pay personal federal income taxes for tax years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. The Internal Revenue Service determined that during those years, Dingman owed and failed to pay $326,682 and Grady owed and failed to pay $219,091.
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July 11 , 2007

Marionville man charged under new "Adam Walsh" law
SPRINGFIELD - A Marionville, Mo., man has been charged today under the provisions of the newly enacted Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Perry Nugent, 36, was charged by a federal criminal complaint for failing to register as a sex offender after moving to Missouri. Nugent is the first person charged in the Western District of Missouri under the provisions of the new “Adam Walsh” law. A warrant was issued for Nugent’s arrest based on an affidavit filed with the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Missouri.
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KC man pleads guilty to illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm. George L. McGill, 54, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charge contained in a November 14, 2006, federal indictment.
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July 6 , 2007

New Jersey man pleads guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute
SPRINGFIELD - An Elizabeth, N.J., man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin. Carlos E. Giraldo-Hurtado, 46, a resident of Columbia, South America, living in the United States legally, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to charges contained in an April 12, 2007, federal indictment.
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July 5 , 2007

Jury convicts three Springfield men in large-scale marijuana conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Three Springfield, Mo., men were convicted by a federal jury on Tuesday, July 3, 2007, for participating in a conspiracy to distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana in Greene and Webster counties. Damien M. Foxx, 28, Danny Osborne, 39, and Willie Foxx, 24, all of Springfield, were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana from Oct. 16, 2003, to Feb. 8, 2005, in Greene and Webster counties.
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Sheldon man pleads guilty to meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Sheldon, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. George Phillips, 60, of Sheldon, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to the charge contained in a Dec. 20, 2006, federal indictment.
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Olathe man pleads guilty for enticing a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - An Olathe, Kansas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today for using the Internet in an attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Eric Ryan Davis, 22, of Olathe, Kansas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the attempt to entice a minor charge contained in a February 8, 2007, federal indictment.
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July 3 , 2007

KC man charged with armed bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with the armed robbery of Union Bank in Kansas City. Landein Charles Craddock, 25, of Kansas City, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City with the armed robbery of Union Bank, 222 W. Gregory Blvd. in Kansas City, on April 27, 2007.
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KC man pleads guilty to "Baywatch" fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a fraud scheme that bilked 18 investors out of nearly $360,000. David William Port, 53, of Kansas City, Mo., a resident alien from Great Britain at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charges contained in an April 2, 2003, federal indictment. Port was a fugitive from justice on a state conviction for securities fraud in New York and became a federal fugitive when the indictment was returned. Port was recently extradited from England and remains in federal custody.
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July 2 , 2007

KC man sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Marlon T. Gant, 31, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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KC man sentenced to 21 years for cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Brian Johnson, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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June 28, 2007

Jackson County man sentenced to life in prison for murder, meth
KANSAS CITY - A former Jackson County, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the 1998 murder of an Independence, Mo., man. John “Phil” Street, 45, formerly of Jackson County, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to life in federal prison without parole.
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KC man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Kenneth L. Murray, 25, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Murray was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior drug trafficking convictions.
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Henley man indicted on additional child porn charges
JEFFERSON CITY - A Henley, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on additional charges of producing child pornography, as well as possessing child pornography. Jack Len Hilt, 57, of Henley, was charged in a six-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. Today’s superseding indictment contains the original charges alleged in a Dec. 8, 2006, indictment, as well as three additional counts for producing child pornography involving three additional victims.
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June 27, 2007

Real estate broker pleads guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Olathe, Kan., real estate broker pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. Michael Rodd, 53, of Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charge contained in a Jan. 4, 2007, federal indictment. Rodd is a real estate broker doing business as Heartland of America, Inc., in Olathe.
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KC man indicted for mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for mortgage fraud. Jason Todd Morgan, 40, of Kansas City, was charged in a seven-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, June 21, 2007. That indictment was unsealed and made public today. A warrant has been issued for Morgan’s arrest.
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KC man sentenced to 19 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Gregory C. Wright, 47, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to 19 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Wright was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his previous convictions for at least three violent felonies, including robbery, burglary, stealing and possession of a controlled substance.
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KC man sentenced to 25 years for crime spree
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his involvement in a two-month crime spree that involved a series of armed robberies, carjackings and firearms violations and ended in a high speed chase and collision. Ramar D. Brown, 33, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this afternoon to 25 years in federal prison without parole.
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June 26, 2007

KC man sentenced to 20 years for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Patrick N. Parlor, 30, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
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Lathrop woman sentenced for $190,000 mail fraud scheme
KANSAS CITY - A Lathrop, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a mail fraud scheme in which she stole nearly $190,000 from her employer. Lisa Ann O’Dell, 40, of Lathrop, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to one year and nine months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered O’Dell to pay $189,748 in restitution to Haines & Associates Construction Company in Parkville, Mo.
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Porter appointed as chief of Fraud and Corruption Unit
KANSAS CITY - Senior Litigation Counsel Gene Porter has been appointed the chief of the Fraud and Corruption Unit.
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June 25, 2007

Clarion Hotel management firm to pay $200,000 fine for asbestos violations
SPRINGFIELD - The company that manages the Clarion Hotel pleaded guilty in federal court today and was sentenced for violating federal standards for removing asbestos material during renovation. Hulsing Hotels, Missouri, Inc., the company which manages the Clarion Hotel at 11823 N.W. Plaza Circle in Kansas City, Mo., waived its right to a grand jury. Dan Hulsing, on behalf of Hulsing Hotels, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to the charge contained in a federal information. The court imposed a $200,000 fine against Hulsing Hotels for violations of the Clean Air Act.
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June 22, 2007

Joplin man sentenced to three life terms plus 30 years for double homicide, drug trafficking
SPRINGFIELD - A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in federal prison today following his conviction for the murder of two Joplin residents in 1999 and for drug trafficking. Thomas D. Smith, also known as “Mad Dog,” 33, a Joplin area resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the statutory maximum penalty of three consecutive terms of life in prison without parole plus 30 years in federal prison without parole.
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June 21, 2007

Mountain Grove man indicted for mailing pipe bomb
SPRINGFIELD - A Mountain Grove, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to mailing a pipe bomb with the intent to injure another person. Donald W. Schamber, 60, Mountain Grove, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Schamber on June 4, 2007, and adds three additional charges.
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June 20, 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood announced the 1,000 conviction under Project Ceasefire.
(Click here to download a high-resolution version of this photo.)

1,000 convictions mark Project Ceasefire milestone
KANSAS CITY - John F. Wood, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, was joined by law enforcement and community partners to mark a significant milestone in Project Ceasefire, the district's nationally recognized anti-crime initiative. Wood announced that 1,000 defendants have been convicted of illegally possessing firearms under Project Ceasefire, an initiative launched in late 1999 to target felons in the Kansas City metropolitan area who illegally possess firearms.
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Statement by U.S. Attorney John F. Wood

One thousand signs were posted to dramatically illustrate the significance of the 1,000th conviction under Project Ceasefire. (Click here to download a high-resolution version of this photo.)

11 defendants indicted for drug trafficking
KANSAS CITY - Eleven defendants have been indicted for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. William Eneff, also known as Muff, 57, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Gary Mickiewicz, also known as New Yorker, 57, of Blue Springs, Mo., Billie J. Thomlinson, also known as Dusty, 57, of Overland Park, Kan., Timothy R. Davis, 48, and Robert L. Mays, also known as Goose Rob, 52, both of Kansas City, Mo., Robert R. Peters, also known as Possum, 50, Michael Hensley, also known as Joe Poke, 41, and Donald Culey, also known as Kooly, 39, all of Kansas City, Kan., Donald Street, also known as Donnie, 43, of Edwardsville, Kan., and Michael Fitzwater, also known as Holms, 58, and Steven M. Street, also known as Goose Steve, 40, both addresses unknown, were charged in an indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2007.
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June 18, 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood announced a federal indictment against several
area roofing companies, along with their owners and employees,
at a press conference.

Roofing companies indicted with owners, employees for conspiring to hire illegal aliens, $6.2 million money laundering
KANSAS CITY - Several area roofing companies, along with their owners and several employees, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for using a workforce comprised largely of illegal aliens.
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June 13, 2007

Seven Missourians Indicted on Fraud, ID Theft Charges
JEFFERSON CITY - Seven Missouri residents were charged with federal charges of fraud and identity theft, in an indictment unsealed today.

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Read the Indictment

June 5, 2007

West Plains man charged with mailing explosive device
SPRINGFIELD - A West Plains, Mo., man was charged in federal court yesterday for mailing a package containing a pipe bomb with intent to injure another person.
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June 1, 2007

U.S. Attorney unveils mission-oriented transformation
KANSAS CITY - John F. Wood, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced a significant office reorganization today that includes several new units oriented around priority objectives, as well as new positions and promotions among several senior staff members.
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KC Florida men indicted for LSD
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man and an Orlando, Fla., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing LSD. Christian Alexander Hunt, 27, of Kansas City, and Teo Giovani Nazario, 25, of Orlando, were charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on Thursday, May 31, 2007.
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Five Pakistani nationals, U.S. citizen plead guilty to immigration violations in marriage fraud scheme
KANSAS CITY - Five Pakistani nationals and a U.S. citizen have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a marriage fraud scheme.
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Owners/operators of Asian massage parlors indicted for transporting persons for prostitution
KANSAS CITY - Four Chinese nationals who own and operate a group of Asian massage parlors in Johnson County, Kan., have been indicted by a federal grand jury for transporting persons across state lines and national borders for the purpose of prostitution. Ling Xu, also known as Cherry, 45, Zhong Yan Liu, also known as Lucky, 35, and Cheng Tang, also known as Tom, 21, all citizens of China residing in Overland Park, Kan., and Hongmei Madole, also known as Hongmei Zhou, 31, of Olathe, Kan., a native of China who is a conditional resident alien in the United States based upon marriage to a U.S. citizen, were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, May 31, 2007.
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May 31, 2007

Eleven poultry plant employees charged with immigration violations
SPRINGFIELD - Eleven employees of a southwest Missouri poultry-processing plant were charged in federal court, in separate cases, with immigration violations. Arrested during the execution of search warrants on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo., were German Puentes-Mendoza, 25, Elziar Oswaldo Vasquez-Estrada, 19, Gabriel Lopez-Alvarado, 38, Carmen De Leon-Guzman, 28, Luis Geyman Fernando-Diaz, 33, Bernabe Lopez-Alcon, 35, Delfino Lopez-Gomez, 33, and Henry Anibal Oxlaj-Ixmay, 23, all citizens of Guatamala, and Armando Valdez-Ayala, 26, Oliver Sosa-Martinez, 23, and Maria Hinojosa-Pedroza, 25, all citizens of Mexico.
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May 29, 2007

Retired school teacher indicted for producing child porn
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man, who was an elementary school teacher before retiring, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for using four minor boys to produce child pornography. John Edward Enness, 68, of Independence, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Enness on May 11, 2007. Enness, a longtime teacher in the Kansas City, Mo., school district, remains in federal custody.
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KC man indicted for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Cornelius E. Brown, 32, of Kansas City, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine on May 11, 2007, in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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May 25, 2007

Kansas husband, wife pled guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Kan., couple pleaded guilty in federal court today to their role in a conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. Larry E. Barshaw, 56, and Linda M. Thompson-Barshaw, 57, of Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charges contained in a Jan. 4, 2007, federal indictment.
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Six poultry plant employees charged with immigration violations
SPRINGFIELD - Six employees of a southwest Missouri poultry-processing plant were charged in federal court today, in separate cases, with immigration violations. Arrested during the execution of search warrants on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at George’s Processing, Inc., in Butterfield, Mo., were Elias Hernandez-Tevalan, 41, Enrique Lopez-Cristobal, 38, Oscar Deldago-Paxtor, 29, and Bladimiro Gomez-Garcia, 32, all of whom are citizens of Guatemala, and Armando Verde-Villanueva, 23, and Juan Manuel Rivera-Lucio, 34, both of whom are citizens of Mexico.
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Florida, Pennsylvania business owners sentenced for selling illegally imported and stolen pharmaceutical drugs
KANSAS CITY - Two business owners from Miami, Fla., and Stillwater, Penn., were sentenced in federal court today for their involvement in conspiracies to sell counterfeit, misbranded and illegally imported Lipitor and to sell stolen pharmaceutical drugs. Alexander Nassar, 43, of Miami, Fla., and Frank Anthony Ianeillo, 62, of Stillwater, Penn., were each sentenced in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith. Nassar was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole. Ianeillo was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Nassar and Ianeillo to pay $680,000 in restitution, for which they are jointly and severally liable.
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May 24, 2007

Miller man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
SPRINGFIELD - A Miller, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and failing to appear in court. Glenn Harlow, 26, of Miller, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Harlow was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior violent felony convictions.
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May 23, 2007

Eight poultry plant employees charged with Social Security fraud, immigration violations
SPRINGFIELD - Eight employees of a southwest Missouri poultry-processing plant have been charged in federal court with Social Security fraud and immigration violations in separate cases resulting from a two-year investigation.
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May 21, 2007

Two KC men plead guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. James E. Coleman, 59, and James R. Rhoades, 48, both of Kansas City, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to the charges contained in a Jan. 4, 2007, federal indictment. Coleman is a Certified Public Accountant who formerly served as president of the board of a Kansas City magnet school.
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Owner of The Manhattan pleads guilty to asbestos violations
KANSAS CITY - The owner of The Manhattan condominiums pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating federal standards regarding the removal of asbestos material during the renovation of the building last year.
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May 18, 2007

Pleasant Hill man pleads guilty to tax evasion
KANSAS CITY - A Pleasant Hill, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion. Terry L. Gerber, 47, of Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Nov. 28, 2006, federal indictment.
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National Police Week
Statement from U.S. Attorney John F. Wood - This week is National Police Week – a week set aside to honor the 800,000 officers who serve in federal, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide. National Police Week is truly a memorial to our local communities, where the contribution of law enforcement officers is deeply appreciated.
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May 17, 2007

ACORN employee pleads guilty to voter registration fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman hired by ACORN to work in a voter registration drive pleaded guilty in federal court today to voter registration fraud. Carmen R. Davis, also known as Latisha Reed, 38, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to the charge contained in a Jan. 5, 2007, federal indictment.
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Former SBA manager indicted for false statements
KANSAS CITY - The former Small Business Administration branch manager in the Springfield, Mo., office has been indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements on a loan application and to the SBA. Larry Steven Aduddle, 60, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Wednesday, May 16, 2007.
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May 15, 2007

Texas man sentenced for possessing heroin
KANSAS CITY - An El Paso, Texas, man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Michael Anthony Warman, 19, of El Paso, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Ozark business owner pleads guilty to harboringillegal aliens
KANSAS CITY - The owner of an Ozark, Mo., construction company pleaded guilty in federal court today to harboring illegal aliens. Santiago Lopez-Gomez, 28, a citizen of Mexico residing in Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this afternoon to the charge contained in a March 7, 2007, federal indictment.
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May 14, 2007

KC man pleads guilty to recruiting minors for prostitution
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to recruiting minors for prostitution. Don L. Elbert II, 25, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 13, 2006, federal indictment.
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Lee's Summit appraiser pleads guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., appraiser pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. Jeremy A. Plagman, 29, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charge contained in a Jan. 4, 2007, federal indictment.
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May 11, 2007

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood announced, at a press conference today, that a federal criminal complaint was filed against the owners and operators of several Asian massage parlors in Johnson County, Kan.
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Owners/operators of Asian massage parlors charged with transporting persons for prostitution
KANSAS CITY - Four Chinese nationals who own and operate a group of Asian massage parlors in Johnson County, Kan., were charged in federal court today with transporting persons across state lines and national borders for the purpose of prostitution. Ling Xu, also known as Cherry, 45, Zhong Yan Liu, 35, and Cheng Tang, also known as Tom, 21, all citizens of China residing in Overland Park, Kan., and Hongmei Madole, also known as Hongmei Zhou, 31, of Olathe, Kan., a native of China who is a conditional resident alien in the United States based upon marriage to a U.S. citizen, were charged in a criminal complaint filed this morning in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.
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May 9, 2007

KC businessman sentenced for $17.5 million mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for a $17.5 million mortgage fraud scheme that involved 280 residential properties. Jeffrey Tyler Wine, 28, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Wine to pay $4,946,748 in restitution.
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KC-North man sentenced for attempting to entice a minor for sex
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using the Internet to attempt to entice a minor for illicit sex. Raymond L. Wiley, Jr., 30, of Kansas City-North, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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May 8, 2007

KC man pleads guilty to copyright infringement on counterfeit DVDs, CDs
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to copyright infringement by using his computer to create counterfeit DVDs, CDs, computer software and video games. Martinis Woods, 30, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to a federal information that charges him with copyright infringement.
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Independence man pleads guilty to meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man associated with an outlaw motorcycle gang pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. John R. Sheaffer, also known as Shifty, 60, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to the charge contained in a Nov. 1, 2006, federal indictment. Sheaffer is part of the leadership of the local chapter of the El Forastero Motorcycle Club located in Kansas City.
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May 7, 2007

Saline County man charged with bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Saline County, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing Community Bank in Sweet Springs, Mo. Jeffrey Lee Wright, 35, of Saline County, was charged with stealing $10,594 from Community Bank, 111 N. Locust, Sweet Springs, in a federal criminal complaint filed this morning in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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May 4, 2007

Jury convicts Grandview man for $1.5 million fraud against church, individuals
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., was convicted by a federal jury today for a series of fraud schemes that resulted in a total loss of $1.5 million by a Las Vegas, Nev., church and several individual victims. Jason E. Branch, Sr., 42, of Grandview, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud from Jan. 1, 2003, to March 30, 2005, along with additional counts of mail fraud and money laundering.
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Jury convicts Lee's Summit couple for false tax returns
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., husband and wife, who operated a multi-million dollar firm marketing trusts and a retail business selling American Silver Eagle coins, were convicted in federal court today for aiding and abetting the filing of false tax returns. James E. Aldridge, Jr., 51, and his wife, Shirley L. Aldridge, 49, both of Lee’s Summit, were found guilty of all five counts contained in a federal indictment of aiding and abetting each other to file false tax returns from 2001 through 2005. They earned more than $1,685,000 during that five-year period and evaded $654,257 of federal income tax owed.
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Joplin man sentenced for illegal firearms; rifle used in school shooting
SPRINGFIELD - The father of the student involved in a shooting at Joplin Middle School was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing several firearms and ammunition. Gregory Lynn White, 44, of Joplin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 18 months in federal prison without parole. White is the father of the Joplin Middle School student who was taken into custody after allegedly firing one shot into the school’s ceiling and allegedly attempting to shoot school officials with a Norinco semi-automatic assault rifle on Monday, Oct. 9, 2006.
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May 2, 2007

Claycomo man pleads guilty to child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Claycomo, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. Jason Romdall, 28, of Claycomo, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 27, 2006, federal indictment.
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May 1, 2007

Raymondville man sentenced for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Raymondville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing the Bank of Mansfield in Norwood, Mo. Roger Lynn Turnbough, 66, of Raymondville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Turnbough to pay $13,575 in restitution, which includes the $5,845.29 recovered from Turnbough at the time of his arrest.
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April 26, 2007

ABOVE: U.S. Attorney John F. Wood announces the recipient of the annual Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Award alongside Kipper's mother, Anna Kipper Rea and her husband Mark, and Ali's father, Roger Kemp.

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood (at left) presents Julie Donelon, executive director of the Child Protection Center, with the Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award as Roger Kemp, the father of Ali, applauds.

 

 

 

U.S. Attorney lauds work of Child Protection Center
KANSAS CITY - Julie Donelon, executive director of the Child Protection Center, was honored today as the recipient of the Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award. The award is presented each year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to recognize the outstanding work of an individual or organization in protecting children from exploitation.
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Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm. Robert L. Burgett, 31, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Due to his prior violent felony convictions, Burgett was sentenced as an armed career offender.
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Ava woman sentenced for methamphetamine, illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - An Ava, Mo., woman has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms. Debra James, also known as Debra Wolfe, 47, of Ava, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, to eight years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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April 20, 2007

Georgia man pleads guilty to bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - An Atlanta, Ga., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing or attempting to rob two banks on the same day. Dan W. Russell, 41, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this afternoon to the charges contained in two separate indictments.
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April 19, 2007

Richmond man sentenced for child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Richmond, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography over the Internet. Michael A. Bryan, 48, of Richmond, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to nine years in federal prison without parole.
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April 18, 2007

St. Joseph pharmacist sentenced to 15 years for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., pharmacist was sentenced in federal court today for publishing a notice of child pornography and for distributing child pornography. Walter E. Sewell, 42, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Sewell was a pharmacist who formerly worked at Food4Less in St. Joseph.
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Florida man pleads guilty to attempting to entice a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - A Jacksonville, Fla., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to entice a minor over the Internet for illicit sex. Billy G. Hicks, Jr., 44, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to the charge contained in a Feb. 9, 2005, federal indictment.
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April 17, 2007

Independence man indicted for child porn
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing and distributing child pornography. Jeremy W. Clyborne, 28, of Independence, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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KC man indicted for crack cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Akil R. Burns, also known as Lo Lo, 26, of Kansas City, was charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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KC woman indicted for meth, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms. Desiree N. Gharst, 26, of Kansas City, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Seven Garden City, KC men indicted for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Garden City, Mo., man and six Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms. Today’s indictments are the result of investigations under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative.
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Brookfield woman indicted for Social Security fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Brookfield, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for receiving $21,676 in Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled. Jennifer M. Lindsey, 29, of Brookfield, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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April 16, 2007

Two men sentenced to life in prison for drug-trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their involvement in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing firearms. Dayron Johnson, 23, and Carlos R. Brandon, 30, both of Kansas City, were each sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith to life plus five years in federal prison without parole.
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Former family court commissioner pleads guilty to failing to report attorney's loan
KANSAS CITY - A former Clay County Family Court Commissioner pleaded guilty in federal court today to failing to report that he solicited and received a loan from an attorney who appeared before him in court. Patrick D. Beeman, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., waived his right to a grand jury indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to a federal information that charges him with mail fraud for failing to report a loan from an attorney on a disclosure report filed with the Missouri Supreme Court, thus defrauding citizens of the right to his honest services as the Clay County Family Court Commissioner.
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April 13, 2007

Nixa man sentenced to 15 years for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Nixa, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing Great Southern Bank in Springfield. Gary Lee Graves, Jr., 31, of Nixa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Graves to pay $4,191 in restitution. Graves was sentenced as a career offender.
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Carthage surgeon, brother indicted for tax fraud
SPRINGFIELD - A Carthage, Mo., surgeon and his brother, who worked as his office manager, were indicted by a federal grand jury for a tax fraud conspiracy in which they attempted to avoid paying federal income taxes on nearly $1.6 million earned by the medical practice. Brian Keith Ellefsen, 44, and Mark Edward Ellefsen, 37, both of Carthage, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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KC restaurant owners, others indicted in $2.3 million cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - The owners of a Kansas City, Mo., restaurant are among 15 co-defendants indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a $2.3 million dollar conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine and a money laundering conspiracy to conceal drug-trafficking profits through the restaurant and through real estate transactions.
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April 11, 2007

Jury convicts Mountain Grove man for meth, illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - A Mountain Grove, Mo., man has been convicted by a federal jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and illegally possessing several firearms. Rick D. Cantrell, 42, of Mountain Grove, was found guilty on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, of three charges contained in a Nov. 17, 2004, federal indictment. A jury convicted Cantrell of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Douglas County, Mo., on Oct. 8, 2004, and of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in Douglas County and Bates County, Mo., from July 8 to Oct. 8, 2004. The jury also convicted Cantrell of being a felon and an unlawful user of methamphetamine while in possession of firearms.
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John F. Wood (at right) was sworn in as U.S. Attorney by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan.

John F. Wood sworn in as U.S. Attorney
KANSAS CITY - John F. Wood was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri this morning, following unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
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Photo of John F. Wood

April 10, 2007

Three men sentenced for meth production
KANSAS CITY - Three co-defendants were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to attempt to manufacture methamphetamine in Jackson County, Mo. Phillip A. Kisner, 33, address unknown, Dennis Kisner, 32, of Sedalia, Mo., and Dennis L. Gard, 52, of Independence, Mo., were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning.
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April 6, 2007

Former Knob Knoster woman pleads guilty to embezzling from Warrensburg employer
KANSAS CITY - A former Knob Knoster, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a wire fraud scheme in which she embezzled more than $81,000 from her Warrensburg, Mo., employer. Christy Hoagland, 37, of Hampton, Va., formerly of Knob Knoster, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to a federal information that charges her with wire fraud.
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Lee's Summit man pleads guilty to child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to receive child pornography over the Internet. James Curtis Wilson, 39, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner on Thursday, April 5, to the charge contained in a Sept. 27, 2006, federal indictment.
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April 5, 2007

Mexican national sentenced for meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Juda B. Aguilera, 32, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Jduge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Michigan man sentenced for 5 kilos of cocaine
KANSAS CITY - An Owosso, Mich., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Jack L. DeLong, 36, of Owosso, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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April 4 , 2007

Lee's Summit man indicted for cild porn, illegally possessing ammunition
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing child pornography and, in a separate indictment, for illegally possessing ammunition. Jeffrey Dewain Dueker, 38, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in an two-count indictment and in a second single-count indictment, both returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Independence man indicted for bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing US Bank in Independence. Clyde Douglas Nelson, 55, of Independence, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Raytown man indicted for drug trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Raytown, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for drug trafficking and illegally possessing two firearms. Today’s indictment is the result of a successful investigation under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Roberto V. Soto, 44, of Raytown, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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KC man indicted for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Jerome C. Thompson, 35, of Kansas City, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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New Jersey man charged after heroin found in vehicle's secret compartment
SPRINGFIELD - An Elizabeth, New Jersey man was charged in federal court today with possession with the intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin. Carlos E. Giraldo, 46, of Elizabeth, was charged in a criminal complaint filed this morning in U.S. District Court in Springfield.
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Springfield man pleads guilty to child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. Michael D. Conner, 31, of Springfield, formerly of Nixa, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning – as his jury trial was about to commence – to being in possession of child pornography.
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April 3 , 2007

Springfield man sentenced for wearing Marine Corps uniform, medals
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for wearing a U.S. Marine Corps uniform and medals without authorization. Michael Paul Bramlett, 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the maximum sentence of six months in federal prison without parole on each count, to be served concurrently.
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KC man charged with harboring fugitive Shauntay Henderson
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with harboring Shauntay L. Henderson while she was a fugitive from justice. Kendale Dawkins, 21, of Kansas City, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City this morning.
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April 2 , 2007

KC man charged with crack cocaine, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today for aiding and abetting another person to possess crack cocaine with the intention to distribute and to illegally possess a firearm. Kendale Dawkins, 21, of Kansas City, was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City this afternoon.
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Osage Beach business owner sentenced to 20 years for distributing meth
JEFFERSON CITY - An Osage Beach, Mo., business owner has been sentenced in federal court for distributing methamphetamine. Brady Ray Long, 46, of Osage Beach, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Thursday, March 29, 2007, to 20 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Long to forfeit to the government $9,051 that was seized by federal law enforcement officers at Long’s arrest as the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Long was the owner of Peoples Brokers in Lake Ozark.
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March 30, 2007

Independence woman sentenced for health care fraud
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to defraud Health Midwest’s employee health care plan administrator of more than $120,000. Cheri Smith, 37, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to three years and four months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Smith to pay $121,284 in restitution.
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Mexican national sentenced for illegal reentry
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a drug-trafficking conviction. Arnulfo Lopez, 29, a citizen of Mexico who was living in Webb City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole. Lopez was also sentenced to an additional four months in federal prison without parole for violating the terms of his supervised release by illegally reentering the country after deportation.
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Two Joplin men sentenced for drug trafficking
SPRINGFIELD - Two Joplin, Mo., men have been sentenced in federal court for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Jasper County, Mo.
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Joplin, Oklahoma men sentenced for meth conspiracy, illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - Three Joplin, Mo., men and a Quapaw, Okla., man have been sentenced in federal court for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms. This case is among a series of indictments charging dozens of defendants as a result of Operation Ice Storm, which focused on the distribution of multi-kilogram amounts of ice (a high-quality and potent derivative of methamphetamine) from California to southwest Missouri and Texas.
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Columbia man sentenced to 21 years for crack cocaine
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Marcus DeWayne Harris, 31, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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March 28, 2007

Columbia man pleads guilty to $3 million investment fraud, money laundering conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a $3 million investment fraud conspiracy, as well as a money laundering conspiracy. Sylvester L. Mitchell III, 36, of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to the charges contained in a Jan. 6, 2006, federal indictment.
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Somali native sentenced for $1.3 million illegal money transfers
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for operating an unlicensed money transfer business which sent more than $1.3 million overseas, primarily to Somalia. Serar Ahmed Abdullahi, 43, of Kansas City, a naturalized citizen who emigrated from Somalia in 1993, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to three years and five months in federal prison without parole.
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March 26, 2007

Career criminal sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Jarvis T. Williams, 26, address unknown, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to 293 months in federal prison without parole.
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March 23, 2007

Former youth coach sentenced for attempting to entice a minor for illicit sex
JEFFERSON CITY - A former youth swim coach was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to entice a minor through the Internet to engage in illicit sexual activity. Jeffrey M. Vernace, 32, of Valley Park, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to four years and 56 days in federal prison without parole – receiving credit for time served under the mandatory minimum sentence of five years. Vernace was the head coach for the Clayton Shaw Park Swim Club in Clayton, Mo.
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Columbia man sentenced for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Maurice Kendell Griffith, 29, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole.
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March 22, 2007

Jury convicts former Branson man for tax evasion
SPRINGFIELD - A former Branson, Mo., man has been convicted by a federal jury for tax evasion. Robert Lee Cavins, Jr., of Chanute, Kan., formerly of Branson, was found guilty on Wednesday, March 21, 2006, of evading the payment of $119,595 in federal income tax owed for the years 1992, 1993 and 1994.
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Nevada woman sentenced for embezzling $421,000 from furniture company
KANSAS CITY - A Nevada, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling $421,000 from her employer, a furniture manufacturer. Kathleen L. Edwards, 46, of Nevada, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Edwards to pay $421,000 in restitution.
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March 21, 2007

Mexican national pleads guilty to transporting illegal aliens
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to transporting illegal aliens. Jose Tomas Cuautle-Robles, 37, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this afternoon to a March 7, 2007, federal indictment.
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Cleveland man sentenced for meth, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Cleveland, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Shane P. Jurgeson, 36, of Cleveland, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to nine years in federal prison without parole.
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Federal prosecutor admitted to prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers
KANSAS CITY - Matt J. Whitworth, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. The induction ceremony at which Whitworth became a Fellow took place recently before an audience of 810 persons during the 2007 Spring Meeting of the College in La Quinta, Calif.
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March 19, 2007

Eight Mexican, Chile nationals charged
JEFFERSON CITY - Seven Mexican nationals and one Chile national have been charged in federal court with illegally entering the United States and possessing false identification documents and Social Security numbers. The defendants were employees of Sam's Janitorial Service who were working at the Truman State Office Building in Jefferson City.
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March 16, 2007

Blue Springs man sentenced for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet. David Neil Brown, 45, of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to five years in federal prison without parole, to be served consecutively to Brown’s state sentence for child molestation charges. Brown pleaded guilty in 2003 to two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree and three counts of statutory sodomy in the second degree in Jackson County, Mo., for which he is currently serving a state sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
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March 15, 2007

Iowa man sentenced for two bank robberies in northwest MO
KANSAS CITY - An Iowa man was sentenced in federal court today for the armed robbery of banks in Tarkio and Craig, Mo. Robert Allen Stark, 41, of Shenandoah, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Stark to pay $2,447 in restitution.
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March 14, 2007

Lebanon man sentenced for attempted jail escape
KANSAS CITY - A Lebanon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to escape from the St. Clair County Jail while he was being held in federal custody. Robert Joseph Harper, Jr., 29, of Lebanon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to three years and one month in federal prison without parole, to be served consecutively to his incarceration of 29 years and two months to which Harper was sentenced on Dec. 5, 2005.
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St. Joseph woman sentenced for $312,000 wire fraud
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for stealing more than $312,000 from her employer. Jennifer L. Evans, 35, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to two years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Evans to pay $312,472 in restitution.
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Willard man sentenced for meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Willard, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo. Gary Don Larimore, 38, of Willard, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 14 years in federal prison without parole.
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March 9, 2007

Teacher, youth volunteer sentenced to 20 years for child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A former teacher and youth volunteer was sentenced in federal court today for charges related to producing and distributing child pornography. Waylon J. Kaus, 27, of Lebanon, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
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March 8, 2007

Two Springfield residents, Webb City man indicted for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - Two Springfield, Mo., residents and a Webb City, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in separate and unrelated cases, for bank robbery.
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Springfield business CEO sentenced in meth-related conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - The CEO of a Springfield, Mo., business was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine. Roy James Hudspeth, 42, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Hudspeth was the vice president and CEO of Handi-Rak, a distributor of products to convenience stores.
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March 7, 2007

U.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman (left) was joined by FBI Special Agent in Charge Monte Strait and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Gonzalez at a press conference today to announce the federal indictment against IARA.

Grand jury indicts officers, employees of Islamic charity
KANSAS CITY - A federal grand jury has indicted the Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA), along with five officers, employees and associates, for illegally transferring funds to Iraq in violation of federal sanctions. They are also charged with stealing government funds, and with attempting to avoid government detection of their illegal activities by, among other things, falsely denying in a nationally-televised interview that an associate of Osama bin Laden had been an employee of IARA.
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Audio (MP3) comments of U.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman
Text comments of U.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman

March 5, 2007

Two Columbia men sentenced for meth
JEFFERSON CITY - Two Columbia, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. Timothy Eric Conrad, 37, and Blake Edward Idel, 22, both of Columbia, were sentenced before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright. Conrad was sentenced to 13 years and four months in federal prison without parole. Idel was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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Columbia man indicted for ecstasy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute ecstasy. James Edward Dismang, 27, of Columbia, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
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Jefferson City man indicted for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm. Barnard Lamount Reed, 37, of Jefferson City, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm while an unlawful user of a controlled substance in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
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Barnett man indicted for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Barnett, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm. Jeffrey Alan Voss, 43, of Barnett, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
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Columbia man sentenced for child pornography
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing child pornography. David Oliver Reed, 40, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Reed to forfeit to the government a Macintosh Power Book G3, which was used to commit the offense.
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KC business owner pleads guilty to $100,000 tax evasion
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to evade paying more than $100,000 in income taxes. Parnell Riley, Jr., 52, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Ferando J. Gaitan this morning to the charge contained in a March 2, 2005, federal indictment.
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March 2, 2007

Florida man sentenced for $42 million Lipitor fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Fort Lauderdale, Fla., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a $42 million conspiracy to sell counterfeit, misbranded and illegally imported Lipitor. Michael Allyn Carlow, 54, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Carlow to pay $3,410,379 in restitution.
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March 1, 2007

Omaha woman sentenced for two bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - The owner of a Springfield, Mo., construction company was charged in federal court today with harboring illegal aliens. Santiago Lopez-Gomez, 28, a citizen of Mexico residing in Springfield, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield with harboring six illegal aliens from Mexico.
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Springfield business owner charged with harboring illegal aliens
SPRINGFIELD - The owner of a Springfield, Mo., construction company was charged in federal court today with harboring illegal aliens. Santiago Lopez-Gomez, 28, a citizen of Mexico residing in Springfield, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield with harboring six illegal aliens from Mexico.
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February 28, 2007

Springfield man sentenced for 17 years for Internet child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing and transporting child pornography. Leslie Paul Pittock, 62, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole, followed by supervised release for the rest of his life. The court also ordered Pittock to forfeit to the government a desktop computer that was used to commit the offenses.
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Nine men indicted for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - Nine men from Martinsville, Mo., Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Today’s indictments are the result of successful investigations under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Under federal law, Schlozman said, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
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Mexican national indicted for narcotics, firearm, immigration violations
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for narcotics, firearm and immigration violations. Juan Gomez-Contreras, 41, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Three Mexican nationals sentenced for false identity documents
SPRINGFIELD - Three Mexican nationals were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to sell forged identification documents. Eduardo Rodriguez-Ortega, 24, Javier Corcobado-Lopez, 24, and Jesus Perez-Juarez, 24, all citizens of Mexico residing in Springfield, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning. Rodriguez-Ortega was sentenced to one year and three months in federal prison without parole. Corcobado-Lopez was sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison without parole. Perez-Juarez was sentenced to time served (approximately eight months).
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KC man indicted for crack cocaine, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Anthony D. Dorsey, 31, of Kansas City, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Two Mexican nationals indicted for meth, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - Two Mexican nationals were indicted by a federal grand jury today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute meth and for illegally possessing firearms. Jose Lopez-Lopez, 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., and Angel Garcia-Holguin, 34, a citizen of Mexico residing in Independence, Mo., were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the co-defendants on Feb. 5, 2007.
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St. Joseph man sentenced to 21 yeasr for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Today’s sentencing was the result of a successful investigation conducted under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Mark B. Davidson, 44, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007, to 21 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
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February 27, 2007

Legal secretary sentenced for embezzling $159,000 from clients of KC law firm
KANSAS CITY - A legal secretary employed by the law firm of Armstrong Teasdale LLP was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling more than $159,000 from clients of the firm. Brenda Sue Moyer, 51, of Raytown, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this afternoon to one year and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Moyer to pay $159,120 in restitution.
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Belton man sentenced for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Belton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet. Jeffery A. Ray, 41, of Belton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to eight years and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ray to forfeit to the government three computers and three hard drives that were used to commit the offense.
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Honduran, Mexican nationals indicted for illegal reentry
KANSAS CITY - Two men – citizens of Honduras and Mexico – were indicted by a federal grand jury today in separate and unrelated cases for illegally reentering the United States. In each case, Schlozman said, the defendant had previously been deported subsequent to a conviction for an aggravated felony.
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February 26, 2007

Springfield man charged with two armed bank robberies
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with committing two armed robberies in Springfield. Jody Lee Keller, 48, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Sprignfield. Keller was arrested on Feb. 23, 2007, by law enforcement officers who were conducting surveillance at his residence, and remains in federal custody.
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KC man charged in bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing the Commerce Bank in Brookside last weekend. David E. Clark, 27, of Kansas City, was charged with bank robbery in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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Springfield man pleads guilty to two federal indictments
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., as well as additional drug-trafficking and illegal firearms charges contained in a second federal indictment. Michael D. Caudle, 34, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.
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KC man sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. The successful investigation was conducted as part of the Public Housing Safety Initiative, an effort by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development to assist in the investigation, prosecution and prevention of violent crimes and drug offenses in public, federally assisted housing areas. Dewayne Jones, 36, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Kansas man sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Pleasenton, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s sentencing is the result of a successful investigation under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Joshua D. Lindsey, 27, of Pleasenton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to six years and five months in federal prison without parole.
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St. Joseph woman pleads guilty to $60,000 computer fraud
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a computer fraud scheme in which she embezzled nearly $60,000 from her employer. Jackie L. Black, 52, of St. Joseph, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to a federal information that charges her with computer fraud.
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February 23, 2007

Two men charged in carjacking
KANSAS CITY - Two men were charged in federal court today with carjacking. Rickey R. Norton, Jr., 19, and Jeffrey S. Clark, 18, addresses unknown, were charged with carjacking in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
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Olathe man indicted for enticing a minor for illicit sex
KANSAS CITY - An Olathe, Kan., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using the Internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and for traveling across the state line to engage in illegal sexual conduct with a minor. Eric Ryan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kan., was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Jan. 4, 2007. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Davis’ arrest and initial court appearance.
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Pennsylvania man sentenced for cocaine, marijuana
JEFFERSON CITY - A Braddock, Penn., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Chico Allen Roberts, Sr., 30, of Braddock, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Roberts to forfeit to the government a 1994 Trailmobile trailer and $2,339, which was derived from the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.
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KC man sentenced for drug-trafficking, illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his involvement in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing numerous firearms. Jessie Andrews, 29, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to seven years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
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Columbia man sentenced for manufacturing meth
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Michael Robert Sanders, 42, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to four years and two months in federal prison without parole.
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February 22, 2007

Mexican national pleads guilty to illegal reentry
JEFFERSON CITY - A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States after being deported. Efrain Arzola-Rivera, 31, a citizen of Mexico, address unknown, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to the charge contained in a Jan. 5, 2007, federal indictment.
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Columbia man pleads guilty to illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm. Tracy Allan Lennex, 38, of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to the charge contained in a July 14, 2006, federal indictment.
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Columbia man pleads guilty to ecstasy, marijuanaconspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute ecstasy and marijuana. Justin Lamarr Simpson, 24, of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to the charges contained in a Nov. 6, 2006, federal indictment.
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KC man pleads guilty to Social Security fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving Social Security disability payments to which he was not entitled. Thomas W. Bradley, 61, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to a federal information that charges him with Social Security fraud.
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Jefferson City man sentenced for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm that was fired during an altercation outside Mike’s Corner Pocket. Nathan Allen Huff, 23, of Jefferson City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to three years and one month in federal prison without parole.
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Jefferson City man pleads guilty to counterfeit conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to pass counterfeit money. James William Leavell, 36, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to the charge contained in an April 15, 2005, federal indictment.
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Kansas man sentenced for attempting to engage in sex with a minor
KANSAS CITY - An Overland Park, Kan. man was sentenced in federal court today for using the Internet in an effort to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Aaron M. Eddy, 45, of Overland Park, Kan., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to five years in federal prison without parole.
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February 21, 2007

Jury convicts Mexican national for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national was convicted by a federal jury today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s conviction is the result of a successful investigation completed by the NITRO Task Force. Hugo Alonzo Cervantes, 25, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was found guilty of being an unlawful user of marijuana in possession of a firearm.
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Tax preparer pleads guilty to false tax returns
SPRINGFIELD - An Oronogo, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to preparing fraudulent tax returns for more than 1,000 clients in which she inflated deductions and exemptions and falsified information. The total tax loss on those returns may exceed $2 million. Carrie A. Shafer, 38, of Oronogo, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 20, 2006 federal indictment.
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Nigerian national sentenced for Medicare fraud
KANSAS CITY - The owner of a medical supply business was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of millions of dollars through a program that provides motorized wheelchairs to patients. Kennedy Igbokwe, 29, a citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to five years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Igbokwe to pay $750,000 in restitution and to forfeit to the government $500,000 and all the funds in a bank account. Schlozman noted that today’s sentence is the harshest penalty provided under the federal sentencing guidelines.
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February 20, 2007

Man sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. William Greene, 60, address unknown, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Mexican national pleads guilty to meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Rogelio Isais-Muniz, 32, a citizen of Mexico living in Edgerton, Kan., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to the charge contained in a Sept. 13, 2006, federal indictment.
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KC man pleads guilty to crack cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Artie J. Tatum, 33, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to the charge contained in an April 19, 2006, federal indictment.
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KC man sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s sentencing is the result of a successful investigation launched under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Terrell D. Wills, 26, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to nine years and two months in federal prison without parole.
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February 16, 2007

Mexican national charged with transporting illegal aliens
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national was charged in federal court today with transporting illegal aliens. Jose Tomas Cuautle-Robles, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield with transporting 14 illegal aliens across the United States.
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Kansas City man sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s sentencing is a result of an investigation launched under Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. David L. Kinney, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to five years and five months in federal prison without parole.
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February 15, 2007

Joplin man faces three life terms for double homicide, drug trafficking
SPRINGFIELD - A Joplin, Mo., man faces three life terms in federal prison after being convicted in the murder of two Joplin residents in 1999 and pleading guilty to a related drug-trafficking charge. Thomas D. Smith, also known as “Mad Dog,” 33, a Joplin area resident, was found guilty on Feb. 7, 2007, of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Paris Harbin and Chandy Bresee-Plumb. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision whether to sentence Smith to death or to life in federal prison without parole; therefore, under federal statutes, the court must sentenced Smith to life in federal prison without parole on each of the two murder counts.
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KC man sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. The successful investigation was conducted as part of the Public Housing Safety Initiative, an effort by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development to assist in the investigation, prosecution and prevention of violent crimes and drug offenses in public, federally assisted housing areas. Jason M. Williams, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernaqndo J. Gaitan this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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February 13, 2007

Jury convicts KC man for illegal firearms, crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and for distributing crack cocaine. Robert A. Blaylock, 44, of Kansas City, was found guilty of the charges contained in an Oct. 18, 2006, federal indictment.
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February 12, 2007

Overland Park man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - An Overland Park, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms and narcotics. Today’s sentencing is the result of Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Joseph R. Grooms, 30, of Overland Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Schlozman noted that Grooms was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his previous violent felony convictions.
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February 9, 2007

KC man sentenced for drug trafficking
KANSAS CITY - Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Brian A. Owsley, 31, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole.
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Mexican national pleads guilty to illegal reentry
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following his convictions of attempted rape and kidnaping. Donaciano Alvizo-Trujillo, 31, a citizen of Mexico who was living in Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to the charge contained in a Nov. 28, 2006, federal indictment.
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Springfield man sentenced for meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo. Tyrone Davis, 40, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
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Gang leader sentenced to life in prison for murders, drug trafficking, firearms violations
KANSAS CITY - The former leader of the 51st Street Crips was sentenced in federal court today for committing three murders, as well as a drug trafficking conspiracy that included additional shootings and narcotics violations. Steve L. “Moody” Wright, 23, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to life in federal prison without parole, followed by 110 years in federal prison without parole. Today’s sentence includes two life sentences plus 170 years in prison that will be served concurrently, followed by 110 years that will be served consecutive to the life sentence.
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February 8, 2007

Former mailhandler pleads guilty to receiving child porn in the mail
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography through the mail. The U.S. Postal Service employee was charged as a result of an undercover sting operation by the US Postal Inspection Service. Mark Anthony Mayfield, 51, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charge contained in a June 28, 2006, federal indictment. Mayfield, who was employed as a mail handler, is the former administrative vice president for the Kansas City, Mo., branch of the Mail Handlers Union and, at the time of the offense, acting Local Vice President.
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Mexican grocery owners plead guilty to illegally selling prescription drugs
SPRINGFIELD - The owners of La Durangena grocery store in Monett, Mo., along with their son who worked at the store, pleaded guilty in federal court today to selling prescription drugs that were smuggled into the United States from Mexico, and for dispensing those drugs at their store to customers who did not have a doctor’s prescription. Efren Moreno, Sr., 46, and his wife, Eloisa M. Soto, 44, owners of La Durangena grocery store, 310 E. Broadway in Monett, and their son Efren Moreno, Jr., 23, who worked at the store, all of Monett, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning. Efren Moreno, Sr., and Soto each pleaded guilty to one count of dispensing prescription drugs without supervision of a medical practitioner and one count of goods smuggling. Efren Moreno, Jr., pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of and delivery for pay of misbranded drugs. Soto, a citizen of Mexico, is a permanent resident alien.
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KC man pleads guilty to false tax claims, mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to claiming personal income tax refunds to which he was not entitled, filing fraudulent corporate income tax returns, and to wire fraud and money laundering as part of a fraudulent mortgage transaction. Larry D. Wills, 50, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, to all the charges contained in two federal indictments, which were consolidated into one case.
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February 7, 2007

Two men indicted for child exploitation, child porn, obscenity
JEFFERSON CITY - Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in separate and unrelated cases, on charges related to child pornography and exploitation.
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Former Transamerica employee indicted for $971,000 wire fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a wire fraud scheme that resulted in a $971,000 loss to her employer, Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company. Patricia D. Williams, 50, of Grandview, was charged with wire fraud in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Cameron man indicted for meth, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Cameron, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s indictment is the result of an investigation by the NITRO Task Force. Kenneth J. Pratt, 24, of Cameron, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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KC man sentenced to 15 years for crack cocaine, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a crack cocaine conspiracy and illegally possessing a firearm. Damien A. Carter, 20, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to 15 years and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Carter to forfeit to the government $3,292 that had been seized by law enforcement officers, which represents proceeds from drug sales.
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February 6, 2007

St. Louis man pleads guilty to bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A St. Louis, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing U.S. Bank in St. Joseph, Mo. Marcus A. Weaver, 36, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to the charge contained in a Dec. 5, 2006, fedeal idnictment.
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Texas man pleads guilty to possessing heroin
KANSAS CITY - A El Paso, Texas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Michael Anthony Warman, 19, of El Paso, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 27, 2006, federal indictment.
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Ozark man indicted for $2.8 million securities fraud
SPRINGFIELD - An Ozark, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a conspiracy to defraud 115 investors of more than $2.8 million in a securities fraud and wire fraud scheme. Jack A. Calvin, 65, of Ozark, was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Jan. 24, 2007. That indictment was unsealed and made public upon Calvin’s arrest and initial court appearance on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007.
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ACORN employee pleads guilty to election fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man who was hired by ACORN to work in a voter registration drive pleaded guilty in federal court today to voter registration fraud. Dale D. Franklin, 44, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to the charge contained in a Nov. 1, 2006, federal indictment.
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February 2, 2007

Daughter sentenced for theft of father's VA benefits
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court yesterday for theft of her father’s Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits payments. Mary A. Ebberts, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer to 8 months in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay $116,305 in restitution.
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January 26, 2007

California man pleads guilty to pharmaceutical drug fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Thousand Oaks, Calif., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a conspiracy to sell stolen pharmaceutical drugs. Paul Louis Kriger, 49, of Thousand Oaks, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Otrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Dec. 14, 2005, superseding indictment.
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January 25, 2007

Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to pharmaceutical drug fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding the government by buying and selling pharmaceutical drugs without the required documentation. Frank Anthony Ianeillo, 62, of Stillwater, Penn., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Dec. 14, 2005, superseding indictment.
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St. Joseph business owner indicted for embezzling employee pension plan
KANSAS CITY - The owner of a St. Joseph, Mo., business has been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling from his employee pension plan. John R. Heller, 68, of St. Joseph, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 4, 2007. Heller, who with his wife owns and operates A-1 Pickup and Delivery, Inc., a trucking/transportation business located in St. Joseph, had his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Larsen this afternoon.
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Former nurse pleads guilty to producing child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Cameron, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using a minor in his custody to produce child pornography. William S. Price, 43, of Cameron, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to all five counts contained in a June 28, 2006, federal indictment. Price was formerly a nursing supervisor at the Missouri State Veterans Home in Caldwell County, Mo.
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Liberty man sentenced in meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Liberty, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, primarily in the Lee’s Summit area. Ryan T. Lindsey, 23, of Liberty, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court ordered the sentence to be served consecutive to a four-year state sentence for a Clay County, Mo., conviction.
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January 24, 2007

Nicaraguan national indicted for illegal reentry, assaulting a federal agent
KANSAS CITY - A Nicaraguan national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally reentering the United States and for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Augusto Rodriguez-Masis, 31, a citizen of Nicaragua residing in Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Mexican national indicted for bankruptcy fraud, misuse of Social Security number
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for bankruptcy fraud and misusing a Social Security account number. Oralia Gonzales, 34, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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Former USDA employee indicted for embezzling $150,000
SPRINGFIELD - A former employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was indicted by a federal grand jury today for stealing more than $150,000 from the rural development program she was employed to administer. Martha L. Shuler, 55, of Bolivar, Mo., was charged with embezzling money from the United States in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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Mexican national indicted for illegally reentering U.S.
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally reentering the United States. Eladio Agustin-Espinoza, 47, a citizen of Mexico residing in Los Angeles, Calif., was charged with illegally reentering the United States in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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Mexican national indicted for identity theft
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for identity theft and misusing a Social Security account number. Luis Alberto Cruz-Flores, 25, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
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Lee's Summit man sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s sentencing is the result of Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. Aaron T. McRee, 36, of Lee’s Summit, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
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January 23, 2007

Fifteen defendants indicted for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - Fifteen defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms. Today’s indictments are a result of Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative.
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Independence man sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Today’s sentencing is a result of Project Ceasefire, the district’s ongoing anti-crime initiative. John M Schutz, 51, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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Fleeing felon sentenced for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man who fired at a pursuing police officer was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Christopher T. Brown, 25, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to eight years and one month in federal prison without parole.
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Mexican national sentenced for illegal reentry, cocaine
SPRINGFIELD - A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for illegally reentering the United States and for participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Taney County, Mo. Rafael Rosales-Martinez, 54, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to 14 years and two months federal prison without parole.
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Raymondville man pleads guilty to bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Raymondville, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing the Bank of Mansfield in Norwood, Mo. Roger Lynn Turnbough, 65, of Raymondville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charge contained in a Dec. 20, 2006, federal indictment.
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Springfield man sentenced for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for robbing Great Southern Bank. Russell Lwayne Beaird, 30, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Monday, Jan. 23, 2007, to five years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Beaird to pay $4,191 in restitution.
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January 22, 2007

Carl Junction man pleads guilty to $215,000 wire fraud, money laundering
SPRINGFIELD - A Carl Junction, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a wire fraud and money laundering scheme in which he purchased 21 used cars at an auto auction for more than $215,000. Christopher Ryan King, 32, of Carl Junction, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this afternoon to the charges contained in a Nov. 29, 2006, federal indictment.
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KC man sentenced to 15 years for 11 robberies of restaurants, convenience stores
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a series of robberies of fast food restaurants and convenience stores in the metropolitan area. Jerry Adams, 44, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Adams to pay $5,831 in restitution. Schlozman added that Adams received the maximum sentence under the federal sentencing guidelines as an armed career offender due to five prior felony convictions for armed robbery.
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January 18, 2007

California man sentenced for attempting to entice a minor for illegal sexual activity
JEFFERSON CITY - A California, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using the Internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. William S. Pace, 34, of California, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to five years in federal prison without parole.
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Sturgeon man sentenced for marijuana
JEFFERSON CITY - A Sturgeon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana. Paul Allen Cook, 47, of Sturgeon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
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Two women plead guilty to identity theft
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., woman and an Overland Park, Kan., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in an identity theft conspiracy. Barbara DeLuce, 60, of Lee’s Summit, and Hope G. Madewell, 28, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in an Aug. 10, 2006, federal indictment.
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January 12, 2007

KC man sentenced for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The investigation was conducted as part of the Public Housing Safety Initiative, an effort by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development to assist in the investigation, prosecution and prevention of violent crimes and drug offenses in public, federally assisted housing areas. Dennesty H. Dawkins, 26, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
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January 11, 2007

Conception Junction woman sentenced for manufacturing meth
KANSAS CITY - A Conception Junction, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy with her husband to manufacture methamphetamine. This indictment is the result of work completed by the NITRO Task Force. Carol J. Wood, 45, of Conception Junction, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Wood to forfeit to the government $9,850, which represents proceeds of the conspiracy, and a 1996 Ford Explorer that was used to commit the offense.
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January 9, 2007

West Plains man convicted of illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - A West Plains, Mo., man was convicted in federal court for illegally possessing several firearms and ammunition. William Thomas Howell, 50, of West Plains, was found guilty following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple of possessing firearms and ammunition after a prior conviction of misdemeanor domestic violence.
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Four defendants added to counterfeit Lipitlor conspiracy indictment
KANSAS CITY - Four additional co-defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their role in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported and misbranded Lipitor and other drugs. Gary Wayne Smith, 38, of Mobile, Ala., Salvatore A. Esposito, 48, of Staten Island, N.Y., Trang Doan Nguyen, 45, of Garden Grove, Calif., Philip R. Giannino, 61, of Frankfurt, Ill., William Alan McGee, 43, of Cordova, Tenn., and James Irland Hoyt Floyd, 43, of Harvest, Ala., were charged in a two-count second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Jan. 4, 2007.
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January 8, 2007

Jefferson City man pleads guilty to possessing child porn
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. Terry Lee Pratt, 55, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charge contained in a Nov. 4, 2004, superseding indictment.
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January 5, 2007

Former Jackson County official indicted for perjury
KANSAS CITY - A former Jackson County, Mo., elected official was indicted by a federal grand jury today for making false statements and committing perjury during the investigation of former municipal judge Deborah Neal. Carl W. Bussey, 58, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Bussey, a former member of the Jackson County Legislature, is a self-employed attorney in Kansas City.
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ACORN employee indicted for election fraud, identity theft
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman hired by ACORN to work in a voter registration drive was indicted by a federal grand jury today for election fraud and identity theft. Carmen R. Davis, also known as Latisha Reed, 37, of Kansas City, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
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KC radio DJ indicted for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A radio DJ at Mix 93.3 FM has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Gregory D. Sage, 24, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Sage’s arrest and initial court appearance. Sage, a DJ for Mix 93.3 FM radio station, also operates a business that sells photos of high school athletes from a Web site.
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Guilty pleas in crime spree include 25-year sentences,
20 years inprison for crack cocaine
KANSAS CITY - Three Kansas City, Mo., men have been sentenced and a Kansas City man and a Raytown, Mo., man have pleaded guilty in federal court in separate and unrelated cases that resulted from the district’s Public Housing Safety Initiative.
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January 4 , 2007

U.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman (at left) was joined by FBI SAC Monte Strait (at right) at a press conference to announce the indictment of former Jackson County Executive Kathryn Shields, along with her husband, attorney Phillip Cardarella, and others.

Former Jackson County official indicted for mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A former Jackson County, Mo., official and her husband were among those indicted by a federal grand jury today for conspiracy and wire fraud for their role in a scheme to engage in mortgage fraud. Katheryn J. Shields, 60, Phillip F. Cardarella, 59, James Elliott Coleman, 58, Raymond Walter Zwego, Jr., 58, and James R. Rhoades, 48, all of Kansas City, Mo., Larry E. Barshaw, 56, and Linda M. Thompson-Barshaw, 57, both of Kansas City, Kan., Monty J. Kinman, 25, of Overland Park, Kan., Rick A. Peterson, 32, of Lenexa, Kan., Jeremy A. Plagman, 29, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Michael Rodd, 52, of Olathe, Kan., were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury.
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January 3, 2007

U.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman (at right) was joined by FBI SAC Monte Strait (at left) at a press conference to announce the indictment of KC Councilwoman Saundra McFadden-Weaver. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Parker Marshall is the lead prosecutor and FBI Special Agent John Timmerberg (in back) investigated the case.

KC Councilwoman indicted for mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., City Councilwoman was among three co-defendants indicted by a federal grand jury today for conspiracy and wire fraud for their role in a scheme to engage in mortgage fraud. Saundra A. McFadden-Weaver, 47, and Emanuel M. Kind, 51, both of Kansas City, Mo., and Ricky L. Hamilton, 52, of Grandview, Mo., were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. McFadden-Weaver is a member of the Kansas City Council. Hamilton is a mortgage broker at Trinity Mortgage.
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Comments from U.S. Attorney Bradley Schlozman | Audio | Text

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