KC man sentenced for bank robbery;
Thief accidentally discarded stolen money while fleeing from bank
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing Central Bank in Kansas City, Mo. Clifton D. Taylor, 37, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith to eight years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Springfield, Nixa men indicted for trafficking counterfeit goods
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man and a Nixa, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking in counterfeit goods after federal agents seized hundreds of pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes and other counterfeit apparel from them. Brent Darrell Luna, 25, of Nixa, and Lukas Antonio Rivas, 21, of Springfield, were charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, July 28, 2010.
Read the News Release

July 28, 2010

Two former MU students plead guilty to college e-mail spam conspiracy; must forfeit over $400,000
Millions of e-mail addresses illegally harvested from computers at hundreds of universities
KANSAS CITY - Two Missouri men and their company pleaded guilty in federal court today to their role in a nationwide e-mail spamming scheme that victimized more than 2,000 colleges and universities, including the University of Missouri. Amir Ahmad Shah, 29, of St. Louis, Mo., his brother, Osmaan Ahmad Shah, 26, of Columbia, Mo., their business, i2o, Inc., represented by company president Amir Shah, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to the charges contained in an April 23, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Former government contractor pleads guilty to mail fraud, money laundering;
Admits stealing $573,000 in computer equipment from USDA, selling stolen equipment over the Internet
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a mail fraud scheme that involved stealing approximately $573,000 worth of computer equipment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a contract employee, and selling it over the Internet for more than $166,000. Gragg R. Vaill, 48, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hays to the charges contained in a Feb. 9, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

July 27, 2010

Two men charged in conspiracy to grow marijuana;
Thousands of plants found in Clinton, Buchanan counties
KANSAS CITY - Two men were charged in federal court today with participating in a conspiracy to grow thousands of marijuana plants following the execution of federal search warrants at several locations. Serafin Rodriguez Gonzalez, 24, address unknown, and Juan Francisco Garcia, 44, of Gower, Mo., were charged in a federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
Read the News Release

Former Blue Springs man sentenced to 25 years for sex trafficking of child;
Child sold as sexual dominatrix for both online, in-person sessions
KANSAS CITY - A former Blue Springs, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sex trafficking of a child. Todd B. Barkau, 38, of New York, formerly of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Following his prison term, Barkau will spend the rest of his life on supervised release. The court also ordered Barkau to pay $200,000 in restitution to the victim for future counseling costs.
Read the News Release

Parkville man pleads guilty to illegal gambling operation
KANSAS CITY - A Parkville, Mo., man, pleaded guilty in federal court today to conducting an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. James L. Dicapo, also known as “Jimmy,” 57, of Parkville, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Larsen to the charge contained in a March 9, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Olathe doctor pleads guilty to fraud, distributing prescription drugs, harassing state investigator
KANSAS CITY - An Olathe, Kan., physician pleaded guilty in federal court today to health care fraud, illegally distributing prescription drugs and harassing a state investigator. Wayne W. Williamson, 67, of Olathe, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright to the charges contained in an April 7, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Springfield man sentenced for bank fraud conspiracy, counterfeiting;
Conspirators passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks,
including GreeneCounty Sheriff's Dept.
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a bank fraud conspiracy that involved false identification documents used to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks, including thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent checks drawn on a Greene County Sheriff’s Department bank account. John Dennis Sedersten, 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Monday, July 26, 2010, to two years and eight months in federal prison without parole. (The federal sentence is in addition to 266 days served in Crawford County, Kan., on a related case.) The court also ordered Sedersten to pay $82,355 in restitution.
Read the News Release

July 26, 2010

Former Nixa employee sentenced for mail fraud, theft, money laundering
KANSAS CITY - Seven more defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a $12.6 million mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved 25 upscale residential properties in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Raymore, Mo. Stefan M. Guerra, 31, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Jerome Shade Howard, 41, of Anaheim, Calif., Michael Conrad Smith, 49, of Lancaster, Calif., and Gerald D. Williams, 49, and his wife, Judith E. Williams, 49, both of Bunkie, La., were sentenced in separate hearings today by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan. James F. Simpson, 41, of Lee’s Summit, and Cheryl Ann Romero, 52, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., were sentenced on Thursday, July 22, 2010.
Read the News Release

July 23, 2010

Seven more defendants sentenced for mortgage fraud;
$12.6 million scheme involved new, upscale homes in Lee's Summit, Raymore
KANSAS CITY - Seven more defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a $12.6 million mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved 25 upscale residential properties in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Raymore, Mo. Stefan M. Guerra, 31, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Jerome Shade Howard, 41, of Anaheim, Calif., Michael Conrad Smith, 49, of Lancaster, Calif., and Gerald D. Williams, 49, and his wife, Judith E. Williams, 49, both of Bunkie, La., were sentenced in separate hearings today by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan. James F. Simpson, 41, of Lee’s Summit, and Cheryl Ann Romero, 52, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., were sentenced on Thursday, July 22, 2010.
Read the News Release

Five KC men indicted for meth conspiracy, armed home invasion
KANSAS CITY - Five Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, which involved a shooting during a home invasion. Steven M. Martin, 56, John O. Younce, 37, his brother, Timothy Younce (age unknown), Jason M. Keeton, 30, and Vernon Tennison, Jr., 27, all of Kansas City, were charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. That indictment was unsealed following the arrest and initial court appearance of Tennison. Martin, John Younce and Jason Keeton were arrested yesterday; Timothy Younce remains a fugitive.
Read the News Release

July 22, 2010

Former KC man sentenced for identity theft, credit card fraud;
Restaurant waiter targeted customers on the Plaza
KANSAS CITY - Aformer Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for stealing identity information from customers at the Plaza restaurant where he worked, then using that information to make online purchases. John David Woody, 35, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan to three years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Independence man pleads guilty to distributing child porn
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing child pornography over the Internet. Stephen J. Matlick, 39, of Independence, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to the charge contained in a Sept. 9, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

July 21, 2010

KC man, wounded in shooting, sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm after he was wounded in a shooting incident. Tramayne D. Keith, also known as “Tray,” 31, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Keith was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior felony convictions.
Read the News Release

KC man pleads guilty to making telephone threats to kidnap, injure others
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening to kidnap and injure another person. Shane Foster, 29, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan to the charge contained in a Jan. 7, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Parkville man pleads guilty to trafficking over $400,000 in counterfeit goods, money laundering conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Parkville, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a conspiracy to traffic more than $400,000 worth of counterfeit designer purses, shoes and other items, and to a money-laundering conspiracy. James L. Dicapo, also known as “Jimmy,” 57, of Parkville, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Larsen to a federal information that charges him with conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods and to commit money laundering.
Read the News Release

July 16, 2010

Jury convicts Springfield man of drug trafficking;
'X family' leaders faces mandatory life in prison for recruiting women, teens
to sell drugs
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man has been convicted of participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. The defendant, who recruited young women and teenage girls as part of what he called the “X family,” faces a mandatory life sentence for distributing heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in the Springfield area. Claude X, 50, of Springfield, was found guilty on Thursday, July 15, 2010, of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in Greene County, Mo., from Jan. 9, 2007, to Oct. 29, 2008. In addition to the conspiracy, X was convicted of nine counts related to distributing drugs and two counts related to illegally possessing a firearm.
Read the News Release

July 14, 2010

Wichita man indicted for $100,000 worth of counterfeit casino chips;
former KCMO resident passed chips at Argosy Riverside Casino
KANSAS CITY - A Wichita, Kan., man has been indicted on charges related to passing counterfeit casino chips at the Argosy Riverside Casino. Zhe Li, also known as “Kevin,” 37, of Wichita, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., a naturalized U.S. citizen from China, was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 25, 2010.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
Blue Springs man pleads guilty to child pornography
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography over the Internet. Michael Sottilare, 43, of Blue Springs, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to the charge contained in a June 2, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Licking man indicted for arson, illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Licking, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury today for arson and for illegally possessing a firearm. Steven Oakley Price, 40, of Licking, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.
Read the News Release

July 13, 2010

New Jersey man pleads guilty to e-mail spam conspiracy;
Millions of e-mail addresses illegally harvested from computer at hundreds of universities
KANSAS CITY - A New Jersey man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a nationwide e-mail spamming case that victimized students at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States, including the University of Missouri. Paul Zucker, 57, of Wayne, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to the charge contained in an April 23, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
Former Whiteman air traffic controller sentenced for attempting to distribute child porn
KANSAS CITY - A former air traffic controller at Whiteman Air Force Base was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet. Michael A. Worrick, 27, who was a serviceman at Whiteman Air Force Base at the time of the offense, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to seven years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

July 12, 2010

Overland Park man sentenced for fraud scheme
KANSAS CITY - An Overland Park, Kan., man has been sentenced in federal court for actions taken as part of a bank fraud scheme that forced several low-income homeowners into bankruptcy by saddling them with more debt than they were able to repay. Harris Poulikidis, 62, of Overland Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith on Friday, July 9, 2010, to two years and nine months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Poulikidis to pay $62,100 in restitution to individual homeowners who were defrauded in the home improvement refinancing scheme, as well as $58,252 in restitution to financial institutions that made loans on behalf of the victims.
Read the News Release

July 9, 2010

U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips announced a series of indictments in a nationwide, multi-million dollar fraud scheme.

Black Market Travel Agents
38 defendants indicted in multi-million dollar fraud;
Local investigation exposes nationwide network that used stolen identities, credit cards to purchase airline tickets
KANSAS CITY - Thirty-eight defendants from across the United States have been charged in a series of indictments that allege an extensive network of black market travel agents who used the stolen identities of thousands of victims as part of a multi-million dollar fraud scheme to purchase airline tickets for their customers. “What began as a local law enforcement investigation ultimately exposed an extensive nationwide black market for airline tickets,” U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips said. “Six federal indictments allege that 38 defendants used stolen credit and debit card information from thousands of identity theft victims to purchase tickets, which they sold to their customers at a steep discount,” Phillips added. “These separate criminal conspiracies resulted in an estimated total loss of more than $20 million to numerous domestic airline companies, financial institutions, other merchants and cardholders.”
Read the News Release
List of indictments & defendants
Beecham, et al Indictment
Burks, et al Indictment
Clay Indictment
Harrison, et al Indictment
Palmer, et al Indictment
Pryor, et al Indictment

July 8, 2010

Indpendence man charged with illegal firearm;
Leads police on high-speed chase, crashing and burning vehicle with three children
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm. He was arrested following a high-speed police pursuit in which his vehicle overturned, catching fire, with three small children in the back seat. Earl C. Watson, 26, of Independence, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Watson remains in federal custody pending his initial court appearance and detention hearing.
Read the News Release

July 7, 2010

Former congressman pleads guilty to obstructing justice, acting as unregistered foreign agent;
IARA fundraiser also pleads guilty to conspiring with former congressman, others
KANSAS CITY - A former congressman and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations pleaded guilty in federal court today to obstruction of justice and to acting as an unregistered foreign agent, related to his work for an Islamic charity with ties to international terrorism. Mark Deli Siljander, 59, of Great Falls, Va., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey to one charge contained in an Oct. 21, 2008, federal indictment, and an additional charge filed today, involving his work for the Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA) of Columbia, Mo. Siljander was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan and was a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations General Assembly. Co-defendant Abdel Azim El-Siddig, of Chicago, Ill., a former IARA fundraiser, also pleaded guilty today to conspiring with Siljander and others to hire Siljander to lobby for IARA’s removal from a Senate Finance Committee list of charities suspected of having terrorist ties, while concealing this advocacy and not registering with the proper authorities.
Read the News Release

July 6, 2010

KC man sentenced for receiving child porn over the Internet
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet. Travis S. Cook, 37, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

July 1, 2010

Hollister woman sentenced for meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Hollister, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Robin Gayle East, 49, of Hollister, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr to six years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

June 2010

June 30, 2010

Jury convicts Texas physician, businessman of conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs; Nearly $1 million in prescription drugs distributed via Belton pharmacy
KANSAS CITY - Two Texas men – a physician and a business owner – were convicted by a federal jury today of participating in a conspiracy that used a Belton, Mo., pharmacy to illegally distribute nearly $1 million in prescription drugs, including more than 2 million dosage units of hydrocodone. Christopher L. Elder, M.D., 38, and Troy R. Solomon, 47, both of Houston, Texas, were found guilty of all the charges contained in a Feb. 6, 2008, federal indictment. Elder and Solomon were each found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances from August 2004 through October 2005. In addition to the conspiracy, Elder was also found guilty of eight counts of distributing controlled substances and Solomon was also found guilty of 10 counts of distributing controlled substances and one count of participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.
Read the News Release

Apartment manager sentenced for making false statements to HUD; Traded Section 8 housing for sexual favors
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., apartment complex was sentenced in federal court today for making false statements to the government about the incomes of Section 8 tenants in exchange for sexual favors. Meredith F. Sullivan, 55, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright to 16 months followed by two years supervised release. The court also ordered Sullivan to pay $34,444 in restitution.
Read the News Release

June 29, 2010

Two Kansas City developers indicted for improper handling of asbestos; Asbestos materials improperly removed from Citadel Plaza Redevelopment site in midtown
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted today by a federal grand jury for improperly removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials in connection with work at The Citadel Plaza Redevelopment Site. William M. Threatt, Jr., 69, and Anthony Crompton, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., were indicted on two counts each for violations of the criminal provisions of the Clean Air Act. Threatt was the president and owner operator of The Citadel Plaza Redevelopment Site, and Crompton was an operator for the site and a real estate director for Community Development Corporation of Kansas City. According to the indictment, the men directed the workers who performed demolition work on the site. The Citadel Plaza Redevelopment is located in midtown Kansas City, Mo. and is bounded by 60th Street on the north, 63rd Street on the south, Prospect Avenue on the east, and Brooklyn Avenue on the west.
Read the News Release

Houston woman sentenced for embezzling from her father's business
SPRINGFIELD - A Houston, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a mail fraud scheme in which she embezzled from her father’s business bank accounts. Shirley Ann Scheets, 50, of Houston, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr to 18 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The court also ordered Scheets to pay $124,795.95 in restitution.
Read the News Release

June 25, 2010

IARA director pleads guilty to violating U.S. sanctions against Iraq;
Columbia man misused local charity to send over $1 million to Iraq
KANSAS CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to illegally transfer more than $1 million to Iraq in violation of federal sanctions, and to obstructing the administration of the laws governing tax-exempt charities. Mubarak Hamed, 53, of Columbia, a naturalized United States citizen originally from Sudan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to three charges contained in a Jan. 16, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release
Read the Plea Agreement

June 24, 2010

Clinton man pleads guilty to fraud scheme;
At least 23 stores sustained $242,000 in losses due to fraudulent purchases
KANSAS CITY - A Clinton, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a fraud scheme that victimized at least 23 stores in a three-state area, resulting in more than $242,000 in losses. Jason M. Hendricks, 34, of Clinton, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to a federal information that charges him with executing a scheme to defraud Nebraska Furniture Mart.
Read the News Release

U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips announces the indictment against Hereford House owner Rodney J. Anderson. Photographs of individuals taken from video surveillance cameras have been released, and the public’s assistance is being sought to identify the individuals in the photographs. A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the additional co-conspirators.

June 22, 2010

Hereford House owner indicted for arson, mail frud conspiracy;
Charged with hiring others to set fire at landmark restaurant; resulted in $2.5 million insurance claim
KANSAS CITY - An owner of the Hereford House restaurant was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in an arson and mail fraud conspiracy that destroyed the landmark downtown Kansas City restaurant on Oct. 20, 2008. Rodney J. Anderson, 57, of Kansas City, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. Anderson is a co-owner of B & C Restaurant Corporation, a holding company that owned the Hereford House restaurant business.
Read the News Release
Federal Indictment

Republic man indicted for gambling conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Republic, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in a conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business. Donald E. Bishop, 34, of Republic, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Read the News Release

June 16, 2010

Columbia man sentenced for armed bank robberies;
Series of armed robberies culminated in shoot-out with officers
KANSAS CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a series of armed bank robberies that culminated in a vehicle pursuit and shoot-out with law enforcement officers. Michael A. Leak, 19, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright to 15 years and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Leak to pay $42,322 in restitution.
Read the News Release

June 15, 2010

Jury convicts Carrollton man of illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Carrollton, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of illegally possessing a firearm. Michael C. Moylan, 29, of Carrollton, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Moylan was in possession of a Hi-Point 9mm rifle on Dec. 21, 2009.
Read the News Release

KC man indicted for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to Internet child pornography. Michael James Sheets, 44, of Kansas City, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

June 14, 2010

Callaway County man sentenced for meth
JEFFERSON CITY - An Auxvasse, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Rodney Lynn Moore, 46, of Auxvasse, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Friday, June 11, 2010, to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

June 10, 2010

Columbia man sentenced for child porn
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography over the Internet. James Lee Melvin, 58, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts Republic man for illegally possessing ammunition
SPRINGFIELD - A Republic, Mo., man was convicted in federal court today for illegally possessing ammunition. James Hopkins, 44, of Republic, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Read the News Release

Twenty-three defendants indicted for cocaine, crack cocaine conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Twenty-three defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Read the News Release

June 9, 2010

Fulton man indicted for bank robberies
JEFFERSON CITY - A Fulton, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for two bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery. John David Farnell, 58, of Fulton, was charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.
Read the News Release

June 8, 2010

Lee's Summit man pleads guilty to possessing child porn;
Wife discovered thousands of images of child porn on computer
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. Michael E. Hahn, 39, of Lee’s Summit, waived his 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 him with possessing child pornography.
Read the News Release

June 7, 2010

80-year-old KC man pleads guilty to bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing UMB Bank. Augusta Cannon, 80, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to the charge contained in a Jan. 26, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Russellville man sentenced for possessing stolen firearms
JEFFERSON CITY - A Russellville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing stolen firearms. Dale Scott Olten, Jr., 21, of Russellville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to three years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

June 3, 2010

Diamond man pleads guilty to four armed bank robberies in Missouri and Kansas
SPRINGFIELD - A Diamond, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to four bank robberies that occurred in Missouri and Kansas. Richard Allan Bratt, 58, of Diamond, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to an information that charges him with three bank robberies in Missouri. Bratt also pleaded guilty to a fourth bank robbery, which is charged in an indictment from the District of Kansas.
Read the News Release

June 2, 2010

Blue Springs man sentenced for possessing child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing child pornography. David Anthony Dunn, 21, of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to six years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

June 1, 2010

Former Nixa official pleads guilty to $756,000 fraud, money laundering conspiracies
SPRINGFIELD - The former street superintendent for the city of Nixa, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud and money laundering conspiracies, mail fraud and theft in relation to a scheme to defraud the city of more than $756,000. Larry W. Covington, 50, of Ash Grove, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to the charges contained in a May 15, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Springfield man sentenced for bank fraud, tax fraud schemes;
Conspirators passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today in two separate cases that charge him in a bank fraud conspiracy and a tax fraud scheme. He used false identification documents to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks in the bank fraud conspiracy, and helped file fraudulent tax returns in order to receive tax refunds to which he and others were not entitled. Max R. Snodgrass, 32, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to four years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Snodgrass to pay $91,416 in restitution.
Read the News Release

Platte City man sentenced for receiving child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Platte City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet. Samuel T. Smith, 44, of Platte City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

May 2010

May 28, 2010

Texas man charged with Springfield bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Big Springs, Texas, man was charged in federal court today with robbing People’s Bank in Springfield, Mo. Clark Wayne Kirkman, 67, of Big Springs, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield.
Read the News Release

May 26, 2010

Branson man sentenced to 46 years in prison for producing, distributing child porn;
Admitted using an infant to produce child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Branson, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using an infant to produce child pornography and for distributing child pornography over the Internet. Ronald Darling, 45, of Branson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to 46 years and five months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Darling to serve a term of 15 years of supervised release following his prison term. Darling’s federal sentence will be served concurrently with a 20-year state sentence for three counts of statutory sodomy.
Read the News Release

Seneca man sentenced for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Seneca, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing a Conway, Mo., bank. Billy Johnson, 30, of Seneca, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.n indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Read the News Release

May 26, 2010

Los Angeles man indicted for possessing more than 1,000 pound of marijuana for distribution
KANSAS CITY - A Los Angeles, Calif., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute after state troopers seized more than 500 kilograms of marijuana in a highway interdiction near Kearney, Mo. Alfonso Rivera-Perez, 55, of Los Angeles, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Read the News Release

Nebraska man sentenced to 20 years for armed robbery at St. Joseph bank
KANSAS CITY - An Omaha, Neb., man has been sentenced in federal court for the armed robbery of U.S. Bank in St. Joseph, Mo. Russel Lee Singletary, 67, of Omaha, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Singletary was sentenced to 17 years for the St. Joseph bank robbery. In addition, his supervised release was revoked in a prior bank robbery case in Iowa, and he was sentenced to a consecutive three-year prison term in that case.
Read the News Release

May 24, 2010

Former mortgage broker, California woman plead guilty to mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY - Two more defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to mortgage fraud schemes, including a $12.6 million conspiracy that involved 25 upscale residential properties in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Raymore, Mo., and a property-flipping scheme in Kansas City, Mo. Cynthia D. Jordan, 43, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Friday, May 21, 2010, to mail fraud and wire fraud. Jordan, who was a mortgage loan broker for various mortgage brokers in the Kansas City area, admitted that she participated in a property flipping scheme. Anahit Nshanian, 30, of Long Beach, Calif., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer on Thursday, May 20, 2010, to her role in the $12.6 million conspiracy.
Read the News Release

May 21, 2010

Project Safe Childhood
Sex offender sentenced to 30 years for child porn
SPRINGFIELD - An Everton, Mo., man with prior sex convictions has been sentenced for possessing, distributing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Robert Hoffman, 65, of Everton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner on Monday, May 17, 2010, to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

May 20, 2010

McDonald County man sentenced for illegally possessing firearms, explosives
SPRINGFIELD - A McDonald County, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing firearms and explosives at his 200-acre property in southern Missouri. Robert Neil Joos, 56, of McDonald County, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

May 19, 2010

U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips announced at a Kansas City, Mo., press conference that Khalid Ouazzani pleaded guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida.

Al-Qaida supporter pleads guilty to supporting terrorist organization;
KC man also admits to bank fraud, overseas money laundering
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to provide material support to the terrorist organization Al-Qaida. He also pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering. Khalid Ouazzani, 32, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to a federal information that charges him with conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization. Ouazzani also pleaded guilty to charges contained in an indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Feb. 3, 2010.
Read the News Release
Court Documents Related To This Case:
Ouazzani Indictment
Ouazzani Information
Ouazzani Plea Agreement

May 18, 2010

Former mortgage brokers sentenced for $1.2 million mortgage fraud scheme
SPRINGFIELD - Three former mortgage brokers were among five co-defendants sentenced in federal court for their roles in a $1.2 million mortgage fraud scheme. Charles M. Davis, 35, of Rogersville, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner on Monday, May 17, 2010, to four years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Davis to pay $1,271,590 in restitution. Scott Allen Kassebaum, 42, of Ozark, Mo., was sentenced to two years in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay $209,100 in restitution; his wife, Cheryl Joan Kassebaum, 43, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay $497,200 in restitution. Steven Ray Spencer, 49, of Carl Junction, Mo., was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay $436,556 in restitution. Shanda Lynn Moore, 45, of Springfield, Mo., was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement and a $3,000 fine and restitution of $262,755.
Read the News Release

May 17, 2010

Former Lee's Summit real estate agent pleads guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy, money laundering
$12.6 million scheme invovled new, upscale homes in Lee's Summit, Raymore
KANSAS CITY - A former Lee’s Summit, Mo., real estate agent pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a $12.6 million mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved 25 upscale residential properties in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Raymore, Mo. Angela R. Clark, 41, of Lee’s Summit, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this afternoon to the charges contained in an Oct. 29, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Two motorcycle club members sentenced for meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Two members of a local motorcycle club were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Eric G. Burkitt, also known as “Little Eric,” 25, and Robert E. Stewart, 53, both of Kansas City, Mo., were each sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

KC man pleads guilty to firearms trafficking
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally trafficking firearms, including several firearms that have been recovered in separate criminal investigations. Montell F. Ross, 27, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Dec. 2, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

May 14, 2010

Springfield man sentenced for bank fraud conspiracy, identity theft, passing counterfeit $100 bills
Passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks, $13,300 in counterfeit currency
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today in two separate cases that charge him with an identity theft and check-counterfeiting conspiracy and with passing counterfeit $100 bills in Springfield. The bank fraud scheme involved false identification documents that were used to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks. The counterfeiting scheme involved $13,300 in counterfeit $100 bills. Bryan Thomas Ray, 33, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to four years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ray to pay $82,955 in restitution.
Read the News Release

May 12, 2010

Professional counselor indicted for $1.5 million conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs at Carthage clinic
SPRINGFIELD - A licensed professional counselor at a Carthage, Mo., clinic was indicted by a federal grand jury today for her role in conspiracies to illegally distribute more than $1.5 million in prescription drugs and to engage in money laundering. Tammy L. Neil, 40, of Carthage, was charged in a 24-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
Cabool man pleads guilty to distributing, possessing child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Cabool, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing and possessing child pornography. Charles “Chuck” R. Denning, 49, of Cabool, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to two counts of distributing child pornography and to one count of possessing child pornography. Those charges were contained in a June 23, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Human Trafficking Rescue Project
KC man pleads guilty to trafficking women into forced prostitution
KANSAS CITY- A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to commercial sex trafficking. Michael L. Buck, 37, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to trafficking women into involuntary servitude and coerced commercial sex.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
Humansville man indicted for child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Humansville, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet. Jerry Earl Troupe, Jr., 51, of Humansville, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
College student indicted for attempting to produce child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Joplin, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for sexually exploiting three minors in an attempt to produce child pornography. Harry Sneed, 19, of St. Louis, Mo., a student at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Read the News Release

Sparta man indicted for bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Sparta, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing Great Southern Bank in Nixa, Mo. Joshua T. Caprarella, 28, of Sparta, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.
Read the News Release

May 10, 2010

Operation Guardian Angel
Overland Park man sentenced for sex trafficking of a child
KANSAS CITY - An Overland Park, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for the attempted commercial sex trafficking of a child. Steven E. Mikoloyck, 48, of Overland Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole and a $5,000 fine.
Read the News Release

Greene County man pleads guilty to bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Greene County, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing Empire Bank in Springfield, Mo. Curtis L. Ralls, 44, of Greene County, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in an April 7, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

May 7, 2010

Blue Springs man indicted for arson
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the arson of a Blue Springs business. Joseph R. Young, 23, of Blue Springs, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
Read the News Release

St. Joseph man indicted for bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing the First Bank of Missouri in St. Joseph. Anthony M. Roberts, 34, of St. Joseph, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
Read the News Release

Credit union manager pleads guilty to embezzling nearly $400,000
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling nearly $400,000 from the credit union where she was employed as a branch manager. Joyce Buchanan, 55, of Kansas City, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to a two-count information that charges her with theft from a credit institution and with bank fraud.
Read the News Release

May 6, 2010

Ash Grove woman pleads guilty to money laundering related to city of Nixa theft;
Bought, sold Labrador retrievers with proceeds of fraud
SPRINGFIELD - An Ash Grove, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to money laundering in relation to a scheme to defraud the city of Nixa of $482,365. Paula K. Covington, 53, of Ash Grove, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to a superseding information that charges her with money laundering.
Read the News Release

Project Safe Childhood
Prior sex offender sentenced to 20 years for receiving, possessing child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Branson, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Michael D. McCullough, 42, of Branson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 20 years in federal prison without parole. McCullough, who was convicted of attempted aggravated incest in Shawnee County, Kan., in 1994, was sentenced as a prior sex offender.
Read the News Release

California man pleads guilty to $225,000 scheme to defraud the federal government
KANSAS CITY - A California man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to defraud the federal government of more than $225,000. Michael Morand, 50, of California, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims.
Read the News Release

Project Ceasefire
Thirteen men indicted for illegally possessing firearms
KANSAS CITY - Thirteen men were indicted by a federal grand jury this week, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms.
Read the News Release

May 5, 2010

KC man indicted for fraud scheme;
Charged with creating false obligations, mail fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for creating false obligations and for mail fraud as part of a fraud scheme. Denny Ray Hardin, 51, of Kansas City, was charged in a 21-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

Human Trafficking Rescue Project
Former Blue Springs woman sentenced to 15 years for sex trafficking of daughter;
Child sold as sexual dominatrix for both online, in-person sessions
KANSAS CITY - A former Blue Springs, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for the sex trafficking of her daughter. When this case was originally charged in May 2008, it was the first time nationwide that the parent of a victim has been charged with commercial sex trafficking of her own child under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The 46-year-old woman, previously of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court ordered her to pay $200,000 in restitution to the victim for medical services relating to current and future physical, psychiatric, or psychological care. The defendant is not being identified in this release in order to protect the victim’s identity.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts Pleasant Hope man of possessing child pornography
SPRINGFIELD - A Pleasant Hope, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of possessing child pornography. Phillip M. Brumfield, 59, of Pleasant Hope, was found guilty of being in possession of child pornography. Brumfield must also forfeit to the government four computers and a VHS camcorder that were used to commit the offense.
Read the News Release

Operation Family Tree
Eight co-defendants sentenced in $6 million meth conspiracy;
Mother, three daughters among 19 who pleaded guilty
SPRINGFIELD - Eight southern Missouri residents – including a Flemington, Mo., woman whose three daughters are also co-defendants – have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. These convictions resulted from Operation Family Tree, a multi-agency investigation into shipments of large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona for distribution in Greene County, Mo. Lori G. Weese, 49, of Flemington, her daughter, Sarah A. Weese, 25, of Nixa, Mo., Richard A. Lester, 31, of Republic, Mo., Aaron M. Garger, 45, of Buffalo, Mo., Eileen M. Garger, 37, of Springfield, Mo., and Michael A. Trujillo, 30, of Flemington, Mo., were sentenced in separate appearances today before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith. Toreiko S. Miller, 36, of Springfield, and Fernando Nunez, also known as “Playboy,” 25, of Glendale, Ariz., were sentenced on Monday, May 3, 2010.
Read the News Release

May 4, 2010

Mexican national indicted for meth, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and for illegally possessing a firearm. Rodrigo Santacruz-Felix, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

KC man indicted for armed bank robbery
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing Commerce Bank at gunpoint. Derrick T. Hubbard, 20, of Kansas City, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced for drug trafficking
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Kalib J. Delvalle, 25, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

May 3, 2010

Millersburg man sentenced for $3 million investment fraud conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Millersburg, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a $3 million investment fraud conspiracy. William Colwell McNeely, 78, of Millersburg, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to six years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered McNeely to pay $2.4 million in restitution.
Read the News Release

April 2010

April 29, 2010

Two Columbia men sentenced for drug-trafficking conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - Two Columbia, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a drug–trafficking conspiracy. Arthur Lee Rainey, Jr., 25, and Thomas Cortez Stevens, 25, both of Columbia, were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole in separate appearances this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey. The court also ordered Rainey and Stevens to forfeit to the government $33,732 that was seized by law enforcement officers at the time of their arrest.
Read the News Release

Sunrise Beach woman sentenced for distributing meth
JEFFERSON CITY - A Sunrise Beach, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for distributing methamphetamine in Camden County, Mo. Rhonda Sue Ammerman, 41, of Sunrise Beach, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

April 28, 2010

KC man pleads guilty to leading $3.5 million illegal gambling operation
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man, pleaded guilty in federal court today to leading an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Gerlarmo Cammisano, also known as “Jerry,” 56, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Larsen this morning to the charge contained in a March 9, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

April 23, 2010

Former Vatterott director sentenced for financial aid fraud;
KC school received $362,000 in federal aid for ineligible students
KANSAS CITY - The former director of the Kansas City, Mo., campus of Vatterott College was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain nearly $362,000 in federal financial aid for ineligible students by providing false general equivalency diplomas (GEDs) and falsifying financial aid forms. Kevin Earl Woods, 47, of Louisville, Ky., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Woods to pay $361,964 in restitution.
Read the News Release

Louisiana man sentenced to 14 years for transporting 15-year-old girl for illicit sex
SPRINGFIELD - A Violet, La., man has been sentenced in federal court for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in illegal sexual activity. Neil Scott Kramer, 40, of Violet, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr to 14 years in federal prison without parole. Kramer pleaded guilty on Dec. 21, 2009.
Read the News Release

April 22, 2010

Two Eastern Jackson County men plead guilty to $23 million mortgage fraud;
Scheme involved hundreds of properties
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man and a Grain Valley, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to a $23 million mortgage fraud scheme that involved 350 properties. Nathan N. Anderson, 34, of Grain Valley, and Kyle J. Wine, 29, of Lee’s Summit, each waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to a two-count federal information that charges both men with participating in a conspiracy to transport money obtained by fraud across state lines and with money laundering.
Read the News Release

April 21, 2010

KC man sentenced to 10 years for illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Joshua E. Holmes, 31, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole, which is the statutory maximum penalty.
Read the News Release

Fulton man pleads guilty to armed bank robberies, faces 30 years in federal prison;
Series of armed robberies culminated in shoot-out with officers
KANSAS CITY - A Fulton, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a series of armed bank robberies that culminated in a vehicle pursuit and shoot-out with law enforcement officers. William AlanWolfe, 29, of Fulton, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to two counts of armed robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Wolfe would be sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced to 15 years for meth, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Thomas G. Hedges, 42, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

April 20, 2010

Credit union manager pleads guilty to embezzlement
JEFFERSON CITY - A Sedalia, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing $35,000 from customers’ accounts at the credit union where she was employed. Sandra Ann Jeffers, 49, of Sedalia, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to a federal information that charges her with embezzlement by a credit union employee.
Read the News Release

La Plata man pleads guilty to receiving, possessing child porn;
Faces at least 15 years in prison
KANSAS CITY - A La Plata, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Jeffrey Michael Powell, 31, of La Plata, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the charges contained in a Sept. 9, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Arizona man sentenced for 90 kilograms of cocaine; wholesale value about $2 million
SPRINGFIELD - A Yuma, Ariz., man was sentenced in federal court today for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine after officers found 90 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his trailer during an inspection stop on Interstate 44 in Greene County, Mo. Carlos R. Delgado, Jr., 50, a citizen of Mexico residing in Yuma, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to seven years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

April 19, 2010

Seven Sedalia residents indicted for conspiracy to possess meth ingredient
JEFFERSON CITY - Seven Sedalia, Mo., residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine, which was used to manufacture methamphetamine. William Gene Salmons, Jr., 42, Roger Wayne Lindsey, 46, Holly Nicole Fisher, 22, Jonathan David Buri, 25, Carla Jane Limback, 42, Sharon Marie Crain, 44, and Jessica Kay Salmons, 21, were charged in a 59-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on April 15, 2010.
Read the News Release

West Plains woman pleads guilty to stealing $742,000 from employer, false tax return
SPRINGFIELD - A West Plains, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to embezzle more than $742,000 from her former employer. Mary Elizabeth Hurtt, 58, of West Plains, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to uttering a forged security and filing a false tax return.
Read the News Release

Co-owner of Guaranty Title pleads guilty to $2.7 million fraud
SPRINGFIELD - The co-owner of Guaranty Title, formerly headquartered in Nixa, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in $2.7 million wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies. Kathy Cyrena Allen, also known as Kathy Stanton, 52, of Sarcoxie, Mo., pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Read the News Release

April 16, 2010

Stover mayor, city official indicted
Mayor charged with covering up false drinking water samples
JEFFERSON CITY - The mayor and public works superintendent in Stover, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to violating the Safe Drinking Water Act. Richard R. Sparks, 53, and Scott Allen Beckmann, 40, both of Stover, were charged in a 30-count indictment returned under seal on Thursday, April 15, 2010, by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. That indictment was unsealed and made public today.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced for filing false tax return
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for filing a false tax return. William E. Schroff, 72, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Schroff to pay $48,060 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Read the News Release

Former college professor pleads guilty to child pornography, illegal firearms
SPRINGFIELD - A Nevada, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography and to illegally possessing several firearms. Thomas E. Ruley, 59, of Nevada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charges contained in a March 31, 2009, federal indictment. Ruley was a professor at Cottey College, an all-women’s school in Nevada, at the time of the offense.
Read the News Release

April 15, 2010

Mexican national sentenced for illegally reentering U.S.
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Imelda Melissa Cantu-Barraza, 35, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Blue Springs man sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearms
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing firearms. Wesley T. Frasher, 40, of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Frasher was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
Read the News Release

April 14, 2010

Sedalia man pleads guilty to tax evasion
KANSAS CITY - A Sedalia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion. Rickie Lee Keele, 53, of Sedalia, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with five counts of tax evasion.
Read the News Release

Columbia car dealer sentenced for $1.7 million bank fraud
JEFFERSON CITY - The former owner of a car dealership in Columbia, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for a $1.7 million bank fraud scheme. Gregg Dean Woods, 49, of Columbia, was sentenced in federal court today to two years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Woods to pay $1,340,631 in restitution.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced for trafficking in counterfeit DVDs, CDs
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for trafficking in thousands of counterfeit DVDs and CDs. Reginald R. Collier, 26, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Collier to pay $41,361 in restitution to the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc., and the Recording Industry Association of America, Inc. Collier was also ordered to forfeit to the government a laptop computer, three DVD burners, a CD recorder and other equipment used to commit the offense, as well as the counterfeit DVDs and CDs.
Read the News Release

April 13, 2010

Five Columbia men sentenced for drive-by shooting, drug trafficking, illegal firearms
JEFFERSON CITY - Five Columbia, Mo., men have been sentenced for their involvement in illegal drug trafficking and firearms in association with the Cut Throats gang. William Ricky Boyd, 22, Robert Darnell Simmons, 37, Dametrell Koda Washington, 28, and Tarron Montez Cason, 27, all of Columbia, were sentenced in separate hearings today before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey. Dajuan Anthony Harris, 26, of Columbia, was sentenced on Monday, April 12, 2010. Boyd was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Simmons was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Washington was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison without parole. Cason was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Harris was sentenced to nine years and two months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Three Webb City men indicted for meth conspiracy; imported ingredient from Thailand
SPRINGFIELD - Three Webb City, Mo., men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine that involved importing a key ingredient, pseudoephedrine, from Thailand. Gary Dishong, 49, Michael W. Wright, 51, and Marcus A. Herrell, 35, all of Webb City, were charged in a 15-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.
Read the News Release

Owner of Guaranty Title pleads guity to$2.7 million wire fraud conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - The owner of Guaranty Title, formerly headquartered in Nixa, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a $2.7 million wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Richard G. “Rick” Burton, 59, of Nixa, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Read the News Release

Blue Springs man sentenced for $1 million stolen vehicle, chop shop conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role 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. Harley Harvey, 42, of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner on Monday, April 12, 2010, to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Harvey to pay $25,003 in restitution.
Read the News Release

April 12, 2010

Sturgeon woman sentenced for identity theft, credit card fraud of former employer
KANSAS CITY - A Sturgeon, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for an identity theft and credit card fraud scheme in which she targeted her former employer. Jennifer Lynette Furlong, 39, of Sturgeon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to three years and two months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Furlong to pay $42,368 in restitution.
Read the News Release

April 9, 2010

KC man pleads guilty to bank robberies;
Robbed the same bank twice, in the same month
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing the same bank twice in the same month. Isaac O. Okesanya, 21, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to two counts of bank robbery.
Read the News Release

Business owner indicted for false tax returns
KANSAS CITY - A Mexican national, who operated a roofing business in the Kansas City, Mo., area, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for filing false tax returns. Inocente Ramirez, 38, a citizen of Mexico who is also a citizen of the United States, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, April 6, 2010.
Read the News Release

Cut Throats Gang:
Columbia man sentenced to 20 years in prison for drive-by shooting;
Among six more defendants sentenced for drug trafficking illegal firearms
JEFFERSON CITY - Six more defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their involvement in illegal drug trafficking and firearms in association with the Cut Throats gang. Brandon James Isom, 20, of Columbia, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to 20 years and two months in federal prison without parole. Robert Lee Jones, 20, of Kansas City, Mo., Michael Lee Stapleton, 24, of Fayette, Mo., and Donna C. Coats, 40, Diondre Jamel Cooper, 21, and Ryan Montez Kee, 23, all of Columbia, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Thursday, April 8, 2010. Jones was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole. Stapleton was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Coats was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole. Cooper was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Kee was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Former Jackson County deputy sentenced to 14 years for civil rights violation;
Sexually abused teen girl while she was detained
KANSAS CITY - A former Jackson County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy was sentenced in federal court today for violating the civil rights of a teenage girl whom he sexually assaulted in his patrol car. Steven W. Burgess, 36, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to 14 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

April 8, 2010

Cut Throats Gang:
Four Columbia men sentenced for drug trafficing, illegal firearms
JEFFERSON CITY - Four Columbia, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their involvement in illegal drug trafficking and firearms in association with the Cut Throats gang. Koda Alshawn Coats, 23, his brother, Eric Sherron Coats, 22, Demarco Laron Burnett, 25, and Cheviss Caron Denny, 22, all of Columbia, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning. Koda Coats was sentenced to 18 years and four months in federal prison without parole. Eric Coats was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Burnett and Denny were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

KC man indicted for drugging children, producing child porn;
Superseding indictment adds charges related to 13 victims
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using 13 child victims to produce child pornography and for drugging some of the victims with sleeping pills. James Phillip “Phil” Edwards, 60, of Kansas City, was charged in a 21-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. The superseding indictment replaces an Oct. 21, 2009, federal indictment. Edwards remains in federal custody.
Read the News Release

Olathe doctor indicted for fraud, distributing prescription drugs
KANSAS CITY - An Olathe, Kan., physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury for health care fraud and for distributing prescription drugs. Wayne W. Williamson, 67, of Olathe, was charged in a 199-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. The superseding indictment replaces a three-count federal indictment returned on Oct. 20, 2009, and contains three new counts of witness tampering.
Read the News Release

Water district clerk indicted for $75,000 fraud scheme
KANSAS CITY - The former clerk of two Bates County, Mo., public water districts has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a $75,000 mail fraud scheme. Valerie Jill Berry, 35, of Butler, Mo., was charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

April 7, 2010

KC man charged with placing hoax bomb at federal courthouse
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with placing a hoax bomb at the Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse and making a false bomb threat over the telephone. Manuel Garcia, 66, whose last known address was in Kansas City but is now believed to be homeless, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Garcia was arrested today and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
Read the News Release

Independence man sentenced to 30 years for child porn;
sexually abused two minor victims
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today on charges related to possessing and distributing child pornography. Gordon P. Grant, 43, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to 30 years in federal prison without parole, which is the maximum recommended sentence under the federal sentencing guidelines. The court also ordered Grant to pay $19,497 in restitution. Following his incarceration, Grant must also serve a term of 20 years on supervised release.
Read the News Release

April 6, 2010

Former Columbia man pleads guilty to violating federal sanctions against Iraq;
Former IARA officer admits organization transferred money to Iraq
KANSAS CITY - A former Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to illegally transfer funds to Iraq in violation of federal sanctions. Ali Mohamed Bagegni, 56, a native of Libya who is a naturalized United States citizen and former resident of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to the charge contained in a Jan. 16, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

St. Joseph man sentenced for distributing child porn over the Internet
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography over the Internet. Daren L. Holcomb, 48, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

April 2, 2010

Three men sentenced for dog fighting;
Hundreds of dogs seized inmulti-state investigation
KANSAS CITY - Three more defendants were sentenced in federal court today for promoting or participating in dog fights. Cris E. Bottcher, 49, of Gilman City, Mo., Kevin P. Tasler, 52, of Jefferson, Iowa, and Ryan J. Tasler, 43, of Woodward, Iowa, were sentenced in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith. Bottcher was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison without parole. Kevin Tasler was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home detention and 100 hours of community service. Ryan Tasler was sentenced to two years of probation, including 50 hours of community service.
Read the News Release

April 1, 2010

Polo man pleads guilty to using a child to produce child pornography;
Faces at least 15 years in prison for thousands of images, videos of child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Polo, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using a child to produce child pornography and to receiving and possessing child pornography. Terry R. Ingerson, 45, of Polo, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to the charges contained in a May 20, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

March 2010

March 31, 2010

Branson husband, wife plead guilty to tax fraud at Branson business, filing false tax returns
SPRINGFIELD - A Branson, Mo., husband and wife pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to corporate tax fraud and filing false tax returns. Carl Roger Davis, 74, and his wife, Jo Elaine Davis, 60, both of Branson, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to the charges contained in an April 4, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Former school board member, city employee pleads guilty to child porn
KANSAS CITY - A former member of the Hickman Mills school board and former employee of the Kansas City, Mo., Parks and Recreation Department pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. David R. Buie, 55, of Kansas City, Mo., waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to a federal information that charges him with possessing child pornography.
Read the News Release

March 30, 2010

Smithville man sentenced for $3 million in fraudulent tax refunds
KANSAS CITY - A Smithville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for filing false tax returns that resulted in nearly $3 million in refunds that he was not entitled to receive. Gary R. Doss, 53, of Smithville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to three years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Doss to pay $1,906,090 in restitution to the government.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts KC man of illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of illegally possessing a firearm. Christopher Scroggins, 30, of Kansas City, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Read the News Release

March 26, 2010

Eldon man sentenced in dog-fighting conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - An Eldon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a dog-fighting conspiracy and selling dogs for fighting purposes. Jack Ruppel, 36, of Eldon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 16 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ruppel to forfeit to the government all of the animals, money, weapons, animal fighting paraphernalia, property and assets seized by law enforcement officials during their investigation.
Read the News Release

March 25, 2010

Jury convicts three Mexican nationals of marijuana trafficking
KANSAS CITY - Three Mexican nationals were convicted by a federal jury today of participating in a conspiracy to distribute hundreds of pounds of marijuana. Ramon Benavente-Zubia, 38, Mateo Ruiz-Zarate, 27, and Elias Isaac Guerrero-Ramirez, 28, who are all citizens of Mexico, were found guilty of the charges contained in a Feb. 9, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

March 24, 2010

KC man sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking, illegal firearm following police shooting
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm following a gunfight with police officers in which an officer was severely injured. Ali Akbar Walker, formerly known as “Bryan Walker” before legally changing his name, 24, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

KC man, woman sentenced for mortgage fraud
KANSAS CITY- Two Kansas City, Mo., residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of mortgage transactions. Mark Kiel, 42, and Codi McArdle, 26, who are common law husband and wife, of Kansas City, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning. Kiel was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison without parole; McArdle was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

March 18, 2010

Springfield business owner pleads guilty to $17 million fraud scheme;
Sold dietary supplements over the Internet with false claims to prevent, cure disease
SPRINGIFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently market dietary supplements over the Internet with illegal claims that these supplements could prevent, treat or cure a number of diseases. Several Web sites were used to sell more than $17.4 million worth of products in 2005 and 2006. Charles Thao, 42, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to his role in conspiracies to violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to defraud the United States, to commit wire fraud, to commit mail fraud and to commit money laundering.
Read the News Release

March 17, 2010

Overland Park man pleads guilty to fraud scheme
KANSAS CITY - An Overland Park, Kan., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to actions taken as part of a bank fraud scheme that forced several low-income homeowners into bankruptcy by saddling them with more debt than they were able to repay. Harris Poulikidis, 62, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to causing an individual to travel across state lines as part of a fraud scheme.
Read the News Release

Former Whiteman air traffic controller pleads guilty to attempting to distribute child porn
KANSAS CITY- A former air traffic controller at Whiteman Air Force Base pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet. Michael A. Worrick, 27, who was a serviceman at Whiteman Air Force Base at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to the charge contained in an Aug. 11, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

March 16, 2010

Greene County man charged with bank robbery
SPRINGFIELD - A Greene County, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing Empire Bank in Springfield, Mo., yesterday. Curtis L. Ralls, 43, of Greene County, was charged with bank robbery in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield.
Read the News Release

Uzbekistan national pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy
KANSAS CITY- An Uzbekistan national pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a criminal enterprise involving illegal aliens working in 14 states, including employees at hotels in the Kansas City, Mo., area and in Branson, Mo. Jakhongir Kakhkharov, 30, a citizen of Uzbekistan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to the charge contained in a Jan. 7, 2010, superseding indictment.
Read the News Release

March 12, 2010

Clay County man pleads guilty to attempting to produce child porn, faces 20 years in prison
KANSAS CITY- A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to produce child pornography. Elvon L. Arndt, 66, of Kansas City-North, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to the charge contained in a Feb. 4, 2009, federal indictment. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Arndt will receive a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

March 11, 2010

North Kansas City man sentenced for wire fraud, money laundering;
Former employee embezzled $3.5 million from Ferrellgas
KANSAS CITY- A former employee of Ferrellgas, Inc., was sentenced in federal court today for wire fraud and money laundering, related to his embezzlement of $3.5 million from the company. Scott J. Beeson, 53, of North Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this afternoon to four years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Beeson to pay restitution to Ferrellgas.
Read the News Release

Texas man sentenced to 14 years in prison formassive ecstasy conspiracy
KANSAS CITY- The 28th and final defendant in a drug-trafficking conspiracy was sentenced in federal court today for his role in distributing hundreds of thousands of ecstasy pills, worth approximately $2 million, in Jackson County, Mo. Southanome Frichitavong, also known as “Pao,” 36, of Euless, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 14 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

March 10, 2010

Four men, two businesses indicted for $3.5 million illegal gambling operation;
Sports bookmakingoperation used Web site, computer server in Costa Rica
KANSAS CITY- Three Kansas City, Mo., men, a Parkville, Mo., man and two businesses in Arizona and Costa Rica have been indicted by a federal grand jury for operating an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Gerlarmo Cammisano, also known as “Jerry,” 56, James J. Moretina, 60, and Michael J. Lombardo, 54, all of Kansas City, James L. Dicapo, 57, of Parkville, Phoenix International Teleport Satellite Services, Inc., located in Chandler, Ariz., and Elite Sports, located in San Jose, Costa Rica, were charged in a 23-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.
Read the News Release

March 9, 2010

Clinton County man pleads guilty to child porn, faces 10 years in prison for subscribing to child porn Web sites
KANSAS CITY- A Clinton County, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to receive and possess child pornography after he subscribed to several child pornography Web sites. Michael Pinkerton, 32, of Clinton County, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the charges contained in a June 2, 2009, federal indictment. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government and Pinkerton jointly recommend a sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

March 5, 2010

KC man charaged in courthouse disturbance;
Arrested withknife; loaded rifle found in vehicle
KANSAS CITY- A Kansas City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm after being arrested following a disturbance at the Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Wendell C. Woods, 28, of Kansas City, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

Sugar Creek man indicted for child porn
KANSAS CITY- A Sugar Creek, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child pornography. Martin A. Cordry, 47, of Sugar Creek, was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, March 3, 2010.
Read the News Release

March 4, 2010

March 3, 2010

KC man is sixth to plead guilty to illegal gambling;
Sports bookmaking operation used Web site, comuter server in Costa Rica
KANSAS CITY- A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conducting an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Vincent F. Civella, 53, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to a federal information that charges him with conducting an illegal gambling business.
Read the News Release

March 2, 2010

Springfield husband, wife indicted for $1 million investment fraud
SPRINGFIELD- A Springfield, Mo., husband and wife were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a $1 million real estate investment scheme. John Michael Sheehan, 50, and Alesia Claremae Sheehan, 49, both of Springfield, were charged in a 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Read the News Release

Ava woman indicted for identity theft, food stamp fraud
SPRINGFIELD- An Ava, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for identity theft and food stamp fraud. Jan Ruston, 50, of Ava, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Read the News Release

March 1, 2010

KC man pleads guilty to receiving child porn over the Internet
KANSAS CITY- A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography over the Internet. Travis S. Cook, 37, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with receiving child pornography over the Internet.
Read the News Release

February 2010

February 25, 2010

Blue Springs man sentenced to 12 years for child porn
KANSAS CITY- A Blue Springs, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet. Matthew William Lane, 33, of Blue Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Lane to pay $5,000 in restitution to the victims.
Read the News Release

Harrisonville man pleads guilty to illegal gambling;
Sports bookmaking operation used Web site, computer server in Costa Rica
KANSAS CITY - A Harrisonville, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conducting an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. William D. Cammisano, Jr., also known as “Willie,” 60, of Harrisonville, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer this morning to a federal information that charges him with conducting an illegal gambling business.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts Raytown man of crack cocaine, illegal firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Raytown, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of distributing crack cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm. Theodore Tiger, also known as “Abdullah,” 40, of Raytown, was found guilty of all four counts contained in a May 8, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

February 24, 2010

Eight co-defendants sentenced in $6 million meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - Eight co-defendants, primarily residents of Springfield, Mo., have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. These convictions resulted from Operation Family Tree, a multi-agency investigation into shipments of large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona for distribution in Greene County, Mo.
Read the News Release

Respiratory therapist charged with producing child porn;
Admits to sxual contact with children
KANSAS CITY - A respiratory therapist who sometimes worked in the pediatric unit at Kansas University Medical Center has been charged in federal court with producing child pornography and attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet. Michael D. Toal, 55, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint filed on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

Independence man sentenced for growing marijuana;
Hundreds of plants found in two homes
KANSAS CITY - An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for growing hundreds of marijuana plants in two houses in Independence and Blue Springs. Tam Ba Tran, 48, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Tran to pay $7,227 in restitution for stolen electricity.
Read the News Release

Former corporate executive sentenced for failing to file tax returns
SPRINGFIELD - A former Springfield, Mo., resident was sentenced in federal court today for failing to file tax returns on millions of dollars in income. Ronald E. Kirkland, 65, of Atlanta, Ga., formerly of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to two years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

February 22, 2010

Arkansas business owner pleads guilty to making a false statement to a financial institution
SPRINGFIELD - The developer of a Hollister, Mo., subdivision has pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in his application for a business loan that was actually for the benefit of others. James David Boothe, 49, of Lead Hill, Ark., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. Boothe was the president and owner of Tri-Lakes Interiors, Inc., and owner of Bandit Construction, LLC. Boothe was the developer of the Valley View Heights subdivision in Hollister.
Read the News Release

St. Joseph man sentenced for dog fighting conspiracy;
Hundreds of dogs seized in multi-state investigation
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to promote and participate in dog fights. Rick P. Hihath, 56, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to 16 months in federal prison without parole. Following his prison term, Hihath must serve three years of supervised release, during which he is prohibited from owning or possessing any dogs and must serve 100 hours of community service. Hihath will surrender to begin serving his prison sentence on April 5, 2010.
Read the News Release

Slater man sentenced for conspiracy to steal mail, identity theft
JEFFERSON CITY - A Slater, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to steal mail, bank fraud and identity theft. Jacob Richard Roll, 33, of Slater, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, to 14 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Roll to pay $13,100 in restitution.
Read the News Release

February 19, 2010

Two KC brothers plead guilty to illegal gambling;
Sports bookmaking operation used Web site, computer server in Costa Ric
KANSAS CITY - Two brothers from Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to conducting an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Michael C. Sansone, 30, and Anthony V. Sansone, 27, both of Kansas City, waived their right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer this afternoon to two separate federal informations that charge them with transmitting wagering information over the Internet.
Read the News Release

Grandview man sentenced for trafficking in counterfeit DVDs
Pays $24,000 to Motion Picture Association after secretly videotaping 'Dark Knight' in Lee's Summit theater
KANSAS CITY - A Grandview, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally trafficking in counterfeit DVDs. Robert L. Henderson, 42, of Grandview, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Henderson to pay $24,738 in restitution to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and to forfeit to the government a digital video camcorder, two laptop computers, four desktop computers, the counterfeit DVDs and numerous blank DVDs and empty DVD cases.
Read the News Release

Springfield man pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy, counterfeiting;
Conspirators passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks, including Greene CountySheriff's Dept.
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a bank fraud conspiracy that involved false identification documents used to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks, including thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent checks drawn on a Greene County Sheriff’s Department bank account. John Dennis Sedersten, 34, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the bank fraud conspiracy, as well as to counterfeiting checks and to transporting fraudulently taken property across state lines.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced for 60 years for child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court on charges related to receiving child pornography over the Internet. Richard Calvin Harrison, 32, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, to 60 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts man, woman of meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Honduran man and a Guatemalan woman have been convicted by a federal jury of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Jose Cortes, 36, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in Independence, Mo., and Claudia M. Loaiza, 37, of Kansas City, Mo., a permanent resident alien from Guatemala, were found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2010, of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between December 2007 and July 8, 2008, and of being in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on July 8, 2008. Cortes was also found guilty of distributing methamphetamine and illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts Hollister woman of meth conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Hollister, Mo., woman has been convicted by a federal jury of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Robin Gayle East, 49, of Hollister, was found guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between April 14 and April 15, 2009.
Read the News Release

February 18, 2010

Liberty man pleads guilty to illegal gambling;
Sports bookmaking operation used Web site, computer server in Costa Rica
KANSAS CITY - A Liberty, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conducting an illegal gambling business that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Charles J. Simone, 24, of Liberty, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Larsen this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with conducting an illegal gambling business.
Read the News Release

February 17, 2010

Former bank officials, SBA manager among 16 defendants indicted for $10 millin bank fraud scheme
SPRINGFIELD - Two former bank vice presidents and the former branch manager of the Small Business Administration’s office in Springfield are among 16 defendants who have been indicted, in five separate but related cases, for their involvement in a bank fraud scheme that took advantage of business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. According to the indictments, the bank fraud scheme involved at least 31 fraudulent business loans, ranging from $100,000 to $1.6 million, issued by Mid-America Bank and Trust Company (MABTC) in Pulaski County, Mo., between January 2005 and January 2007. The fraudulent loans cited in the indictments total more than $10.1 million.
Read the News Release

February 12, 2010

Arizona woman sentenced for meth conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Phoenix, Ariz., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Cole and Moniteau counties. Tina Louise McFalls, 41, of Phoenix, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Versailles man sentenced for illegal firearm
JEFFERSON CITY - A Versailles, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing firearms. Robert Lee Eldridge, 27, of Versailles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, to eight years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Centertown man sentenced for possessing explosives
JEFFERSON CITY - A Centertown, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing explosive devices. Jeffrey Allen Bedwell, 29, of Centertown, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2009, to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

St. Joseph man pleads guilty to two bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to two bank robberies. Michael Sandgren, 44, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this morning to the charge contained in a Sept. 25, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Russellville man pleads guilty to illegal firearms; faces 15 years in prison
JEFFERSON CITY - A Russellville, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms and to possessing stolen firearms. Dale Scott Olten, Sr., 46, of Russellville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to the charges contained in a July 17, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

February 11, 2010

Carthage man sentenced to 19 years in prison for receiving child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Carthage, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet. Ivron Butler, 45, of Carthage, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to 19 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Butler to serve a term of supervised release, upon his release from prison, for the rest of his life.
Read the News Release

Jefferson City man sentenced to 20 years for meth conspiracy
JEFFERSON CITY - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Cole and Moniteau counties. Scott Wayne Winter, 51, of Jefferson City, Mo., was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Blue Springs man pleads guilty to child exploitation, faces 15 years in prison
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to inducing a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production of child pornography. William M. Brown, 30, of Blue Springs, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this afternoon to the charge contained in an April 8, 2010, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Iowa husband, wife plead guilty to dog fighting conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A husband and wife from Perry, Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a conspiracy to promote and participate in dog fights. Jill D. Makstaller, 32, of Perry, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith this afternoon to the charge contained in a June 23, 2009, federal indictment. Her husband, Andrew D. Makstaller, 34, also of Perry, who was not charged in the indictment, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty to an information that charges him with transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture.
Read the News Release

Ranch hand pleads guilty to bank fraud in false cattle theft case
SPRINGFIELD - A Clever, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a bank fraud scheme related to a false cattle theft claim. Jesse D. Rice, 56, of Clever, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charge contained in an Oct. 14, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Kansas woman sentenced for bank fraud;
Must forfeit airplane to former employer to cover embezzlement
KANSAS CITY - An Ottawa, Kan., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a bank fraud scheme in which she embezzled from her employer. Sandra L. Brandes, 42, of Ottawa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this morning to 15 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Brandes, as stipulated in her plea agreement, to transfer title to her airplane to her former employer, the primary victim of her bank fraud scheme, and to pay $15,000 in restitution to his insurance company.
Read the News Release

Columbia man sentenced for distributing crack cocaine
JEFFERSON CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for distributing crack cocaine in Boone County, Mo. D’Mitri Antonio Doughty, 30, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

February 10, 2010

Northland man pleads guilty to illegal gambling;
Sports bookmaking operation used Web site, computer server in Costa Rica
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to being a bookmaker in an illegal gambling operation that relied on a Web site with a computer server located in Costa Rica. Michael V. Badalucco, 26, of Kansas City-North, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hays this afternoon to a federal indictment that charges him with using a telephone, while engaged in a gambling business, to transmit wagering information between Missouri, Arizona and Costa Rica to assist in placing bets on sporting events.
Read the News Release

Cole Camp business owner sentenced for wire fraud, tax evasion;
Customers of farm supply store lost nearly $950,000
JEFFERSON CITY - A Cole Camp, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for wire fraud and tax evasion related to a nearly $950,000 scheme to sell farm supplies at bargain prices. Robert Thomas Bain, 44, of Cole Camp, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this morning to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Bain to pay $1,267,394 in restitution to 23 victims of his fraud scheme and to the IRS. Bain operated Heartland Farm Supply, which he incorporated as Heartland Farm Services, Inc., in February 2004, a retail business selling propane and farm equipment.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced to 15 years for distributing crack, illegally possessing a firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing crack cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm. Reginald A. Stuckey, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs this morning to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Stuckey was sentenced as an armed career offender.
Read the News Release

February 9, 2010

Columbia man pleads guilty to armed bank robberies;
Series of armed robberies culminated in shoot-out with officers
KANSAS CITY - A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a series of armed bank robberies that culminated in a vehicle pursuit and shoot-out with law enforcement officers. Michael A. Leak, 19, of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charges contained in an Aug. 5, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Blue Springs woman pleads guilty to bank fraud, money laundering
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a bank fraud and money laundering scheme in which she embezzled as much as $760,000 from her employer. Shanna M. Hutchens, 36, of Blue Springs, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this afternoon to the charges contained in a July 14, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Richmond man indicted for falsely claiming he earned military medals
KANSAS CITY - A Richmond, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for falsely claiming that he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his military service in Grenada. Timothy James Watkins, 47, of Richmond, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

Former government contractor indicted for stealing $650,000 in computer equipment from USDA;
Allegedly sold stolen equipment over the Internet for $166,000
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for stealing more than $650,000 worth of computer equipment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a contract employee, and selling it over the Internet for more than $166,000. Gragg R. Vaill, 48, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was charged in a 24-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

February 8, 2010

Three men sentenced for conspiracy to use fake diplomatic identification
KANSAS CITY - Three men with connections to the sovereign citizen movement were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a conspiracy to use fraudulent diplomatic credentials. David L. Robinson, 67, of Lawrence, Kan., Daniel W. Denham, 51, of Kingsville, Mo., Larry P. Goodyke, 53, of Henderson, Nev., were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Robinson was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison without parole. Denham and Goodyke were each sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

Platte City man pleads guilty to recieving child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Platte City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography over the Internet. Samuel T. Smith, 22, of Platte City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with receiving child pornography.
Read the News Release

Springfield business owner pleads guilty to marketing dietary supplements;
Intenet businesses generated nearly $12 million with false claims to prevent, cure diseases
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., business owner has pleaded guilty in federal court to her role in a conspiracy to fraudulently market dietary supplements over the Internet with illegal claims that these supplements could prevent, treat or cure a number of diseases. Several Web sites were used to sell nearly $12 million worth of the products in 2005 and 2006. Mai Lor, 25, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, to her role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Read the News Release

February 5, 2010

Business ownes sentenced for distributing tainted pet food ingredient;
Follows $24 million settlement related to illness and deaths of thousands of pets
KANSAS CITY - A Nevada company and its owners were sentenced in federal court today for distributing a tainted ingredient used to make pet food, which resulted in a nationwide recall of pet food and the death and serious illness of countless pets across the United States in 2007. Sally Qing Miller, 43, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, 57, both of Las Vegas, Nev., were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer this morning to three years of probation. The court also ordered their company, Chemnutra, Inc., to pay a $25,000 fine. Sally Miller and Stephen Miller were each ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. The court ruled that no further restitution would be imposed in light of a $24 million settlement in the related civil suit reached in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Read the News Release

Springfield man pleads guilty to bank fraud, tax fraud schemes;
Conspirators passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today in two separate cases that charge him in a bank fraud conspiracy and a tax fraud scheme. The bank fraud conspiracy involved false identification documents that were used to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks. The tax fraud scheme involved fraudulent tax returns that were filed in order to receive tax refunds to which he and others were not entitled. Max R. Snodgrass, 32, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the conspiracy charge contained in a Sept. 9, 2009, federal indictment. Snodgrass also waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a federal information filed today that charges him with tax fraud.
Read the News Release

February 4, 2010

Two more motorcycle club members sentenced for meth conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - Two motorcycle club members were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Michael Fitzwater, also known as “Holms,” 61, of Harrisonville, Mo., and Donald Culey, also known as “Kooly,” 42, of Kansas City, Kan., were each sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

KC woman sentenced for Social Security fraud
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for Social Security fraud. Paula Kay Ellis, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays this afternoon to two years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ellis to pay $48,133 in restitution to the government.
Read the News Release

Houston woman pleads guilty to embezzling from her father's business
SPRINGFIELD - A Houston, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a mail fraud scheme in which she embezzled as much as $200,000 from her father’s business bank accounts. Shirley Ann Scheets, 49, of Houston, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charge contained in an April 1, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Brumley man, Nevada woman indicted for $1.8 million bank fraud
SPRINGFIELD - A Brumley, Mo., man and a Nevada, Mo., woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1.8 million bank fraud scheme. Earnest Ray Schenker, 38, of Brumley, and Donis Gayle Duncan, 39, of Nevada, were charged in a 15-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010.
Read the News Release

February 3, 2010

Three men indicted for armed bank robberies
KANSAS CITY - Three men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for the armed robberies of three area banks. Michael K. Scott, 53, of Kansas City, Mo., Claude White, 54, of Kansas City, Kan., and Woodrow McCoy, 36, no known address, were charged in an eight-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Read the News Release

KC man pleads guilty to $3.6 million mortgage fraud, money laundering
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved loans on 34 properties in the inner city and midtown areas of Kansas City totaling more than $3.6 million. Quentin Henley, 37, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to the charges contained in a July 14, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Owner of Bolivar roofing company sentenced for hiring illegal aliens;
Willpay $185,000 forfeiture plus $36,000 fine
SPRINGFIELD - The owner of a Bolivar, Mo., roofing company was sentenced in federal court today for hiring illegal aliens. Russell D. Taylor, 31, of Bolivar, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning. Taylor did business as Taylor-Made Roofing, also known as Taylor-Made Contractors.
Read the News Release

February 2, 2010

KC man pleads guilty to illegally possessing a firearm
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm. Alfonso M. Tunley, 33, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Read the News Release

Apartment manager pleads guilty to making false statements to HUD;
Traded sexual favors from Section 8 tenants
KANSAS CITY - The former manager of a Kansas City, Mo., apartment complex pleaded guilty in federal court today to making false statements to the government about the incomes of Section 8 tenants in exchange for sexual favors. Meredith F. Sullivan, 55, of Kansas City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to a federal information that charges him with making a false statement.
Read the News Release

Two KC men sentenced for stealing ATF money;
Instead of selling gun,defendants used it to rob confidential informant
KANSAS CITY - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for stealing funds that were supposed to be used by a confidential informant to purchase a firearm in an undercover law enforcement operation. Instead of selling the firearm to the confidential informant, the defendants used the handgun to rob the informant. Johnny L. Bell, 28, and Leron L. Morris, 24, both of Kansas City, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Bell was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Morris was sentenced to three years and four months in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

February 1, 2010

Former Republic postmaster pleads guilty to misappropriating postal funds
SPRINGFIELD - The former postmaster for the Republic, Mo., Post Office pleaded guilty in federal court today to misappropriating postal funds. Donna Rippee, 63, of Republic, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to the charge contained in an April 1, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

January 2010

January 28, 2010

Platte County man sentenced for high-tech fencing scheme, merchandise shoplifted, auctioned on eBay
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for organizing a scheme to shoplift merchandise then sell the stolen property on the Internet auction site eBay. John Charles Chass, 42, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to thirty-three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Chass to pay $120,000 in restitution.
Read the News Release

Tulsa man sentenced for attempting to entice a minor for sex, crossing state lines for illicit sex
SPRINGFIELD - A Tulsa, Okla., man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to entice a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl to engage in illicit sex and for traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sex. Robert Dean Graef, 30, of Tulsa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this afternoon to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Graef to forfeit to the government a Glock .40-caliber handgun, magazines and .40-caliber ammunition, and a 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible, all of which were used to commit the offenses.
Read the News Release

January 26, 2010

Roofing company owner sentenced for harboring illegal aliens
SPRINGFIELD – The owner of a Springfield, Mo., roofing company was sentenced in federal court today for harboring illegal aliens. Hilario Perez-Cereceres, 44, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr this morning to three years of probation. Perez-Cereceres, a citizen of Mexico, is a permanent lawful resident of the United States.
Read the News Release

January 22, 2010

Lee's Summit man pleads guilty to drugging a woman's drink
KANSAS CITY - A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to sneaking a drug into a woman’s drink at a downtown Kansas City, Mo., bar. James W. Ware, 50, of Lee’s Summit, 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 distributing Alprazolam.
Read the News Release

Former KC man pleads guilty to identity theft, credit card fraud;
Restaurant waiter targeted customers on the Plaza
KANSAS CITY - A former Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing identity information from customers at the Plaza restaurant where he worked, then using that information to make online purchases. John David Woody, 35, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner this morning to the charges contained in a Nov. 18, 2008, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Former police officer, wife plead guilty to identity theft conspiracy;
Students at CMSU targeted for credit card fraud
KANSAS CITY - A former officer for the University of Central Missouri Police Department and his wife have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in an identity theft conspiracy that targeted students at the university. Amanda J. Drake, 30, of Warrensburg, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this morning to the charge contained in an Aug. 12, 2009, federal indictment. Her husband, James B. Drake, 46, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Jan. 4, 2010.
Read the News Release

January 21, 2010

Branson man pleads guilty to producing, distributing child porn;
Faces at least 15 years in prison for using an infant to produce child porn
SPRINGFIELD - A Branson, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using an infant to produce child pornography and to distributing child pornography over the Internet. Ronald Darling, 45, of Branson, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charges contained in a Nov. 17, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Trenton man charged with illegally possessing firearms, homemade bombs
KANSAS CITY - A Trenton, Mo., man was arrested today after being charged in federal court with illegally possessing firearms and homemade bombs. Richard W. Cobley, 53, of Trenton, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Jan. 20, 2010. Cobley was arrested at his residence today and remains in federal custody pending his initial court appearance.
Read the News Release

Jury convicts KC man of bank robbery
Thief accidentally discarded stolen money while fleeing from bank
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of robbing Central Bank in Kansas City, Mo. Clifton D. Taylor, 37, of Kansas City, was found guilty of stealing $2,700 from Central Bank on March 12, 2009.
Read the News Release

January 20, 2010

Two plead guilty in $40 million meth conspiracy
1,000 pounds of chemical from KC plant used to manufacture meth
KANSAS CITY - Two more defendants pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a criminal conspiracy that involved at least 1,000 pounds of pseudoephedrine taken from the Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo., leading to the manufacture of more than $40 million worth of methamphetamine. Garland Duane Hankins, 42, of Oak Grove, Mo., and Blake William Folsom, 42, of Raytown, Mo., pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright this morning to the charges contained in a May 19, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

January 19, 2010

Laurie man pleads guilty to illegally storing display fireworks
JEFFERSON CITY - A Laurie, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally storing commercial display fireworks. Michael William Backman, 66, of Laurie, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge William A. Knox this afternoon to a federal information that charges him with illegally storing a variety of explosive materials.
Read the News Release

January 10, 2010

Branson man pleads guilty to $1.8 million tax evasion conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD - A Branson, Mo., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a $1.8 million tax evasion conspiracy. David D. Large, 51, of Branson, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. England this morning to the charge contained in an Aug. 5, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

January 9, 2010

Jury convicts McDonald County man of illegally possessing firearms, explosives
SPRINGFIELD - A McDonald County, Mo., man was convicted in federal court today of illegally possessing firearms and explosives at his 200-acre property in southern Missouri. Robert Neil Joos, 56, of McDonald County, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and one count of being a felon in possession of explosives. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Joos’ property on June 25, 2009, they found five shotguns, five rifles, five pistols, more than 19,000 rounds of ammunition and blasting caps.
Read the News Release

January 8, 2010

Springfield man pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy, identity theft, passing counterfeit $100 bills;
Passed more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks, $13,300 in counterfeit currency
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court to two federal indictments that charge him in an identity theft and check-counterfeiting conspiracy and with passing counterfeit $100 bills in Springfield. The bank fraud scheme involved false identification documents that were used to negotiate more than $100,000 in counterfeit checks. The counterfeiting scheme involved $13,300 in counterfeit $100 bills. Bryan Thomas Ray, 32, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.
Read the News Release

Stockton man sentenced for arson
SPRINGFIELD - A Stockton, Mo., has been sentenced in federal court for his role in an arson fire. Jacob Smith, 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, to five years in federal prison without parole.
Read the News Release

January 4, 2010

Three defendants plead guilty to meth conspiracy;
Meth ingredient stolen at gunpoint on Super Bowl Sunday, used to manufacture over $1 million worth of meth
KANSAS CITY - Three more defendants pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine following the theft of a 50-kilogram (110 pounds) drum of pharmaceutical pseudoephedrine powder in an armed robbery and kidnapping at the Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. The pseudoephedrine was used to manufacture more than $1 million worth of methamphetamine. James Robert Everson, Jr., also known as “Bimbo,” 42, of Kansas City, Kan., Micah Lee Boley, 48, of Grain Valley, Mo., and Eugene Edward Dove, 43, of Meriden, Kan., pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine between June 1, 2006, and May 2, 2009.
Read the News Release

Lake Ozark man sentenced for $3 million investment fraud conspiracy
KANSAS CITY - A Lake Ozark man was sentenced in federal court today for participating in a $3 million investment fraud conspiracy. Craig F. Swoboda, 74, of Lake Ozark, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey this afternoon to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Swoboda to pay $2.4 million in restitution.
Read the News Release

KC man sentenced for illegal firearm after pointing gun at officer
KANSAS CITY - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm. Elvie L. Black, 36, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan this afternoon to nine years and two months in federal prison.
Read the News Release

Blue Springs man pleads guilty to possessing child porn
KANSAS CITY - A Blue Springs, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing child pornography. David Anthony Dunn, 21, of Blue Springs, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this morning to the charge contained in a July 14, 2009, federal indictment.
Read the News Release

Return to Top

Current Site

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorneys

Western District of Missouri

SEARCH THE ARCHIVE