Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

SHREVEPORT, La. – A federal grand jury in Shreveport, Louisiana, has returned a three-count indictment charging former DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) Correctional Officer Javarrea Pouncy with federal civil rights violations for willfully using unreasonable force against a detainee, failing to obtain medical care for the detainee and obstructing justice.

According to the indictment, on September 27, 2019, Pouncy, acting in his official capacity as a DPSO correctional officer, used unreasonable force against a detainee by repeatedly striking him in the head and body without legal justification while the detainee was being booked into the DeSoto Parish jail. The indictment further alleges that the assault caused bodily injury to the detainee. In addition, the indictment alleges that Pouncy knew that the detainee had serious medical needs and willfully failed to obtain necessary medical care for him. 

The indictment also charges Pouncy with obstruction of justice for knowingly falsifying and making a false entry in a DPSO report with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence an investigation into the assault. Count one of the indictment charges Pouncy for his unreasonable use of force; count two charges Pouncy for his failure to obtain medical care; and count three charges him with filing the false report.

If convicted, Pouncy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison each for counts one and two, and 20 years in prison for count three.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement. The FBI New Orleans Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN CRAWFORD, age 39, a New Orleans resident, pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department started investigating CRAWFORD for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in September 2020.  The investigation involved numerous controlled purchases of narcotics from CRAWFORD and DONALD MYLES, a/k/a “D-Ray.” The investigation revealed that CRAWFORD conspired with MYLES, KEVIN JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, ERNEST GREEN, and others known and unknown, to distribute heroin and cocaine.

CRAWFORD faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMANUEL ROSS, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 6, 2023 before United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Possession of a Machinegun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

The Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl charge carries a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years supervised release. The Possession of a Machinegun charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Judge Lemelle ordered a pre-sentence report and scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2023.  ROSS will remain detained without bond.

Court documents reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department began an investigation of ROSS in mid-2022 and discovered an online video of him firing a pistol that had been converted into a machine gun through the use of a device known as a “switch.”  A search warrant of ROSS’s home was executed  on January 27, 2023, and law enforcement officials found cocaine, fentanyl and various weapons including the machine gun seen on the online video.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is assigned the prosecution.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Louisville, KY – Four defendants were sentenced this week for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Two of the defendants were also sentenced for mail fraud, and one defendant was sentenced for money laundering.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Jones of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Director Juan Garrett of the Kentucky Department of Insurance made the announcement.

According to court documents, Joel Abad, 40, of Miami, Florida, Junis Peguero, 40, of Riverview, Florida, Carlos Vazquez, 57, of Louisville, Kentucky, Jose Cordoba Reira, 47, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Miguel Moreno-Cardenas, 55, of Louisville, Kentucky, conspired to recruit people to participate in fake automobile accidents and to obtain treatment at certain chiropractic clinics in Louisville, Kentucky, where insurance companies were billed for the treatment.

On September 7, 2023, Peguero was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud.

On September 7, 2023, Vazquez was sentenced to 5-years’ probation for conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

On September 8, 2023, Reira was sentenced to 1 year and 2 months in prison, followed by a 2-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering.

On September 8, 2023, Moreno-Cardenas was sentenced to 1 year and 2 months in prison, followed by a 2-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud.

All defendants were ordered to pay $343,832.41, jointly, and severally, in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.   

Joel Abad will be sentenced later.

The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, USPIS, and the Kentucky Department of Insurance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ansari and Christopher Tieke prosecuted the case with assistance from health care fraud investigator Bob Masterson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

COVINGTON, Ky. – The former administrative manager for the City of Covington Public Works Department, Allison Donaldson, 50, was sentenced Friday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 42 months in prison, following her convictions for federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to her plea agreement, Donaldson was employed as an administrative manager for the Public Works Department, from 2005 until 2022, and had access to credit card information for the department.  Her plea agreement established that, between February 2020 and continuing until February 2022, Donaldson knowingly defrauded the City of Covington, by using employee credit cards and making over $100,000 in purchases for herself and her home.  Some of the purchases listed in the plea agreement include repairs for a Mercedes Benz, a Louis Vuitton agenda, a Chanel tote, Crate & Barrel furniture, and a remodel to her master bedroom and garage.

Under federal law, Donaldson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence.  Following her release from prison, she will then be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Brian Jones, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; and Spike Jones, Chief of the Kenton County Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Kenton County Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow.

– END –

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

INDIANAPOLIS- Twenty-one individuals were charged in a federal indictment alleging trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; money laundering; illegally possessing firearms; and dog fighting. The charges follow an extensive law enforcement operation in which 18 of the 21 individuals were arrested and federal agents seized over 40 firearms; quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; over $55,000 in cash; and approximately 90 dogs.  The following lists the individuals indicted and the charges they face:

Defendant	Charge(s)
TYRONE BELL, 52	Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
DAVID BENNETT, 40	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
EDWARD BRONAUGH, 57	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
JAMES CROONS, 34	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
RAMIRO RICO DE LEON, 31, Mexico	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering
ERICK FOSTER, 33	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GREGORY EASTER, 35	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
LAUREN EGGERT, 32	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
MAURICE ERVIN, 44	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
DONTORIA GILBERT, 36	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GREGORY HENDERSON, JR., 43	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering; and Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
MARVIN JOHNSON, JR., 46	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
LANDON JONES, 39	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
CHRISTOPHER NORFOLK, 48	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
CHARLES RICHARDSON, III, 43	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
MICHAEL SANDERS, 45	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture.
J.C. SMITH, 38	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
QUOSHAWN STEWART, 34	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GEORGE TAYLOR, 44	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
DONOVAN TIPLER, 30	Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
OCTAVIO VICENCIO, 32	Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine

This was a multiagency operation, involving over 300 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, who executed arrest and search warrants at 25 locations in Central Indiana on the morning of August 31, 2023. Eighteen individuals were arrested and are in federal custody. Two remain fugitives: Gregory Henderson, and Jr. Maurice Ervin

In particular, law enforcement has asked the public for assistance in locating fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr. The FBI is providing a $5,000 reward for information leading to Henderson’s arrest. Those with information are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or they can submit tips online at www.tips.fbi.gov.

According to court documents, Gregory Henderson Jr. and Ramiro Rico De Leon worked together to smuggle fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States from Mexico. Henderson served as the main source of supply to lower-level dealers, Vicencio, Foster, Taylor, Smith, Gilbert, Bennet, Easter, Eggert, and Stewart, who dealt the drugs to buyers in Indianapolis and surrounding communities. Vicencio and Taylor were responsible for driving controlled substances from Kentucky to Indiana. Henderson and De Leon used wire transfers to pay for the costs of drug distribution and Henderson paid his dealers using CashApp.

During the course of this investigation, law enforcement agents uncovered a significant dog fighting and illegal gambling ring based in Indianapolis. Gregory Henderson Jr., Christopher Norfolk, Maurice Ervin, Michael Sanders, James Croons, Charles Richardson III, Landon Jones, Edward Bronaugh, Donovan Tipler, and Marvin Johnson Jr. were identified as dog owners who maintained dogs for the purpose of fighting. Maurice Ervin also participated as a referee, weighing the dogs and holding the money until fights were complete. Ervin, Tipler, and Croons served as handlers, responsible for motivating the dogs to fight. Jones and Norfolk served as sponsors, providing a space for the fights to be held.

Members of this group have a long history of dog fighting. In 2001, IMPD officers found seven pitbulls in need of medical attention due to lack of food and water and fresh wounds consistent with dog fighting located at Michael Sanders’ Indianapolis home. In 2005, Christopher Norfolk was convicted for torturing an animal after officers seized four dogs from his home. On more than four occasions, officers found Richardson III and Ervin engaging in dog fighting activities. Both Richardson III and Ervin have sustained multiple convictions for animal torture and promoting dog fighting.

This investigation began in 2022, and in 2023 multiple search warrants were executed and the following evidence was seized:

• 537 grams of methamphetamine
• 459 grams of heroin
• 667.3 grams of cocaine
• 532.8 grams of fentanyl
• Over 230 grams of marijuana
• 16 scales
• 43 firearms

• Over $55,650.00 in cash
• Approximately 90 dogs (including puppies)
• Dog fighting training paraphernalia including treadmills, bite sticks and weights.

If convicted, each defendant charged with conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture faces up to 5 years in federal prison. Each defendant charged with conspiracy to traffic controlled substances faces up to life. The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and the recent warrant execution possible:   

• Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation
• Indiana Gaming Commission
• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Adam J. Eakman, who are prosecuting this case.

An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

INDIANAPOLIS- Suspended Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant, Eric Huxley, 44, has been sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison after pleading guilty to violating the civil rights of an arrestee by using excessive force.

According to court documents, on Sept. 24, 2021, Huxley, was on patrol in downtown Indianapolis when another officer requested his assistance in confronting a disorderly person on Monument Circle. After officers placed the victim, identified as J.V., under arrest for disorderly conduct, Huxley assisted other officers with conducting an inventory of J.V.’s property.

When officers began to remove J.V.’s belt, he became confrontational with the officers. The primary arresting officer used a department-approved takedown maneuver to bring J.V., who had already been handcuffed, to the ground. The arresting officer held J.V. down with one hand while a second officer restrained his legs. This reasonable and appropriate use of force effectively overcame J.V.’s resistance and rendered him physically unable to move.

Despite knowing that J.V. had been effectively restrained and posed no further danger to officers or the public, Huxley then intentionally raised his right foot and drove it down onto J.V.’s head and face.

“This sentence holds a former police officer accountable for abusing his authority when he violently assaulted a homeless man who posed no threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting law enforcement officials who violate federal civil rights laws.”

“In addition to the trauma inflicted on victims, police officers who break the law and use excessive force damage the community’s trust in the law enforcement profession,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Officers put themselves at risk every day doing a difficult and sometimes dangerous job to uphold the law and protect their communities. Those who instead commit crimes must be identified and prosecuted. This sentence demonstrates that the FBI, Department of Justice, and our U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to seeking accountability for those who violate people’s civil rights under the color of law.”

“Every day, law enforcement officers in this country face dangerous situations which require the application of reasonable force to protect themselves and others. Unfortunately, some officers fail to adhere to the applicable standards of law and policy, inflicting harm instead of preventing it,” said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all citizens, and I commend the work of the Special Agents and prosecutors who helped ensure the defendant was held accountable for his illegal conduct.”

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson ordered that Huxley be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Preston for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

 

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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

INDIANAPOLIS- Crystal Daniels, Detavion Daniels, Brandon Brinson, and Aaron Collier have all be sentenced for their roles in a series of armed robberies that took place in Indianapolis.

Crystal Daniels, 23, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. She was also ordered to pay $1,420 in restitution.

Detavion Daniels, 22, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was also ordered to pay $1,420 in restitution.

Brandon Brinson, 25, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and was ordered to pay a $500 fine.

Aaron Collier, 21, was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was ordered to pay $1,420 in restitution.

According to court documents, on April 21, 2021, at approximately 3:45pm Collier, C. Daniels, and D. Daniels entered the Cricket Wireless on Arlington Avenue in Indianapolis, wearing face masks, ball caps, and carrying backpacks. C. Daniels pretended to shop while D. Daniels distracted a female employee at the service counter. Collier entered the store last, walked directly to the female employee and held her at gun point while demanding her to open the register. The trio was unsuccessful in their attempt to rob the store and quickly fled in a Chevy Suburban.

Just 15 minutes after the attempted robbery at Cricket Wireless, the trio drove 4 miles north to a Dollar General, located on N. Shadeland Avenue, to commit another robbery. At approximately 4:00pm, the three robbers entered the store, Collier brandished a black semiautomatic pistol, jumped over the counter, and forced a female employee on her knees while he held her at gunpoint, demanding her to open the registers and the safe. The other two robbers took an employe to the safe behind the counter and demanded her to open it. Once she did, C. Daniels took the money and dumped it into a yellow Dollar General bag. Additionally, D. Daniels approached a male customer standing in line and robbed him of $40 cash and GMC car keys.

Later that same day, IMPD detectives and FBI agents located the getaway Suburban parked in the parking lot of the Liquor Cabinet. The trio robbed a nearby Family Dollar, using the same process as before, and leaving in the getaway vehicle. IMPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the van and searched it. Located inside the vehicle were four suspects: getaway driver, Brandon Brinson, and all three robbers. Officers also located the following items:

• a 10mm semi-automatic handgun.
• Black handgun magazine containing 15 live rounds of 10mm ammunition.
• 6 packs of Newport cigarettes taken from the Family Dollar.
• Collier’s face mask.
• 4 Swisher Sweet cigar packs taken from the Family Dollar.
• Blue PPU box of 10mm ammunition containing 5 live rounds.
• $187 in loose cash

Officers placed all four individuals under arrest and located the following cash amounts on each person:

• Brinson – $521 in cash and a black ski mask.
• Collier – $753 in cash
• C. Daniels – $497 in cash
• D. Daniels – $25 in cash

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. 

“Every person deserves to feel safe where they live and work. These defendants terrorized and violently robbed innocent employees and customers,’ said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. “Their violent, senseless crimes have no place in our communities, and we are safer with these individuals behind federal prison bars. I am grateful to the FBI and IMPD for ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions.”  

The FBI and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that the defendants be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office following their release from federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton, who prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

PEORIA, Ill. – An Orlando, Florida, woman, Jasmine Annette Bradley, 37, was sentenced on September 6, 2023, to 16.5 years (198 months) for her role in a conspiracy to defraud and steal the identities of victims throughout the United States. The victims included an elderly woman from Galesburg who was suffering from dementia when Bradley stole her identity and credit.

In February 2023, Bradley had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with the offense conduct.

At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that between April 2018 and June 2019, Bradley participated in an elaborate scheme to steal the identities of individuals, obtain control of their phone numbers, and steal their mail. Using these stolen identities, Bradley and her co-conspirators rented luxury apartments, purchased utilities, rented cars, and otherwise lived a lavish lifestyle, including shopping trips and spa appointments. The people Bradley victimized were scattered across the United States and tended to be older individuals who had established a good working history and credit rating.

At Bradley’s sentencing, Judge Shadid heard from several of the victims in person. These victims discussed the damage Bradley had inflicted upon their lives and spoke about their resulting anxiety. One victim relayed a story about how Bradley stole the phone number that was connected to her terminally ill husband’s medical monitoring device and as a result it was not connected to his doctor’s office for several days. And the government explained how Bradley had exploited the Galesburg woman’s dementia in order to further her fraud and delay detection so that she could continue to spend the woman’s money.

Overall, Bradley’s scheme had at least 22 victims including three property-management companies, ten financial institutions, and nine individuals from Missouri, Ohio, Arizona, Florida, and Galesburg, Illinois. Bradley was responsible for a combined intended loss of $430,409.34.

At the hearing, Judge Shadid commented on the fact that the victims had all lived their lives in an exemplary fashion, despite personal challenges including a terminally ill spouse and other issues. He further noted that the victims had abided by a simple rule: “If it’s not yours, keep your hands off it.” The judge contrasted the lives of the victims with Bradley, whom he described as the type of person who only takes and does nothing to give back or try to make things better.

Given the severity of the offense conduct and the resulting harm to the victims and their families, Judge Shadid found that the sentencing guidelines range was not sufficient. The judge therefore imposed above-guidelines, concurrent sentences of 150 months’ imprisonment on the conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud counts. Judge Shadid also imposed two consecutive 24-month sentences for the aggravated identity theft offenses, resulting in an aggregate sentence of 198 months.

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Office; the North Olmstad, Ohio, Police Department; Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Police Department; the Yuma, Arizona, Police Department; and Seminole County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Paul B. Morris represented the Government in the prosecution.