In a shocking turn of events, Abdkadr Mohammad, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the USDA’s SNAP benefit program in Hammond, Indiana. According to sources, Mohammad pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense and is set to be sentenced on January 10, 2014.
The investigation into Mohammad’s activities was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Agriculture/Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz is prosecuting the case.
As part of the plea deal, Mohammad faces significant penalties, including potential imprisonment. However, the exact sentence will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our nation’s food assistance programs from those who would seek to exploit them for personal gain.
In related news, Miguel Herrera-Torres, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, has also been charged with re-entry of a deported alien in Hammond, Indiana. Herrera-Torres pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense and is set to be sentenced on December 11, 2013.
The investigation into Herrera-Torres’ activities was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas is prosecuting the case.
In another case, Julius Solis, 24, and Michael Castillo, 22, both of East Chicago, Indiana, have pled guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity in the case US v Briseño et al. Solis also pled guilty to the use of a firearm during a federal crime of violence and drug trafficking crime, while Castillo pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
The investigation into the activities of Solis and Castillo was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick is prosecuting the case.
In a separate case, Amin Velazquez, 33, of Rensselaer, Indiana, has been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Velazquez pled guilty to the felony offense and is set to be deported after serving his sentence.
The investigation into Velazquez’ activities was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar is prosecuting the case.
In another case, Daniel Roman, 33, of Hammond, Indiana, has been sentenced to 56 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roman pled guilty to the felony offense and is set to serve his sentence.
The investigation into Roman’s activities was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla is prosecuting the case.
In a separate case, Terry Carlyle, 56, of Mooresville, Indiana, has been sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine. Carlyle pled guilty to the felony offense and is set to serve his sentence.
The investigation into Carlyle’s activities was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick is prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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