Gerardo Mendez, Counterfeit Obligations, Indiana 2023

Counterfeit Obligations: Gerardo Mendez Pleads Guilty in Indiana Federal Court

Grimy Times has learned that 27-year-old Gerardo Mendez of Hammond, Indiana has pleaded guilty to passing counterfeit obligations in federal court. Mendez faces sentencing, which has not yet been set. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

According to court documents, Mendez's charge stems from an investigation by the United States Secret Service. If convicted, the sentence will be determined by the judge after considering federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, 26-year-old Christopher Chico of Blue Island, Illinois has been sentenced to 8 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for narcotics distribution. Chico was a member of the Latin Dragons street gang and sold cocaine to a confidential informant in Whiting, Indiana. The case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga prosecuted the case.

Another defendant, 36-year-old Augustin Jacobo-Pagan of Hammond, Indiana, has been sentenced to 6 months imprisonment for re-entry of a deported alien and false statement in a passport application. Jacobo-Pagan submitted a false passport application under an alias in 2010. The case was the result of an investigation by the State Department and the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson prosecuted the case.

In a third case, 41-year-old Jennifer Kurek of Portage, Indiana has been sentenced to 30 days imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $25,144 in restitution for theft of government property. Kurek stole funds from the Social Security Administration meant for her daughter's benefit. The case was the result of an investigation by the Office of Inspector/Social Security Administration Office. Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell prosecuted the case.

The cases highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat crime in the region. Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on these and other cases as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/week-review-hammond-34