Activity in Federal Court – Hammond

HAMMOND, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that the following indictments were returned on June 16, 2010:

Jerry Host, DOB 1/3/1971, of Gary, Indiana, was charged by indictment with one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Grit Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

David Leroy Lee, DOB 2/21/64, of Chicago, Illinois was charged by indictment with five counts of bank robbery, to wit: TCF Bank in Dyer, Indiana in December, 2008; Chase Bank in Munster, Indiana in July 2009; Chase Bank in Dyer, Indiana in November, 2009; Harris Bank in Munster, Indiana in March, 2010; and Harris Bank in Schererville, Indiana in May, 2010. Upon conviction, Lee will forfeit a sum of money equal to $32,995 in United States currency, representing the amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the offenses, for which the defendant is liable. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Munster Police Department, the Schererville Police Department, and the Dyer Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ratcliffe.

Alan Goings, DOB 10/20/1977, of Crown Point, Indiana, was charged by indictment with three counts of making false statements or reports (or willfully overvalued any land, property or security) to a federally insured bank for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage loan. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Collins.

Isaias Madrigal-Martinez, DOB 6/8/1954, of East Chicago, Indiana, was charged by indictment with one count of re-entry of an alien who had been previously removed; and one count of re-entry of an alien previously removed who had been convicted of an aggravated felony. This case was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Collins.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.