Week in Review—Hammond

HAMMOND, IN—The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following:

Complaint:

• Deandre Williams, 18, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with robbery affecting interstate commerce and aiding and abetting. The complaint alleges that Williams participated in the December 23, 2011 armed robbery of Harrison Gas and Convenience store located at 1564 Harrison Street, Gary, Indiana. This case is part of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and Merrillville Police Departments. Williams remains detained pending a detention hearing set for Monday, May 14, 2012. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

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

Pleas:

• Shinita Mosley, 33, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offenses of conspiracy, mail fraud, financial aid fraud, and making false statements. Sentencing has been set for September 5, 12. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
• Otiniel Nava-Barragan, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, a defendant in the case U.S. v Martinez, et al., pled guilty before Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Sentencing has been set for July 18, 12. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
• Bradley Walker, 53, of Crown Point, Indiana, tendered his guilty plea to Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to the felony offense of possessing a firearm as a felon. Magistrate Cherry is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea. Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Walker remains on bond pending a sentencing hearing yet to be set by Judge Lozano. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and Lake County Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.