Week in Review—Hammond

HAMMOND, IN—The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in federal court:

• Carl Powers, 54, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Sentencing has been set for October 16, 2013. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
• Octavio Alejandr-Mata, 45, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, if not deported, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine. According to documents filed by the government in this case, Mata had been deported and re-entered the U.S. twice and was selling cocaine in and around the Hobart area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.
• Jesus Ramirez, 42, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 188 months’ imprisonment, restitution of $20,000, and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of kidnapping. According to documents filed by the government, this case began with the kidnapping of an identified victim in East Chicago, Indiana, on January 14, 2011. The victim was attacked, pinned to the ground, and told that if he did not go with Ramirez and others, his attackers would take not only him but also members of his family. Multiple ransom calls were made to the victim’s family, including those threatening to kill the victim. Finally, on January 18, 2011, the victim’s family paid the ransom demand. Ramirez was arrested following the ransom payment. Ramirez’ prior criminal activity ranges from traffic violations to burglary, battery and narcotics charges. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.