MediaBlog

Media Blog, RIP

2006-06-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

In a few days, this blog will be removed. We're no longer posting new items here, but we didn't want to just disappear with no notice. We may incorporate some of the blog's features, such as the schedule of events, in our district's Web site, which is currently being redesigned.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-06-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Dana A. Braden, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Charles Clingenpeel, sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Aristeo Montoya Roman, sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Angelo Porrello, re-sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Spencer La Key, sentencing at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8EScott L. Grass, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8C
Raymond A. Delacruz, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Eric Christoher Eymard, sentencing at 2:15 p.m. in Courtroom 8C

Springfield:

Gary Sinden, sentencing at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Bryan Amlin, change of plea at 3 p.m. in courtroom 1

Monday's Schedule

2006-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Chauncey S. Dawson (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Jeffery A. Ray (Belton MO), indicted for child porn change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Scot Dujuan Hazel (Raymore, MO), who pled guilty to bank robbery, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Timothy A. Gorman (Sugar Creek, MO), who pled guilt to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Christina M. Silvey, change of plea at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
RickieT. Atagi (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Marvin G. Yarrington, change of plea at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Lionel Ruiz-Valenzuela (Mexican national) will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Doris Faye Cox (Aurora, MO), who pled guilty to stealing mail, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Victor Manuel Gomez-Coronado (Mexican national), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Ice Storm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Aaron Nino-Sanchez will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Monday's Schedule

2006-06-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Grand Jury is in session this week; no indictments scheduled to be returned today

Springfield:

Pedro Garcia-Sarate (Mexican national in Dallas County, MO), indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea, 9:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Friday's Schedule

2006-06-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Rebecca L. Martin (Raytown, MO), who pled guilty to her role in a conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Raul Luna-Adame (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Emerson E. Harlin, who pled guilty to distributing crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Aracely Vega (Rogers, ARK), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Jasper County, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Thursday's Schedule

2006-05-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Sulpiso Lopez-Hernandez (KCMO), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and illegally reentering the United States, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Tina Christine Smith (KCMO), who pled guilty to filing false tax returns for her clients, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Martinus Anton Sayles (KS), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud by passing counterfeit payroll checks, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Carl W. White (KCMO), convicted by a jury of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Seferino Roman Jacobo (Santa Ana, CA), who pled guilty to conspiracy to cash stolen U.S. Treasury checks using counterfeit identification, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Donald Schlagle, charged with hacking a U.S. Dept. of Education computer, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 6E
Gary L. Bitzer (Claycomo, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Mitchell C. Powell (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 6D
Kiml E. Jackson (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-05-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Lemont D. Amow (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, trial continues at 8:15 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Freddie D. Strong, indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea hearing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Harold Hughes (KCMO), who pled guilty to aiding and abetting others to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Clint Ball (Ozark, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Leapfrog, trial begins at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-05-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Lemont D. Amos (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, trial begins at 8:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Douglas R. Magee (Stanley, KS), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Allen T. Bloodworth, waiver and plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Vacation Break

2006-05-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

No new posts will be uploaded to the Media Blog until June. If you need assistance, please contact Roseann Ketchmark at (816) 426-4220.

Anti-meth initiatives

2006-05-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today announced new anti-methamphetamine domestic initiatives as well as new partnerships between the U.S. and Mexico in fighting meth trafficking at the National Methamphetamine and Chemicals Initiative(NCMI) Strategy Conference.

“These initiatives represent a policy of true mutual cooperation that will put meth use and all its horrors firmly on the road to extinction,” said Attorney General Gonzales.

Here is today's news release from the Justice Department.

Project Safe Childhood

2006-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today announced the beginning of the nationwide implementation of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a Department of Justice initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

"We are in the midst of an epidemic of sexual abuse and exploitation of our children," said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. "Project Safe Childhood will help law enforcement and community leaders prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual predators and pornographers who target our children and grandchildren."

Here is the news release from the Department of Justice, and the text of Gonzales' remarks at today's press conference.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-05-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Russell Charles Peters (Cameron, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of a NITRO investigation, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Chauncey S. Dawson (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Bobby E. Dady, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Jan H. Fichman (Leawood, KS), owner of 7th Heaven stores who was indicted for selling more than $3 million worth of illegal drug paraphernalia, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Wesley A. Bass (KCMO), indicted for illegally possessing firearms, change of plea at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Claudell Ann Bruyer (Kidder, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of a NITRO investigation, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Robert A. Boleware (KCMO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Cody J. Gilreath, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of a NITRO investigation, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Steven B. Frencher (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Grand Jury is in session, with returns expected late this afternoon

Springfield:

Randy Dabney (Strafford, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
William D. Carpenter, indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Greene County, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Jesus Gonzalez (Monett, MO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-05-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Francisco Magana-Rodriguez, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Corutroom 7B
Donald Wayne Evans (Phoenix, AR), who pled guilty to bank fraud, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Steven W. Wait (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
William Robert Simmons (Gallatin, MO), indicted for illegal firearm, change of plea at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Airton Mosquera (Houston, TX), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in the Kansas City area, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Gregory O. Watkins (Independence, MO) will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Wanda L. Barber (Belton, MO), who pled guilty to perjury, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Shawn M. Roe (Belton, MO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Nathan O. Kirby (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected late this afternoon.

Springfield:

Alyna Wilson, indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Greene County, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Danita Porter (Ava, MO), indicted for illegally possessing firearms, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Michael Joe Neal, indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Greene County, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Gerald Behr (Joplin, MO), indicted for illegal firearms, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Lee M. Smith (Thayer, MO), indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Gilberto Bolanos-Cazarez (Tijuana, Mexico), indicted for bulk cash smuggling, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Josh Hurst (Kissee Mills, MO), indicted in a large-scale meth conspiracy as a result of Operation Leapfrog, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1
David Climer, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Aaron Dominguez, indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Greene County, change of plea at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Monday's Schedule

2006-05-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Christopher Lee Bears (Blanchard, Iowa) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Carolyn R. Harris (Gilbert, ARIZ), a former IRS employee who was indicted for stealing taxpayers' refund checks, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Thursday's Schedule

2006-05-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Kathy R. Koch (Lee's Summit, MO), who pled guilty to mail fraud, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Derrick E. Ashley (St. Joseph, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Billy J. Thompson (Independence, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute Oxycontin, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Johnny L. Stanley (Independence, MO), indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Bryan C. Barnett (Chicago, IL), who pled guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Tony L. Coil (St. Joseph, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 2 p.m. in courtroom 8A

Springfield:

James M. Alsup (West Plains, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Billy Doyle (Fairgrove, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Reginald Irish, who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Ryan Kallman (Fort Leonard Wood), who pled guilty to obtaining a controlled substance by forgery, will be sentenced at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1
William L. Clark, who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-05-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Justin James Wink, who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A

Springfield:

Gary Wayne Deaton (Greenfield, OH), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Glenn H. Harlow will be sentenced at 9:45 a.m. in Courtroom 2

Grand jury is in session

Jefferson City:

Rene August Malcuit (Hughsville, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 11 a.m.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-05-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Theodus Jones (KCMO) will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C

Grand Jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Springfield:

Thomas Joel Maggard and Arlene Frances Wolfe, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Operation Ice Palace

2006-05-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

The trial of Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), the CEO of Handi-Rak who was indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth, is expected to conclude today. The indictment against Hudspeth came as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri.

Here is our news release announcing the indictment of Hudspeth.

Monday's Schedule

2006-05-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Theotis Young (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Luis Aguilar-Mendez (KCMO), who pled guilty to being an illegal alien and to possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Harold Hughes (KCMO), who pled guilty to aiding and abetting others to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), CEO of Handi-Rak, indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2

Jefferson City:

Robert Jason Voepel (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 1 p.m.

Friday's Schedule

2006-05-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Jason M. Grandstaff (Gladstone, MO), who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C

Springfield:

Barry Allen Crooks (Hollister, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Greene County, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Thursday's Schedule

2006-05-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Terry Fred Johnson (Trenton, MO), who pled guilty to distributing Dilaudid and Kadian (morphine), will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Richard S. McMaken (KCMO), indicted for illegally possessing firearms, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Shawn M. Ross (Raytown, MO), who pled guilty to attempting to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), CEO of Handi-Rak, indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2

7th Heaven guilty plea

2006-05-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jan H. Fichman (Leawood, KS), who was indicted for selling more than $3 million worth of illegal drug paraphernalia from 7th Heaven stores in Kansas City, MO, and Sedalia, MO, will enter a change of plea at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2006, in Courtroom 7A.

Here is our news release announcing the federal indictment.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-05-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Earl Whitmire (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Bruce Henwood Truesdale (Jefferson City, MO), indicted for child porn, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Raul Madraso (KCMO), indicted for crack cocaine and an illegal firearm, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Anthony S. Murphy (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Christopher L. Jackson (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Two co-defendants will be sentenced in separate appearances in Courtroom 8C. Armando Rodela-Aguilar, convicted by jury of conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 1:15 p.m. Angela Rose Fennell (City Heights, CA), who pled guilty to interstate travel in aid of a racketerring enterprise, will be sentenced at 2 p.m.

Springfield:

Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), CEO of Handi-Rak, indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2

Jefferson City:

The following hearings are scheduled to being at 9 a.m.

Earl Smith and Koai Kedze Matthews (both of Jefferson City, MO), indicted in a counterfeiting conspiracy, change of pleas
Lance C. Tomlinson (Arizona), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced
Leroy Perry (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced
Robert M. Huff (Boonville, MO), who pled guilty to making false statements and theft of government funds (railroad disability benefits), will be sentenced
Kathryn M. Doerhoff (Jefferson City, MO), indicted for misappropriating postal funds, change of plea

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-05-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Paul L. Byrd (Independence, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of firearms, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Three co-defendants, Mexican nationals convicted by jury of conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced in separate appearances in Courtroom 8C: Arturo Navarrete-Silva (9:30 a.m.), Joel Castro-Gaxiola (10:15 a.m.) and Reyes Guadalupe Martinez-Ruiz (11 a.m.)
Render Freeman (KCMO), indicted for crack cocaine, change of plea at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 7C
Maurice S. Sayles (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud by passing counterfeit payroll checks, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7C

Springfield:

Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), CEO of Handi-Rak, indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Ricky Meads (Cedar County, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Monday's Schedule

2006-05-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Keith Koenigsdorf, waiver of indictment and change of plea, 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Gregory M. Chollet (Overland Park, KS), who pled guilty to illegally importnig fenfluramine ("fen-phen"), will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Julian M. Morales (El Paso, TX), indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Sheila Rathbun (Independence, MO), waiver of indictment and plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
David M. Lablance (KCMO), change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Springfield:

Roy Hudspeth (Springfield, MO), CEO of Handi-Rak, indicted for conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufacture meth as a result of Operation Ice Palace, an investigation into the illegal sale of large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to meth manufacturers in southwest Missouri, trial begins at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Ricky Meads (Cedar County, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, trial begins at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Operation Falcon II

2006-04-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

In a recent sweep, authorities arrested almost 400 violent fugitives in Kansas and western Missouri, federal marshals said Thursday.

Here's the rest of the newspaper article from today's Kansas City Star.

More information about OperationFalcon II is available at the U.S. Marshal's Web site.

Prepared remarks from U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.

Jefferson City attorney pleads

2006-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

A change of plea hearing for Jefferson City, MO, attorney Bruce Henwood Truesdale has been scheduled for a change of plea at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2006. Truesdale was indicted on June 20, 2005, for possessing and attempting to distribute child pornography.

Here is our news release announcing Truesdale's indictment.

Thursday's Schedule

2006-04-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Katrina S. Gritsishin, who pled guilty to counterfeiting, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Ellery H. Beals, who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Jason L. Clark (KCMO), who pled guilty to distributing crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 7A

Friday's Schedule

2006-04-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Jury trial continues for Zachery T. Whitehill, Jaime E. Cook, Bradley L. Lovstad an Monty E. Wanless, indicted in a multi-million dollar telemarketing fraud scheme, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Luis Aguilar-Mendez will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Kenneth W. Ray will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

All of today's hearings will be in Courtroom 1.

Edy Paiz-Esquivel will be sentenced at 9 a.m.
Michael D. Evans, change of plea at 10 a.m.
Larry James Reynolds will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m.
Donald Edward Adams, change of plea at 3:30 p.m.
Arthur John Barros, change of plea at 4 p.m.

Thursday's Schedule

2006-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of today's court activities, but highlights the most newsworthy events.

Kansas City:

Jury trial continues for Zachery T. Whitehill, Jaime E. Cook, Bradley L. Lovstad and Monty E. Wanless, indicted for a multi-million dollar telemarketing fraud, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Vernon David Williams (KCMO), who pled guilty to his role in a mortgage fraud scheme, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Christopher W. Lamoreaux, indicted for his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported andmisbranded Lipitor and other drugs, change of plea at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
David Neil Brown (Blue Springs, MO), who pled guilty to receiving child porn over the Internet, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Jefferson City:

Dan Bruce Marcum, indicted for tax fraud, arraignment at 9:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Robinson trial

2006-04-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

The court yesterday granted a trial continuance for John Edward Robinson, who was indicted for kidnapping resulting in the death of a Michigan woman. Robinson's jury trial, in what is expected to be a death penalty case, is now scheduled for May 12, 2008.

Here is our news release announcing Robinson's indictment.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of today's court activities, but highlights the most newsworthy events.

Kansas City:

John L. Heavner (Independence, MO), indicted for robbing the Bank of America in Raytown, MO, change of plea at 9:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Joseph R. Gabourel (Port Arthur, TX), who pled guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Tommy Ray Rollins (Grandview, MO), indicted for illegally possessing Molotov Cocktails, change of plea at 1:45 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Nathan J. Brinkle (KCMO) and Jonathan Jennings (Lee's Summit, MO), who pled guilty to a scheme to defraud home buyers and mortgage lenders of more than $6 million, will be sentenced today. Brinkle will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. and Jennnings at 11 a.m., in Courtroom 8E

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Vacation Week

2006-04-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

No blog postings for the next week. If you need information or assistance, please contact Roseann Ketchmark at 816-426-4220.

Friday's Schedule

2006-04-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Stephen C. Foster (KCMO), who pled guilty to receiving and possessing child porn, will be sentenced at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
JuanManuel Valenzuela (Dodge City, KS), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine as the result of a NITRO investigation, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Lyle L. Brown and Brown's Agri-Services, Inc., who pled guilty to employing Harvey Hurst under another person's name so that he could continue to receive Social Security benefits, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 6E

Jefferson City:

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this morning

Thursday's Schedule

2006-04-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Dale E. Lovelace (KCMO), who pled guilty to failing to pay his income tax, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 6E
Howard T. Neely (KCMO), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Darrell P. Lawson (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Coutroom 8E
Michael S. Simmons, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. i Courtroom 7B
Gary Croner, waiver and plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8C
Mondrae J. Fue (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Edward Gallegos (Dallas, TX), who pled guilty to his role in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Leapfrog, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Tyrone Scarborough (Coffeyville, KS), who pled guilty to counterfeiting, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Thomas Boaz, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Jefferson City:

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected tomorrow morning

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-04-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:
Grand jury is in session, with returns expected late this afternoon

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-04-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Kansas City:

Christopher Burton (Harrisonville, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Valerie A. Hill (Grandview, MO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Patrick P. Gruetze (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8B

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Monday's Schedule

2006-04-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Springfield:

Gordon Delwyn Brede (Half Way, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Manuela Garcia-Lujan (Branson), who was indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Taney County as a result of Operation Cocaine Highway, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Bruce Timoty Mueller (Strafford, MO), who pled guilty to counterfeiting, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Friday's Schedule

2006-03-31T06:01:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

John B. Wolf (KCMO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Samuel R. Contreras (KCMO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Ahmed Abdi Nur, a Somalian native who pled guilty to operating an illegal money transmitting business that wired nearly $4 million to the Unietd Arab Emirates and elsewhere, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Caleb James Toliver (Lexington, MO), who pled guilty to child porn, has withdrawn his plea and will enter a new plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Chesley Lum Armstrong (Raymore, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Royrico A. Bunch (KCMO) will be sentenced at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Bradley E. Jenkins (Grandview, MO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Kellie P. Carr (KCMO), who pled guilty to bank fraud by cashing counterfeit payroll checks, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Leandro Diaz-Roa will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Christopher R. Mays (Warrensburg, MO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Rose H. Beatty (KCMO), who pled guilty to child porn, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Jefferson City:

Mario Del Rio-Perez (Mexico) will be sentenced at 11 a.m.
Dale Ganaway Lucas (Columbia, MO), who was indicted for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 1:30 p.m.
Shalonda L. Jones, change of plea at 2 p.m.
Barbara L. McCawley, change of plea at 2:30 p.m.
Gelson Omar Mancilla-Santiago (Guatemala), who pled guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and to illegally re-entering the United States, will be sentenced at 3 p.m.

Thursday's Schedule

2006-03-30T06:16:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

William R. Dobson (Buckner, MO), who was indicted for being a felon in possession of firearms, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Caleb Daniel Wheeler (Cameron, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Terrance A. Johnson (KCMO), who was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Christopher S. Scruggs will be sentenced at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Gerald Woods (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and to carrying a firearm in relation to a federal drug trafficking crime, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Reggie Harris (KCMO), who was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 11:15 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Kara S. Patrick (Raytown, MO), who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting others in the manufacture of meth, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Ronald E. Hill (Turney, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Melinda S. Parker will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Edward L. Vann (KCMO) will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Gregory M. Chollet (Overland Park, KS), who pled guilty to illegally importing fenfluramine, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

John A. Cortis (Drury, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Byron W. Thomas (Ft. Benning, GA), who was indicted for providing false information to a federal grand jury, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Gabriel Delossantos (Rogers, ARK), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute ingredients used to manufactur emethamphetamine as a result of Operation Ice Palace, will be sentenced at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Blaze Eldridge Montemayor (Springfield, MO), who pled guilty to receiving child porn over the Internet, will be sentenced at 12:15 p.m. in Courtroom 2

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-03-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

James Deterding (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Lee M. Johnson, who pled guilty to illegally possessing body armor, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Ricardo Moron (Texas), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Angela K. Baker (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Avonda Lynn Nicodemus (KCMO), who pled guilty to his role in a $20 million mortgage fraud conspiracy, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Michaela J. Hernandez (KCMO), who was indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Todd M. Byrd (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Peggy Jo Snodgrass (Independence, MO), a real estate appraiser who pled guilty to providing artificially inflated appraisals on properties, will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Joseph B. Miller (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B

Springfield:

All of today's proceedings will be held in Courtroom 2

Omari Ali Zackery (address unknown), who pled guilty to attempted bank robbery and was convicted of using a firearm in a crime of violence, will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m.
Ricki J. Gomez (Carthage, MO), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth as a result of Operation Ice Storm, will be sentenced at 9:15 a.m.
AnthonyE. Carnazzo (Waynesville, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing numerous firearms, will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m.
Vernon Adams (U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners), who pled guilty to being in possession of a homemade weapon, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m.
Darrell Keith Simpson (West Plains, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and marijuana, will be sentenced at 2:15 p.m.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-03-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Rolanda Mendiola-Torres, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Robert L. Voss (Mississippi), who was indicted for bank robbery, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Terra Hedger (Belton, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Randall E. Rue (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Kenneth R. Washam (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Leon Simmons (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Edward Bowman, who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B

Springfield:

Kevin N. Thomas (Plato, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with a witness, bench trial begins at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2

Monday's Schedule

2006-03-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Bucksley J. Barnhill (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycontin, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Lorenzo Torres-Chavez (Mexican national), who was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Ahmed Abdi Nur (KCMO), a native of Somalia who pled guilty to operating an illegal money transmitting business that wired nearly $4 million to theUnited Arab Emirates and elsewhere, will be sentenced in 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Kimberly D. Vickers (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Eniko Gal (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Ramon Leopoldo Morales (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Antoine M. Cain (KCMO), who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Jonathan B. Jones (KCMO), who was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Friday's Schedule

2006-03-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Jorge Trevino-Rubio (El Paso, Texas), indicted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana
Michael Edward LeBrun (Greenwood, MO), who pleaded guilty to murdering a shipmate while serving aboard a Navy vessel in the Phillippines in 1968, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Luis Mora-Lemus (KC, KS), who pled guilty to illegally re-entering the United States, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Martin Ortega-Franco, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Marion A. Robinson (KCMO), who was indicted for distributing crack cocaine and heroin, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Jose Ponce De Leon (Mexico) will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Thursday's Schedule

2006-03-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Donald R. Hannah (KCMO), indicted for filing a false tax return by failing to claim more than $1.5 million in taxable income, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Anmed Abdi Nur (KCMO), a native of Somalia who pled guilty to operating an illegal money transmitting business that wired nearly $4 million to the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Kimberly D. Vickers (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Hernandez D. Green (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-03-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Donald R. Hannah (KCMO), indicted for filing a false tax return by failing to claim more than $1.5 million in taxable income, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Randan Cooper (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E

Detention Motion for Coach

2006-03-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

The government filed a motion today to detain Jeffrey Vernace in federal custody without bond until his trial (not yet scheduled). Vernace, the former youth swim coach who was indicted for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, will remain in federal custody until the court schedules a detention hearing and rules on the government's motion.

Here is the government's motion for pretrial detention and a hearing.

Here is our news release announcing the indictment.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-03-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Donald R. Hannah (KCMO), indicted for filing a false tax return by failing to claim more than $1.5 million in taxable income, trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Tommy D. Myers (Joplin, MO), who pled guilty to receiving $20,368 in Social Security disability benefits to which he was not entitled, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Coach in court

2006-03-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey Vernace, the former youth swim coach indicted for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, will have his initial court appearance at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. Vernace remains in federal custody.

Here is our news release announcing the indictment.

Friday's Schedule

2006-03-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Keith A. Jones (KCMO), indicted for distributing crack cocaine, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Howard Rice, bench trial at 9:15 a.m. in Courtroom 6D
Donald R. Hannah (KCMO), indicted for filing a false tax return, jury trial at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Myron L. Guthrie (KCMO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Dale W. Stone will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
David D. Henson will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Gabriel Ruiz-Salzar (Mexico), who pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Jason Lee Heiple, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Randy W. Collier (KCMO), who pled guilty to drug trafficking and firearms violations after threatening an undercover officer with a gun, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Michael G. Tracy (Pleasant Hill, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Hugo L. Mendez-Mendoza will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8C

Springfield:

Daniel Paul Cox (Auroro, MO), who pled guilty to forging an endorsement on an IRS refund check, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Thursday's Schedule

2006-03-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Jose D. Andujo-Hernandez will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Gary A. Davis will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Shawnda Schmidt will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Lee K. Payne, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Kathy R. Koch will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Ryan G. Prater will be sentenced at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Raymond Patrick Jimenez will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Randan Cooper, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Lorenzo Smith will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Lewis G. Kilgore will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Wesley W. Bowman, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Brian A. Owsley, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Melissa Sue Trigg, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Paul R. Huffman, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Christopher Michael Dannar, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Patricia Weldon, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Steven Ray Wheeler, change of plea at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Lonnie D. Gray, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Jeremy Bass will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Joseph M. Ruane will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 2
Mark Freeman, bench trial at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 2

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-03-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Rebecca L. Alexander (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtrom 7C
William Dalton Weis (Polo, MO), indicted for child porn, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Tony L. Harrell (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Mario Estell (KCMO), indicted for theft of government property (stealing Social Security checks intended for his deceased grandmother), change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Prince E. Gilbert (KCMO), indicted for using a firearm to rob a cell phone store as a result of the Public Housing Safety Initiative, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Springfield:

John Robert Falls (Seymore, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2
Mario B. Valdez-Aldaba, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Kelly R. Flow (Rockaway Beach, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2
Lisa R. Miller (Rockaway Beach, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 2
April D. Abbott (Hollister, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2
Philip D. Myers and Tracy Lee Morrison (addresses unknown), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 2
Edward L. Raifsnider (Branson, MO), who pled guilty to being a fugitive from justice and illegally possessing firearms, will be sentenced at 4:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-03-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Francisco Corono-Moret, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Susan M. Gardner, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Peyton S. Leach, sentencing at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Paul F. Vann, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Eric J. Banks, sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Marcus J. Hill, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Jerome R. Johnson, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Arnold G. Carr, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Cynthia D. Stone, sentencing at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 6D
Mark S. Attebury, change of plea at 11 a.m.in Courtroom 7C
Deron L. Williams, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Woodrow T. Newell, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Damien A. Carter, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Alonso Ruperto Villarreal-Diharce, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Jesus Cardenas-Celestino, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Elijah I. Jones, sentencing at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Del A. Arnold, sentencing at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Trevor D. Hoehn, change of plea at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Grand jury is in session, with returns scheduled on Wednesday afternoon.

Springfield:

Phyllis C. Hood, sentencing at 8:30 a.m. in Courtoom 2
Gaylon T. Ward, sentencing at 9:15 a.m. in Courtoom 2
Johnette Lehmann, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtoom 1
Daniel Trentham, sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Christian L. Parry, sentencing at 10 a.m. in Courtoom 2
Eugene E. Lundgren, sentencing at 10:45 a.m. in Courtoom 2
Michael W. Burrow, sentencing at 11:15 a.m. in Courtoom 2
Karen D. Mitchell, sentencing at 12 p.m. in Courtoom 2
Samuel T. Spellman, sentencing at 1:30 p.m. in Courtoom 2
Gary Wayne Deaton, sentencing at 2:15 p.m. in Courtoom 2
Christian Hill-Cox, sentencing at 3 p.m. in Courtoom 2
Harold L. Perkins, sentencing at 3:45 p.m. in Courtoom 2
Kenneth Brian Kern, sentencing at 4:15 p.m. in Courtoom 2

Thursday's Schedule

2006-03-02T06:04:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Joshua V. Hambleton will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
John W. Butler will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtrom 7B
Barndon E. Jones will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7E
Ahmed Abdi Nur will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
David L. Franklin will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Gabriel John Monk will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Tahron Montane Howse will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Lamont A. Brown will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 7A

Springfield:

The following hearings will be held in Courtroom 2, beginning at 10:45 a.m.:

Thom W. Rhodes will be sentenced
Edgar Zava-Nunez will be sentenced
Eric Arenz Norman Stafford will be sentenced
Jimmie D. Poe will be sentenced
Elgin Humphrey will be sentenced
Johnny E. St. Cin will be sentenced
Randy Stephen Armstrong and Faith L. Huegel will be sentenced
Louie Eugene Aragon will be sentenced

Jefferson City:

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected on Friday.

News conference this morning

2006-03-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

U.S. Attorney Todd Graves will announce a federal charge in a significant criminal case at a press conference on Thursday morning.

The press conference will be held at 9 a.m. in the conference room of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is located on the fifth floor of the Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse at 400 East 9th Street, Kansas City, Mo., 64106. A news release and copies of a federal indictment will be available at that time.

If you have any questions, please call Don Ledford, Public Affairs Officer, at (816) 426-4220.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Sara K. Young, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Damon L. Hargrove will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
James Dean Shaw, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Carlos M. Hernandez-Rodriguez will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Jay D. Lamont will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Richard M. Davis will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Larneal D. Davis will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Michael J. Galley will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected late today.

Peacekeeper indictment

2006-02-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

Russell B. Cohen (Florida), the sales manager of a Florida aerospace firm who was indicted for falsifying testing results on components used in Peacekeeper nuclear missiles, will have his initial appearance, arraignment and scheduling conference at 10 a.m. on March 22, 2006, in Courtroom 6E.

Child porn trial

2006-02-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

The court granted a continuance to Bruce Henwood Truesdale, the Jefferson City attorney indicted for child porn, whose trial had been scheduled for March 20. Truesdale's trial will begin at 8 a.m. on May 22, 2006, before U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright in Jefferson City.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-02-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Joshua M. Gautney (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Jose Luis Cervantes-Torres and Martin Beltran-Meza, co-defendants who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Frank W. Lewis (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Timothy A. Kateusz (KC, KS), convicted at trial of attempting to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Fabio Montano (Texas), convicted at trial for a massive cocaine conspiracy, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
RafaelS. Jurado (KCMO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Mark R. Allen (Savannah, MO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea at 2 p.m. in courtroom 8E
Charles Clingenpeel (Independence, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 2:15 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Angel Gonzalz-Medina, who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and to re-entering the United States after having been deported, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Tiffany Robinson, waiver and plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Angel Dawn Richardson (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected mid-day.

Jefferson City:

Adrain Barraza-Gonzalez and Victor Alonso Medina-Perez, who ple guilty to transporting illegal aliens, will be sentenced at 10 a.m.
Roni Diamond Greenwood (Jefferson City, MO), who pled guilty to counterfeiting, will be sentenced at 3 p.m.

Child porn trial

2006-02-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

Bruce Henwood Truesdale, the Jefferson City attorney indicted for child porn, has filed a motion asking for a continuance of his trial, which is currently scheduled for March 20. Truesdale has petitioned the court for a May 2006 trial date.

7th Heaven

2006-02-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

Jan and Anita Fichman, the owners of 7th Heaven stores who were indicted for selling illegal drug paraphernalia, have filed a motion for continuance of their trial, which is currently scheduled for the March 20 criminal docket. They have asked the court to continue the trial to May 22, 2006.

Court favors appeal

2006-02-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Eight Circuit Court of Appeals today ruled in favor of the government's appeal for a re-sentencing of Manuel Earl Gatewood, who used a stolen shotgun to aggressively threaten a grocery store cashier while robbing a Camdenton, MO, store. After pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, Gatewood was sentenced to three years in federal prison -- well below the federal sentencing guidelines range of 63 to 78 months. The government appealed.

In today's appellate decision, the court remanded the case for resentencing, ruling that Gatewood's sentence was "unreasonable" because it "results in punishment that does not accurately reflect the seriousness of Gatewood’s offense conduct and does not afford adequate deterrence or protect the public from further crimes by this defendant. In addition, the sentence fails to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparity among defendants with similar criminal histories who have illegally possessed stolen firearms to commit armed robberies."

Here is the published opinion.

Sentencing cancelled for Tri-City bookkeeper

2006-02-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

This morning's sentencing hearing for William Dwight Free, the former employee of Tri-City Ministries who pleaded guilty to stealing more than $600,000 from the Baptist organization in Independence, MO, has been cancelled. Judge Sachs, citing the defendant's poor health, has not yet scheduled a new date for the sentencing hearing.

The court order and a letter of explanation will be available to download later this morning. In the meantime, here is our news release announcing Free's guilty plea.

Monday's Schedule

2006-02-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Jorge Camacho-Palacios (KCMO), indicted for narcotics, firearms, immjigration, counterfeiting violations, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
William Dwight Free, a former employee of Tri-City Ministries who pleaded guilty to stealing more than $600,000 from the Baptist organization. will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Robert W. Magee, who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Ramon Tomas Favela-Cervantes, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Tiffany N. Gatewood, who pled guilty to aiding and abetting others to possess PCP, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Tiffany Robinson, waiver and pela at 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Roberto Madrigal-Lopez (Mexico), who pled guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported for selling heroin, sexually abusing a minor and auto theft, will be senentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Elwood H. Plourde (Success, MO), a convicted murderer who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Deandre Walls, who pled guilty to being in possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Jefferson City:

William Arthur O'Cull (MISS), who pled guilty to failure to surrender to serve a federal prison sentence for a meth conspiracy, will be sentenced at 10 a.m.
William T. Joplin (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms, will be sentenced at 11 a.m.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-02-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Duane C. Carter (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, jury trial continues at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Brandon Sanders (Raytown, MO), who pled guilty to stealing IRS checks, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Herbert L. Conroy (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Eric J. Sharpe (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud by passing counterfeit payroll checks, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-02-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

The federal courtouse will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, for the federal holiday.

Kansas City:

Duane C. Carter (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, jury trial begins at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Henry Curtis Underwood, the former computer network administrator for the Northeast Nodaway School District indicted for hacking into the district's network, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 6D

Friday's Schedule

2006-02-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Iggy Santisteban, indicted for his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported and misbranded Lipitor and other drugs, jury deliberations continue
Angela Bromley (St. Louis, MO), waiver and plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Daniel J. Roaden (KCMO), waiver and plea at 1:45 p.m. in Courtroom 6D

Thursday's Schedule

2006-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Iggy Santisteban, indicted for his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported and misbranded Lipitor and other drugs, jury trial at 8 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Manuel Avila-Ramos (Mexico), indicted for illegally re-entering the United States and illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Clara Lovins (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 8C
Laura L. Walters (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to commit mail theft and identity theft, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Jason Eugene Durgan (Buffalo, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of ammunition, jury trial begins at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-02-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Iggy Santisteban, indicted for his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported and misbranded Lipitor and other drugs, jury trial at 8 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Johnny Doss (KCMO), charged with armed bank robbery, waiver and plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Kiesha E. Buie (KCMO), charged with armed bank robbery, waiver and plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Roberto Rodriguez (TX), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Jasper County as a result of Operation Ice Storm, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Nathan Johnson (Springdale, ARK), indicted for bank robbery, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-02-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Iggy Santisteban, indicted for his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit, illegally imported and misbranded Lipitor and other drugs, jury trial at 8 a.m. in Courtroom 8C

Springfield:

Martin Keiber, indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, jury trial at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Friday's Schedule

2006-02-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

David Bruske, bench trial at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 6D
Travis Jackson (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Jackson County, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Zachary S. Shumock (Blue Springs, MO), indicted for illegally possessing a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Julie Bishop (Grandview, MO), indicted for child porn, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
Jose Guadalupe Ruelas-Limon (Mexico), indicted for narctics and immigration violations, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Nathan D. Alitz (address unknown), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8A
David L. Raymond (Rayville, MO), indicted for illegally possessing machine guns, change of plea at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Jeremy J. Lara, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8C

Springfield:

Cesar R. Jara (El Paso, TX), convicted of possessing 3,000 pounds of marijuana, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Randy Dabney, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Roberto Rodriguez (TX), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Ice Storm, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Roberto Del-Angel-Castro (Mexico), indicted for transporting illegal aliens, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Jefferson City:

Donald Wallace will be sentenced at 9 a.m.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-02-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Scott L. Higgs (Independence, MO), who was indicted for embezzling pension funds, change of plea at 9 a.m.
Michael Wayne Mosher will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Carla S. Whisler (Independence, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Annie J. Baker (KCMO), who pled guilty to producing counterfeit money, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Jeremy J. Lara (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Emerson E. Harlin (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Shawn R. Hudgens (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Rodolfo Shimeron-Arredondo (Mexico) will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
Christopher Kelly (KCMO) will be sentenced at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Jason T. Lamb (Independence, MO), who pled guilt to stolen mail, meth, and an illegal firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Lionel Ruiz-Valenzuela (Mexico), indicted for illegally entering the United States after being deported, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Steven N. McCuin (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Joshua M. Gautney (KCMO) will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Raymond Patrick Jimenez will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Wanda F. Thompson (address unknown), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute Oxycontin, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Kacy D. Lark (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Kathleen P. Dodson, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Steven Roy Barbier, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Robert J. Howard (Seymour, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Craig Oliver Cooper (Joplin, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-02-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Bobbie Bowls (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute ecstasy, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Agustin Garcia-Guevara, indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea hearing, 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Martinus Anton Sayles (KS), indicted for bank fraud and counterfeit payroll checks, change of plea hearing at 11 a.m. in Courtoom 7C
Bucksley J. Barnhill (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycontin, will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Kyle David Waltemeyer (Winston, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
David M. Nanos (Carthage, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth and an illegal firearm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Somer C. Newland (Ashland, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Johnnie D. Dethrow (Ashland, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth and an illegal firearm, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 8B

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon

Jefferson City:

The following hearings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Karen Kay Wall (Columbia, MO), indicted for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute meth, change of plea
Ryan S. Shepherd (KCMO), indicted for possession with intent to distribute meth, change of plea
Larry Dale McDowell (Osage Beach, MO), who was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea
Jerome Lamarr Grace (Jefferson City, MO), indicted for counterfeiting, change of plea
Lance C. Tomlinson (Phoenix, AR), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced
Leroy Perry (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced
Marvin Louis Hayes (Columbia, MO), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and an illegal firearm, will be sentenced
Marcus Jones (KCMO) will be sentenced

Monday's Schedule

2006-02-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Scott Dujuan Hazel (Raymore, MO), indicted for bank robbery, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Willie S. Cunningham (KCMO), indicted for bank fraud and counterfeit checks, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Raul Hurtado-Rodriguez (Arizona), indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Sabino F. Mosqueda-Estevez (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
James Diamond Wainwright (KS), indicted for bank fraud and counterfeit checks, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Jaime Garza (Texas), indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, change of plea at 1:30 p.m.
Travis H. Owens (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtrom 8B

Springfield:

Robert Michael Ward (Dixon, MO), indicted for child porn, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Aaron A. Anderson (Lebanon) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Polo Hinojosa-Garcia (Joplin, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Lucky Charm, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Pablo Marquez (El Paso, TX), convicted of possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilos of marijuana, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Gustavo T. Luna (El Paso, TX), convicted of possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilos of marijuana, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Friday's Schedule

2006-02-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Gregory A. Rogers (Independence, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Ivan M. Tofiga (Corona, CA), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Mario Carrillo-Mendoza (KCMO), indicted for reentering the United States after having been deported, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Quillin Porter will be re-sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
James A. Long (Parma, OH), indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Jeffrey S. Bateman (Joplin, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Ice Storm, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Joe E. Ballard, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Freddie Joe Gann (Licking, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Jefferson City:

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon

Court rules against former judge

2006-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

A U.S. District Judge ruled today against Roger E. Wall, the former Douglas County judge who was indicted for child porn. In two separate rulings, Judge Richard E. Dorr denied the defendant's motion to suppress physical evidence and for the return of evidence seized, and denied the defendant's motion to dismiss the case.

Both orders can be downloaded here and here.

Today's orders accept the report and recommendations of U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James C. England, which can be downloaded here. Our response to the defense motions can be downloaded here.

Here is the news release announcing Wall's indictment.

Thursday's Schedule

2006-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Leonard Wayne Coggins (Richmond, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Caesare M. Boggess (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Eric G. Liechti, indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Timothy F. Norman (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Joshua Shrout (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Adam S. Battiest (Parkville, MO), indicted for child porn, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Juan Cazares-Leal, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Isaac Alberto-Guerrero (Mexico), indicted for illegally possessing a firearm, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Carlos Mulgado (Mexico), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Jasper County as a result of Operation Lucky Charm, change of plea at 10 a.m.
Justin D. Villarreal (San Antonio, TX), indicted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Armando Figueroa-Dominguez (Rogers, ARK), Geronimo Velasquez-Gomez (Carthage, MO) and Raul Alberto-Guerrero (Carthage, MO), co-defendants indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in Jasper County as a result of Operation Lucky Charm, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Steven L. Knowles (Springfield, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-01-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Randy W. Collier (KCMO), who pled guilty to marijuana and firearm charges, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Ahmed J. Johnson (KCMO), indicted for bank fraud for passing counterfeit payroll checks, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Christopher M. Graham (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth as a result of Operation Icy Hot, will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
William K. Harris, waiver and plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Travis Owens (KCMO) will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-01-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Hober Galvan-Gomez (Mexico) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Eric S Edick (Kellerton, Iowa) will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Roy J. Benton (KCMO) will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8B
Mario Carrillo-Mendoza (KCMO), change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Rafael Figuero-Salas (Mexico), indicted for illegally reentering the United States after being deported, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
Kyle David Waltemeyer (Winston, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea hearing at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 6E

Springfield:

Edy Paiz-Esquivel, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Glen I. Jacobson (Leeds, Alabama), indicted for mail fraud, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Roy Rodriguez, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Jefferson City:

James W. Campbell (Versailles, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m.
George Allen Scott (Linn Creek, MO) will be sentenced at 11 a.m.

Friday's Schedule

2006-01-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Michael Dale (KCMO), indicted for distributing crack cocaine, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Steve J. Cullinane (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine, change of plea at 9:15 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Jesus M. Hernandez-Delgado (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth in as a result of Operation Icy Hot will be sentenced at 9:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Kenneth W. Ray (Sedalia, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Stanley F. Moody (KCMO) will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8B
James D. Hardy (Independence, MO) will be sentenced at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Larry B. Deatz (KCMO) will be sentenced at 11:15 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Lachelle M. Brown (KCMO) will be sentenced at 11:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Maurice S. Sayles (KCMO), indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud with counterfeit checks, change of plea at 12:15 p.m. in Courtroom 7C
Gregory O. Watkins, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected mid-day

Springfield:

Quillin Porter will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Freddie Joe Gann (Licking, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Thursday's Schedule

2006-01-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Mitchell A. Deadmond will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Namphonh Suady will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8E
Leah N. Leake will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Darrick T. Gilyard (KCMO) will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected today

Springfield:

Marcus J. Gover, change of plea at 9:30 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Jefferson City:

Vickie Lynn Munroe, change of plea at 9 a.m.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-01-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Joel C. Ballenger (Barnett, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Robert Dale Beckley, indicted for mortgage fraud, change of plea at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Ricky D. Hain, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Cornelius Williams (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7B
LeAnne Soperla (Cameron, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in a NITRO investigation, change of plea at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 6E
Steven McLain Wheeler (Cameron, MO), indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth in a NITRO investigation, change of plea at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 6E

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected late afternoon

Springfield:

Eladio Villarreal (Alamo, TX), indicted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana in Greene, Lawrence, and Webster counties, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Change of Plea

2006-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for Scott Dujuan Hazel (Raymore, MO), the Raymore-Peculiar High School student who was indicted for robbing Allen Bank and Trust Company in Raymore. The hearing will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, in Courtroom 7B.

Here is our news release announcing Hazel's indictment.

Here are the original criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the case.

Terrorist Surveillance

2006-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales: Just after dawn on September 11th, 2001, I flew out of Dulles Airport less than an hour before the departure from the same airport of American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon later that morning ... The open wounds so many of us carry from that day are the backdrop to the current debate about the National Security Agency’s terrorist surveillance program. This program, described by the President, is focused on international communications where experienced intelligence experts have reason to believe that at least one party to the communication is a member or agent of al Qaeda or a terrorist organization affiliated with al Qaeda.

It seems that everyone who has heard of the President’s actions has an opinion ... I’ve noticed that through all of the noise on this topic, very few have asked that the terrorist surveillance program be stopped. The American people are, however, asking two important questions: Is this program necessary? And is it lawful? The answer to each is yes.

Read the full text of today's speech at Georgetown University Law Center.

Town Hall on Meth

2006-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales: The scourge of methamphetamine is tightening its grip on communities across America. As we have heard, meth is a unique and deadly threat to our Nation. It is highly addictive. It is easy and cheap to produce. And as many in this room know, it destroys lives far beyond those of just the addicts and the users.

Read the full text of the speech, delivered Monday at the Senators’ National Town Hall on Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-01-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Carrie Lynn Payne, who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E
Steven L. Morris (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Jose Garcia-Rivera (Mexico), who pled guilty to transporting illegal aliens, will be sentenced at 9 a.m in Courtroom 1
Freddie Joe Gann (Licking, MO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Lisa Montgomery trial

2006-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

The court today granted a continuance in the capital trial of Lisa Montgomery, who was indicted for kidnaping an infant, resulting in the death of the infant's mother, Bobby Jo Stinnet. Montgomery's trial will begin on Oct. 23, 2006.

Here is a link to the court order (which will be available to download after 4 p.m. today).

Here is a link to more information about the case.

Monday's Schedule

2006-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Patrick A. Weaver, change of plea at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8A
Calvert Antwine (KCMO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8E

Springfield:

Jerry Lee Kohl (Arizona), who pled guilty to distributing marijuana in Lawrence County, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Jesse James Donaldson will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Quillin Porter will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1
Candi L. Raifsnider (Joplin, MO), who pled guilty to misleading a law enforcement officer, will be sentenced at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1

Friday's Schedule

2006-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Edgar Noe Gandara, indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy, change of plea at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Samuel Santos-Arzola (Independence, MO), who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Ramiro Aguirre (Marshall, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Andress M. Cotero (Las Vegas, NV), who pled guilty to possessing meth, will be sentenced at 11:15 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Gary G. Malone (KCMO), indicted for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Cody J. Gilreath, indicted for conspiracy to distribute meth, change of plea at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Christopher N. Gardner (Belton, MO) will be sentenced at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 7A

Springfield:

Reginald Irish, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Thursday's Schedule

2006-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Rosauro Hernandez (Milan, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Genaro Vargas Orozco (Milan, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Jahn M. Moore (KCMO), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Christopher N. Gardner (Belton, MO) will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Abdi M. Mahamud (KCMO or Independence, MO), who pled guilty to wire fraud, will be sentenced at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Stacey Jo Montgomery (Belton, MO) will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8C
Michelle A. Rapp will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Jeremy L. White will be sentenced at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 7A

Springfield:

Edy Paiz-Esquivel (Mexico), indicted for transporting illegal aliens, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Edward Raifsnider (Branson, MO, formerly Joplin, MO), change of plea at 11 a.m. in Magistrate Courtroom
Katherine Eadie Risner will be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-01-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Leslie R. Stubblefield (KC-North), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Matthew Hunter Leighton (Olathe, KS), indicted for enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and using the Internet to transfer obscene material to a minor, change of plea at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7B
Durone L. Farmer (KCMO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 8C
Jesus Jimenez-Gutierrez (Minnesota), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7A
Katrina S. Gritsishin, indicted for counterfeiting, bench trial begins at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 7A
Anthony Hollinger (KC, KS), who pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, will be sentenced at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 7A

Springfield:

Grand jury is in session, with returns expected this afternoon.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2006-01-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

The courthouse, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, in commemoration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tuesday's Schedule

2006-01-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Michael Dale (KCMO), indicted for distributing crack cocaine, change of plea at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 7B

Springfield:

Toulavanh Phanithasack (Ozark, MO), who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1
Dennis K. Mingucci (El Dorado Springs, MO) will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Murder trial continuance

2006-01-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

A joint motion from the government and the defense was filed today requesting a continuance in the capital trial for John P. Street (KCMO), in order to allow time for additional DNA testing.

Here is the motion that was filed today.

Here is our news release announcing Street's indictment, and a news release announcing our intent to seek the death penalty.

Friday's Schedule

2006-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Kansas City:

Tyler M. Leach (Lawrence, KS), who pled guilty to attempting to entice a 14-year-old girl to engage in illicit sex, will be sentenced at 10 a.m.
Hue Hien Chung (Chillicothe, MO), who pled guilty to accessory after the fact to tax evasion, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Luis Mora-Lemus, change of plea at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7C
Shondel C. Church (Independence, MO), who pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth, will be sentenced at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 7C

Springfield:

Karl Hug (Nixa, MO), who pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1

Jefferson City:

Mario Del Rio-Perez (Mexico), indicted for re-entering the U.S. after deportation, change of plea at 9 a.m.
Amy Hopper (Columbia, MO), indicted for passing counterfeit $100 bills, change of plea at 9:30 a.m.
Robert Voepel (Columbia, MO), indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, change of plea at 11:30 a.m.
Nicole Scott, who pled guilty to product tampering (replacing infant formula with flour then returning the product to the store for a refund) will be sentenced at 2 p.m.

Thursday's Schedule

2006-01-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

Nothing newsworthy on the court dockets today

Lisa Montgomery update

2006-01-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

We've now posted the attachments -- all 17 of them -- that were filed yesterday in conjunction with our motion to oppose the continuance of Lisa Montgomery's trial. You can read or download the attachments here.

Wednesday's Schedule

2006-01-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

Springfield:

Victor Manuel Gomez-Coronado, change of plea at 2 p.m. in Magistrate Courtroom.

Grand jury returns expected in Jefferson City. Nothing newsworthy to report in Kansas City.

Webb City arson plea

2006-01-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for Keith McBride (Webb City, MO), who was indicted for destroying his business, Coin Op, in an arson fire. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, in Courtroom 1 at the federal courthouse in Springfield.

Here is our news release announcing McBride's indictment.

Lisa Montgomery trial

2006-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Attorney's Office filed a motion today asking the court to deny the defense request to contiue the trial of Lisa Montgomery to February 2007.

Here is our motion in opposition that was filed in federal court today.

Here is our news release announcing Lisa Montgomery's indictment.