Former Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography

James L. Santelle, United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that Philip Wentzel (age 41), formerly of West Allis, Wisconsin, and formerly a sergeant with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, pleaded guilty in federal court to six counts of production of child pornography.

According to court documents, from 2009 through approximately April 2011, Wentzel (age 41), knowingly produced child pornography. Each of the six counts involved a different minor female victim. According to court records, Wentzel also used a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program to share images and videos of child pornography which he and others had produced.

The court set Wentzel’s sentencing for December 21, 2012. At that time, Wentzel faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment as to each count. Wentzel also faces up to a $250,000 fine per count and a minimum of five years and up to life time of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. According to United States Attorney L. Santelle, “Allegations of criminal activity by those who are sworn to enforce the law are especially troubling as such activities are an affront to the public, the justice system, and the many hard-working and honest men and women who serve in law enforcement.”

This case is the result of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Milwaukee Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Milwaukee Police Department, High Technology Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Penelope L. Coblentz is prosecuting this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Twenty-Four Defendants Charged in Federal Court with Drug Distribution on Milwaukee’s East Side

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced that today, three indictments were unsealed in federal court charging 11 defendants with various drug trafficking offenses. In addition, 13 defendants were charged by criminal complaint with drug offenses related to a federal wiretap investigation. The indicted defendants are charged with drug offenses, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants charged by complaint are alleged to have unlawfully used telephones in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.

In the first indictment, two defendants, Ramone Locke (25) and Joey Vazquez (27), are charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. If convicted, each faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment with a maximum of life, a $10,000,000 fine, and between five years and life on supervised release. In the same indictment, defendants Billy Cannon, Jr. (27), Sharta Harris (24), Jesse Locke (44), Marilyn Mack (53), and Herberto Torres (26) are charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum of five years’ imprisonment with a 40 year maximum, a $5,000,000 fine, and between four years and life on supervised release.

A second indictment charges Larry Lawrence (21), Andre Apontey (26), and Garry Hughes (28) with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute of crack cocaine. The maximum penalties faced by these defendants are minimum of five, maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5 million fine, and a minimum of four years’ supervised release.

The third indictment charging Robert Woods, a.k.a “Young Robbo,” (29) with distribution of cocaine. The maximum penalty for this crime is 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and at least three years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for this offense are four years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Today, law enforcement arrested 10 of the individuals. Nine others were already in custody. Five are still at large, including Joey Vazquez, Michael Moore, Anthony Whittley, Herberto Torres, and Sharta Harris.

The defendants were charged based on a lengthy investigation by the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Gang Task Force, which includes officers from the Milwaukee Police Department and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigations; the West Allis Police Department; the Internal Revenue Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation and Parole; and the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is the second phase of an ongoing, long-term effort by law enforcement to eradicate the sales of powder and crack cocaine and associated violence on Milwaukee’s east side. The first phase concluded in November 2011 with the federal indictment of 13 drug traffickers and their associates on drug conspiracy charges. To date, 37 east side drug traffickers have been federally charged in connection with the investigation.

According to United States Attorney James L. Santelle, “The significant law enforcement action that we are announcing follows on the equally important work accomplished in November of 2011—when, like today, we also apprehended and brought to justice a large group of people whose drug dealing and related criminal conduct compromised the safety and security of neighborhoods on the east side of Milwaukee. This second phase of our targeted, effective, and evidence-based initiative affirms for all of the people of our community that we continue to identify and to dismantle conspiracies that distribute controlled substances—including, as in these matters, powder and crack cocaine. The 13 people prosecuted since the fall of last year are now joined by 24 more—and, like the others, they are all facing significant prison terms and the prospect of losing all of the assets that they acquired during the period of the several years of their illegal and destructive trafficking. Our announcement today of these charges and these arrests also reflects the sort of affirmative, law enforcement success that comes when federal, state, and local agencies are united in attacking violent crime—including drug trafficking.” Santelle specifically recognized the critically important work of all of the agencies participating in the investigation of this matter—including the arrests of earlier today—and he specially commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Department of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget J. Domaszek.

An indictment or criminal complaint is a method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Man Charged with Robbing Three Milwaukee-Area Pharmacies Faces Mandatory Prison Sentence of 47 Years without Parole

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced today that Daniel Lee (age 49), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been charged with seven federal felonies stemming from the armed robbery of three Milwaukee area pharmacies in March 2012. Lee faces mandatory minimum prison terms totaling 47 years if convicted on all counts.

The indictment alleges that Lee robbed the Swan Serv U Pharmacy at 9130 West North Avenue in Wauwatosa on March 15, 2012 (count one); the Aurora Pharmacy at 8428 West Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee on March 17, 2012 (count two); and the Wilkes Village Pharmacy located at 9000 West Burleigh Street in Milwaukee on March 31, 2012 (count four). Lee faces up to 20 years in prison on each of these robbery counts.

The indictment also alleges that Lee used a firearm during two of these robberies (counts three and five). Lee faces a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years and up to life in prison if convicted of one of the using a firearm during a robbery charges. Lee faces a minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted of a second count of using a firearm during a robbery. Because Lee has at least three prior convictions for a crime of violence, Lee faces a minimum term of 15 years and up to life in prison if convicted of a separate charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm (count six). Finally, Lee is charged with possessing prescription oxycodone and morphine with intent to distribute (count seven). Lee faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of this drug trafficking offense.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Wauwatosa Police Department, and the Shorewood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William J. Lipscomb.

The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Operation Spring Thaw

Milwaukee, WI – The United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kevin A. Carr, announced the conclusion of Operation Spring Thaw. The operation began on February 1, 2012 and ended today. During the operation, members of the Fugitive Task Force (Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and US Marshals) arrested 38 individuals on outstanding felony warrants. While numerous wanted individuals were taken into custody for a variety of charges, including Sexual Assault of Children, Reckless Endangerment, Firearms Violations, Bail Jumping, Arson, Substantial Battery, Fraud and Probation Violation, the focus was on cold cases (cases where the fugitives had been wanted for several years).

Notable arrests during the operation included Michael Mack, wanted since 2009, and had been featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted’ a few weeks ago. Mack was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, and setting her home on fire. Investigators say Mack got into an argument with his girlfriend and she threw him out of the house. He wanted revenge, and allegedly visited her in the hospital for an illness, punched her and soon after, set her place on fire. A tip received as a result of this airing led to Mack’s arrest on February 13, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Law enforcement officials say he was working in a carnival and used an alias.

Theresa Birkley, wanted since 1997, had been convicted and sentenced to probation in May of 1997 for Battery While Armed. Birkley had stabbed the victim with a knife on the arms, shoulder and face. Birkley subsequently absconded from supervision in August of 1997. Birkley was located and arrested by deputy marshals in Greenville, Mississippi on Tuesday February 21, 2012.

Marshal Carr stated that “Operation Spring Thaw was a successful full-court press by the Fugitive Task Force and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department to make an impact in keeping the community safe”.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at USmarshals.gov.

Former Milwaukee Police Officer Convicted of Civil Rights Violation for Sexual Assault of Milwaukee Woman

WASHINGTON – A federal jury today convicted Ladmarald Cates, 44, a former Milwaukee Police Officer, of a civil rights charge stemming from his July 16, 2010, sexual assault of a Milwaukee woman, the Justice Department announced.

The evidence at trial established that on July 16, 2010, the defendant, while acting as a Milwaukee police officer, responded to a 911call for police assistance at the victim’s home. The defendant then used a combination of coercion and intimidation to force the victim to commit sexual acts before forcibly raping her, while they were alone together in the residence. Law enforcement and civilian witnesses testified that the victim cried out that she had been raped minutes after the sexual assault occurred.

 “Officers are charged with protecting and serving our community,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “When officers use their power to take advantage of some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, the Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute.”

 “The federal conviction of a former Milwaukee police officer for violating an individual’s civil rights demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to the investigation and prosecution of those who would use their authority and influence to prey on the very citizens they have sworn to protect,” said James L. Santelle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “By pursuing allegations of injustice, including those against law enforcement officers, the Department of Justice can improve public trust and confidence in the law enforcement community.”

Following an internal investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department fired Mr. Cates.

The defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2012, before the Honorable J.P. Stadtmueller, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.  

The prosecution of this case was based upon the cooperation and support of the Milwaukee Police Department, which worked closely with the FBI in the investigation of it. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel. S. Johnson and Trial Attorney Saeed Mody of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Fourteen Defendants Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Firearms Offenses

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced today that as a result of an investigation into drug-dealing occurring on the east side of Milwaukee, a federal grand jury had indicted 14 defendants for drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses.

Today, law enforcement officers arrested 12 of these defendants. Still at large are Larry Hooker and Cedric Greer. In addition, law enforcement officers executed seven federal search warrants and seized firearms, jewelry, and approximately $30,000.

This investigation focused on the alleged drug-trafficking activities of Earl Williams, Jr., and others on the east side of Milwaukee. Count One of the first indictment alleges that Mr. Williams and others conspired to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, and more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846. Defendants convicted of that offense would face between 10 years and life imprisonment, a fine of up to $4,000,000, and five years to life on supervised release.

According to the first indictment, the conspirators pooled their money to obtain large quantities of cocaine, the majority of which was converted into “crack.” The conspirators then distributed the cocaine and crack cocaine in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. According to the indictment, the conspirators used various residences to store, package, prepare, and distribute the cocaine and crack cocaine and possessed firearms to protect the drugs and proceeds of the conspiracy. One of the alleged goals of the conspiracy was the accumulation of assets, including jewelry and vehicles. The government is seeking forfeiture of those assets.

The defendants were charged based on a year-long joint investigation by the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Gang Task Force, including officers from the Milwaukee Police Department and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the West Allis Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The United States Marshals Service, Oak Creek Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol also assisted in today’s arrests.

According to United States Attorney James L. Santelle, “This significant law enforcement action identifying, apprehending, and bringing to justice a group of people whose drug dealing and related criminal conduct has compromised the safety and security of neighborhoods on the east side of Milwaukee reflects the continuing, targeted, and effective work that we pursue on behalf of all of the people of our community. As a part of our focused investigative and prosecution strategy, fourteen defendants were indicted for engaging in a sophisticated conspiracy to obtain large amounts of cocaine and to profit from the subsequent sale of it, much of it in “crack” form. The fact that virtually all of them are now in custody, facing significant prison terms and likely to lose the assets that they have acquired, is rightly viewed as the appropriate and anticipated response to this kind of destructive behavior. It is also representative of the sort of success that we have in combating the illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs of all kinds.” Santelle specifically commended the critically important work of all of the agencies participating int he investigation of the case, including the arrests of earlier today and, in particular, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department, working together through the HIDTA.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget J. Domaszek.

The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely the formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Former Milwaukee Police Officer Charged in Federal Court with Violating a Milwaukee Woman’s Civil Rights

United States Attorney James L. Santelle for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced today that a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Wisconsin indicted Ladmarald Cates (age 43), a former Milwaukee police officer, with violating a Milwaukee woman’s civil rights. The indictment contains two counts. Count one charges that Mr. Cates, while acting as a Milwaukee police officer, deprived a woman of her due process right to bodily integrity by sexually assaulting her in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. Count two charges Mr. Cates with using and carrying a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of a crime of violence, the offense charged in count one, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A).

These charges are based on allegations that on July 16, 2010, Mr. Cates—while acting as a police officer, armed with his service firearm, and responding to a 911 call from a house in Milwaukee—sexually assaulted a woman who lived at that house. Mr. Cates is alleged to have forced the victim to commit sex acts while they were alone together in her residence.

Count one charges that Mr. Cates’ assault subjected the victim to bodily injury and aggravated sexual abuse. Under Section 242, if bodily injury was caused, Mr. Cates is subject to imprisonment of not more than 10 years, a maximum possible fine of not more than $250,000, or both, plus a mandatory $100 special assessment and not more than five years of supervised release. However, under Section 242, if aggravated sexual abuse was caused, while the other possible penalties stay the same, the maximum possible incarceration could be life imprisonment. If convicted of count two, Mr. Cates would be subject to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, which would have to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on count one.

Following an internal investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department fired Mr. Cates.

In announcing the indictment, United States Attorney James L. Santelle commented: “The United States Department of Justice has been and remains unconditionally committed to ensuring that the rights and privileges established by our Constitution are safeguarded for all of our people. Today’s charges reflect that strong law enforcement commitment—by addressing the violence allegedly visited upon one of our citizens legitimately seeking the assistance of the police and by signaling our pursuit of anyone, including police officers, who violate that public trust and the confidence that our community otherwise rightly has in our law enforcement representatives.”

The prosecution of this case is based upon the cooperation and support of the Milwaukee Police Department, which worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the investigation of it. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mel S. Johnson and Attorney Saeed Mody of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Operation Repeat Offender

MILWAUKEE – Kevin A. Carr, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the completion of a four day sweep that targeted absconders in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Sheboygan Counties. ‘Operation Repeat Offender’ resulted in twenty seven arrests.

The operation focused on parole and probation violators that violated supervision and became fugitives. Offenders with lengthy criminal histories were prioritized. While some individuals with outstanding federal arrest warrants were also included, the focus was on individuals wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  Investigators began working leads in April of this year in preparation for the sweep that began on May 23rd.

The member agencies of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force include the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, Kenosha Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and the Sheboygan Police Department.

The operation culminated over the last several days with the arrests of twenty seven individuals. The

U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force will continue to investigate the whereabouts of several absconders

that were targeted, but not apprehended during the sweep. Marshal Carr said that “The U.S. Marshals

Service is appreciative of the cooperation of the agencies involved in this operation to remove offenders from our streets who were granted the privilege of release from custody only to not comply with the conditions of their release.

Milwaukee Man Charged with Arson by Explosion and other Crimes Connected to Fire that Destroyed Pizza Man Restaurant and other Businesses

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Wisconsin has returned a multi–count indictment against Feras Rahman (age: 27), of Milwaukee. The indictment alleges that Rahman committed the January 19, 2010, arson of the building formerly located at 1800 – 1814 East North Avenue in Milwaukee. This building housed Rahman’s restaurant, The Black and White Café and also three other restaurants on the first level, including The Pizza Man, and numerous residential apartments on the second level. The building was razed as a result of the fire, and the loss was estimated to be in excess of $3 million.

The specific charges set forth in the indictment include Arson by Explosion in violation of iTitle 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, Arson to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h), and False Statements in a Federal Investigation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.

Because the fire resulted in injuries to several firefighters, the Arson by Explosion count is punishable by a minimum mandatory term of seven years in prison and a maximum term of 40 years in prison. The count alleging Arson to Commit Mail Fraud is punishable by a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutive to any sentence imposed on any of the other counts.

In announcing today’s charges, United States Attorney Santelle stated: “I commend all of the federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and agents involved in the investigation of this case for their highly professional and collaborative work. Their focus on and attention to this matter since the time of the arson–along with the work of federal and county prosecutors–reflects our commitment to pursue aggressively violent crimes of all types–not only to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community but also to discourage those who might otherwise be inclined to engage in highly destructive behaviors of this sort.”

Fred Milanowski, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stated, “The potential loss of life of building occupants, responding law enforcement or fire service personnel is what makes arson such a violent crime. We are very fortunate that no one was killed as a result of this senseless act.”

This indictment is premised upon a 16–month investigation conducted by special agents of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Fire Department, and the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth M. Blackwood.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fire Investigators Respond to Fatal Blaze at 500 Bar & Grill

MILWAUKEE – On Sunday at approximately 4:30 a.m., the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments responded to a call of an explosion and fire at the 500 Pub & Grill,

500 North 29th St., Milwaukee

. During fire suppression efforts, firefighters recovered the body of the owner of the business, Scott C. Benton, a former detective with the Milwaukee Police Department.

At the request of the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation – State Fire Marshal’s Office, an ATF certified fire investigator responded to the scene and conducted an origin and cause examination along with investigators from the Milwaukee Police and Fire departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators recovered several items from the fire scene that require additional analysis.

Although the investigation is in its early stages, preliminary indicators reveal that this incident was not motivated by Benton’s former employment as a Milwaukee Police Officer.

The official fire origin and cause report will be released on a later date. The cause of death for Scott Benton is currently under investigation by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The estimated damages are $75,000.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.