Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Escape

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Louiz Pena-Hermosillo, age 26, appeared before U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol on September 20, 2012, and pled guilty to one count of a superseding indictment that charged him with escape. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

In March 2012, Pena-Hermosillo left the confines of the Yankton Federal Prison Camp and was picked up by a woman parked in a car near the camp. The two went to a local hotel, and the defendant later sneaked back into the prison camp.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hendrickson.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for December 5, 2012. The defendant was returned to custody pending sentencing.

Former Minneapolis Firefighter Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute More Than Five Kilograms of Cocaine

MINNEAPOLIS—Today in federal court, Brandon Josiha Granger, a former Minneapolis firefighter, was sentenced for conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. United States District Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced Granger, age 35, to 87 months in prison on one count of conspiracy. In addition to his prison term, Granger was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

In his plea agreement, Granger admitted that from October of 2009 through October 12, 2011, he conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. He specifically admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, he trafficked between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter.

Fridley Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Columbia Heights Convenience Store

MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 36-year-old Fridley man was sentenced for using a .38-caliber pistol on March 11, 2011, to rob the Totem Superette in Columbia Heights. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Jimmy Earl Matthews to 262 months in federal prison on one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Matthews, who was indicted on May 11, 2011, pleaded guilty on March 30, 2012.

In his plea agreement, Matthews admitted that on March 11, 2011, he and another individual drove to the store in Matthews's car. While the other person remained in the car, Matthews entered the store, concealed his face with a blue bandana, brandished the gun at the clerk, and demanded money. After receiving cash, Matthews fled, attempting to return to his car. However, Matthews encountered the police, dropped the gun behind his car, and ran, ultimately attempting to hide the cash in a snow bank. Following a short pursuit, Matthews was apprehended. Officers recovered the gun, the bandana, and approximately $146.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Fridley Police Department, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the U.S. ATF, with assistance from the Anoka County Crime Lab. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Kayser.

Robbery of Wells Fargo Bank in Saint Paul

On August 28, 2012, at approximately 2:48 p.m., a lone, white male entered a Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 1827 Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The robber approached the teller counter with a note that demanded cash. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, the robber fled from the bank on foot.

The robber was described as a white male, approximately 5’10” to 6’0” in height and having a thin build. The robber appeared to be in his 40s. In addition, the robber wore a dark baseball cap; a light-colored, short-sleeved shirt; and dark pants. The robber also wore dark-rimmed glasses.

Anyone with any information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI at (763) 569-8000 or the Saint Paul Police Department.

Robbery of First National Bank of the Lakes in Richfield

FBI Seeks Bank Robbery Suspect

On August 24, 2012, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a bank robbery occurred at the First National Bank of the Lakes, located at 6613 Penn Ave in Richfield, Minnesota. The robber approached a bank teller, vaulted the teller counter, and demanded cash. After placing an undisclosed amount of cash in a large black, the robber fled the bank.

The robber was described as a male (unknown race), with a black face covering, who was approximately 5’5” tall and 150 lbs. He wore a black baseball cap, black hooded sweatshirt, black jacket, dark pants, and carried a large black bag.

Anyone who has any information regarding this robbery is requested to contact the FBI at (763) 569-8000 or the Richfield Police Department 612 861-9100.

Batesland Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Batesland man was indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in a sexual act with a child less than 12 years old.

George American Horse, age 60, was indicted on July 24, 2012, for aggravated sexual abuse. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 14, 2012 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The penalty upon conviction is a minimum of 30 years and up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and American Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Venhuizen is prosecuting the case. American Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals. A trial date has not yet been set.