NDTX Round-Up: April 3-9

SENTENCING – CONSTANCE MARIE KELLY

On April 6, Constance Marie Kelly, 56, was sentenced via VTC to 46 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her role in a $1.4 million real estate title insurance scheme. Kelly, a former employee of real estate title company American Title, admitted that she and codefendant Leonard James McMorris fraudulently transferred more than $1.4 million from American Title’s escrow accounts into bank accounts belonging to Mr. McMorris. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis.

GUILTY PLEA – SOLOMON EMAKOJI

On April 6, Solomon Emakoji, 35, pleaded guilty to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived unlawful activity. Emakoji and an associate operated a “romance scheme” to defraud and obtain money by false pretenses. They created fake profiles on popular social media platforms, online games or apps, and dating websites to lure lonely women and men into romantic relationships. The perpetrators then would begin requesting money from the victims. Emakoji received a total of $89,185. As part of the fraud, Emakoji conspired with money agents to receive funds from victims and send it overseas via wire transfer to Nigerian bank accounts. Emakoji faces up to 10 years in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.

SENTENCING – ALBERTO MENDOZA-ESPINOZA

On April 8, Alberto Mendoza-Espinoza, 39, was sentenced via VTC to 20 months for illegal reentry after removal from the United States. In March 2019, Mendoza-Espinoza, a non-U.S. citizen, was found living in the United States illegally. Previously, he had been deported and removed from the United States in April 2013. This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Max.

GUILTY PLEA – CHANSELLOR ORMON HILL

On April 8, Chansellor Ormon Hill, 25, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Hill entered the family restroom at the City of Grapevine’s Recreation Center. Inside the restroom, Hill induced a minor child to take sexually explicit photos. Using his  Apple iPhone, Hill produced images of the unclothed minor later found in his possession. Hill faces up to 30 years in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Grapevine Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem.