Middle District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Social Security Administration Employee and Husband Indicted in Public Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Nakia Palmer, 34, an employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA), and her husband, Nathaniel Palmer, 29, both of Montgomery, Alabama, were arrested yesterday after being charged with eight separate offenses, all related to the Palmers’ schemes to fraudulently receive government benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney A. Clark Morris. The charges in their indictment include mail fraud, fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits, theft of federal government property, health care fraud, and fraudulent acquisition of food stamp benefits.
According to the indictment, the Palmers made false statements about their income and living arrangements to obtain Social Security benefits for Nakia Palmer’s minor son. If the Palmers had properly reported their income, including Nakia Palmer’s income from the SSA, and had been truthful about their living arrangements, the SSA would have denied their application for benefits. Nakia Palmer also made false statements about her income to obtain Medicaid health insurance benefits for her minor son and to obtain food stamps for her family. In total, the Palmers’ received approximately $25,000 in benefits to which they were not entitled.
If convicted of the most serious charges, both defendants face maximum sentences of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as substantial monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the SSA - Office of Inspector General, as well as the United States Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Two Individuals Charged for a Gas Station Debit Card Skimming Operation that Involved Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama- Two individuals are facing federal charges for using skimming devices on gas pumps, announced George Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, and Steven T. Marshall, Attorney General for the State of Alabama. These charges are the result of a continuing multi-agency investigation that was initiated by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Ozark Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. On February 15, 2017, Eunises-Llorca Menses (30), of Naples, Florida, and Reiner Perez-Rives (34), of Houston, Texas, were charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Llorca-Menses and Perez-Rives were involved in a multi-state scheme to defraud individuals and steal bank and credit union account information from unsuspecting individuals by installing a skimming device at gas stations. A skimming device can be installed on a gas pump and record a customer’s credit/debit card number and pin number without the customer’s knowledge or consent.
As part of their scheme, they would rent vehicles and travel between Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia. During their travels, they would visit several gas stations and install a skimming device inside a gas pump. Through the skimming device, they collected gas station customers’ credit/debit card information and used that information to activate or reactivate credit, debit, or gift cards, and make unauthorized cash withdrawals and purchases at several places around the southeast.
Law enforcement was able to uncover this scheme following multiple reports from victims concerning the unauthorized use of their debit cards. Working with financial institutions, the Ozark Police Department, along with state and federal partners, discovered that many of the victims had used their cards at the same gas station in Ozark, Alabama. At this station they found a skimming device installed on a gas pump that had Bluetooth capability. The Bluetooth technology allowed the defendants to collect a gas customer’s credit/debit information while sitting up to thirty-feet away from the gas pump.
Upon arrest, the two were found to be in possession of a total of thirty-nine credit/debit cards that had been re-encoded with stolen credit/debit card numbers, along with an additional 315 various types of gift cards. Law enforcement also found a homemade device with connectors that matched the connections on the skimming device found in the gas pump in Ozark, Alabama.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and payment of restitution to their victims.
“Criminals are constantly coming up with sophisticated ways to deprive us of our hard earned money,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “They always try to stay one step ahead of law enforcement. Banks, gas stations, retail businesses, and customers, need to be ever watchful for this type of criminal activity and report it to the authorities immediately. I would like to thank all the agencies involved for acting quickly to recognize this scheme and identify those responsible.”
“I want to thank U.S. Attorney Beck for taking swift action to bring federal charges against suspects identified in late December by state and local authorities in a wide-ranging crime spree of identity thefts committed through debit card skimming at gasoline pumps,” said Attorney General Steven T. Marshall. “I am extremely proud of the outstanding investigation by Special Agents in the Attorney General’s Office, along with the Ozark Police Department and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, to uncover these illegal activities and arrest the defendants on state charges which are pending. This kind of support and cooperative teamwork among law enforcement agencies from the local to the federal level is vital for us to be effective in shutting down criminal operations.”
“I am proud that our department was able to play a role in this investigation,” stated Ozark Police Chief Marlos Walker. “I am always excited and pleased with the support we have from our state and federal partners. Cooperation among law enforcement is essential in stopping these types of operations.”
“The U.S. Secret Service has seen a rise in cases involving gas pump skimmers nationwide,” stated Resident Agent in Charge Clayton Slay, U.S. Secret Service in Montgomery, Alabama. “This is partly due to the incremental conversion of all credit card point of sale processers from the use of the magnetic strip to the new EMV ‘Chip’ technology. As retail businesses make the transition to EMV, criminals are targeting those business that have not made the change. This includes credit card readers on gas pumps. The Secret Service, along with local and state law enforcement authorities, continue to be proactive in these type of crimes through information sharing with financial institutions, credit card issuing companies, and education of members of the petroleum distribution industry.”
“Criminals can breach the gas pump and install a skimming device which can be there for weeks or months before crooks return to download the credit card and PIN numbers, if used,” continued RAC Slay. “Some skimming devices, like the ones used in this case, are Bluetooth enabled so the crooks don’t even have to breech the pump again to download the information from the skimmer. The skimming devices are usually not detectable from the outside of the pump and are typically only detected when the pump is opened or serviced for any reason.”
Slay advises that the public should monitor their bank and credit card accounts frequently and report any unusual activity to those financial institutions. Another way to possibly prevent this type of fraud is to pay inside the store or use pumps that are visible to store employees and any video surveillance cameras, as criminals normally target pumps that allow them to install skimming devices undetected.
This case was a joint investigation involving the Ozark Police Department, the Alabama Attorney General’s office, the United States Secret Service, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama by Assistant United States Attorney Denise O. Simpson.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty in Wire Fraud Case Related to Falsified Water Testing in Dale County, AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Thursday, February 16, 2017, Darin Lewis, 46, of Crestview, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. Lewis’s conviction stemmed from his involvement in a scheme to falsify water samples during the testing of new water lines installed in Dale County, Alabama.
According to court documents, in 2014, the Dale County Water Authority hired a Florida company, Roberson Excavation, Inc. (Roberson Excavation), to replace water lines in the Marley Mill area of Dale County. Lewis’s co-defendant, Billy Ray Roberson, was the owner and president of Roberson Excavation. Lewis began working on the project around February of 2015. By that time, Roberson Excavation was three months behind schedule on the job and paying penalties of $500 for each day that the project went incomplete. At that time, Roberson instructed his site supervisor, Lewis, to falsify the testing required before the lines went into operation. Among the tests falsified were the tests used to determine whether harmful bacteria were present in the water.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the upcoming months where Lewis will face a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment. The other defendants charged in the case, Billy Ray Roberson and Roberson Excavation, will proceed to trial on June 5, 2017 in Dothan, Alabama.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigations Division and Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Butler County Couple Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A federal grand jury has indicted William Edward Robinson (44) and Sandra Wright Taylor (53), for violations of federal law including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms in connection with drug distribution, possession of firearms while being a convicted felon, criminal use of the United States Mail, maintaining a drug-involved premise, and illegal possession of a machinegun, announced George Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The couple shared a residence in Greenville, Alabama.
It is alleged that Taylor and Robinson received their illegal drugs through the mail for distribution locally. Upon searching their residence, numerous firearms were also found including an illegal machinegun. Robinson has previous felony convictions and under federal law, a felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the charges, the couple faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Second Judicial Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery Police Department, and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan R. Redmond.
Missouri Man Indicted for Stealing Public School Employees’ IDs and Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns in Their NamesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A federal grand jury sitting in St. Louis, Missouri, indicted a St. Louis resident on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges relating to a scheme to steal public school employees’ IDs and use them to file federal tax returns, announced U. S Attorney George Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Richard G. Callahan for the Eastern District of Missouri.
According to the indictment returned on Feb. 1 and unsealed yesterday, Kevin K. Williams stole public school employees’ IDs from a payroll company and used them to electronically file fraudulent federal income tax returns in the name of those employees. He also allegedly stole several tax preparation businesses’ Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs), which he used to secure bank products that allowed him to print refund checks and direct refunds to prepaid debit cards. The indictment alleges that Williams had printed refund checks issued in the names of the stolen IDs, and blank check stock and debit cards sent to his residence.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Williams faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each mail fraud count and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Williams also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties and forfeiture.
U.S. Attorney Beck, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg, and U.S. Attorney Callahan commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as well as the Dothan Alabama Police Department and Alexander City Alabama Police Department, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and Charles M. Edgar, Jr. of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Missouri and Middle District of Alabama.
Montgomery Area Gang Members and Violent Felons Arrested on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Multiple arrests were made this week during a Montgomery area round up for gun and drug violations, announced George Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
As part of its community policing strategy, the Montgomery Police Department requested help from a number of federal agencies in an effort to identify, isolate, and remove individuals that pose a dangerous threat to the city and its citizens. The participating agencies include the Montgomery Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service, the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The following fourteen individuals, all from Montgomery, were part of this round up:
Larry Keyun Chappell (31), Demarion Lamar Daniels (34), Rapheal Lamar Gaston (26), Rashard Jarnez Hardy (31), Taurio Kortavious Harris (21), Marrio Terrell Hawkins (30), Kourvosier Jerrell Herbert (27), Trudyo Renardo Hines, Jr (26), Darrius Marcel Mastin (25), Roderick Alexander Purvis (25), Stanley Antorny Tell (30), Roosevelt Keith Terry (33), Adrian Deshawn Thompson (30), and Quandel Lamar Williams (30).
The charges against them include allegations of drug distribution, possession of firearms in connection with drug distribution, and possession of firearms while being a convicted felon. Evidence also indicates that these individuals are affiliated with numerous gangs in the area including: CBM, Crum Nation, Gangster Disciples, Hardy Boys, and the King Hill Murk Gang.
The allegations against Hardy, Harris, Hines, and Mastin arose from the Club Big Boyz shooting in October of 2015. The charges against the remaining individuals arose from various investigations conducted by the Montgomery Police Department and ATF involving drug distribution and other violent crimes in the City of Montgomery.
An indictment is merely a method of charging an individual and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial. If convicted, each of the men face possible sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Beck would like to thank the following agencies for their hard work during the investigations and arrests in each of these cases: Montgomery Police Department, ATF, FBI, the United States Marshals Service, and the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Bates, Todd Brown, John Geer, Steven Lee, Rand Neeley, Jonathan Ross, and Susan Redmond.
Phenix City Doctor Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Monday, January 30, 2017, Dr. Robert M. Ritchea, 54, of LaGrange, Georgia, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance through the operation of a “pill mill” and money laundering, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. A “pill mill” is a medical clinic created to dispense controlled substances inappropriately, unlawfully, and for non-medical reasons.
According to court documents, Dr. Ritchea operated a family medical practice in Phenix City, Alabama. At that practice, Dr. Ritchea wrote prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, and hydromorphone, knowing that his patients did not actually need the drugs prescribed. Dr. Ritchea laundered the proceeds of his unlawful drug dealing by purchasing Schedule II pain medications—specifically, hydromorphone and hydrocodone—directly from a drug manufacturer. Dr. Ritchea then distributed the pills directly out of his medical practice. This was necessary to keep his “pill mill” operational since many pharmacists in and around Phenix City refused to fill the illegitimate and unlawful prescriptions Dr. Ritchea wrote.
In the coming months, Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins will sentence Dr. Ritchea. At sentencing, Dr. Ritchea faces maximum sentences of 20 years in prison on each count, as well as substantial monetary penalties.
“Prescription drug abuse is a scourge on communities across this district, this state, and this country,” stated United States Attorney Beck. “The unnecessary use of prescription drugs is often the first step towards opiate-dependency, the loss of work, the severing of relationships, and, in all too many cases, death. Rather than curing illness, Dr. Ritchea was at the forefront of promoting this epidemic. I am proud that my office is holding him accountable for the harm he has caused and the trust he has betrayed.”
“Dr. Ritchea abandoned his professional liability and moral compass when he decided to promote substance abuse,” stated Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. “Today’s guilty plea ensures that he will be held fully responsible for his contribution to the ongoing drug epidemic sweeping through communities.”
“The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious problem in our communities’ said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton. “All too often, this abuse leads to addiction, shattered lives, and even death. For the health and safety of our citizens, the Drug Enforcement Administration and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will continue to target those who illegally distribute these dangerous drugs. We hope that this case will serve as a reminder to those in the medical profession who choose to illegally divert pharmaceuticals, that they will be held accountable for the harm they cause.”
This case was investigated by the following agencies: DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad; the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division; the FBI; the Opelika Police Department; the Chambers County Drug Task Force; the Auburn Police Department; the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); the Russell County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office; the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners; and the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and R. Rand Neeley are prosecuting the case.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 1 Year for Wire Fraud in Connection to Sales of Iraqi CurrencyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Friday, January 13, 2017, Husam Usama Tayeh, 36, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, was sentenced to 1 year in federal prison for committing wire fraud, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr and Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. Tayeh’s sentenced resulted from his operation of a business that unlawfully sold Iraqi currency---dinars—over the internet to customers all over the country. A joint-federal and state investigation led to Tayeh’s conviction. Tayeh will also be subject to 1 year of supervised release after he serves his sentence.
According to court documents, Tayeh was the owner of Dinar Corporation, Inc. (Dinar Corp.), a company registered in Nevada and headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Through Dinar Corp., Tayeh operated a website, dinarcorp.com. On that website, Tayeh offered to sell customers Iraqi dinars. One of the ways that Tayeh’s customers could buy dinars was through installment contracts. When a customer entered into an installment contract, Tayeh promised to place in reserve the quantity of dinars to be purchased by the customer. Tayeh assured customers that he would ship them the reserved dinars upon the customers making their final contract payments. Tayeh defrauded customers in that he never actually placed dinars in reserve and never had access to enough dinars to fulfill all orders should the orders all come due.
Court documents also explain how Tayeh found his way to an Alabama federal court. Tayeh was unable to find a bank in or around Chicago that would take his ill gotten money. Therefore, Tayeh contracted with a resident of Dothan, Alabama to launder the Dinar Corp. proceeds through Dothan banks.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Securities Commission. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Kevin P. Davidson are prosecuting the case, along with Steven P. Feaga, Deputy Director of the Alabama Securities Commission for Enforcement and Prosecution, and Amanda W. Senn, General Counsel of the Alabama Securities Commission.
Georgia Woman Sentenced to 46 Months in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Regina Renee Ellis, 49, of Fairburn, Georgia, was sentenced on January 12, 2017 to 46 months in prison following her conviction on federal access device fraud charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Ellis had previously pled guilty to this charge in September 2016.
Evidence collected during the investigation established that in July 2013, officers with the Auburn Police Department met with employees at a retail establishment in Opelika, Alabama regarding counterfeit travelers checks that had been passed at the store. Ellis and another individual used counterfeit travelers checks to purchase items at two separate stores, which led to their arrest.
After the arrest, numerous traveler’s checks, credit and debit cards, and pieces of personal identifying information were seized from the vehicle that Ellis had traveled in to Alabama. A subsequent investigation revealed that the personal information of over 400 individuals was used to file fraudulent federal income tax returns. In addition to 46 months’ imprisonment, Ellis was sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $ 1,672,971.
“Criminals are working hard every day to enrich themselves at the expense of hard working taxpayers,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “I applaud the efforts of all the agencies involved in this investigation, both federal and local, that identified the criminal activity of this individual and helped bring her to justice.”
“The United States Treasury is not a personal ATM with unlimited funds,” stated Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. “As we begin filing season, IRS-CI will continue to use every resource available to eliminate refund fraud by identifying those involved in these schemes and bringing them to justice.”
"Identity theft is an ongoing problem which law enforcement combats on a daily basis”, stated Resident Agent in Charge Clayton Slay, U.S. Secret Service in Montgomery, Alabama. “In this particular scheme, which had ties to New York, New York, the stolen identities were used to obtain credit cards, pass counterfeit travelers checks and file fraudulent tax returns in numerous cities and communities in Alabama.” Slay continued by saying "This was a collaborative effort between the Opelika Police Department, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Secret Service in Montgomery. Hopefully the lengthy sentence handed down to Ellis will serve as a deterrent to others looking to commit these types of crimes in the Middle District of Alabama.”
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, and the Opelika and Auburn, Alabama, Police Departments investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Collects over $2.6 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama- U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. announced today that the Middle District of Alabama collected $2,639,626.76 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2016. Of this amount, $2,317,486.29 was collected in criminal actions and $322,140.47 was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
In addition to the $2.6 million collected above, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Middle District of Alabama working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $877,880.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
One example of a significant asset forfeiture occurred in September 2016 when the Middle District of Alabama recovered $404,135.00 as part of the settlement in the Curtis Pope case. On August 11, 2015, a state trooper conducted a commercial vehicle safety inspection on a tractor trailer that was not carrying any cargo. After a K-9 alerted to the presence of the odor of narcotics within the cabin of the vehicle, the trooper discovered in excess of $500,000.00 in U.S. currency within vacuum-sealed bags hidden within the mattress, along with dryer sheets. The driver admitted to log book violations and to the fact that he neither delivered nor picked up a load to transport during the trip.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
“My office is committed to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of crime as well as every taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Beck. “Unfortunately, there is enormous profit in crime and these profits come at the expense of hardworking citizens. We will continue to hold accountable, both civilly and criminally, those who seek to make money from illegal activities. I am also pleased that a significant amount of the asset forfeiture funds collected are returned to state and local law enforcement agencies who already struggle with limited budgets and resources.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Two Florida Men and a Corporation Indicted in Wire Fraud Case Related to Falsified Water Testing in Dale CountyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Billy Ray Roberson, Sr., 60, of Milton, Florida; Darin Lewis, 46, of Crestview, Florida; and Roberson Excavation, Inc. (Roberson Excavation), a company headquartered in Milton, Florida were indicted and charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. The charge in the indictment stemmed from scheme to falsify water samples during the testing of new water lines. Both Roberson and Lewis were arrested today and made their initial appearances in federal court.
According to court documents, in 2014, the Dale County Water Authority hired Roberson Excavation to replace water lines in the Marley Mill neighborhood of Dale County. Mr. Roberson was the owner and president of Roberson Excavation. By February of 2015, Roberson Excavation was three months behind schedule on the job and paying daily penalties of $500 for each day that the project went incomplete. At that time, Mr. Roberson instructed his site supervisor, Darin Lewis, to falsify the testing required before the lines went into operation. Among the tests falsified were the tests used to determine whether harmful bacteria were present in the water.
If convicted of the conspiracy, each individual defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, the corporate defendant faces a maximum fine of $250,000.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigations Division and Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On December 5, 2016, Jarvarus Antwon Smith, 31, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 1 year in prison following his conviction on federal access device fraud charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Evidence collected during the investigation established that in June 2013, officers with the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) executed a search warrant at Smith’s Montgomery residence after MPD developed Smith as a subject in another case. During the search, officers located 25 debit cards, mostly in the names of other individuals, notebooks containing personal identifying information of 59 individuals, and account numbers. It was later determined that this and other personal information was used to file over 135 fraudulent federal income tax returns.
In addition to the imprisonment, Smith will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release after prison and he is ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $92,952.
“Jarvarus Smith defrauded the government and the taxpaying public,” stated Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot. “The outcome of this investigation is a direct result of a persistent effort to identify and eliminate refund fraud. We are approaching filing season and the judgment against Smith should serve as a warning to anyone considering similar criminal activities.”
“My office has always placed a high priority on protecting taxpayer dollars,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “I would like to commend the efforts of all the law enforcement agencies involved for helping us bring Smith to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Hauling 15 Kilograms of Cocaine Across AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL - Robert Francis Kelly (55), of Minersville, Pennsylvania, pled guilty earlier today to a one count indictment for possessing more than five kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
According to court documents, Kelly was a professional truck driver, who was driving his eighteen-wheeler on I-85 when he was pulled over by an Alabama State Trooper near Exit 16, on the east side of Montgomery.
When asked, Kelly first told law enforcement that he was driving down from Delaware. After being confronted with contrary records, Kelly admitted that he lied to law enforcement, and added that he was actually driving from an area just a few miles from the United States-Mexican Border and was heading up towards Atlanta. Based on other contradictions and suspicious evidence, law enforcement initiated a search of the vehicle.
Agents found approximately fifteen (15) kilograms of cocaine in a secret compartment in the truck. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that the street value of 15 kilograms of cocaine is approximately a half-million dollars.
Kelly is currently facing sentence of 10 years to life in prison for this offense. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the next few months.
“Despite the influx of heroin, fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, cocaine continues to be a menace throughout Alabama,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “The abuse of illegal drugs destroys families and businesses and we will continue to fight to keep our streets free from this poison.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration DEA and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bradley Bodiford.
Crip Gang Members Sentenced in Gas Station Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Tremane Darnell Carthen (37), Kevin Levarius Martin (27), and Scottie Jeroma Groce (26), all from Montgomery have been sentenced for their participation in a series of armed convenience store robberies, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Kristi K. Dubose, sentenced Martin to 13 years incarceration, followed by five years of supervised release. Groce and Carthen each received a sentence of 57 years and one month in jail, followed by five years of supervised release.
Carthen, Martin and Groce were all either members of, or associated themselves with, the Crip street gang and in July of 2014, went on a crime spree in North Elmore County, Wetumpka, and Autauga County.
Carthen, Martin, and Groce were indicted in November of 2015 for conspiracy, robbery, and gun charges. These charges arose out of the three robbing the Chevron Service Station on U.S. Highway 31 North in Prattville, the Chevron Service Gas Station located on Alabama Highway 143, in Elmore County, and the Marathon Service Gas Station located on Coosa River Parkway in Wetumpka. In August of 2016, Kevin Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy, robbery, and pointing a gun at the victims during the robbery. In September of 2016, Groce and Carthen, were tried and found guilty by a jury of conspiring with Martin to rob the three convenience stores, robbing the convenience stores, and pointing firearms at the victims while committing the robberies.
“People should be free from the fear of violence in their homes and businesses,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “One goal of my office has been and will continue to be vigorously prosecuting those violent criminals who victimize our citizens and to remove those illegal gun toters from the streets. These lengthy sentences should give pause to those hoodlums who dare invade our homes and businesses.”
“This investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms-related gang violence in the tri-county area,” stated ATF Montgomery Resident Agent in Charge Jennifer Rudden Conway. “The ATF Montgomery Field Office will continue to work closely with our counterparts in combating violent crime in the Middle District of Alabama,”
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Wetumpka Police Department, and the Alabama Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Susan R. Redmond and Steven Lee.
Former Healthcare Employee Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A Montgomery woman was sentenced today to 26 months in prison for her involvement in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents, Alana Wells worked at a healthcare company where she had access to patient information protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Wells admitted that she stole the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of patients from her employer’s database and provided these identities to co-conspirator Fredrick Hill. Hill then provided the stolen personal identification information to another co-conspirator, Christopher Davis, who, along with others, used the information to file fraudulent federal tax returns seeking refunds with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Wells pleaded guilty in July 2016 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft and to one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of prison imposed, Wells was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $225,081.
U.S. Attorney Beck and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jason H. Poole and Kathryn A. Kimball of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who are prosecuting this case.
Former Healthcare Employee Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Montgomery, Alabama woman was sentenced today to 26 months in prison for her involvement in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.
According to court documents, Alana Wells worked at a healthcare company where she had access to patient information protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Wells admitted that she stole the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of patients from her employer’s database and provided these identities to co-conspirator Fredrick Hill. Hill then provided the stolen personal identification information to another co-conspirator, Christopher Davis, who, along with others, used the information to file fraudulent federal tax returns seeking refunds with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Wells pleaded guilty in July 2016 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft and to one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of prison imposed, Wells was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $225,081.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Beck commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jason H. Poole and Kathryn A. Kimball of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $144k from a Montgomery Masons ChapterRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama– Arthur Lee Campbell, III (55), from Mount Hope, Ohio, pled guilty to a charge of bank theft, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. At the time of the charge, Campbell was residing in Autauga County, Alabama.
The charges stemmed from an investigation that revealed Campbell stole approximately $144,700.00 belonging to the Montgomery Chapter #22 of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Alabama. According to court documents, Campbell was serving as Secretary for the organization and he was authorized to handle the financial affairs of the Chapter. After being entrusted with this authority, Campbell began stealing the funds.
Evidence shows that he made two cash withdrawals that totaled around $8684.00, and deposited two checks written from the Chapter’s account into his own personal bank account that together totaled $136,000.00. Additional evidence indicated that Campbell used the money to pay personal expenses and obligations associated with his gambling activities.
The maximum punishment for this charge is 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and restitution to the victim. Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Randolph Neeley and Curtis Ivy, Jr.
South Carolina Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Willie May Ford, 62, of Lamar, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison following her conviction on federal access device fraud charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
On July 29, 2016, Ford pled guilty to one count of access device fraud. Evidence collected during the investigation established that on July 27, 2013, officers with the Auburn, Alabama, Police Department met with employees at a retail establishment in Opelika regarding counterfeit travelers checks that had been passed at the store. Ford and another individual used counterfeit travelers checks to purchase items at two separate stores, which led to their arrest.
After the arrest, numerous traveler’s checks, credit and debit cards, and pieces of personal identifying information were seized from the vehicle that Ford had traveled in to Alabama. A subsequent investigation revealed that the personal information of over 400 individuals was used to file fraudulent federal income tax returns.
“Willie Ford learned the hard way that IRS-Criminal Investigation has an unwavering pursuit to expose and investigate those who choose to commit identity theft and refund fraud,” stated Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot. “The strategy will not change. Anyone that engages in similar schemes will face similar consequences.”
“Identity theft and tax fraud is costing the American taxpayers millions each year,” stated U.S Attorney beck. “I am proud of the work my office is doing with our partnering law enforcement agencies to seek out these criminals and protect our citizens.”
In addition to 51 months’ imprisonment, Ford was sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release following her period of imprisonment and restitution in the amount of $1,672,971.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, and the Auburn, Alabama, Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Participation in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A Montgomery, Alabama resident was sentenced to 28 months in prison today for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Lambert Derran Smothers aka Main or Mane, 25, admitted that he participated in a conspiracy which used stolen personal identifying information including names, dates of birth and social security numbers to file more than 100 fraudulent income tax returns relating to tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012. On the returns, Smothers and his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed at least $157,292 in income tax refunds.
“Stolen identity refund crimes cause untold damage and hardship to the individual victims and drain the U.S. Treasury,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Individuals who engage in this criminal conduct will be prosecuted, and will face prison terms and monetary penalties.”
“Protecting tax payer dollars is a priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Beck. “Identity theft and tax fraud affects too many people in our communities and we must use all available resources under the law to destroy it. I want to thank IRS Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service for identifying and shutting down this criminal scheme.”
“Stealing from the government is not a way to earn a living,” said Special Agent in Charge Veronica Hyman-Pillot for the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Lambert Smothers and his associates victimized many taxpayers in their attempt to make quick money. Today’s sentencing should emphasize the message that IRS-CI will continue to put forth every effort to identify, investigate, and recommend prosecution on individuals who commit refund fraud.”
Smothers pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to defraud the United States, theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of prison imposed, Smothers was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $81,792.41 in restitution to the IRS.
U.S. Attorney Beck and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-CI and the U.S. Secret Service, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Gregory P. Bailey and Robert J. Boudreau of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who prosecuted this case.
Montgomery Woman is Sentenced for Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
On Wednesday, October 26, 2016, Nicole Coleman, 34, of Montgomery, Alabama was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins to 36 months in prison. Coleman’s sentence came after she pled guilty to making false statements in a federal income tax return.
Coleman previously was the owner and operator of Community Tax Associates, LLC—a Montgomery income tax return preparation business. Through that business, Coleman filed federal income tax returns for herself and clients. When she filed those returns, she made knowingly false entries intending to drive up the amount of refunds the filer would receive. Coleman then took a portion of all refunds as a fee. Between 2014 and 2015, Coleman obtained an estimated $1,654,781.03 in fraudulent refunds from the United States.
“By filing these fraudulent tax returns, the defendant stole taxpayers’ hard earned money,” stated United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “In doing so, she harmed her clients, who trusted her to prepare and file their income tax returns, as well as all citizens who honestly filed their income tax returns. I am proud of the Internal Revenue Service’s and this office’s efforts to stamp out tax fraud like this.”
The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross prosecuted the case.
Alabama Resident Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Contempt of CourtRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL--On Wednesday, October 26, 2016, Elizabeth Ann Grant, 53, of Seale, Alabama was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins to six months in prison for criminal contempt of court.
Previously, on November 15, 2015, Grant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file fraudulent income tax returns, aggravated identity theft, and embezzling mail. Those guilty pleas followed Grant’s involvement in an identity theft ring operating in and around Phenix City, Alabama. For those offenses, Grant received a sentence of 70 months in prison and was ordered to pay restitution.
In connection with the tax fraud case, a judge ordered that Grant not access her federal retirement savings account until Grant could turn over to the federal government the money in her retirement savings account for the purposes of paying the ordered restitution. Contrary to her agreement and the court’s order, Grant did not turn the money over to the government. Instead, in January of 2016, she took approximately $32,000.00 out of the account and spent the money at various locations, including casinos, restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. This conduct was grounds for the contempt charge.
“The defendant in this case thumbed her nose at the Court’s instructions,” said United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “This case demonstrates that the Court and this office do not take lightly willful disobedience of a court order and will seek to punish such misconduct when it occurs.”
The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler, Gregory P. Bailey, and Robert J. Boudreau of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Stealing Identities from His EmployerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A Phenix City, Alabama man was sentenced to 24 months in prison today for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.
According to documents filed with the court, Kenneth Fearson, 31, worked at a warehouse that contained employee records for a Columbus, Georgia, company. The warehouse contained employees’ Forms W-4. Fearson assisted in selling the Forms W-4 to other individuals, including Charnesha Alexander. Alexander and others used these Forms W-4 to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns.
Fearson pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft in July. Following his prison term, Fearson will serve six months of supervised release. In March, Alexander was sentenced to 111 months in prison.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Beck commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael Boteler and Michael Hatzimichalis of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Three Defendants Indicted for Their Involvement in Identity Theft RingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Three suspects have been indicted in federal court for their involvement in an identity theft ring where the personal identities of various victims were used to open fraudulent credit card accounts without their knowledge, announced George L. Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Patrick Rashaud Thomas (24), from Georgia, Patience Denise Minor (51), from Phenix City, Alabama, and Shameka Lashey Thomas (27), from Sylvester, Georgia, were all a part of this scheme. Patrick Thomas assisted his fellow conspirators while serving jail time with the Georgia Department of Corrections for unrelated convictions.
According to court documents, the identity theft scheme was carried out by obtaining stolen personal identifying information and then using that information to apply for Capitol One credit cards under false pretenses. They would then direct those credit cards to be sent to addresses used by other conspirators. The method used to obtain the personal information of their victims is still under investigation. The fraudulent credit cards were ultimately used for the personal benefit of the three. Patrick Thomas would sometimes have proceeds from the credit cards placed on his prison commissary account.
If convicted, each face up to thirty years in prison, as well as significant fines and restitution.
An indictment is merely a method of charging an individual and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
U.S. Attorney Beck would like to thank the following entities for their assistance with this case: the United States Postal Inspector’s Service, and the Capitol One Bank, N.A. Fraud Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bradley Bodiford.
Justice Department Announces Statewide Investigation into Conditions in Alabama’s Prisons for MenRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide investigation into the conditions in Alabama’s prisons for men. The investigation will focus on whether prisoners are adequately protected from physical harm and sexual abuse at the hands of other prisoners; whether prisoners are adequately protected from use of excessive force and staff sexual abuse by correctional officers; and whether the prisons provide sanitary, secure and safe living conditions.
“The Constitution requires that prisons provide humane conditions of confinement,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We hope to work cooperatively with the state of Alabama in conducting our inquiry and ensuring that the state’s facilities keep prisoners safe from harm.”
“Our obligation is to protect the civil rights of all citizens, including those who are incarcerated,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama. “This investigation provides us with an opportunity to work collaboratively with the state of Alabama to assess current conditions and ensure constitutionally sufficient conditions exist for all prisoners.”
“The vulnerability of a prisoner makes it even more important that basic hygiene and safe accommodations are afforded the inmates,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.
“I am very pleased to have my office join the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama as well as the Civil Rights Division in opening an investigation into the Alabama prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama. “All citizens, even those who are incarcerated, should expect sanitary conditions of habitation that are free of physical harm and sexual abuse.”
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama are conducting this investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (205) 244-2001 or by email at [email protected].
Justice Department Announces Statewide Investigation into Conditions in Alabama’s Prisons for MenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide investigation into the conditions in Alabama’s prisons for men. The investigation will focus on whether prisoners are adequately protected from physical harm and sexual abuse at the hands of other prisoners; whether prisoners are adequately protected from use of excessive force and staff sexual abuse by correctional officers; and whether the prisons provide sanitary, secure and safe living conditions.
“The Constitution requires that prisons provide humane conditions of confinement,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We hope to work cooperatively with the state of Alabama in conducting our inquiry and ensuring that the state’s facilities keep prisoners safe from harm.”
“Our obligation is to protect the civil rights of all citizens, including those who are incarcerated,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama. “This investigation provides us with an opportunity to work collaboratively with the state of Alabama to assess current conditions and ensure constitutionally sufficient conditions exist for all prisoners.”
“The vulnerability of a prisoner makes it even more important that basic hygiene and safe accommodations are afforded the inmates,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.
“I am very pleased to have my office join the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama as well as the Civil Rights Division in opening an investigation into the Alabama prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama. “All citizens, even those who are incarcerated, should expect sanitary conditions of habitation that are free of physical harm and sexual abuse.”
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama are conducting this investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (205) 244-2001 or by email at [email protected].
City of Montgomery Receives $1.8 Million from Department of Justice to Hire OfficersRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. —The U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP) awarded the City of Montgomery $1,875,000 aimed at creating or protecting fifteen law enforcement positions within the Montgomery Police Department, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. In total, CHP awarded over $119 million to agencies nationwide, including the award to the City of Montgomery. This grant is to be used over a three-year period.
The CHP provides funding to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies for the hiring of entry-level career law enforcement officers in an effort to create and preserve jobs and increase community policing and crime prevention efforts. All CHP applicants were asked to identify a specific crime problem area and describe how funding would be used to enhance their capacity to implement community policing approaches to that problem area.
In 2016, the COPS Office gave additional consideration to applicant agencies selecting the category of “Building Trust,” based on the final report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Special attention was also given to agencies that selected the areas of school-based policing, homicide or violent crime, and homeland security. Applicants who committed to hiring or rehiring at least one military veteran under CHP also received additional consideration for funding.
“We are tremendously thankful to the Department of Justice for this grant award, which recognizes and helps build upon MPD’s meaningful work in community policing, enforcement and crime prevention,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “The officers that will be provided for by this grant will strengthen community engagement and the public’s safety throughout our city. On behalf of the Montgomery Police Department and the City of Montgomery, we thank and commend U.S. Attorney George Beck, the DOJ COPS Office, Reps. Martha Roby and Terri Sewell and our entire Congressional delegation.”
“The Department of Justice is proud to support the brave men and women of law enforcement that serve and protect our communities every day,” said U.S. Attorney George Beck Jr. from the Middle District of Alabama. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing crime and increasing public safety. This funding will provide additional resources for law enforcement to develop and implement strategies to reduce violent crime, fight terrorism, and save lives.”
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2016 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=2888
Tuskegee Man Charged in 10 Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL--A federal grand jury returned a 23-count indictment against Tariq Khalil Jones, 34, of Tuskegee, Alabama, charging him with committing ten armed robberies in Alabama and Georgia while brandishing and discharging a firearm, and an attempted carjacking, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Jones is alleged to have robbed various convenience stores and other cash-heavy businesses, including:
- Dollar General on Notasulga Road in Tallassee, Alabama;
- Tiger Spirits on Webster Road, in Auburn, Alabama;
- Chevron Store 10 on West Longleaf Drive in Auburn, Alabama;
- QuickTrip convenience store on East Highway 34 in Newnan, Georgia;
- Marathon Service Station on Lafayette Parkway in LaGrange, Georgia;
- Wing N’ Burger Factory on Hogansville Road in LaGrange, Georgia;
- Papa John’s restaurant on South Memorial Drive in Prattville, Alabama;
- Family Dollar on 2nd Avenue in Opelika, Alabama;
- Family Dollar on Broadnax Street in Dadeville, Alabama; and
- Family Dollar on County Road 89 in Camp Hill, Alabama.
During each of these crimes, Jones is alleged to have pointed a firearm at victims. After the Prattville robbery, he is accused of firing the weapon at an occupied vehicle. Upon exiting the Family Dollar in Camp Hill, Alabama, Jones attempted to carjack a Volkswagen Beetle.
Jones was formally arraigned September 30, 2016 and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Jones faces a sentence of up to 15 years for each robbery count, a minimum of 7 years on each count charging brandishing a firearm, up to 15 years for the attempted carjacking, and a minimum of 10 years for the count of discharging a firearm. Jones is being held in custody pending his trial.
An indictment is merely a method of charging an individual with a crime and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Auburn Police Division, the Camp Hill Police Department, the Coweta County Sheriff's Office (Newnan, GA), the Dadeville Police Department, the LaGrange, Georgia Police Department, the Opelika Police Department, the Prattville Police Department, and the Tallassee Police Department. Central Alabama CrimeStoppers was an instrumental part in identifying the subject accused of these crimes. Assistant United States Attorneys John Geer and Kevin Davidson are prosecuting the case.
State Troopers Seize over a Million Dollars’ Worth of Cocaine in Three Separate Traffic StopsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Alabama State Troopers made three recent traffic stops that resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the removal of approximately 40 kilos (88 lbs.) of cocaine off the streets, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The amount of seized cocaine has an estimated street value of $1.3 million.
As of today, all five have been indicted and arraigned in federal court for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, or for conspiring to do the same.
According to court documents, on August 22, 2016, Robert Francis Kelly (55), from Pennsylvania, was arrested while traveling through Montgomery County from South Texas in a tractor trailer truck. Kelly was heading towards Georgia when he was pulled over by an Alabama State Trooper. Upon searching Kelly’s truck, Troopers found approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a mechanical compartment of the truck.
In a separate incident just two days later, three others were arrested in Opelika, Alabama. Leopoldo Ramos, Jr. (29), from Texas, Octavio Garza Maldanado (40), from Texas, and Jennifer Lynn Everett (30), from Virginia, were traveling in two separate vehicles when they were stopped by Alabama State Troopers. The State Troopers were able to determine that the lead vehicle had recently passed through a Texas border crossing checkpoint and was heading Eastbound towards Georgia. After pulling the vehicles over and searching them, Troopers found approximately 10 kilos of cocaine in a hidden compartment in the lead vehicle’s interior.
In the third event, Nathan Harlan McDermott (41), from Tennessee, was arrested on September 16, 2016 after he was stopped near Hope Hull, Alabama and admitted to traveling from South Texas (near the Mexican Border) to make a cocaine delivery to the Atlanta area. Upon searching McDermott’s tractor trailer, Troopers found approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the trailer among the cargo.
At this time, law enforcement does not believe any of the three cases are related. If convicted, each of the individuals charged face prison time ranging from 10 years to life, as well as significant fines and restitution.
An indictment is merely a method of charging an individual with a crime and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
These cases are being investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley Bodiford and Curtis Ivy.
Dothan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Crime Stemming from Involvement in Fraudulent Sales of Iraqi CurrencyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Theodore Stanley Hudson, II, 52, a Dothan, Alabama resident, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor offense resulting from his involvement in a fraudulent scheme to sell Iraqi currency, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. and Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission.
According to court documents, an Illinois man, Husam Usama Tayeh, operated a website to fraudulently sell dinar, the official currency of Iraq. Hudson assisted Tayeh in the operation of the fraudulent dinar business. To carry out the scheme, the business’s website misused the seal of the United States Treasury. Hudson pleaded guilty to the specific offense of aiding and abetting the unauthorized use of a government seal. In total, the fraudulent dinar business received over $50 million dollars from purchasers all over the country in return for Iraqi currency.
Hudson is scheduled to be sentenced in January of 2017 where he faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, as well as a fine.
“The perpetrators of this scheme induced individuals from all of the country to give up their hard earned American dollars for nearly worthless Iraqi currency,” stated United States Attorney Beck. “This case demonstrates that my office is committed to prosecuting each and every person responsible for carrying out this fraud.”
“We are proud of the work of the FBI and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama and honored to once again partner with them to help stop deceptive practices by persons determined to harm capital markets using misleading tactics to lure investors into no- win schemes,” stated Alabama Securities Commission Director Borg.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Alabama Securities Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Kevin P. Davidson are prosecuting the case, along with Steven P. Feaga, Deputy Director of the Alabama Securities Commission for Enforcement and Prosecution, and Amanda W. Senn, General Counsel of the Alabama Securities Commission.
Three Convicted of Carjacking a Vehicle Sold on CraigslistRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Stanley Jawan Hinton, age 24, Jacinto Taron Robinson, age 26, and Tawanda Aeiah Sears, age 40, all residents of Columbus, Georgia, were convicted of carjacking, announced George L. Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Hinton and Robinson were also convicted of brandishing a firearm during the crime.
According to evidence produced at trial, in late August 2014 the victim of the carjacking purchased a vehicle from Hinton that was advertised on Craigslist. After buying the car, the victim discovered that there were problems with the title and the rims on the car were rentals. The victim demanded his money back.
On the evening of September 4, 2014, Hinton, Robinson, Sears and an unidentified male met the victim at the Circle K gas station in Opelika, Alabama. The victim was going to return the car and the defendants promised to refund the money.
After arriving at the gas station, the unidentified male got into the purchased car, pointed a pistol at the victim and forced the victim out of the car. The gunman and Robinson then drove away in the victim’s vehicle, and Sears and Hinton drove off in a separate car. The victim ran inside the gas station convenience store and called 911.
During the investigation, Opelika and Columbus, Georgia police and the FBI investigators were able to identify the suspects and learned that the Craigslist advertisement had been posted by Hinton under a false name.
All three defendants are set for sentencing this fall. Hinton and Robinson face a potential sentence of up to 15 years for their carjacking convictions, plus a consecutive, mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years for the brandishing a firearm conviction. Sears faces a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison for her carjacking conviction.
“These days, you must be careful when buying from or selling to a stranger,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “Sadly, everyone cannot be trusted, please be cautious when dealing with people you do not know. However, those that take advantage of these trusting people must be prosecuted, those that use guns to steal must be prosecuted, and we will ask the court to give these criminals a sentence that is commiserate with their threats and/or violence.”
“When transacting business via Craigslist or other similar internet sites, use your common sense,” stated Robert Lasky, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Mobile Field Division. “Consider arranging the actual purchase or exchange of goods at your local police station or in other well-lit, highly visible areas during daylight hours.”
“The Opelika Police Department is most appreciative of the prosecution of this matter by the United States Attorney’s Office,” stated Opelika Police Chief John McEachern. “We are grateful for the working relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Safe Streets Task Force and would like to thank the Columbus, Georgia Police Department for their assistance in this case.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Opelika Police Department, with assistance from the Columbus, Georgia Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Geer and Brandon Bates.
Gang Members Convicted of Gas Station Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Three individuals with links to the Crip street gang in Montgomery have been convicted in federal court for a series of armed robberies, announced George L. Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Tremane Darnell Carthen (37), Kevin Levarius Martin (27), and Scottie Jeroma Groce (26), all of Montgomery, were either members of or associated with the gang and took part in robberies occurring in in North Elmore County, Wetumpka, and Autauga County in July 2014.
The three were indicted for conspiracy, robbery, and firearms charges in November 2015. Following the indictment, Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy, robbery of a convenience store, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
Following a trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts Thursday against Groce and Carthen after finding that they conspired with Martin to rob the three convenience stores. Evidence presented at trial also showed that Carthen and Groce pointed firearms at the cashiers while committing the robberies.
The defendants face a sentence of up to life imprisonment and are expected to be sentenced in December 2016.
“These three went into a convenience store, stuck a gun in the cashier’s face, and robbed the store. They did this three times,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “These illegal gun-toters need to be taken off the streets in order to keep our communities safe and I commend law enforcement for their hard work in this case.”
“This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence spanning multiple counties,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Steve Gerido. “This result demonstrates the continued collaboration by ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners to identify the violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, the Wetumpka Police Department, the Autauga County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Susan R. Redmond and Steven Lee.
Former Lee County Deputy Detained Pending Trial for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Kevin Wayne Taylor (39), of Phenix City, Alabama and former Lee County Deputy Sheriff, was detained without bond today pending his trial for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016, Taylor was arrested for receipt and possession of child pornography after an investigation by the State of Alabama Bureau of Investigation. This investigation started when a 10 year old victim reported that Taylor had inappropriately touched and taken pictures of her genital area ([1]). The Lee County Sheriff’s Office forwarded the report to the State Bureau of Investigation who executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, agents found over 1600 images of child pornography on three computers. One of the computers containing child pornography was Taylor’s official Lee County Sheriff’s Office laptop computer. The evidence further showed that Taylor had been collecting these images for approximately eleven years. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones promptly terminated Taylor’s employment.
A detention hearing was held today to determine if Taylor should be released pending his trial. The Court found that if Taylor were released from jail, he would pose a danger to the community and ordered that Taylor be held without bond.
An indictment is merely a method of charging a defendant. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States Attorney Beck would like to thank the following agencies for their involvement with this case: Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorneys Hollie Worley and Curtis Ivy are prosecuting the case.
[1] As a result of the victim’s report, the State of Alabama arrested Taylor for sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service Warn of Jury Duty Phone ScamRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Twice this week a criminal impersonated a U.S. Marshal and threatened senior citizens, announced U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr., and U.S. Marshal Thomas Hession, both of the Middle District of Alabama. The basics of the scam are simple: the criminal contacts the victim, tells the victim that he or she has missed federal jury duty, and demands the victim pay a fine to avoid being arrested.
To make the scheme believable, the scammer provides the victim with factual information such as the title and badge number of a law enforcement officer or court official, the name of a federal judge, and the courthouse address. Scammers are even using technology to mask their phone number on caller ID and make it appear as if the call is actually coming from the court or a government agency. This tactic is called “spoofing” and has become very common with scammers nationwide. In some cases, the scammer may carry the scheme out via email with an official looking email address.
The U.S. Marshals have received several calls inquiring about this scheme over the past few days and are advising the public that this is a scam. If you receive a jury duty related call or email, do not provide any personal information or send money. The Federal Courts do not call or email prospective jurors or ask for money or personal information and they never serve an arrest warrant by phone. Real, valid arrest warrants are always served in person. The court also does not demand the payment of money in lieu of arrest, nor does it accept payment via prepaid card.
Anyone that receives a “Jury Duty Scam” phone call or email should report it right away to their local United States Marshals Service office, or the local FBI office. If available, please have the caller ID or email address information of the scammer when you call. Here, in Montgomery, the public can report the scam to the U.S. Marshals at (334) 223-3094.
Former Lee County Deputy Arrested for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Kevin Wayne Taylor (39), a resident of Phenix City, Alabama and former Lee County Deputy Sheriff, was arrested today for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Taylor for receipt and possession of child pornography. Evidence presented to the grand jury showed that the charges occurred in Phenix City, Alabama. Specifically, the indictment alleges Taylor received child pornography between August 20, 2004 and October 7, 2015, and that he was in possession of child pornography on or about November 13, 2015.
The indictment and arrest stem from a complaint made to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Due to Taylor’s employment with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Jay Jones immediately turned over the investigation to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and terminated Taylor’s employment.
An indictment is merely a method of charging a defendant. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States Attorney Beck would like to thank the following agencies for their involvement with this case: Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorneys Hollie Worley and Curtis Ivy are prosecuting the case.
Phenix City Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Antonio Darset King, Sr., 47, of Phenix City, Alabama was sentenced today to 25 years in prison following his conviction on federal gun and drug charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
In March 2016, a federal jury convicted King of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it. Evidence at trial established that in February 2014, Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at King’s Phenix City residence. There they recovered a firearm, more than 5 grams of cocaine, and approximately $3,000 dollars in cash.
Testimony in court showed that King intended to sell the cocaine recovered by investigators and that he had a firearm for the purpose of protecting his drug trafficking trade. Additionally, because King had previously been convicted of a felony, federal law prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
“I truly appreciate the assistance we received from the U.S Attorney’s Office and ATF in this case,” stated Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor. “King was one of the most dangerous individuals I have encountered during my law enforcement career. The citizens of Russell County are safer today with him off the streets.”
“This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence and taking drugs off the streets of the Phenix City area,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Steve Gerido. “This result demonstrates the continued dedication by ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
“I am pleased that the court removed this dangerous individual from our community for a significant amount of time and I hope it sends a message,” said U.S. Attorney Beck. “Those who peddle poison and use guns in their trade are a threat to our safety and our way of life.”
The Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.
Former President and CEO of Montgomery-Based Steel Company Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Kennon W. Whaley, 51, from Auburn, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison on August 3, 2016. In May, Whaley was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of concealment of bankruptcy assets while his company, Southeastern Stud & Components, was in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
The evidence at trial showed that during the bankruptcy process Whaley redirected a $260,000 insurance payment intended for the company in 2010 to pay off a personal gambling debt. In January of 2010, Mr. Whaley traveled to the Wynn Las Vegas Casino where he incurred a $100,000 gambling debt during a trip of just four days. The evidence also showed that Wynn Las Vegas began to put pressure on Whaley to pay the debt beginning in February of 2010. Casino records from Wynn Las Vegas, and the bank records of the account where the insurance proceeds were deposited, showed that Whaley used the company’s insurance money pay off his gambling debt and to pay himself over $30,000 in cash. None of these transactions were ever disclosed by Whaley to the Bankruptcy Court as required.
The casino records also showed that once his debt was paid off in October of 2010, Whaley made a return trip to Wynn Las Vegas during which he spent over $20,000 at the casino and sent a limousine to pick up his wife at the airport. At that time, Southeastern Stud was still in bankruptcy and approximately 70% of its employees had lost their jobs.
Evidence presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office at sentencing demonstrated that during the investigation of Whaley’s crimes by the FBI, he obstructed justice by asking his former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to falsify an affidavit to be submitted to the FBI. The sentencing judge also found that Whaley had directed this same employee to falsify documents that were submitted to the bankruptcy court in order to conceal the diverted insurance proceeds used for his gambling debts.
The case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Essig and John Geer.
Four Arrested in Chambers County on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama– Roberto Anguiano (24), Deedre D. Diaz (22), Mario Verduzco (20), and Angela P. Quach (26) all from Laredo, Texas, were arrested in Chambers County on July 7, 2016 for their roles in a drug operation that involved the possession of and conspiracy to distribute fourteen (14) kilograms of cocaine, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. These arrests are the result of an investigation that includes numerous agencies.
According to court documents, a member of the Chamber’s County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Toyota Tundra for a traffic violation. Over the course of the traffic stop, consent to search the vehicle was obtained and approximately fourteen (14) kilograms of cocaine was discovered. According a statement from Anguiano after waiving his Miranda rights, he was transporting the cocaine to Atlanta, Georgia. He further stated he would be paid $1,100 for each kilogram of cocaine he delivered to Atlanta.
The cocaine that was seized has an approximate value of $420,000. A conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride carries a potential sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
On Monday, July 25, 2016, a preliminary hearing was held before Chief United States Magistrate Susan S. Walker. Following the presentation of evidence the four were ordered to be bound over to the grand jury for the presentation of an Indictment. They were also detained without bond pending trial.
A Criminal Complaint or Indictment is merely a method of charging a defendant and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant=s guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
U.S. Attorney Beck would like to thank the following agencies for their involvement in this case: the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), the State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Chambers County Alabama Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the Valley, Alabama Police Department (VPD), and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Curtis Ivy, Jr.
Pike County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Douglas Edward Hale ,39, a resident of Troy, Alabama, was sentenced Thursday, July 21, 2016, to 210 months (17 ½ years) in federal prison for receipt of child pornography, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Hale had previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography on March 11, 2016. A receipt of child pornography charge carries a 240 month maximum sentence.
The charge stemmed from Hale’s collection of child pornography that contained images of child sexual abuse. Images on Hale’s computer were sent to him by a victim that the he knew was under the age of 18. Evidence further showed that Hale requested the images from the victim despite the knowledge of the victim’s age.
In addition to the 210 months, Chief United States District Judge Joel F. Dubina ordered that Hale be supervised for life following his release from federal prison. Hale remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This case was investigated by Troy Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Hollie Worley prosecuted the case.
Loan Company Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Identities Used to File False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A Montgomery County resident was sentenced to 48 months in prison for her role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Wendy Huff, 32, admitted that between January 2013 and August 2015, she worked at two loan companies in Montgomery, Alabama, and had access to the personal identifying information of customers. Huff agreed to steal information from her employers and provide it to her co-conspirator James Vernon Battle, 31. Battle used that information to file over 335 returns claiming more than $400,000 in fraudulent refunds and directed the requested tax refunds to prepaid debit cards and U.S. Treasury checks, which were mailed to addresses in Montgomery, including Huff’s residence. Battle also brought several U.S. Treasury tax refund checks to Huff’s workplace where she used her position to cash them. Huff returned half of the proceeds to Battle and kept the balance for herself.
Huff pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Joel Dubina for the Middle District of Alabama sentenced Huff to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $102,322 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Battle is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 31.
U.S. Attorney Beck and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, who investigated the case and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and Robert J. Boudreau of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who are prosecuting this case.
Former Montromgery Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding HUDRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – A Georgia resident who was previously a practicing attorney in Montgomery, Alabama pled guilty Thursday, July 14, 2016 to wire fraud affecting a financial institution, announced the United States Attorney’s Office. Christopher B. Pitts, 46, now of Atlanta, Georgia, admitted to operating a scheme to defraud the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
According to court documents, between 2005 and 2008 Pitts served as a closing attorney for the sales of all homes owned by HUD in northern and central Alabama. As the closing attorney, it was Pitts’s responsibility to receive purchase money, pay closing costs, and transmit to HUD the remaining purchase money. In court yesterday, Pitts admitted that, on numerous occasions, he did not actually remit payments to HUD. As a result of Pitts’s fraud, HUD never received the money it was owed for the sales of HUD-owned houses. Pitts was arrested on February 8, 2016 following a federal grand jury indictment on this charge.
A date for sentencing has yet to be scheduled. Pitts faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, as well as substantial monetary penalties.
This case was investigated by HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection to Sales of Iraqi CurrencyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Monday, July 11, 2016, Husam Usama Tayeh, 36, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr and Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. Tayeh’s guilty plea resulted from his operation of a business that unlawfully sold Iraqi currency---dinars—over the internet to customers all over the country. A joint-federal and state investigation led to Tayeh’s guilty plea.
According to court documents, Tayeh was the owner of Dinar Corporation, Inc. (Dinar Corp.), a company registered in Nevada and headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Through Dinar Corp., Tayeh operated a website. On that website, Tayeh offered to sell customers Iraqi dinars. One of the ways that Tayeh’s customers could buy dinars was through installment contracts. When a customer entered into an installment contract, Tayeh promised to place in reserve the quantity of dinars to be purchased by the customer. Tayeh assured customers that he would ship them the reserved dinars upon the customers making their final contract payments. Tayeh defrauded customers in that he never actually placed dinars in reserve and never had access to enough dinars to fulfill all orders should the orders all come due.
Court documents also explain how Tayeh found his way to an Alabama federal court. Tayeh was unable to find a bank in or around Chicago that would take his ill gotten money. Therefore, Tayeh contracted with a resident of Dothan, Alabama to launder the Dinar Corp. proceeds through Dothan banks.
At some date in the coming months, Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins will sentence Tayeh. At the sentencing hearing, Tayeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as a fine.
“Tayeh used advanced technology to commit classic fraud—he duped people into spending their hard-earned money on his worthless wares,” announced United States Attorney Beck. “Tayeh’s caused harm all over the country. I am proud to say that we in Alabama put a stop to this far-reaching scheme.”
Mr. Borg of the Alabama Securities Commission added, “the Iraqi Dinar ‘investment opportunity’ is a scam that has existed for more than a decade and has regained some of its former popularity. Investors are lured by the ‘can’t miss’ method in which the interested investor profits from a severely undervalued currency that is ‘certain’ to appreciate in value in just a short time. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those like Tayeh who prey on main street investors.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Securities Commission. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Kevin P. Davidson are prosecuting the case, along with Steven P. Feaga, Deputy Director of the Alabama Securities Commission for Enforcement and Prosecution, and Amanda W. Senn, General Counsel of the Alabama Securities Commission.
Owner of MRI Machine Used at Opelika “Pill Mill” Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Ruben Hernandez, 39, of southern Florida, pleaded guilty on Thursday, July 7, 2016 in federal court to charges stemming from his role in the operation of a “pill mill” that existed in Opelika, Alabama between 2012 and 2013, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. A “pill mill” is a medical clinic created to sell prescription drugs unlawfully, illegally, and for no medical reason.
According to court documents, Hernandez was involved with the EMED Medical Management Corporation pill mill. Hernandez participated in the operation of the pill mill by leasing a mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to the pill mill’s owner—Erik Raul Torres. With Hernandez’s machine, Torres and others generated MRIs that were then used to support the prescribing of pain medication that was not actually necessary. In return for allowing Torres to use his machine, Hernandez received a portion of the pill mill’s ill-gotten gain. Due to those payments, Hernandez was charged with conspiring to launder money.
Previously, Torres pled guilty to drug distribution and money laundering charges. In addition to Torres and Hernandez, several others have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their involvement in the Opelika pill mill.
A sentencing date for Hernandez has not been set. At sentencing, Hernandez faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions, whichever is greater.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Opelika Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Five People Indicted in Conspiracy to Distribute Prescription Drugs in and Around AuburnRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Five individuals were arrested over the past two weeks after being indicted and charged with prescription drug distribution offenses, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr.
The individuals arrested were: Bradford A. Blount, 25, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama; Dennis Michael Elder, 26, of Vestavia Hills; Saxon R. Monk, 25, of Washington, D.C.; Randolph D. Ogburn, 64, of Valley, Alabama; and Lewis Michael James, 57, of West Point, Georgia.
According to the indictment, in 2013, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs, including oxycodone, in and around Auburn, Alabama. The indictment also charges Blount with possessing heroin and Elder with carrying a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of the drug distribution conspiracy, each individual faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Also, Elder faces an additional sentence of not less than 5 years’ imprisonment if he is convicted of the firearms offense.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Auburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Cross-Burner Sentenced on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Steven Joshua Dinkle, 30, a former Exalted Cyclops of the Ozark, Alabama chapter of the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), was sentenced to 15 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Dinkle was previously convicted in May of 2014 of several federal felonies surrounding the burning of a cross in a predominantly black neighborhood. Dinkle served his sentence for the previous convictions and was released in May of 2015. While on supervised release from May to August 2015, Dinkle was cited for multiple violations of the terms of his probation, including possession of a firearm, and his probation was revoked.
Federal law makes it a crime for anyone who has been convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm, unless they have had their gun rights restored.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the United States Probation Office, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Redmond.
Two Charged in Dothan, Alabama as Part of Largest National Medicare Fraud Takedown in HistoryRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr., Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, announced today an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $900 million in false billings. Twenty-three state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is suspending payment to a number of providers using its suspension authority provided in the Affordable Care Act. This coordinated takedown is the largest in history, both in terms of the number of defendants charged and loss amount.
“As this takedown should make clear, health care fraud is not an abstract violation or benign offense – It is a serious crime,” said Attorney General Lynch. “The wrongdoers that we pursue in these operations seek to use public funds for private enrichment. They target real people – many of them in need of significant medical care. They promise effective cures and therapies, but they provide none. Above all, they abuse basic bonds of trust – between doctor and patient; between pharmacist and doctor; between taxpayer and government – and pervert them to their own ends. The Department of Justice is determined to continue working to ensure that the American people know that their health care system works for them – and them alone.”
As a part of the nationwide takedown, U.S. Attorney Beck and Attorney General Strange announce the arrests of two Dothan, Alabama-area residents on charges of defrauding the Alabama Medicaid Agency and the federal government by billing for counseling services that were never provided.
Catrina R. Copeland, 43, of Dothan, was the owner of The Counseling Place, a Dothan company that contracted with the Alabama Medicaid Agency to provide counseling services to at risk youth. Stephanie Govan, 41, a resident of Glenwood, was employed by Copeland as a counselor. Both were arrested on June 21, 2016 by agents of the Alabama Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the HHS’s Office of Inspector General.
A federal grand jury indicted Copeland and Govan in April of 2016 following an investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The grand jury charges include counts against each individual for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. This alleged fraud is based upon evidence that indicates Copeland and Govan billed the Medicaid Agency for counseling services that were never actually provided. If convicted, each could be sentenced for up to ten years in prison.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Dothan, Alabama case was investigated by the Alabama Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the HHS’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross and Assistant Attorney General Bruce Lieberman are prosecuting the case.
“Health care fraud robs all of us by resulting in increased medical costs, health insurance premiums, and eventually, higher taxes,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “Medical providers need to know there is no ‘safe harbor’ from lying and cheating.”
“Those who choose to commit heath care fraud do so at the expense of the most vulnerable of our society who are dependent upon these programs,” said Attorney General Strange. “Protecting taxpayer resources is a high priority of my office and I am pleased to join the U.S. Attorney George Beck in targeting costly Medicaid fraud.”
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations and since its inception in March 2007 has charged over 2,900 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $8.9 billion.
Including today’s enforcement actions, nearly 1,200 individuals have been charged in national takedown operations, which have involved more than $3.4 billion in fraudulent billings. Today’s announcement marks the second time that districts outside of Strike Force locations participated in a national takedown, and they accounted for 82 defendants charged in this takedown.
The cases announced today are being prosecuted and investigated by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide, along with Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas, Central District of California, Eastern District of Louisiana, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of Illinois and the Middle District of Florida; and agents from the FBI, HHS-OIG, Drug Enforcement Administration, DCIS and state Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
The court documents for each case will posted online, as they become available, here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/documents-and-resources-june-22-2016-medicare-fraud-strike-force-press-conference
Former President and CEO of Montgomery-Based Steel Company Convicted of Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, a federal jury in Montgomery convicted Kennon W. Whaley, 51, from Auburn, Alabama on two counts of bankruptcy fraud for concealing assets of his business from the Bankruptcy Court and his creditors, announced George Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
Whaley had been the president and CEO of Southeastern Stud & Components from the time the company was created in 1999. Southeastern Stud was located in Montgomery and was in the business of manufacturing light steel framing components to be used in commercial and industrial construction. At its peak in 2005, Southeastern Stud grossed over $34,000,000, had 125 full-time employees and distributed steel to customers throughout the United States.
By 2009, the company’s revenue had decreased substantially, so Whaley, on behalf of Southeastern Stud, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March of that year and the company remained in bankruptcy until October of 2011. Because Southeastern Stud was allowed to continue its operation during the bankruptcy, Whaley was required under the law to disclose all assets and property of the company to the Bankruptcy Court each month.
However, the evidence at trial showed that despite this requirement Whaley diverted the proceeds from a $260,000 insurance payment to the company in 2010 to pay off a personal gambling debt. The evidence showed that in January of 2010 Mr. Whaley traveled to the Wynn Las Vegas Casino where he incurred a $100,000 gambling debt during a trip of just four days. The evidence also showed that Wynn Las Vegas began to put pressure on Whaley to pay the debt beginning in February of 2010. Casino records from Wynn Las Vegas, and the bank records of the account where the insurance proceeds were deposited, showed that Whaley used the company’s insurance money pay off his gambling debt and to pay himself over $30,000 in cash. None of these transactions were ever disclosed by Whaley to the Bankruptcy Court as required.
The casino records also show that once his debt was paid off in October of 2010, Whaley made a return trip to Wynn Las Vegas during which he spent over $20,000 at the casino and sent a limousine to pick up his wife at the airport. At that time, Southeastern Stud was still in bankruptcy and approximately 70% of its employees had lost their jobs.
“Our bankruptcy laws are designed to provide financial protection for both creditors and debtors alike,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “When debtors attempt to illegally thwart the very laws that provide them protection and take advantage of this fraud in bankruptcy court, they will be punished.”
Whaley faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison on each count of Bankruptcy Fraud.
The case was investigated by the FBI after they received a tip from one of Whaley’s former employees. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Essig and John Geer.
Phenix City Doctor Arrested for Unlawful Distribution of Prescription Drugs and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Dr. Robert M. Ritchea, 53, of LaGrange, Georgia, was arrested yesterday after being indicted by a federal grand jury, announced George L. Beck, Jr, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Dr. Ritchea, who maintains a family medical practice in Phenix City, Alabama, is charged with drug distribution and money laundering offenses. Those charges stem from Dr. Ritchea’s operating a “pill mill,” which is a medical clinic created to dispense controlled substances inappropriately, unlawfully, and for non-medical reasons.
Specifically, the indictment charges Dr. Ritchea with writing prescriptions for Schedule II pain medications—such as hydrocodone and methadone—knowing that the patients receiving the prescriptions had no legitimate medical need for the medications. Additionally, according to the indictment, Dr. Ritchea used the proceeds of his pill mill to purchase Schedule II pain medication—specifically, hydromorphone and hydrocodone—directly from a drug manufacturer. With these pills, Dr. Ritchea was able to fill his patients’ unlawful and unnecessary prescriptions, without using a pharmacy.
If convicted, Dr. Ritchea faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. He also faces substantial monetary penalties and restitution.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. The Opelika, Alabama Police Department, Chambers County, Alabama Drug Task Force, the Auburn, Alabama Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Russell County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office, and the Lawrence County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office all assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Rand N. Neeley are prosecuting the case.
Phenix City Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Christopher Quinton Hearlson (36), a resident of Phenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for failure to register as a sex offender, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
In September of 2015, Hearlson was indicted by a federal grand jury for failure to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, when Hearlson moved to Russell county, he failed to registered as required by law.
Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins sentenced Hearlson to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by a ten year term of supervised release. Hearlson remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending placement by the Bureau of Prisons.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service. Assistant United States Attorney Hollie Worley prosecuted the case.
Barbour County Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – William Ray George (46), a resident of Clayton, Alabama, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
In August of 2015, George pled guilty to receiving child pornography. The conviction stemmed from George’s collection of child pornography that contained images and videos of child sexual abuse. George received the child pornography through a peer-to-peer file sharing program, eMule. When interviewed by law enforcement, George admitted to viewing child pornography for the past thirteen years.
Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins sentenced George to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by a life term of supervised release. George remains on bond and will turn himself into the Bureau of Prisons in June 2016.
“Receiving and viewing child pornography victimizes innocent children and cannot be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “Child pornography poses a danger to the entire community because it exploits what should be our greatest treasure, our children.”
"ALEA is committed to teaming with our federal and local partners to investigate those who prey on our children," said Secretary of Law Enforcement, Stan Stabler.
This case was investigated by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Hollie Worley and Curtis Ivy prosecuted the case.
Six Arrested on Federal Charges Related to the Attempted Delivery of Contraband into the Montgomery, Alabama City JailRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama– Rasheen Jahmal Smith, 30, Curtis Caffie, 24, Derreana Gray, 24, Curtis Jackson, 54, Peggy Caffie Jackson, 48, and Jeremy Terrell Caffie, 28, all from Montgomery, Alabama were arrested this weekend, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The arrests followed the return of a federal indictment charging each for their involvement in an attempt to smuggle contraband cellular telephones into the Montgomery City Jail. The indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by the United States Marshals Service.
According to court documents, Rasheen Smith, Curtis Caffie and Joshua Jackson devised a scheme to smuggle cellular telephones into the City Jail where they were then being held on unrelated charges. Aided by family members and others, a package purportedly containing legal documents but actually containing cellular telephones was delivered to the Montgomery City Jail addressed to Rasheen Smith. The package was intercepted by employees of the Montgomery City Jail who became suspicious of the package’s contents. While investigating the matter, several of the defendants made false statements to deputy United States Marshals concerning their roles in the conspiracy.
On April 25, 2016, Joshua Jarrell Jackson entered a guilty plea before United States Magistrate Judge Terry F. Moorer for his role in the plan and for attempting to influence a witness to provide a false statement to deputy United States Marshals during the course of their investigation.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“A cell phone these days is an essential part of the daily affairs of most law abiding citizens,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “However, a cell phone in the hands of prisoners presents a serious threat to public safety, the safety of correctional officers, and other inmates as well.”
“At one time, drugs and tobacco were the contraband of choice by prisoners. Now, wireless telephones are becoming increasingly popular,” stated U.S. Marshall Tom Hession. “The correctional personnel that intercepted the devices are to be commended. Correctional institutions must continue to maintain their vigilance toward detection of smuggling and possession of the devices by inmates, excellent intelligence gathering and uphold effective practices to minimize the dangers posed by inmate wireless telephone possession.”
“An inmate’s illegal activity may involve discussions with fellow criminals outside the prison walls about drug trafficking, money laundering or intimidating witnesses – or worse, plotting their murders,” said Montgomery Police Chief Ernest Finley. “Jail personnel involved with this incident are to be commended for their attention to detail and subsequent efforts to protect our community, their fellow officers and all those incarcerated at the Montgomery City Jail.”
A conviction for conspiracy to commit the charged offenses carries a potential sentence maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney’s Curtis Ivy and Rand Neely are prosecuting the case.