Middle District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Troy, Alabama Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison Following Federal Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On August 7, 2024, a federal judge sentenced Troy, Alabama resident Emmanuel Youngblood, 34, to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. The sentence is the result of Youngblood’s conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute the illegal drug. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and evidence presented during his April 2024 trial, law enforcement observed Youngblood driving a vehicle in Troy on November 23, 2022. Knowing Youngblood had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, officers initiated a traffic stop. Youngblood initially attempted to elude the police and led officers on a brief car chase. Youngblood eventually stopped the car and fled on foot. Soon thereafter, officers apprehended him. When Youngblood fled, an adult female and four small children were left behind in the car. During a search of Youngblood’s vehicle, officers found more than half a kilogram of methamphetamine, along with a digital scale and other suspected controlled substances. Investigators found the methamphetamine in a microwave dinner box.
The Troy Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and B. Chelsea Wilson prosecuted.
Dothan Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison Following Federal Gun ConvictionRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Tarrence Lee Wright, 33, from Dothan, Alabama, received a sentence of 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system. The sentencing occurred on July 31, 2024.
According to the federal indictment and other court records, on July 24, 2023, law enforcement conducted a welfare check at a Dothan residence. No one responded when the officers initially knocked on the door. Eventually, law enforcement found Wright inside the home. Wright had a handgun with him. Wright has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Officers also witnessed signs of potential domestic violence against a female victim.
The Dothan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Joel H. Feil and Justin L. Jones prosecuted.
Montgomery Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Era Relief FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On July 31, 2024, 39-year-old Tametria Conner Dantzler, from Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges related to loans received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, announced United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established the EIDL program, which was directly administered by the Small Business Administration. This financial assistance program was designed to help eligible small businesses by giving them working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses such as payroll, rent or mortgage expenses, utilities, or business debt.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, in June of 2020, Dantzler made false statements on EIDL applications. Dantzler claimed she created companies, including Conner Consulting LLC, and represented that the companies met the program requirements for EIDL loans. In all, Dantzler obtained approximately $927,338.47 in grants and forgivable loans to which she was not entitled. She also accepted fees or traded fake “payroll checks” in exchange for assisting others to obtain an additional $1,049,864 in grants and forgivable loans to which they were not entitled. Also in her plea agreement, Dantzler admitted she used some of the proceeds for unauthorized purposes, such as buying a house and paying off a vehicle for her husband.
“Government fraud is not a victimless crime,” said United States Attorney Ross. “A financial loss to the United States is a loss to the U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with law enforcement partners, will continue efforts to identify and prosecute anyone personally profiting from funds intended to provide relief for businesses.”
“I hope those who defrauded the COVID-19 relief programs are noticing the number of people being held accountable in the justice system for their crimes,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners continue initiating new investigations on people who diverted COVID-19 relief money into their own pockets which was intended to help economically stress businesses.”
"Tametria Dantzler fabricated documents and created a fraud scheme that diverted critical taxpayer money that was intended to help actual struggling businesses during an unprecedented pandemic for her own self-enrichment," said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge George Richardson with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
Following her guilty plea, Dantzler faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, plus an order of restitution to her victims. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Dantzler in the coming months. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, ALABAMA – On July 31, 2024, a federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama ordered 31-year-old Brenden Neil Noel, a resident of Danforth, Illinois, to serve 35 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. The judge also ordered that Noel remain on supervised release for life following his prison term. Restitution to Noel’s victims will be determined at a later date. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to Noel’s plea agreement and other court records, in November of 2022, law enforcement received evidence of explicit communications on various messaging apps between an unknown individual and two females under the age of 14 in the Middle District of Alabama. Investigators discovered that the messages originated from Noel’s residence in Illinois and law enforcement contacted him shortly thereafter. Agents then examined various electronic devices belonging to Noel. They found, stored on the devices, numerous images and videos containing suspected child pornography. In his plea agreement, Noel specifically admitted that he had coerced victims he knew to be under the age of 14 to send him nude images. Noel also admitted that, while he participated in video calls with minor victims, he persuaded the victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Noel recorded the conduct using a second phone. Noel pleaded guilty to production of child pornography in federal court on April 2, 2024.
During the investigation, agents learned that Noel had previously been convicted in Illinois of aggravated criminal sexual assault, requiring him to register as a sex offender.
“Crimes targeting children are most disturbing,” said United States Attorney Ross. “Offenses like Noel’s have lifelong consequences for the victims. Through the hard work of law enforcement agencies, Noel will not be able to cause further harm to young people.”
“Protecting our children is of paramount importance, and the FBI along with our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to prevent their victimization and to hold accountable those who abuse them,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted the case.
Three Montgomery Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing MachinegunsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced three individuals from Montgomery, Alabama in cases involving possession of a machinegun. Each of the machineguns at issue was a semiautomatic firearm that had been converted to fully automatic through the installation of a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear.”
Earlier this week, 20-year-old Deandre Nyquan Lucas received a 120-month prison sentence. In another unrelated case, a judge imposed a 27-month sentence for 23-year-old Cammeron Leroy Youngblood. Third, a judge sentenced 27-year-old Derrick Dontrell Taylor 21 months in federal prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
When installed on a firearm, a machinegun conversion device allows a gun to function as a fully automatic weapon capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. The possession of a machinegun, which, under the relevant federal statute, includes the possession of a conversion device alone, carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Due to their rapid rate of fire, these conversion devices pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Not too long ago, these devices were rare. Unfortunately, in a very short period of time, they have become common in communities across the district. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners place a high priority on investigating and prosecuting cases involving the possession of one of these devices.”
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montgomery Police Department investigated these cases, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, John J. Geer, III, Justin L. Jones, and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted the cases.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison Following Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Franklin Douglas Hambrick, 35, from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 90 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges.
According to the federal indictment and other court records, on January 6, 2022, law enforcement in Montgomery initiated a stop on a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Hambrick, fled the vehicle on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. Investigators searched a backpack Hambrick had with him. Inside the backpack, they found, a handgun, fentanyl, and marijuana. Hambrick has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
On April 2, 2024, Hambrick pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hambrick’s sentencing hearing occurred on July 22, 2024.
The Montgomery Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted.
Six Individuals Charged in Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, Including Alabama State TrooperRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama indicted six individuals for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, 57-year-old Jim Carter, Jr., from Montgomery, Alabama; 38-year-old Francisco Lopez, from Texas; 40-year-old Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, a Mexican national; 63-year-old Saundra S. Curry, from Deatsville, Alabama; 37-year-old Bryce Johnson, from Union Springs, Alabama; and 52-year-old Michael Anthony Evans, an Alabama State Trooper from Montgomery, Alabama, are charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine. The conspiracy began at an unknown date and continued through at least June 10, 2024. The indictment further alleges that Jim Carter, Jr., and Francisco Lopez are each responsible for at least five kilograms of cocaine involved in the conspiracy.
In addition, the indictment charges Jim Carter, Jr., Francisco Lopez, and Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Lastly, the indictment alleges that Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez illegally re-entered the United States after being deported in 2013.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Due to the amount of cocaine alleged against Jim Carter, Jr. and Francisco Lopez in the indictment, they each face a sentence of ten years to life in prison. The other defendants are facing a sentence of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, with cooperation from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Andreu is prosecuting this case.
Former Postal Carrier Convicted of Mail Theft and FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal jury convicted 44-year-old James Glover, a former postal carrier and resident of Montgomery, Alabama, on one count of postal theft by an employee and three counts of mail fraud. Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Inspector in Charge Scott Fix of the Houston Division for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service joined United States Attorney Ross in making the announcement.
According to court records and evidence presented during Glover’s trial, he was involved in a fraudulent mail theft and bank fraud scheme involving multiple individuals. The jury heard testimony that, in September and October of 2022, while doing his work as a mail carrier, Glover stole checks and documents containing financial information from the mail. The stolen checks were altered or used to create fraudulent checks and then deposited into bank accounts by Glover and others. Previously, 24-year-old Keldric Ortez Jones, also from Montgomery, Alabama, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in the scheme. Jones received a 46-month sentence on March 11, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. mail system is a vital part of our daily lives,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Mail carriers are entrusted with access to enormous amounts of sensitive information. Abuse of that trust must have consequences. This prosecution is a result of our commitment, along with the commitment of our law enforcement partners, to protect the millions of letters and packages processed by the United States Postal Service each day.”
“The vast majority of U.S. Postal Service employees are honest, hardworking individuals who would never violate the public trust in this manner,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “But for those who do, our special agents, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. This conviction is a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to commit check fraud.”
“It is very disappointing when any of our U.S. Postal Service employees abuse their position of trust to facilitate illegal activity,” said Inspector in Charge Scott Fix of the Houston Division for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “James Glover is not representative of the honesty and integrity of postal employees serving our nation today. Glover’s conviction demonstrates that the USPIS remains resolute in our mission to bring to justice those who fraudulently use the nation’s mail system in the furtherance of their deceptive schemes.”
Following his June 27, 2024, conviction, Glover faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing for Glover is scheduled for September 30, 2024. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine Glover’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Millbrook Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Tara Ratz are prosecuting.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offense of Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Former Elmore County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, was sentenced today to 29 months in prison and three years of supervised release for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
According to documents and statements made in court, Hicks willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. The arrestee suffered a broken cheekbone, concussion and lacerations from Hicks’ assault.
“This defendant had a duty to respect the rights of people in his custody and to keep them safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead, he violently assaulted a person under arrest who was not resisting or threatening harm to the defendant or the public. The Justice Department remains firmly committed to holding accountable law enforcement officials who abuse their powers and use excessive force against people in custody.”
“We expect law enforcement officers to maintain order and ensure public safety,” said United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “These are tremendous responsibilities. Fortunately, the vast majority of officers serve honorably. Hicks fell short of his obligation to protect and serve. The sentence imposed today ensures that he is held responsible for his actions. Failure to hold Hicks accountable would discredit the noble service of other officers and weaken the public’s trust in law enforcement.”
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Multiple Alabama Individuals Charged for Sex Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – A federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama unsealed an eight-count indictment today charging five individuals with sex trafficking and related offenses.
According to the indictment, Kimani Jones, 30, Treymane Lambert, 48, and Aleecia Scott, 27, of Montgomery, Alabama, used force, fraud and coercion to compel adult women to engage in commercial sex acts between August 2016 and November 2020. Jones also used force, fraud and coercion to compel two minors to engage in commercial sex acts during that period, and Joseph Keon Bowe, 37, of Notasulga, Alabama, used force, fraud and coercion to compel a minor to engage in commercial sex acts between August 2018 and March 2019.
In addition, the indictment charges Jones with transporting one minor and one adult woman across state lines for purposes of prostitution in November 2016 and January 2020. A fifth defendant, Daryle Gardner, 30, of Prattville, Alabama, is charged with transporting an adult woman for purposes of prostitution in January 2020.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including substantial prison terms, and mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama and Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Picard of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
HSI, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Ratz for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Multiple Alabama Individuals Charged for Sex Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
A federal judge in the Middle District of Alabama unsealed an eight-count indictment today charging five individuals with sex trafficking and related offenses.
According to the indictment, Kimani Jones, 30, Treymane Lambert, 48, and Aleecia Scott, 27, of Montgomery, Alabama, used force, fraud and coercion to compel adult women to engage in commercial sex acts between August 2016 and November 2020. Jones also used force, fraud and coercion to compel two minors to engage in commercial sex acts during that period, and Joseph Keon Bowe, 37, of Notasulga, Alabama, used force, fraud and coercion to compel a minor to engage in commercial sex acts between August 2018 and March 2019.
In addition, the indictment charges Jones with transporting one minor and one adult woman across state lines for purposes of prostitution in November 2016 and January 2020. A fifth defendant, Daryle Gardner, 30, of Prattville, Alabama, is charged with transporting an adult woman for purposes of prostitution in January 2020.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including substantial prison terms, and mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Patrone of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
HSI, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Ratz for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, joins national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Since 2006, this day has promoted awareness of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Ross emphasized the importance of awareness and education.
“Far too often, seniors are targeted by fraudsters and criminals,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Every day, they are bombarded by fraud schemes, scams, and abuse, both physical and mental. Protecting the elderly and preventing their exploitation is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners. I encourage the public to learn the signs of elder abuse and exploitation and to check on our older friends and loved ones regularly.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
The Middle District of Alabama continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. In a recent example, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently prosecuted a Montgomery man for a home remodeling scam that targeted multiple elderly victims. Thanks to our law enforcement partners involved in that investigation, the defendant received a sentence of over six years in prison and was ordered to pay nearly $370,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Dothan Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison Following Federal Drug and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 36-year-old Jamere Deshun Dowdy, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, to 188 months in prison. Dowdy’s sentence follows his entering a guilty plea for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In addition, the judge ordered that Dowdy serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on August 5, 2021, law enforcement attempted to stop a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Dowdy, refused to stop. A pursuit ensued and ended when Dowdy’s vehicle became inoperable. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found marijuana and a handgun. Dowdy has multiple felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dothan Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted.
United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Alabama Commemorates National Police Week 2024Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week is being observed from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.
“National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the brave members of law enforcement who, at great risk to themselves, answer the call of duty every day to protect communities in our district,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Already this year, too many officers have been killed in the line of duty, including one deputy here in the Middle District. The memory and legacy of Deputy Sheriff Jermyius Young from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will never be forgotten. We take time this week to honor and recognize those we have lost and thank those who continue to serve.”
“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
According to 2023 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, from 2021 to 2023, more officers were feloniously killed in the U.S. (194) than in any other consecutive three-year period in the past 20 years — 73 officers in 2021, 61 officers in 2022, and 60 officers in 2023. So far this year, 58 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty from various causes, including auto accidents. One of those 58 deaths occurred here in the Middle District of Alabama.
On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Auburn Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of an Auburn, Alabama man for possession of child pornography. On May 15, 2024, a federal judge in Montgomery ordered 33-year-old Maxime Tessier, to serve 97 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Tessier serve five years of supervised release following the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to Tessier’s plea agreement and other court records, in 2022, law enforcement received a tip that there were images of child pornography being shared online from an account linked to Tessier’s Auburn residence. On November 15, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at that location. Agents seized and examined various electronic devices belonging to Tessier. They found, stored on the devices, numerous images containing suspected child pornography. During his January 16, 2024, plea hearing, Tessier specifically admitted that some of the images were sexually explicit depictions of children under the age of 12.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Auburn Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.
Three Houston County, Alabama Residents Sentenced for KidnappingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama, sentenced three defendants for kidnapping a minor and transporting her from Alabama to Florida. On May 14, 2024, 20-year-old Molly Michele Jarrett received a sentence of 104 months in prison, 24-year-old Coby Jerome Jordan received a 92-month sentence, and Destiny Star Lewis, also 24-years-old, received a sentence of 70 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the plea agreements and other court records, late in the evening on November 4, 2022, Jarrett, Jordan, and Lewis picked up their victim from her residence in Dale County, Alabama. They did so under seemingly sociable circumstances. After driving around in rural parts of the Wiregrass area, they made a stop at Jordan’s and Jarrett’s residence in Pansey, Alabama. Eventually, the four decided to go for another drive in the rural parts of the area and stopped at an abandoned structure in Jackson County, Florida. Jordan forced the victim out of the vehicle and began beating her. Jarrett encouraged her to do so. Eventually, Jarrett directed Jordan to restrain the victim. Jordan used zip ties and duct tape to secure the victim’s ankles and wrists. Lewis assisted Jordan by retrieving those items from inside the vehicle.
The victim was then loaded back into the vehicle and driven to a secluded area, placed near a tree, and concealed with brush. Jarrett, Jordan, and Lewis returned to Alabama. The victim eventually freed her feet from their bonds and made it to a nearby residence where she was provided with assistance. Earlier this year, Jarrett, Jordan, and Lewis each pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson County, Florida Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Patronizing a Commercial Act with a MinorRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 45-year-old Jamecko Rontae Thomas, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 130 months in prison. Thomas’s sentence follows his entering a guilty plea for sex trafficking of a minor. During the May 13, 2024, sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Thomas serve five years of supervised release following the prison term. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in July of 2021, Thomas went to a Montgomery hotel to engage in a commercial sex act with a female who was under the age of 18 at the time. A co-defendant arranged the encounter. When he pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, Thomas specifically admitted that the sex act occurred with a reckless disregard for the child’s age. Also pursuant to the plea agreement, Thomas admitted to both knowledge of past incidents of commercial sex acts arranged by his co-defendant and that he was aware of narcotics being used to induce sex trafficking victims.
“Sex trafficking is a terrible crime—one that scars its victims for a lifetime,” said United States Attorney Ross. “This prosecution should send a clear message that my office will hold all individuals accountable for their participation in child sex trafficking and child exploitation, whether they are the traffickers or merely patrons.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Tara S. Ratz prosecuting.
Five Defendants Sentenced Following the Robberies of Two Cell Phone Stores in Montgomery, AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of five individuals for their roles in robbing two cell phone stores at gunpoint. Two of the defendants also pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The following provides more detail about the various defendants convicted and the sentences imposed.
- On May 13, 2024, Devon Lemar Bledson, 29, received a sentence of 204 months in prison following his guilty plea to three charges: interference with interstate commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- On April 16, 2024, 31-year-old Devontae Gentry, received a sentence of 240 months in prison following a guilty plea to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery.
- On April 3, 2024, Antonio Lavasia Provo, 33, received a sentence of 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery.
- On March 28, 2024, 19-year-old Jaylan Subry Bledson, received a 90-month sentence following a plea of guilty to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.
- On March 14, 2024, 29-year-old Staci Danielle Gilbert, received a prison sentence of 60 months for after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
All defendants are residents of Montgomery, Alabama, with the exception of Devontae Gentry, who is from Chicago, Illinois.
According to the plea agreements and other court records, on April 25, 2023, members of the group entered a cell phone store located on the Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery. One of the members pointed a gun at store employees and demanded to be taken to the store’s safe. After gaining access to the safe, the defendants took assorted electronic devices. The group repeated the same actions on May 18, 2023, this time at a cell phone store on Ann Street in Montgomery. Again, the defendants used a firearm to threaten store employees and gain access to the safe.
After the Ann Street store robbery, law enforcement located the group as it was traveling on an interstate highway in Chilton County. Responding officers were able to stop the defendants’ vehicle after a brief pursuit. The officers identified Devon Bledson as the driver. They found three other group members in the vehicle: Staci Gilbert, Jaylan Bledson, and Devontae Gentry. When law enforcement searched the vehicle, they also found firearms and pills containing fentanyl. Further investigation revealed Antonio Provo’s involvement in the robberies.
“Combatting violent crime is a top priority for this office,” said United States Attorney Ross. “The use of firearms to commit crimes shows a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of community members. This case is yet another example of the good work that results from law enforcement agencies coming together to bring to justice violent individuals. I am grateful for the responding officers and deputies who put their lives on the line, as well as the investigators and agents who gathered the evidence needed for prosecution. Because of their efforts, these five defendants received the significant sentences imposed.”
“The sentences imposed on these defendants should send a strong message to anyone contemplating other violent criminal acts,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown with the Mobile, Alabama Field Office. “Those who work and live in Montgomery deserve to feel safe and secure in their community. The successful investigation and prosecution of these defendants was achieved due to the strong partnerships between the FBI, Montgomery Police Department, Clanton Police Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montgomery Police Department, the Clanton Police Department, the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency conducted this investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted the case.
Ten Individuals Charged with Theft of Federal Program Funds from Tuskegee UniversityRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a grand jury has indicted ten individuals for theft of federal program funding from Tuskegee University. Tuskegee University, located in Macon County, Alabama, receives federal funding in excess of $10,000 per calendar year.
The individuals named in the indictment are: (1) Wanda Tyner Hairston, 51, from Auburn, Alabama; (2) Lora Regina Baker, 52, from Montgomery, Alabama; (3) Keyonn Dalarrion Cannon, 26, from Tuskegee, Alabama; (4) Lanequia Shanice Cooper, 29, also from Auburn; (5) Ledaryl Tremayne Johnson, 27, from Tuskegee, Alabama; (6) Jeanette Moss-Smith, 50, also from Auburn; (7) Cassandra Harris Parker, 61, also from Tuskegee; (8) Phyllis Vanessa Tyner, 57, also from Auburn; (9) Morris Gene Welch, another resident of Auburn; and (10) Abraham Torbert Wright, Jr., 23, also from Tuskegee. All ten are charged with conspiracy to commit federal program theft.
According to the indictment, Cassandra Harris Parker, Lora Regina Baker, Jeanette Moss-Smith, and Wanda Tyner Hairston were Tuskegee University employees during the time frame of the alleged conspiracy, which began at an unknown date and continued to the year 2020. As Purchasing Manager, Parker created purchase orders indicating money was owed to co-conspirators so that checks would be issued to them. Baker worked in the Accounts Payable Department and entered the check requests into the university’s accounting system, causing the checks to be issued. Moss-Smith signed the check request forms and Hairston assigned grant codes to the forms confirming sufficient funds existed to cover the checks. Once issued, Parker delivered the checks to the co-conspirators. The indictment alleges that Cannon, Cooper, Johnson, Tyner, Welch, and Wright, Jr., each cashed checks provided to them as part of the scheme. The indictment further alleges that the ten named individuals conspired to steal federal program funds through the wrongful issuance of these checks. In addition to the conspiracy charges, Parker, Baker, Moss-Smith, and Hairston are also charged with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The conspiracy to commit federal program theft charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. In addition, Parker, Baker, Moss-Smith, and Hairston, face sentences of up to ten years for the charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Trials for each defendant is currently scheduled for August 12, 2024.
“The United States Attorney’s Office considers the theft of federal dollars to be a serious crime,” said United States Attorney Ross. “My office will continue to prosecute those who exploit federal programs and who exploit the institutions, like Tuskegee University, entrusted with using federal program funds for their intended purposes.”
“This constitutes a flagrant misuse of federal grant funds for personal use,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We remain committed to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to uphold the integrity of HHS programs.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore is prosecuting.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Committing Armed Robbery and Discharging a Firearm During the CrimeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 21-year-old Jamarcus Dewayne Hatcher, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 360 months in prison for his role in a 2023-armed robbery.
According to his plea agreement and video evidence collected from the scene, on April 6, 2023, Hatcher entered a gas station in Hope Hull, Alabama and walked to the counter. Hatcher pulled a pistol out of his pocket and pointed it at the cashier, then told the cashier to “give me all the money.” After the cashier handed Hatcher the cash from the register, which was approximately $90, Hatcher demanded to know where the cameras were located. Hatcher then walked into the side office area and shot into a device that he believed to be the security DVR. Hatcher quickly exited the station and fled on foot.
On January 22, 2024, Hatcher pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. When pronouncing Hatcher’s sentence during the May 1, 2024, sentencing hearing, the judge also considered five separate armed robberies or attempted armed robberies of gas station convenience stores and walk-up restaurants. These incidents occurred in March or April of 2023 and involved Hatcher.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montgomery Police Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer prosecuted the case.
Coffee County Man and His Brother Ordered to Pay over $1 Million in Restitution Following Murder-for-Hire ConvictionRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On April 29, 2024, a federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama, ordered Jason and Darin Starr to pay $1,069,242.03 in restitution after the two planned and carried out a plot to kill Jason Starr’s ex-wife, announced United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
Last year, a jury found that Jason Starr, from Coffee Springs, Alabama, was upset about the amount of money his ex-wife had been awarded after their divorce and that Jason Starr hired his brother, Darin Starr, a resident of Lakehills, Texas, to kill her. On the Monday following Thanksgiving in 2017, Darin Starr shot and killed his brother’s ex-wife in her driveway as she was leaving for work. On September 20, 2023, a federal jury convicted Jason Starr and Darin Starr for committing their murder-for-hire scheme. Both Jason and Darin Starr received a life sentence following their convictions. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge ordered Jason Starr to pay a fine of $25,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorneys B. Chelsea Phillips and Joshua J. Wendell prosecuting. Assistant United States Attorney Audrey L. Willis handled the restitution portion of the case.
Irondale, Alabama Man Charged with Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s OfficeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – An Irondale, Alabama, man is facing federal charges for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. On April 10, law enforcement arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
“Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.”
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.”
According to the indictment and other court documents, an explosive device was detonated on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. No injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported. Agents and Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department, responded to the scene when remnants of the device were discovered.
The case was unsealed today by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Calvert is scheduled for his initial appearance in federal court today in Montgomery at 1:30pm. If convicted, Calvert faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison with no possibility of parole. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Alabama Man Charged with Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of Alabama Attorney General’s OfficeRead the Press Release
An Alabama man was indicted for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.
On April 10, law enforcement arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
“Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.”
“The FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners to run down every lead and leverage our forensic capabilities to identify and arrest the person who is allegedly responsible for detonating this dangerous device,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This explosion was very unsettling to the community and we hope today’s arrest provides reassurance that the FBI will investigate those who target public institutions and will hold them accountable for such illegal acts.”
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.”
According to the indictment and other court documents, an explosive device was detonated on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. No injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported. Agents and troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department, responded to the scene when remnants of the device were discovered.
The case was unsealed today by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. If convicted, Calvert faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service Warn the Public of Jury Duty ScamRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross and United States Marshal Jesse Seroyer, Jr., warn the public of scams involving supposed federal jury duty.
These scams typically involve a caller posing as a United States Marshal’s Service representative. The caller informs the victim that he or she is about to be arrested for failing to appear for federal jury duty. The perpetrator then instructs the victim that he or she can avoid arrest by paying a “fine” in accordance with specific instructions. To make the scam believable, the scammer may provide convincing information, including personal details about the victim (e.g., name, address, date of birth, etc.), the title and badge number of a law enforcement officer or court official, the name of a federal judge, or the courthouse address. Scammers are even using technology to mask their phone numbers and make it appear as if the call is 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 using an official-looking email address.
The Middle District of Alabama has recently seen an increase in reports of these phone calls. The United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service hope to raise awareness and, as a result, prevent more people from being victimized by the scam.
If you receive a jury duty related call or email, do not provide any personal information or send money. Federal courts do not call or email prospective jurors to 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 gift cards, pre-paid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency deposits.
Anyone who receives a “jury duty scam” phone call or email should report it right away to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/, the U.S. Marshals Service at (334) 922-6960, or your local FBI Field Office. If available, please have the caller ID or email address information of the scammer when you call. You can authenticate a call by contacting the Clerk’s Office of the United States District Court in your area and verify the information given by the caller. Contact information for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama can be found at www.almd.uscourts.gov/.
United States Attorney’s Office and Atlanta Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation Warn the Public of Unlawful Tax Return PreparersRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – As the April 15th federal tax filing deadline approaches, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman with the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, urge taxpayers to be cautious when choosing return preparers and to review their returns thoroughly. An unscrupulous preparer who includes errors or false information on a tax return could leave a taxpayer open to liability for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest.
“Tax time can be very stressful,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Rushing to beat the deadline can result in overlooked mistakes and the filing of a false return to the IRS. Always inspect your returns before they are filed. If your tax preparer asks you to sign a blank return, refuses to sign your return as your preparer, or fails to give you a copy of your return, extra caution may be warranted. Taxpayers are responsible for the information on their tax returns, so it is important to choose a tax professional that you trust to prepare your returns correctly.”
“As we come to the end of this year’s tax season, I want to urge taxpayers to not let the deadline lead them to being less careful in choosing a reputable tax preparer,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “For those who have already filed, it doesn’t hurt to review your tax information to ensure the information is correct.”
Over the years, the United States Attorney’s Office has worked with the IRS to bring criminal actions against dishonest tax preparers operating in the Middle District. The message of each prosecution is clear — those who prepare fraudulent returns will face serious and lasting consequences.
In the most recent example, on February 2, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 44-year-old April Michelle Nesbitt to 33 months in prison for including false information on a client’s return causing the taxpayer to receive greater refunds than he or she was entitled to receive. The judge also ordered Nesbitt to pay restitution in the amount of $46,669 to the IRS.
Acting United States Attorney Ross and Acting Special Agent in Charge Hardeman remind taxpayers that the IRS has information, tips and reminders on its site for choosing a tax preparer carefully (Choosing a Tax Professional and How to Choose a Tax Return Preparer) and has launched a free directory of credentialed federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers taxpayers tips to protect their identities and wallets when filing their taxes.
In addition, IRS Free File, a public-private partnership, offers free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites for individuals whose adjusted gross income is under $79,000. For individuals whose income is over that threshold, IRS Free File offers electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. The IRS has tips on how seniors and individuals with low to moderate income can get other help or guidance on tax return preparation, too.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay over $1.2 Million Following Conviction for Wire Fraud Related to Dog Training BusinessRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Joseph Robert Merry, Jr., a resident of Plaistow, New Hampshire, to 51 months in prison for wire fraud.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, from 2017 to 2018, Merry engaged in a fraudulent scheme involving dog training businesses. During his plea hearing, Merry specifically admitted to convincing multiple individuals to invest in dog training businesses he reported to have started in Indiana, New Jersey, and Lee County, Alabama. In doing so, Merry made false claims about large prospective contracts.
To carry out his scheme, Merry occasionally pretended to be a potential customer. On one occasion, he falsely claimed to be a high ranking official of an energy company seeking to enter into a large contract with one of Merry’s dog training businesses. Through these falsities, Merry sought to gain the trust of his investors. Based on Merry’s misrepresentations, some of the investors spent additional money and made significant payments in anticipation of fulfilling the fictional contracts. In addition, numerous new employees moved to different states for jobs they expected to be have with one of these dog training businesses. However, the jobs never came. All the while, Merry used the proceeds of the investments for his own personal benefit.
During the March 27, 2024, sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered Merry to pay restitution in the amount of $1,271.790 to his victims, and to forfeit $1,515,000 in assets.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Opelika Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Used During Shooting at Gas StationRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for unlawfully possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony offense. On March 26, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 40-year-old Maricas Rondell Taylor, to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented during his September 2023 trial, following a brief argument, Taylor shot at a Montgomery convenience store clerk. Law enforcement recovered shell casings from the store that the jury linked to those Taylor fired during the shooting. Taylor has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
“Arguments that end with gunfire have become far too common,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “The defendant’s use of a firearm to settle a dispute not only put the clerk’s life at risk, but he also endangered everyone in the area. The 15-year sentence ordered by the judge was the maximum allowed by federal law, and was justified by Taylor’s complete disregard for the safety of others.”
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuting.
Chilton County Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a Firearm Used in a ShootingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On March 27, 2024, a federal jury convicted 57-year-old Alvin Lee McCary, a resident of Chilton County, Alabama, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
According to court records and evidence presented during McCary’s trial, on July 22, 2020, law enforcement responded to a Clanton residence following reports of a shooting. Deputies arrived at the scene and found that the shooting victim had multiple gunshot wounds, including one on his face. According to the victim and witnesses, following an argument, McCary had shot the victim and then fled. Deputies found shotgun shell casings at the scene. Law enforcement officers found McCary at his Chilton County residence but did not immediately locate a shotgun. A few days later, investigators discovered a shotgun and ammunition at the bottom of a well. The well was located in a wooded area behind the McCary’s residence. McCary has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Following this conviction, McCary faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison with no parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine McCary’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. If the judge determines that the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 qualifies in McCary’s case, McCary will face a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted.
Chinese Woman Sentenced to 102 Months in Federal Prison for Setting Fire to a Montgomery Church and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a Chinese national for arson and illegal firearm possession. On March 22, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 30-year-old Xiaoqin Yan to 102 months in prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and evidence presented at Yan’s June 2023 trial, on September 30, 2021, Yan entered a church in downtown Montgomery and ignited multiple fires inside the building. The Montgomery Fire Department was able to extinguish the blaze, but only after the church sustained significant damage. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Yan had multiple encounters with church staff prior to September 30 and had exhibited odd behavior.
When arresting Yan on October 4, 2021, agents found items identical to those seen on church surveillance videos, as well as clothing matching the type worn by Yan when setting the fires. Officers also found a handgun. At the time of the arson and her arrest, Yan had overstayed her non-immigrant visa and, therefore, could not lawfully possess a firearm.
The Montgomery Fire/Rescue Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys B. Chelsea Phillips and Brandon W. Bates prosecuted the case.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Former Elmore County, Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, pleaded guilty yesterday to depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
According to documents and statements made in court, Hicks willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked an arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. The arrestee suffered a broken cheekbone, concussion, and lacerations from Hicks’ assault.
“Communities entrust law enforcement officers with upholding the rule of law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By physically assaulting a defenseless member of the community, Hicks violated both the victim’s fundamental constitutional rights and the community’s trust. The Justice Department will continue to ensure that law enforcement officials who abuse their powers are held accountable.”
“Maintaining law and order in a civil society requires trust in law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Breaching that trust has consequences. Civil rights violations, such as this one, makes the job of every law enforcement officer in America more challenging, and more dangerous.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24. Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Elmore County, Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, pleaded guilty yesterday to depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
According to documents and statements made in court, Hicks willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee, identified as T.Q. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked T.Q. in or around the head while T.Q. was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. T.Q. suffered a broken cheekbone, concussion and lacerations from Hicks’ assault.
“Communities entrust law enforcement officers with upholding the rule of law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By physically assaulting a defenseless member of the community, Hicks violated both the victim’s fundamental constitutional rights and the community’s trust. The Justice Department will continue to ensure that law enforcement officials who abuse their powers are held accountable.”
“Maintaining law and order in a civil society requires trust in law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Breaching that trust has consequences. Civil rights violations, such as this one, makes the job of every law enforcement officer in America more challenging, and more dangerous.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24. Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 64 Months in Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Cashing Stolen ChecksRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 40-year-old William Hayden Searcy, from Montgomery, Alabama, to 64 months in prison. The sentence follows Searcy’s entry of a guilty plea to charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, in March and April of 2022, Searcy cashed fraudulent checks at various locations around Montgomery. Details discussed during Searcy’s sentencing hearing on February 22, 2024, revealed that Searcy: (1) stole checks from mailboxes; (2) washed the checks using chemicals that removed ink; (3) wrote new information on the checks making them payable to accounts he controlled; and (4) went to financial institutions and cashed the altered checks. Searcy also used the identities from some of the stolen checks to print checks of his own.
The federal judge also ordered Searcy to pay restitution in the amount of $8,203.42. A co-defendant in the scheme, Tyler Scott Kidd, 27, from Millbrook, Alabama, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2024. Kidd will be jointly liable with Searcy for the restitution amount.
“Mail theft and check fraud are nationwide problems,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Although the Postal Service works diligently to ensure that mail is delivered securely, individuals frequently find ways to exploit the mail system. Individuals should be mindful of the receptacles used to mail checks and check bank accounts regularly for suspicious transactions.”
“When identity thieves use the U.S. Mail to further their scheme, Postal Inspectors work tirelessly with federal prosecutors to bring them to justice,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “Fraud and identity theft are not victimless crimes and individuals such as Searcy who commit these crimes face significant penalties as a result of their criminal activity. Postal Inspectors will continue to pursue these individuals in order to preserve the financial integrity of innocent Americans. We extend our appreciation to the Montgomery Police Department that assisted with this investigation.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Former Alabama Correctional Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Inmate by Using Excessive Force and Lying to Cover It UpRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Sergeant, Devlon Williams, 38, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report and to investigators in an attempt to cover up his abuse. He was previously convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction of justice by a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama.
“This defendant was a sergeant who was supposed to set an example for those he supervised and instead he callously abused his authority and brutalized a vulnerable inmate during a time of need,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this type of violent conduct inside our jails and prisons, and we will continue to prosecute corrections officials who violate the constitutional and civil rights of people in their custody. This sentencing should send a clear message to officials employed in correctional settings that they are not above the law and will be held accountable when they break it.”
“While most members of law enforcement serve honorably and professionally, some are not so dedicated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Williams savagely beat and taunted an inmate who was not resisting and posed no threat, then he and another officer lied to conceal the crime. They must be held responsible for their actions. Failure to do so would discredit the noble service of every other officer and weaken the public’s trust in those who are sworn to protect.”
“Former corrections officer Devlon Williams not only attacked the victim while transporting him to receive critical care for suicidal ideation, but also attempted to cover up his crimes and intimidate witnesses,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the dignity and civil rights of individuals in custody, and we will investigate any law enforcement and corrections officers who abuse their authority.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Williams transported a suicidal inmate, D.H., from ADOC Staton Correctional Facility’s chapel to the healthcare unit. Rather than take the inmate to the infirmary to receive the aid that he needed, Williams stopped in the main hallway of the healthcare unit, where, away from other inmates, Williams assaulted D.H. while taunting him by yelling, “since you want to die, I’m going to help you.” Witnesses testified at trial that Williams repeatedly punched and kicked D.H., who was lying on the ground in a fetal position and not resisting or posing a threat to anyone. Williams continued the beating by hitting D.H. multiple times with a collapsible baton. Another corrections officer, Larry Managan Jr., also participated in the beating.
After the beating, Williams and Managan attempted to cover up their misconduct. Williams made false statements about the assault to an ADOC investigator and prepared a false report about the incident. He also pressured junior-ranking officers and eyewitness nurses to lie along with him after the fact.
Managan previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced for obstructing justice and testified against Williams at trial.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and the ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Dothan Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Robbing a Mail Carrier at GunpointRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On February 27, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old Jermain Tyrone Holmes, from Dothan, Alabama, to 130 months in prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. The sentence followed his conviction for robbery of a postal worker. In addition, the judge ordered that Holmes serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 26, 2023, a Dothan mail carrier was working his route when he encountered Holmes standing beside one of the mailboxes. Holmes asked the mail carrier for directions, then pulled out a handgun and demanded money. The mail carrier complied and gave Holmes his wallet and other personal items. Holmes fled the scene on foot. The carrier then called 911 to report the robbery. Responding officers apprehended Holmes a short time later.
“Postal workers are a crucial part of our communities, providing an invaluable service to private citizens and businesses alike,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “My office takes its duty to protect postal employees and the U.S. Mail very seriously. Blatant acts of violence against postal workers cannot, and will not, go unpunished.”
“Postal Inspectors’ duties include protecting postal employees and investigating violent crimes that are committed against them,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge for the Houston Division. “The sentence handed down to Jermain Holmes for the robbery of our Letter Carrier should serve as a reminder we will aggressively investigate to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We are grateful to the Dothan, AL Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Dothan Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted.
Former Alabama Correctional Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Inmate by Using Excessive Force and Lying to Cover It UpRead the Press Release
A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Sergeant, Devlon Williams, 38, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report and to investigators in an attempt to cover up his abuse. He was previously convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction of justice by a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama.
“This defendant was a sergeant who was supposed to set an example for those he supervised and instead he callously abused his authority and brutalized a vulnerable inmate during a time of need,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this type of violent conduct inside our jails and prisons, and we will continue to prosecute corrections officials who violate the constitutional and civil rights of people in their custody. This sentencing should send a clear message to officials employed in correctional settings that they are not above the law and will be held accountable when they break it.”
“While most members of law enforcement serve honorably and professionally, some are not so dedicated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Williams savagely beat and taunted an inmate who was not resisting and posed no threat, then lied to conceal his crime. He must be held responsible for his actions. Failure to do so would discredit the noble service of every other officer and weaken the public’s trust in those who are sworn to protect.”
“Former corrections officer Devlon Williams not only attacked the victim while transporting him to receive critical care for suicidal ideation, but also attempted to cover up his crimes and intimidate witnesses,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the dignity and civil rights of individuals in custody, and we will investigate any law enforcement and corrections officers who abuse their authority.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Williams transported a suicidal inmate, D.H., from ADOC Staton Correctional Facility’s chapel to the healthcare unit. Rather than take the inmate to the infirmary to receive the aid that he needed, Williams stopped in the main hallway of the healthcare unit, where, away from other inmates, Williams assaulted D.H. while taunting him by yelling, “since you want to die, I’m going to help you.” Witnesses testified at trial that Williams repeatedly punched and kicked D.H., who was lying on the ground in a fetal position and not resisting or posing a threat to anyone. Williams continued the beating by hitting D.H. multiple times with a collapsible baton. Another corrections officer, Larry Managan Jr., also participated in the beating.
After the beating, Williams and Managan attempted to cover up their misconduct. Williams made false statements about the assault to an ADOC investigator and prepared a false report about the incident. He also pressured junior-ranking officers and eyewitness nurses to lie along with him after the fact.
Managan previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced for obstructing justice and testified against Williams at trial.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and the ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Alexander City Man Sentenced to 99 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of an Alexander City, Alabama man for possessing a handgun converted to function as fully automatic by a machinegun conversion device. On February 20, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 23-year-old Alan Lyrenski Sandlin to 99 months in prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. Previously, on October 30, 2023, Sandlin pleaded guilty to the offense.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, in April 2023, law enforcement agents conducting a narcotics investigation arrested Sandlin at a residence in Goodwater, Alabama. Agents searched the house following the arrest and found a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are installed on firearms and allow the guns to function as fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second. Weapons equipped with these devices pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement due to their rapid rates of fire. Under the relevant federal statute, possession of a conversion device alone is considered to be possession of a machine gun, meaning that it is illegal to have a machine gun conversion device, regardless of whether the device is attached to a firearm.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force investigated this case, with assistance from the Alexander City Police Department, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Nearly $370,000 for Schemes Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross, along with Alabama Securities Commission Director Amanda Senn, announced that a federal judge sentenced Nicholas Houston Allen, 36, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 76 months in prison for fraud targeting the elderly. The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission Enforcement Section provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Previously, Allen pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud after scamming an elderly victim of approximately $250,000 between 2020 to 2021. Allen convinced the victim to give him money to remodel a home Allen claimed to have inherited from his mother. However, those claims were false, and Allen used the money for his own personal benefit. Court records show that this victim was not the only one to be targeted by Allen. During Allen’s sentencing hearing, four other elderly victims were identified. Allen solicited money and made numerous misrepresentations to each of them. He then used their funds for his own benefit.
During the February 15, 2024, sentencing hearing, the judge characterized Allen’s conduct towards the victims as “cruel” and concluded that Allen’s conduct warranted a sentence even greater than the highest sentence recommended by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines. In addition to a prison sentence, the judge ordered Allen to pay restitution in the amount of $369,703.60.
“Each year, far too many seniors are financially exploited,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Crimes like this one can be devastating, depriving individuals of their resources, their independence, and their dignity. I am grateful to the other agencies involved in this case for identifying Nicholas Allen’s crimes and providing justice to his victims.”
“The Alabama Securities Commission has no higher priority than fighting the scourge of elder abuse,” said Alabama Securities Commission Director Senn. “We are dedicated to working with our fellow federal and state law enforcement partners to eradicate this monstrous behavior. We will leave no stone unturned to find and punish its heartless perpetrators.”
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. The mission of the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud scams that target our nation’s seniors. To learn more, visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. The public is encouraged to report victimization and suspected fraud schemes by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle R. Turner and Special Assistant United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., of the Alabama Securities Commission prosecuted the case.
Montgomery, Alabama Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a Firearm in Pike CountyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On February 14, 2024, a federal jury convicted 30-year-old Deion Larry Jamar Mangum, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
According to court records and evidence presented during Mangum’s trial, on November 7, 2022, law enforcement officers in Brundidge, Alabama, responded to a residence after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. Deputies arrived at the scene and spoke with the potential victim, then located Mangum nearby. He was putting air in a tire on his vehicle. During questioning, Mangum stated that he could not find his cell phone. Investigators dialed Mangum’s number to help locate the device. After a brief search of the property, deputies located Magnum’s ringing cell phone, along with a loaded AK-47 style pistol, at the edge of the wood line a short distance from the scene. At trial, two witnesses testified that, before the officers found the firearm next to Mangum’s phone, they saw the weapon in Mangum’s possession. Mangum has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Following this conviction, Mangum faces a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison with no parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Mangum in the coming months. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine Mangum’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Samson, Alabama Pharmacy Liable for $110,000 Penalty for Recordkeeping Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that King Drug Co., Inc. (King Drug), a pharmacy previously doing business in Samson, Alabama, along with owner Traci Revels McCoy, is liable to the United States for $110,000 in civil monetary penalties after failing to comply with recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The CSA aims to protect the public’s health and safety from highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that are diverted into the illicit market, while also ensuring that patients have access to pharmaceutical controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes. To prevent diversion, the CSA regulates individuals and companies that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances. Entities dispensing controlled substances are required to have a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number and must comply with various recordkeeping requirements.
According to the consent judgment and other court documents, King Drug was a registered retail pharmacy authorized to purchase and dispense Schedules II-V controlled substances. An inspection found that, between January 16, 2021, and December 14, 2021, King Drug and Traci McCoy failed to keep complete, timely, and accurate inventories and records of the receipt and dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances. These failures resulted in thousands of doses of hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and methadone going unaccounted for. Based on those findings, the United States filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama alleging numerous violations under the provisions of the CSA. King Drug has since ceased operation as a retail pharmacy. The court issued the consent judgment on February 2, 2024.
“Pharmacies serve a vital role in preventing the diversion and the resulting abuse of dangerous prescription drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “The requirement to keep complete and accurate records is crucial for accountability and transparency. My office will use all available enforcement tools to ensure that controlled substances are properly handled and used for legitimate, medical purposes.”
“Prescription medications, when misused, can pose a grave threat to public health,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “That’s why meticulous recordkeeping by pharmacies is an essential line of defense against the opioid crisis. Every dose, every pill meticulously accounted for protects communities and saves lives.”
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, Diversion Control Division investigated this case. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Wadsworth and Investigative Analyst Rita E. Richard of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
Tax Preparer Sentenced for Including False Information on Federal Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a Sandersville, Georgia woman for aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns. On February 2, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 44-year-old April Michelle Nesbitt to 33 months in prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, from 2015 to 2021, Nesbitt worked at Superior Tax Group in Montgomery, Alabama. There, Nesbitt filed federal income tax returns for clients. In her plea agreement, Nesbitt admitted that, on at least two occasions, she included false information on a client’s return. Doing so caused the taxpayer to receive greater refunds than he or she was entitled to receive. Specifically, Nesbitt included expenses on a client’s 2018 and 2020 tax returns related to a childcare business that did not exist. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge also ordered that Nesbitt pay restitution in the amount of $46,669 to the IRS.
“Tax fraud is a major problem costing the American taxpayer millions each year,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “I encourage all taxpayers to review their returns and confirm that they recognize the information. If a tax preparer refuses to let you examine your tax return before it is filed, or if you review your tax return and see a business that is not yours or expenses you do not recognize, ask for clarification or seek a second opinion from a different return preparer.”
“April Nesbitt used her position as a tax preparer to steal from the American people,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Tax preparers contemplating filing fraudulent tax returns should look at her sentencing as an example of what to expect after IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners discover their crimes.”
For additional guidance, see the IRS fact sheet on their website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/fs-08-10.pdf.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted.
Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition Used in an Alexander City ShootingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On January 30, 2024, a federal jury in Montgomery, Alabama, convicted 57-year-old Vincent Darrell Bias, from Alexander City, Alabama, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
According to court records and evidence presented during Bias’s trial, on September 8, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to reports of a shooting at an Alexander City residence. Officers soon arrived at the scene and located the shooting victim. Statements taken from the victim and other witnesses indicated that Bias and the victim had an argument the day before, and that Bias returned to the residence the following day with a shotgun. According to witnesses, Bias shot the victim when the victim came outside. Bias then left the scene. The victim’s injuries were non-life threatening. Law enforcement officers then located Bias at his Alexander City residence. Investigators searched vehicles located on Bias’s property and found a shotgun matching the description of the firearm used in the shooting, along with ammunition.
Bias had multiple previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Following this conviction, Bias faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison with no parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Bias in the coming months. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine Bias’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. If the judge determines that the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 qualifies in Bias’s case, his potential sentence range could be increased to 15 years to life in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alexander City Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Eric M. Counts and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted.
Tennis Coach Convicted of Transporting Minor Across State Lines and Engaging in Sex ActsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On January 23, 2024, a federal jury in Dothan, Alabama convicted 51-year-old Leroy Thomas Joyner, Jr., from Columbus, Georgia, on one count of unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross.
According to court records and evidence presented during his trial, Joyner was a tennis coach operating an association in Dale County, Alabama. The association provided lessons to underprivileged children and teens. In September of 2018, reports of physical abuse were made to law enforcement alleging that Joyner had used a wooden paddle on some of his students. Law enforcement began to investigate these reports and found much more than physical abuse. Investigators discovered that, in late 2015, Joyner took a special interest in a 13-year-old female student. He began taking her out of state to play in tennis tournaments. Testimony given during Joyner’s trial indicated that he engaged in sex acts with the minor in multiple states, including Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina. This exploitation continued until the reports of abuse surfaced in 2018. At that time, the victim was 15.
Following the guilty verdict, Joyner faces a sentence of ten years to life in federal prison. When the trial ended, the judge remanded Joyner into custody. There is no parole in the federal system. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Joyner in the coming months.
“Safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and abuse is one of law enforcement’s most vital responsibilities,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Through his position of authority, Joyner targeted young and vulnerable victims. His actions were reprehensible and caused lasting harm. I am grateful for the law enforcement agents and prosecutors who worked diligently to hold him accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown with the FBI stated, “Protecting our children is of paramount importance, and the FBI will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prevent their victimization and to hold accountable those who abuse them.”
The FBI and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski, Tara S. Ratz, and B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted.
Georgia Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Era Paycheck Protection Program Loan FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a LaGrange, Georgia woman following her conviction on bank fraud charges related to loans she received through the Paycheck Protection Program. On January 18, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 53-year-old Pamela Denise Williams to 33 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Williams serve five years of supervised release following her prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, on May 26, 2021, Williams applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from a credit union located in Chambers County, Alabama. When she did so, she put false information on the application making herself eligible to receive a larger loan amount. The Paycheck Protection Program was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her plea agreement, Williams specifically admitted that she “knowingly and fraudulently” overstated her business’s income. Additionally, in her application Williams falsely represented that the loan proceeds would be used for approved purposes, such as payroll. However, Williams admitted to diverting the funds for unallowed purposes. In addition to her prison sentence, the judge also ordered Williams to forfeit $121,000 and pay a $15,000 fine. The total intended loss amount from Williams’ fraud exceeded $1,500,000. A hearing will be set in the coming months to determine the amount of restitution owed by Williams based on actual losses to the financial institutions.
On May 17, 2021, the United States Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Secret Service investigated this case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Counts, Joel Feil, and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Nine Individuals Sentenced for Passing Counterfeit Bonds and Related Offenses in Alabama’s Wiregrass AreaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentences of eight individuals convicted of creating and passing dozens of counterfeit bonds. The counterfeit bonds purported to have a total value exceeding $1,000,000. He also announced the related sentencing of one defendant convicted of illegally possessing a firearm. Details of the cases are as follows.
According to court records, in 2021, 38-year-old Zachary Lee Hale, a resident of Daleville, Alabama, began making fake United States Treasury Bond Certificates and redeeming them at credit unions and banks in the Wiregrass area. Once he figured out that his scheme was successful, Hale recruited at least six others to join him and pass additional counterfeit bonds. Court documents indicate that Hale and his co-conspirators were responsible for at least $1,093,911.00 in loss to various financial institutions. Hale pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and bank fraud in October of 2023. On January 17, 2024, a federal judge sentenced Hale to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Also sentenced on January 17, 2024, were five others who redeemed Hale’s fake bonds or recruited others to do so:
- Stephanie Jean Abercrombie, 42, from Daleville, Alabama, was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and bank fraud.
- David Michael Penuel, 45, a resident of Kinston, Alabama, received a sentence of 18 months, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to bank fraud.
- Joni Marie Andrews, 43, also from Kinston, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
- Marsha Renee Skeen, 52, another resident of Daleville, received a sentence of one year of probation following a guilty plea to misprision of a felony.
- Timothy Bryant Baxter, 45, a Troy, Alabama resident, was sentenced to six months of home confinement as a condition of two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and bank fraud.
Previously, on November 8, 2023, Joseph Fletcher Lee, Jr., 48, originally from Marianna, Florida, received a sentence of 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and bank fraud. Lee was also involved in Hale’s scheme.
After all defendants were sentenced in Hale’s scheme, the judge ordered each one to pay restitution for the amount of loss they caused.
Two additional unrelated prosecutions resulted from this investigation. On November 13, 2023, a judge sentenced 38-year-old John Robert Whyte, a resident of Munford, Alabama, to 18 months in prison for manufacturing counterfeit obligations and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Dustin Andrew Riley, 32, from Skipperville, Alabama, received a sentence of 21 months in prison on August 17, 2023, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
“Manufacturing and redeeming counterfeit bonds is not a victimless crime,” stated Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Financial institutions and the American taxpayer pay the price of these selfish schemes. I am thankful to every agency involved in these investigations.”
“The U.S. Secret Service has a long tradition of investigating those who aim to exploit our financial systems and target innocent victims,” stated Resident Agent in Charge Robert T. Haralson with the United States Secret Service’s Montgomery Resident Office. “We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, as we worked together to bring these offenders to justice. With support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will continue to investigate, arrest, and support prosecution of criminals who choose to commit fraud in Alabama and across the nation.”
The United States Secret Service investigated these cases, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Enterprise Police Department, the Daleville Police Department, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted the cases.
Montgomery Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Era Paycheck Protection Program Loan FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On January 16, 2024, a federal judge sentenced Zsa Zsa Bouvier Couch, 55, from Montgomery, Alabama, to 45 months in prison following her convictions for offenses related to fraudulent loans she received through the Paycheck Protection Program, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. In addition, the judge ordered that Couch serve three years of supervised release following her prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
Previously, on September 27, 2023, a jury found Couch guilty on multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and money laundering. Ultimately, Couch received a total of $609,687.47 of Paycheck Protection Program funds. Couch then distributed the money among herself, her husband, and other family members. Some of the money she used to purchase luxury vehicles.
The Paycheck Protection Program was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
“Ms. Couch, like far too many others, took for her own benefit money intended to support individuals and businesses suffering the devastating effects of the pandemic,” stated Acting United States Attorney Ross. “My office is committed to identifying and prosecuting those who did or continue to do likewise.”
“The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act was devised to assist people struggling through difficult financial times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ms. Couch took advantage of the program to purchase lavish gifts for herself and family members,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown over the Mobile, Alabama Division. “The 45 months imprisonment should send a clear message to anyone thinking of committing similar acts of fraud.”
“This sentencing is the outcome of the commitment IRS Criminal Investigation, and our law enforcement partners have in continuing to pursue and hold accountable those who committed fraud on a program created to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office.
The FBI, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Joel Feil are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Eight Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in an East Alabama Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentences of eight individuals for distributing methamphetamine in the Phenix City, Alabama, area. This concludes a series of federal sentencings that resulted from a drug trafficking investigation that began in 2020 and covered east Alabama and west Georgia.
The following provides more detail about the various defendants convicted and the sentences imposed.
- On January 8, 2024, Kahlia Nichelle Washington, 27, from Phenix City, Alabama, received a sentence of 18 months in prison for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute after her July 11, 2023 conviction at trial.
- On December 27, 2023, Xavier Toombs, 35, also a resident of Phenix City, received a sentence of 60 months in prison for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Toombs pleaded guilty to the charge on June 22, 2023.
- On December 1, 2023, 38-year-old Andre Tremayne Franklin, from Columbus, Georgia, received a sentence of 320 months in prison. Previously, on July 11, 2023, a jury found Franklin guilty of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drug.
- On November 11, 2023, Justin Garrett, 31, also from Columbus, received a 204-month sentence for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Garrett pleaded guilty to the charge on June 22, 2023.
- On October 25, 2023, 34-year-old Khourtney Jakeith Brown, another resident of Phenix City, received a prison sentence of 262 months for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Khourtney Brown pleaded guilty to that charge on June 28, 2023.
- On October 6, 2023, Ryan Brown, 33, also from of Phenix City, received a sentence of 37 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ryan Brown pleaded guilty on June 22, 2023.
- On October 6, 2023, 34-year-old Lorenzo Miles, another resident of Columbus, received a sentence of 87 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute after pleading guilty to the charge on June 27, 2023.
- On June 23, 2023, Torrez Jenkins, 28, a resident of Jonesboro, Georgia, received a 64-month prison sentence for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to the charge on March 6, 2023.
These cases resulted from a partnership among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce drug trafficking and violent crime, making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Abbeville Police Department, the Auburn Police Division, the Eufaula Police Department, the Phenix City Police Department, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigated these cases, with assistance from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug Program, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Millbrook Police Department, the Montgomery Police Department, the Prattville Police Department, the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Muscogee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Davidson and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the cases.
- Convicted Felon from Montgomery, Alabama Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison Following Federal Drug and Gun Convictions
Coffee County Man and His Brother Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Carrying Out a Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, a federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama, sentenced two men to life in prison for their roles in a murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in the November 27, 2017, death of an Enterprise woman, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. There is no parole in the federal system.
Last year, a jury found that Jason Starr, 50, from Coffee Springs, Alabama, was upset about the amount of money his ex-wife had been awarded after their divorce and that Jason Starr hired his brother, Darin Starr, 54, a resident of Lakehills, Texas, to kill her. On the Monday following Thanksgiving in 2017, Darin Starr shot and killed his brother’s ex-wife in her driveway as she was leaving for work. On September 20, 2023, a federal jury convicted Jason Starr and Darin Starr for committing their murder-for-hire scheme. In addition to the life sentence, the judge ordered Jason Starr to pay a fine of $25,000.00.
“This premeditated murder devastated the victim’s family and the surrounding community,” stated Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Jason and Darin Starr deserve to spend the rest of their lives separated from society for the terrible crime they committed.”
“Due to the extraordinary work by the investigative team comprised of the FBI, Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, these two men will be held accountable for their heinous actions,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim. and our gratitude to our law enforcement partners.”
The FBI, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorneys B. Chelsea Phillips and Joshua J. Wendell prosecuting.
Convicted Felon from Eufaula Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On December 19, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old Daniel Jermaine Parkman, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, to 87 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. In addition, the judge ordered that Parkman serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
In his plea agreement, Parkman admitted to possessing a firearm on at least two separate occasions, despite being prohibited to do so as a convicted felon. First, in August 2018, Parkman brought a handgun to a pawn shop in Eufaula to sell. Later, in December 2021, law enforcement in Eufaula responded to a domestic dispute call that reported shots had been fired. Officers spotted Parkman near the scene in a vehicle. Parkman initially fled but was apprehended after a short foot chase. The officers later found another firearm in Parkman’s car. On September 14, 2023, Parkman pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eufaula Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Russell T. Duraski prosecuted.
Montgomery Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Laporchie Howard, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 120 months in prison. Howard’s sentence follows her entering a guilty plea to the charge of sex trafficking a minor. During the December 15, 2023, sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Howard serve five years of supervised release following the prison term. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, in early 2017, Howard resided with two co-defendants — D’Vonte Lockley and Tracey Shannon — in an apartment located in Montgomery. Sometime before May 4, 2017, a female runaway under the age of eighteen and an adult female were invited to live with Howard at her apartment. In her plea agreement, Howard acknowledged that she and her co-defendants knew that one of their new roommates was a minor. In return for food and housing, the two new residents engaged in commercial sex at a Montgomery hotel. Howard received the proceeds. In furtherance of the commercial sex trafficking enterprise, Howard sent various text messages to the other four residents and to customers directing some of the criminal activities. She also set the prices of the commercial sex acts. With some of the proceeds, Howard purchased illegal drugs for herself and the two victims. For over a month, the two victims’ commercial sex income was the sole source of support for all the residents in the apartment. Lockley and Shannon were previously sentenced for their involvement in the sex trafficking crimes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montgomery Police Department, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Tara S. Ratz for the Middle District of Alabama, and Assistant Attorney General Audrey Jordan of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case.