Middle District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Numerous Individuals Charged with Illegally Possessing Machineguns in Montgomery, AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – In the past two months, a federal grand jury has indicted eleven individuals on charges relating to possession of machineguns, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. Each of the alleged offenses occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, and 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.
Machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are installed on firearms and allow the guns to function as a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second. These devices have grown in popularity over the past few years and, due to their rapid rate of fire, pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement. 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are being 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. Critical federal PSN partners include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Montgomery Police Department and the ATF investigated these cases, with assistance from the USMS. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, Eric M. Counts, Joel Feil, John J. Geer, III, and Justin L. Jones are prosecuting the cases.
More information on the recent indictments can be found in the table below.
DEFENDANT NAME
DEFENDANT AGE
INDICTMENT DATE
CHARGE(S)
DATE(S) OF ALLEGED OFFENSE(S)
Shykeem Kartarell Grant
21
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun; felon in possession of a firearm; and tampering with a witness by intimidation or threats
November 2, 2023 (firearm offenses); and October 26, 2023 (witness tampering offense)
Quadarius Deandre Lindsey
30
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun; and felon in possession of a firearm
May 29, 2023
Deandre Nyquan Lucas
20
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun
August 18, 2023
Clarence Anthony McCall
20
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun (two counts)
August 18, 2023 (first count); October 30, 2023 (second count)
Vandarius Jamal Parks
21
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun
July 25, 2023
Tavius Smith
23
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun
May 6, 2023
My’qurious Xavier Solomon
19
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun; and tampering with a witness by intimidation and threats
October 25, 2023 (firearm offense); and October 31, 2023 (witness tampering offense)
Dequarius Dewayne Thornton
26
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun; and illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment
September 3, 2023
Cammeron Leroy Youngblood
23
November 29, 2023
Possession of a machinegun; and illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment
August 23, 2023
Keonte Martin
20
October 31, 2023
Possession of a machinegun
October 5, 2023
Jaxon Smith
19
October 31, 2023
Possession of a machinegun
October 25, 2023
As previously stated, the possession of a machinegun, or the possession of a conversion device alone, carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison. The maximum sentences for the various other charges are: (1) up to 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense; (2) up to 5 years in prison for illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment; and (3) up to 20 years in prison for tampering with a witness by intimidation and threats.
Trials for Martin and Jaxon Smith are currently scheduled for January 8, 2023. Trial dates for the defendants indicted on November 29, 2023, will be scheduled early next year.
Millbrook, Alabama Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a Millbrook, Alabama man who had previously been convicted of federal gun and drug offenses. On December 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 45-year-old Kawasi Wilson to 32 years in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at Wilson’s August 2023 trial, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Wilson’s house on August 10, 2022. During the search, agents found over 1,000 grams of cocaine and 2 firearms, along with over $20,000 in cash. Wilson had previously been convicted of felony offenses, including a federal drug trafficking offense, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. As for the cocaine, when it returned its verdict, the trial jury determined that Wilson possessed the cocaine with the intent distribute.
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 DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Elmore County Drug Task Force investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Justin L. Jones and Joshua J. Wendell prosecuted.
Former Executive Director of Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education Sentenced for Embezzling Federal FundingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a former executive director for the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education for embezzlement of federal funds and tax crimes. On December 1, 2023, a federal judge sentenced Doris Joann Gilmore, 62, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 37 months in prison. In addition, the judge ordered that Gilmore serve three years of supervised release following her prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, while serving as the executive director of Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education, Gilmore embezzled federal grant funds received by the association. Statements made during her sentencing hearing indicated that the embezzlement may have taken place for more than a decade. She also failed to send to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes that had been withheld during the first quarter of 2022. Gilmore pleaded guilty to the charges on May 11, 2023. Due to the financial losses caused by Gilmore’s crimes, the judge ordered her to pay $2,832,486.33 in restitution to the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education and $802,508.88 to the IRS.
“The United States Attorney’s Office prioritizes protecting federal funds,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Gilmore’s actions harmed the members of the association and prevented tax dollars from being put to a public use. I commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all the law enforcement agencies involved.”
“Doris Gilmore was placed in a position of trust and should have directed these federal funds to their intended programs,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “When these funds are illegally earmarked for personal use the citizens of Alabama suffer, and the FBI along, with our state, local, and federal partners, will hold those responsible accountable.”
“Doris Gilmore took advantage of her position as executive director to commit financial crimes against her organization and its employees,” said Demetrius Hardeman, acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “The sentence she received should serve as a warning to others contemplating doing similar acts, that IRS Criminal Investigation will work diligently to identify and hold them accountable.”
“An important part of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail and to defend the nation’s mail system from illicit financial gain,” said Scott Fix, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The arrest and sentencing of Doris Joanne Gilmore are a direct result of the collaborative efforts between the USPIS, FBI and IRS. The USPIS will continue to work with fellow law enforcement agencies to target those who would seek to commit similar fraud schemes."
The FBI, IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuting.
Multiple Project Safe Neighborhood Cases Prosecuted in Tallapoosa CountyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced developments in multiple Project Safe Neighborhood cases arising out of Tallapoosa County. The Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a pivotal role in the investigation of these cases.
Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) is 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.
In the first highlighted case, Alan Lyrenski Sandlin, 23, of Alexander City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun in federal court. According to the plea agreement and other court records, in April 2023, law enforcement agents conducting a narcotics investigation arrested Sandlin at his residence. When searching the house, agents found a machine gun conversion device installed on a handgun. Machine gun conversion devices allow a firearm to operate as a fully automatic weapon, firing up to 20 rounds per second. These devices have grown in popularity over the past few years and pose a significant threat to communities. Sandlin entered his guilty plea on October 30, 2023. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 20, 2024. At that hearing, Sandlin will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Additionally, on November 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Jeremy Glenn Dye, from Alexander City, Alabama, to 130 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and for possessing a stolen firearm.
Lastly, three Tallapoosa County residents were recently charged with federal firearm offenses. On November 1, 2023, a grand jury indicted Vincent Darrell Bias, 54, of Alexander City, Alabama, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement arrested Bias on November 15, 2023. Previously, in June 2023, the same grand jury indicted 44-year-old Jeffery Monkentee Hill and 33-year-old Carstavious Shadon Stovall, both from Camp Hill, Alabama, on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a controlled substance crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF investigated these cases, 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 Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Eric M. Counts are prosecuting the cases.
Montgomery Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme Costing an Elderly Victim over $95,000Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Nicholas Houston Allen, 36, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. The convictions result from Allen’s victimizing an elderly Montgomery resident. The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
According to the indictment and other court records, Allen held himself out as the owner of an insulation business called Professional Fix, LLC. In January of 2021, Allen told an elderly victim that his mother had recently passed away and that he had inherited his mother’s house in Montgomery. Allen asked the victim to provide him with money so that he could remodel and resell the house for a profit. None of this was true. Allen’s mother was still alive, and he had not inherited her house. Based on Allen’s misrepresentations, from January 2021 through May 2021, the victim gave Allen approximately $95,800 for the sole purpose of remodeling the house. Allen told the victim the money would be used to cover the cost of a new roof, water damage repairs, soil testing, and pool repairs, among other expenses. These repairs were never accomplished. Instead, Allen used the money for his own personal benefit. On November 2, 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2024. At that hearing, Allen will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution.
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 are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon from Alexander City Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On November 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Jeremy Glenn Dye, a resident of Alexander City, Alabama, to 130 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and for possessing a stolen firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. In addition, the judge ordered that Dye serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and statements made in court, on October 6, 2021, law enforcement spotted Dye exiting a camper in Alexander City. Officers recognized Dye and knew that there was a warrant outstanding for his arrest. When officers approached Dye, he initially attempted to flee, but was apprehended after a short chase. Dye had a book bag with him at the time of the arrest. Inside the book bag was a handgun that had recently been reported stolen. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the camper and found three more stolen firearms, including two shotguns and a rifle. Dye is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. On July 27, 2023, Dye pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm.
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 Alexander City Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On October 31, 2023, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment charging a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy with depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law. The indictment was unsealed following Hick’s initial appearance in federal court, which occurred on November 3, 2023.
The indictment charges former Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and lying on the ground, resulting in bodily injury.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section 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.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, unsealed an indictment today charging a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy with depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
The indictment charges former Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee, who is identified in the indictment as T.Q. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked T.Q. in or around the head while T.Q. was handcuffed and lying on the ground, resulting in bodily injury to T.Q.
If convicted, Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal 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, Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section 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.
View the indictment here.
Second Wiregrass Region Defendant Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 26-year-old Jalen Kendel Whaley, a resident of Slocomb, Alabama, to 61 months in prison for his role in an identity theft scheme.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in 2020, Whaley and co-defendant Courtney Jamal Byrd, 29, from Headland, Alabama, operated a scheme through which they obtained and then used stolen identifying information, identification documents, and credit or debit cards. Whaley and Byrd transferred the stolen information physically and by digital means, including social media. They then used the identity information to make fraudulent financial transactions.
Previously, Whaley and Byrd pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in federal court. On October 3, 2023, a judge sentenced Byrd to 51 months in prison. Whaley’s sentencing occurred on October 25, 2023.
The FBI and Dothan Police Department investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuting.
Man Sentenced to 171 Months in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Shooting at Victim in Dothan, AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On October 26, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 50-year-old Steven John Smalley, from Panama City, Florida, to 171 months in prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm during the crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. In addition, the judge ordered that Smalley serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
Smalley’s sentence follows a July 2023 trial where a jury found him guilty of shooting at a customer of a gas station on Ross Clark Circle in Dothan, Alabama then driving away in the customer’s vehicle. While questioning witnesses at the scene shortly after the carjacking, investigators spotted Smalley in the stolen vehicle as he drove by the gas station. Police arrested Smalley within walking distance of the crime scene.
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 Dothan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Justin L. Jones and Joel Feil prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to over 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 37-year-old Karnival McGhee, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 125 months in prison. McGhee’s sentence follows his entering a guilty plea to the charge of sex trafficking a minor. During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that McGhee 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 December 2021, McGhee was in contact with a child under the age of 16 for several days. During this time, McGhee – both in person and via social media – assisted and enabled the minor to engage in sexual acts with others for money. McGhee facilitated the commercial sex by arranging for hotel rooms and using his own financial accounts for payment.
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 United States Department of Homeland Security, the Montgomery Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the United States Marshals Service investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama’s Offers Stand Against Firearm Endangerment (SAFE) Student Pledge to SchoolsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA — Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that this week the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama is working with schools across the district to encourage students to participate in the Stand Against Firearm Endangerment (SAFE) Student Pledge. With a focus on keeping schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school are signing a voluntary pledge promising that they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded, they will never take a gun to school, they will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and they will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes. Elementary school children are making a similar commitment—pledging that they will not play with a gun and that, if they see a gun, they will not touch it and they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult. Students are making the SAFE Student Pledge this week in conjunction with the National Day of Concern for Young People and Gun Violence, which will be observed on October 18, 2023.
The SAFE Student Pledge recognizes the role young people play in reducing gun endangerment and violence by making responsible decisions. The pledge also seeks to foster discussions among students and their families about the necessity of gun safety and non-violent ways to resolve disputes.
“Each year, far too many lives are lost due to accidents and poor choices,” stated Acting United States Attorney Ross. “This initiative seeks to encourage young people to make responsible decisions and, as a result, cut down on the number of needless injuries and deaths.”
The United States Attorney’s Office reached out to schools in the Middle District of Alabama to make the pledges available. Schools or youth organizations may also participate in the SAFE Student Pledge throughout the year by visiting www.justice.gov/usao-mdal/safe-student-pledge and submitting a request.
The SAFE Student Pledge initiative is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national program that has been historically successful in bringing together law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Schools participating in the SAFE Student Pledge this week are located in a variety of counties within the Middle District of Alabama, including Autauga, Chambers, Chilton, Coffee, Coosa, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, and Randolph.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Observes Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.
Domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. This month provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending these terrible crimes. The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama also encourage everyone to wear purple on October 19, 2023, or “Purple Thursday,” as it is called. Wearing purple on this day is a symbol of support for survivors and a commitment to ending domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is harmful to individuals, families, and communities, and we share a responsibility to work to end this abuse,” stated Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Working with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, my office uses all of the tools at its disposal to address the systemic problem that is domestic violence.”
Find support using the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) local resource page at https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources. Domestic violence victims can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for immediate help.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On October 4, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Southern Lausane, III, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on June 15, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lausane’s residence in Montgomery. Inside the residence, officers found a handgun and shotgun. Lausane has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. On June 7, 2023, Lausane pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in federal court.
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, the Montgomery Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuting.
Montgomery Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing Ammunition Used During Shooting at Gas StationRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On September 28, 2023, a federal jury convicted Maricas Rondell Taylor, 40, from Montgomery, Alabama, on one count of unlawfully possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony offense, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented during his trial, on September 30, 2022, Taylor and a cousin entered a gas station on West Fairview Avenue in Montgomery. Taylor’s cousin had been previously barred from entering the store. When the clerk informed the cousin that she was not allowed inside, Taylor became upset and got into a verbal altercation with the clerk. Taylor then left the premises. About 45 minutes later, Taylor returned to the store and again confronted the clerk. Surveillance video from inside the store showed Taylor pulling a gun from his pocket and firing multiple times at the clerk. The clerk was able to seek cover behind the counter and avoid being struck by the bullets fired by Taylor.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered shell casings from the store. In finding Taylor guilty, the jury determined that the shell casings recovered from the scene came from ammunition possessed by Taylor during the shooting. Taylor has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Following the guilty verdict, Taylor faces a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Taylor in the coming months. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Montgomery Woman Convicted for COVID-19 Era Paycheck Protection Program Loan FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, a federal jury convicted Zsa Zsa Bouvier Couch, 55, from Montgomery, Alabama, on charges related to loans received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. 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.
One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, which authorizes the disbursement of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Couch submitted at least six fraudulent applications for loans under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s PPP. In total, Couch sought over $1.6 million. In each application, Couch falsely inflated the number of employees who worked for her purported businesses as well as the businesses’ average monthly payroll. These false statements resulted in her qualifying for larger PPP loan amounts than she would have otherwise been eligible to receive. Couch also made other false statements in her applications. For example, she failed to disclose that she had applied for multiple PPP loans for the same business. She also did not disclose her common ownership of multiple businesses. In support of the inflated employee numbers and average monthly payroll claimed in the applications, Couch submitted falsified tax documents. Ultimately, Couch received a total of $609,687.47 of PPP funds. Couch then used the funds to pay money to herself, her husband, and other family members and to purchase luxury vehicles.
On April 8, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Couch on multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and money laundering. Following the guilty verdict, Couch faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Couch in the coming months.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who exploit public benefit programs,” said United States Attorney Stewart. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to safeguard all tax dollars, especially programs dedicated to help businesses deal with economic hardships during times of crisis.”
“This conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who engage in fraudulent activities meant to exploit the CARES Act's provisions are held accountable for their actions,” stated Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge with the FBI Mobile, Alabama Division. “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our law enforcement partners. We understand the significance of CARES Act funds in supporting individuals and businesses during these challenging times, and we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to hold accountable any individuals or entities engaged in fraudulent activities related to CARES Act relief programs.”
“The defendant fraudulently took money from programs designed to help struggling small businesses survive during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “The verdict today serves as a reminder to others who defrauded government aid programs that IRS-Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners are continuing the pursuit to bring them to justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration will aggressively pursue those who endeavor to defraud taxpayer-funded Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act programs, which were established to provide assistance to American business owners during these unprecedented times,” said Mark Morini, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Southeast Field Office. “We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort.”
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.
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.
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.
Coffee County Man and His Brother Found Guilty of Carrying Out a Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, a federal jury in Montgomery, Alabama, convicted two men for their roles in a murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in the November 27, 2017, death of an Enterprise woman.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the six-day trial, in 2017, Jason Starr, 50, from Coffee Springs, Alabama, went through a divorce from his former wife. Ultimately, a judge awarded a significant portion of Jason Starr’s income to his ex-wife. Shortly after the divorce, from September 2017 to November 2017, Jason Starr sent approximately $2,600 to his brother, Darin Starr, 54, a resident of Lakehills, Texas. Cell phone records for Darin Starr showed that he traveled from Texas to Coffee County just before Thanksgiving in 2017 and, on multiple occasions, was very near the home of his brother’s ex-wife. Around midnight on November 27, 2017, Darin Starr’s phone was turned off. Approximately seven hours later, Darin Starr shot and killed his brother’s ex-wife in her driveway as she was leaving for work. Darin Starr turned his phone back on around 8:00 a.m. when he was on I-10 heading back to Texas.
In rendering its verdict, the jury determined that the money sent by Jason Starr to his brother was payment for the murder of his ex-wife.
A sentencing hearing for Jason and Darin Starr will be held in the coming months. At that hearing, they will each face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The tragedy endured by the victim’s family is unthinkable,” stated United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. “I am grateful for the hard work of all the investigating agencies in this case. Their efforts resulted in bringing Jason and Darin Starr to justice.”
"The FBI and our state and local partners worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “We thank the jury for their work on this case."
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 Joshua J. Wendell and B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuting.
Second Defendant Sentenced for Setting Fire to Coffee County Auto Sales BusinessRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that a federal judge sentenced 33-year-old Dezarae Lashay Wiggins, a resident of Brundidge, Alabama, to 60 months in prison for arson. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, during the early morning hours of January 12, 2021, numerous area fire departments responded to a large fire at an auto sales business in Brundidge. Fire fighters eventually extinguished the fire, but only after the destruction of several buildings and significant damage to additional property, including vehicles, office equipment, and auto parts. Multiple agencies conducted an investigation and determined the cause of the fire to be arson. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed that Wiggins, along with former employee of the car lot, Charles Edward Jones, 48, from Clio, Alabama, started the fire.
Previously, Wiggins and Jones pleaded guilty to arson in federal court. On June 26, 2023, a judge sentenced Jones to 162 months in prison. Wiggins’ sentencing occurred on September 7, 2023. In the coming months, a federal judge will conduct a hearing to determine restitution for the victim of the fire.
“Acts of arson can jeopardize the lives of community members and first responders,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “I am grateful for all of those who worked to extinguish the fire caused by the defendants, as well as the investigators that ensured the arsonists were brought to justice.”
“ATF’s Certified Fire Investigators conduct fire scene examinations rendering origin and cause determinations and provide technical analysis of fire scenes to local law enforcement partners and prosecutors," stated Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to hold individuals accountable who commit the violent crime of arson.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Dale County Woman Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the sentencing of 64-year-old Cheryl Lynn Pytleski, a resident of Chancellor, Alabama, to 12 months in prison for violating the civil rights of her neighbors.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, on October 18, 2019, Pytleski hung racially offensive homemade dolls on the fence of her next-door neighbors, an African American family, in an attempt make the family move away. Pytleski pleaded guilty to a criminal violation of the Fair Housing Act in March of this year. In her plea agreement, Pytleski specifically admitted to using the threat of force to intimidate her neighbors because of their race and because they were occupying a dwelling next to her.
A person violates the Fair Housing Act if he or she uses force, or threatens the use of force, to willfully injure, intimidate, or interfere with, any person because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, who is or has been engaged in the selling, purchasing, renting, financing, occupying, or contracting or negotiating for the sale, purchase, rental, financing, or occupation of any dwelling. The 12-month sentence, ordered on September 6, 2023, is the maximum allowed under the federal statute. There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and the Ozark Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case.
Former Correctional Officer Indicted on Federal Charges of Conspiracy, Bribery, and Bringing Contraband into Montgomery County JailRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for the Middle District of Alabama announced that a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned a three-count indictment charging former Montgomery County Detention Facility (MCDF) Correctional Officer Mario Avery, 43, with conspiracy to provide contraband to an inmate in prison, bribery, and providing contraband to a federal inmate.
The indictment alleges that Avery conspired with others to provide a federal inmate at MCDF with prohibited items. The indictment further alleges that Avery accepted cash in return for smuggling contraband into the detention facility and in fact provided the contraband to the inmate in November of 2022.
The United States Marshals Service arrested Avery on Monday, August 28, 2023. Avery is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court later this afternoon. If convicted on all three counts of the indictment, Avery faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts is prosecuting the case.
Troy Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the sentencing of Jesse Morgan Hinson, 36, formerly of Troy, Alabama, to 51 months in prison for mail fraud. Hinson previously pleaded guilty to the charge in April of this year. The Alabama Securities Commission provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
According to court documents, over a six-month period in 2022, Hinson engaged in two episodes of fraud during which he falsely represented himself as being wealthy. He claimed to have access to real estate opportunities and stated that he needed upfront funding to pursue those ventures. In reality, Hinson had no significant assets and ultimately took the victims' money, approximately $190,000, for his own use. During the August 25, 2023, sentencing hearing, a federal judge also ordered that Hinson pay $124,028.80 in restitution to his victims.
The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen K. Moulton and J. Patrick Lamb, along with Special Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew O. Schiff and Amanda Senn of the Alabama Securities Commission prosecuted the case.
Former Alabama Correctional Sergeant Convicted of Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted a former Alabama correctional sergeant of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction.
The evidence at trial established that on March 8, 2018, at the Alabama Department of Corrections’ Staton Correctional Facility, Correctional Sergeant Devlon Williams assaulted an inmate, D.H., in the main hallway of the healthcare unit. Witnesses at trial testified that Williams repeatedly punched and kicked D.H., who was on the ground and not resisting or posing a threat to any person or corrections officer. Williams continued the beating by hitting D.H. multiple times with a collapsible baton. The government presented evidence at trial that after the beating, Williams and another corrections officer, Larry Managan, who previously pleaded guilty to obstruction, attempted to cover up the beating. Williams made false statements about the assault to an Alabama Department of Corrections investigator and prepared a false report about the incident.
“This defendant is being held accountable for using excessive force against an inmate and preparing a false report to cover-up his unlawful behavior,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Prisoners, like everyone else, have the right to be free from such needless and extreme violence at the hands of law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who violate the constitutional and civil rights of any Americans, including people who are incarcerated.”
“While most corrections officers try each day to do the right thing, unfortunately, some abuse the authority they are granted,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart for the Middle District of Alabama. “Everyone deserves protection under the law and my office will hold any officer criminally responsible for violating the civil rights of a person in his or her custody.”
“There is no place for this type of behavior in law enforcement. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office. “Today’s conviction demonstrates our commitment to this mission. I would also like to highlight the exceptional work by our partners at the Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division without whom this case could not have been successful.”
Williams’ co-defendant, Larry Managan Jr., previously pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with this incident on Dec. 8, 2021. Williams and Managan are awaiting sentencing.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and Alabama Department of Corrections 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.
Former Alabama Correctional Sergeant Convicted of Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted a former Alabama correctional sergeant of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction.
The evidence at trial established that on March 8, 2018, at the Alabama Department of Corrections’ Staton Correctional Facility, Correctional Sergeant Devlon Williams assaulted an inmate, D.H., in the main hallway of the healthcare unit. Witnesses at trial testified that Williams repeatedly punched and kicked D.H., who was on the ground and not resisting or posing a threat to any person or corrections officer. Williams continued the beating by hitting D.H. multiple times with a collapsible baton. The government presented evidence at trial that after the beating, Williams and another corrections officer, Larry Managan, who previously pleaded guilty to obstruction, attempted to cover up the beating. Williams made false statements about the assault to an Alabama Department of Corrections investigator and prepared a false report about the incident.
“This defendant is being held accountable for using excessive force against an inmate and preparing a false report to cover-up his unlawful behavior,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Prisoners, like everyone else, have the right to be free from such needless and extreme violence at the hands of law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who violate the constitutional and civil rights of any American, including people who are incarcerated.”
“While most corrections officers try each day to do the right thing, unfortunately, some abuse the authority they are granted,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart for the Middle District of Alabama. “Everyone deserves protection under the law and my office will hold any officer criminally responsible for violating the civil rights of a person in his or her custody.”
“There is no place for this type of behavior in law enforcement. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office. “Today’s conviction demonstrates our commitment to this mission. I would also like to highlight the exceptional work by our partners at the Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division without whom this case could not have been successful.”
Williams’ co-defendant, Larry Managan Jr., previously pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with this incident on Dec. 8, 2021. Williams and Managan are awaiting sentencing.
The FBI Mobile Field Office and Alabama Department of Corrections 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.
Third Florida Man Sentenced for String of Recreational Vehicle Thefts Spanning Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that a federal judge sentenced 34-year-old Yanquiel Lazaro Garcia-Carrera, from West Palm Beach, Florida, to 54 months in prison for his role in a string of recreational vehicle (RV) thefts. During his August 10, 2023, sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Garcia-Carrera serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay $70,036 in restitution.
According to his plea agreement and court records, Garcia-Carrera and others participated in a conspiracy to steal RVs from dealerships at night and transport them back to Florida. Records indicate that from February 2019 through July 2020, thefts occurred on at least 20 separate occasions in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Houston County, Alabama.
Two others charged in the conspiracy were 46-year-old Yohannys Riquenes Diaz, also from West Palm Beach, and 37-year-old Taylon Batista-Garcia, from Margate, Florida. In May 2023, a judge sentenced Riquenes-Diaz to 37 months in prison and Batista-Garcia received a sentence of 26 months in prison. The judge also required that both men pay restitution.
The FBI and the Dothan Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from numerous state and local law enforcement agencies in the affected states. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Sentenced for Stealing Checks and Identity Theft in Troy, AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On August 8, 2023, a federal judge sentenced John Eugene Dibello, 41, from Pasadena, Texas, to 43 months in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud and the separate offense of aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. In addition, the judge also ordered that Dibello serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in late 2021, Dibello and a companion – 30-year-old Taelor Amie Owens from Houston, Texas – traveled to Alabama so that Owens could visit family. While in Troy, Dibello and Owens broke into several mailboxes and stole mail that included checks and identity information. Dibello and Owens then used the identity information they acquired to cash the stolen checks and pocket the proceeds. Investigators discovered that Dibello and Owens were staying in a hotel in Pike County and found more stolen mail from Texas inside their room. Among their belongings were also a post office arrow key (a universal key used by postal workers to access collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, cluster box units, and apartment panels) and at least two fake identities, one for each of them.
On May 25, 2023, Owens pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy and aggravated identity theft offenses as those to which DiBello pleaded guilty. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Owens on September 28, 2023. At that proceeding, she will face a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and a maximum of 30 years.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Troy Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick is prosecuting the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Used During Shooting at a FuneralRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On August 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Gerald Dyron Little, from Montgomery, Alabama, to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition he used during a shooting at a funeral, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. In addition to the ten-year sentence, the judge also ordered that Little serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented during his March 2023 trial, on June 26, 2021, Little caused a disruption during a memorial service in Fort Deposit, Alabama, and was asked to leave. Little returned later while graveside services were ongoing at a nearby cemetery and, while still in his vehicle, began arguing with family members. The argument escalated and Little fired a handgun from the open window of the vehicle. Bullets struck four funeral attendees including the brother of the deceased, who died from his injuries. Forensic evidence proved that the shell casings recovered from the scene came from ammunition possessed by Little during the shooting. Little has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. State charges related to the shooting are pending.
“It goes without saying that mourners should not have to fear gun violence when they gather to honor and remember a loved one,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “It is my hope that this prosecution will serve as a reminder that there is no place in our communities for actions like those Little took. My office is committed to ensuring that that those who possess firearms and ammunition unlawfully, especially those who do so in a way that causes harm to others, are held accountable.”
“This prohibited person showed total disregard for the law and committed an inhumane act of violence against an innocent group of grieving people,” stated Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the ATF and our valued law enforcement partners in their efforts to confront violent crime. We will continue to work collaboratively and tirelessly to keep our communities safe from people who endanger our neighborhoods.”
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 Fort Deposit Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, Joel Feil, and Stephen K. Moulton prosecuted the case.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Her Role in a Conspiracy to Sell Methamphetamine in Southern AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that a federal judge sentenced Lashana Nakiah Foreman, 37, from Crestview, Florida, to 204 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. During today’s sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Foreman serve five years of supervised release after her prison term. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
Foreman’s case was a part of a larger drug conspiracy including seven other co-defendants and spanning multiple Alabama counties, including Covington and Crenshaw. During Foreman’s October 2022 trial, federal prosecutors proved that she and another co-conspirator, Devarlos Quantrel Shanklin, from Luverne, Alabama, made a deal for Foreman to purchase five ounces of the methamphetamine in Opp, Alabama. On November 15, 2022, Shanklin received a sentence of 37 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated this case, with assistance from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Opp Police Department, the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted the case.
Montgomery Man Convicted on Federal Drug and Ammunition ChargesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the conviction of Robert Damaine Salter, a 36-year-old from Montgomery, Alabama, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin; distribution of heroin; and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in early 2022, law enforcement agents began an investigation, through which they learned of multiple communications between Salter and others discussing the purchase of various controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Stacy Audrice Toney, 35, also from Montgomery, was one of the individuals who had these communications with Salter. In one call, Salter agreed to purchase seven ounces of crystal methamphetamine, or as he referred to it, “ice cream cones,” from Toney. In other calls, Salter and Toney discussed selling larger quantities of methamphetamine, sometimes as much as a kilogram.
Agents obtained search warrants for residences associated with Salter and Toney and found numerous controlled substances. In addition, agents found two rounds of .40 caliber ammunition at Salter’s apartment and a firearm at a house associated with Toney. Salter and Toney both have felony convictions and are prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. The jury rendered its guilty verdict on August 3, 2023.
Following his conviction, Salter faces a sentence of ten years to life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for him in the coming months. Toney previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Toney’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 31, 2023. Toney is also facing a sentence of ten years to life.
The DEA and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and John J. Geer, III, are prosecuting the case.
Lake Placid, Florida Man Sentenced for Participating in Business Email Compromise Scheme Spanning Four StatesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the sentencing of Timothy Scott Marable for wire fraud. On August 1, 2023, a judge sentenced Marable, a 51-year-old from Lake Placid, Florida, to 12 months in prison.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, from November 2019 through August 2020, Marable served as a money mule in a business email compromise scheme that preyed on at least four businesses in four different states, including Alabama, Idaho, Ohio, and Texas. Participants in a business email compromise scheme gain unauthorized access to a business email account through various means, such as hacking the account or obtaining login information through social engineering. Participants then use the compromised email account to send emails to other businesses posing as legitimate account holders. Oftentimes, the scheme participants attempt to steal money from email recipients by fraudulently representing that the legitimate account holder has changed banking information and instructing the recipient to make future payments to a new bank account. The new bank account frequently belongs to a scheme participant who receives payment obtained by fraud and then transfers the proceeds to others involved in the scheme.
Marable admitted in his plea agreement that he communicated with an individual through an online instant messaging platform. That person directed Marable to receive substantial deposits into his bank accounts through wire transfers, open new bank accounts, and distribute the deposited funds by writing checks and wiring the funds to offshore bank accounts. At least two fraudulent wire transfers received by Marable were sent by a company based in Montgomery, Alabama. Marable continued with this fraud despite multiple warnings that he was participating in a scheme and the closure of bank accounts due to fraudulent activity. During the sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered Marable to pay restitution in the amount of $2,701,746.50, representing the loss amount attributable to Marable.
FBI offices in Alabama and Idaho investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen K. Moulton and Michelle R. Turner from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama prosecuted the case, with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, United States Attorney’s Office personnel will attend community events in Montgomery and Auburn featuring displays and booths from numerous public safety agencies. Several activities are planned by local National Night Out organizers, including games, demonstrations, food trucks, and more. The Montogmery event will be held at Eastdale Mall from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; the Auburn event will take place at AG Heritage Park at Auburn University from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
“Law enforcement works tirelessly to protect and serve our communities every day,” stated United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. “National Night Out is an opportunity for them to build stronger relationships with community members while engaging in fellowship and fun. My office is proud to join our law enforcement and community partners in support of this great event.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Third Defendant Sentenced for His Role in Scheme to Commit Postal Money Order and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the sentencing of a third defendant involved in a money order and bank fraud scheme. On July 25, 2023, a judge sentenced Damion Lavar Stowes, Jr., 25, from Montgomery, Alabama, to 60 months in prison. Previously, two other co-defendants were sentenced for their parts in the conspiracy. On April 10, 2023, Calvin Darius Franklin, Jr., 29, a resident of Blue Island, Illinois, received a sentence of 45 months. Then, on May 1, 2023, a judge imposed a 24-month sentence for Jyria Ye’Vae Barnes, 23, also from Montgomery. Before their sentencing hearings, Stowes, Franklin, and Barnes each pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit U.S. Postal money order and bank fraud.
According to their plea agreements and other court records, Stowes, Franklin, Barnes, and others, bought U.S. Postal Service money orders for around $1 in states throughout the southeast, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. They then altered the money orders to reflect higher amounts, most often $1,000. The three recruited people via social media applications to provide bank account information and used the recruits’ accounts to cash the altered money orders. Stowes, Franklin, and Barnes then split the profits amongst themselves. In addition, Stowes, Franklin, and Barnes also cashed and caused to be cashed multiple forged checks in the Montgomery area, again recruiting people via social media to cash the forged checks and splitting the profits. When sentencing all three defendants, the judge determined that the amount of actual loss from their scheme was approximately $94,574 and ordered restitution in that amount. However, based on money orders and checks recovered during the investigation before they were cashed, the potential loss amount was more than $500,000.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit our financial system for their own profit,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “I applaud the Postal Inspection Service for preventing a greater loss to the American taxpayers and holding the defendants accountable.”
“Postal Inspectors will never tolerate anyone defrauding the Postal Service or its customers," said Inspector-in-Charge Scott Fix with the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division. “The sentences handed down to Franklin, Barnes and Stowes should serve as a reminder to other perpetrators engaged in this type of criminal behavior that we will work diligently to bring them to justice.”
A fourth defendant, also from Montgomery, Milon Jaclarius Moss, 26, pleaded guilty to bank fraud earlier this year and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2023.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil is prosecuting.
Two People Convicted of Conspiring to Sell Methamphetamine in East AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On July 11, 2023, a federal jury in Opelika, Alabama convicted Andre Tremayne Franklin, 38, from Columbus, Georgia, and Kahlia Nichelle Washington, 27, from Phenix City, Alabama, for their roles in an east Alabama drug trafficking operation, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the DEA began an investigation of a suspected drug trafficking operation in 2020. The investigation eventually revealed that a Columbus, Georgia man, Justin Garrett, 30, was supplying methamphetamine and cocaine to Franklin and others to be resold. The jury heard evidence that Franklin would commonly store and sell the illegal drugs in a “stash house” in Phenix City. Washington helped Franklin run the stash house and would contact Franklin when customers would arrive. Garrett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute on June 22, 2023, and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2023. A sentencing date for Franklin and Washington will be set in the coming months. At sentencing, Franklin and Garrett each face a sentence of up to life in prison. Washington could receive a sentence of anywhere from 5 to 40 years. The following provides more detail on the statuses of five additional defendants involved in the operation:
- On June 22, 2023, Xavier Toombs, 35, a resident of Phenix City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- Also on June 22, 2023, Ryan Brown, 33, another resident of Phenix City, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- On June 23, 2023, Torrez Jenkins, 28, a resident of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to the charge on March 6, 2023.
- On June 27, 2023, Lorenzo Miles, 34, a resident of Columbus, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- On June 28, 2023, Khourtney Jakeith Brown, 34, another resident of Phenix City, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
United States Attorney Stewart thanks all of the agencies involved in this investigation, including the DEA; the FBI; the United States Marshals Service; the Auburn Police Division; the Eufaula Police Department; the Phenix City Police Department; the Henry County Sheriff’s Office; the Russell County Sheriff’s Office; the Columbus, Georgia Police Department; and the Muscogee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Davidson and Brett J. Talley are prosecuting the case.
Panama City Man Convicted of Carjacking and Discharging a Firearm in Dothan, AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, a federal jury in Dothan, Alabama, convicted Steven John Smalley, 50, from Panama City, Florida, of carjacking and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on September 14, 2021, Smalley drove to a gas station on Ross Clark Circle in Dothan and pulled behind another vehicle parked at a gas pump. There was no one in the parked vehicle at the time. Smalley got out of his car and looked into the parked vehicle, then walked toward the gas station’s front door. Video footage from the station showed that Smalley engaged in a conversation with the driver of the parked vehicle and eventually pulled a handgun out of his pocket and demanded the driver give him the keys to the car. The driver refused and Smalley unsuccessfully attempted to grab the keys from the driver’s hand several times. Smalley then pointed the firearm at the driver and asked him, “Do you want to die today?” Eventually, Smalley fired a round from the firearm in the direction of the driver, narrowly missing him. The driver then placed the keys on a trash can, Smalley took them, and drove away in the stolen car. The Dothan Police Department quickly responded and arrested Smalley within walking distance of the gas station.
Following the guilty verdict, Smalley faces a sentence of ten years to life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Smalley in the coming months.
The Dothan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Justin L. Jones and Joel Feil are prosecuting the case.
Diversicare and Two Occupational Therapy Assistants to Pay over $1.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Diversicare Healthcare Services, LLC, with related subsidiary Diversicare entities (Diversicare), along with Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants Kellie S. Lemons and Charles M. James, have agreed to pay the United States $1,377,696.00 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting claims to Medicare for occupational therapy services that they did not provide, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
The FCA is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any persons or entities who submit false claims for payment to the federal government or its contractors. It imposes damages three times the loss caused by the false claims and a civil penalty between $13,508.00 to $27,018.00 per false claim. The FCA is the primary authority used by the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office to redress fraud, waste, and abuse within federal programs, including Medicare.
Diversicare is a group of private companies providing long-term care and rehabilitation services in approximately 43 locations across five states — Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Kansas. Prior to March 1, 2023, Diversicare operated the Canterbury Health Care Facility in Phenix City, Alabama.
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit that a former Diversicare employee brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA. The complaint alleged that Lemons and James falsified occupational therapy records when they clocked into work at Diversicare’s Canterbury facility, left the premises, and “moonlighted” for other home health care companies in the area, meanwhile billing for services at Diversicare that they did not perform. The complaint also alleged that Diversicare permitted and even condoned these practices and knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare for reimbursement for these services.
The United States has intervened in the lawsuit for purposes of settlement. The settlement resolves the allegations that from March 1, 2018, through September 25, 2020, Diversicare, Lemons, and James submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims to Medicare Part A for occupational therapy services that were not rendered to patients at Canterbury Health Care Facility.
The FCA permits private citizens to initiate a suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The whistleblower who brought the lawsuit will receive in excess of $200,000.00 of the settlement as his share of the government’s recovery in the matter.
The case was investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama in cooperation with the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryLou E. Bowdre and Samantha R. Miller represented the United States in the matter, assisted by Investigative Analyst Rita E. Richard, Paralegal Specialist Stacey H. VanAlst, and Investigator (Contractor) Gregory T. Holston.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Dothan Man Sentenced for Federal Tax Evasion, Mail Fraud, and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On July 6, 2023, Kenneth Cherden Glasgow, 58, from Dothan, Alabama, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for tax evasion, mail fraud, and drug conspiracy charges, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The judge also ordered that Glasgow serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay the IRS $376,720.00 in restitution. Glasgow pleaded guilty to the crimes on February 24, 2023.
According to court documents, Glasgow founded two nonprofit organizations, The Ordinary Peoples Society (TOPS) and Prodigal Child Project (PCP). He then solicited donations from other nonprofits and foundations, representing to them and to the IRS that he would use those donations for charitable purposes. Instead, Glasgow withdrew $407,450.00 in cash from the accounts of one of his nonprofit organizations during the 2018 calendar year alone. Glasgow used the money for his own benefit, and as a result, was required to report the funds as income on his tax return. However, Glasgow failed to even file a return for that year. In an attempt to conceal this activity, Glasgow provided erroneous information to his tax preparer, causing the preparer to complete IRS forms for Glasgow’s nonprofit organizations that vastly understated the income of the organizations and omitted the financial benefits Glasgow received from them. From 2016 to 2019, Glasgow withdrew a total of $1,300,848.54 in cash from TOPS and PCP, never accounting for that money on the nonprofits’ IRS forms or on any tax returns of his own.
Glasgow also mailed documents containing false statements to the Social Security Administration so that he could continue receiving Social Security disability benefits and related health benefits under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These statements described his physical abilities and daily activities as being very limited, despite reporting that he worked 50 to 60 hours per week for his nonprofits on the nonprofits’ IRS forms. In some SSA forms, Glasgow claimed that his physical limitations were so severe that he had difficulty driving and had to ride with someone. These statements were not true. Court records show that Glasgow admitted to leasing a vehicle using funds from one of his nonprofits and listed himself as the sole authorized driver. In addition, Glasgow received traffic citations relating to approximately 27 different traffic stops between February 5, 2015, and August 11, 2020. All of the citations indicated that Glasgow was the driver.
Glasgow’s sentence also included a charge for conspiring with codefendant Willie Frank Peterson, 50, also from Dothan, to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. Peterson pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug conspiracy on March 14, 2023. According to Peterson’s plea agreement, Glasgow agreed to purchase cocaine from Peterson in 2018 and 2019. Peterson’s sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for August 2, 2023.
The DEA, the FBI, IRS - Criminal Investigation, the U. S. Department of Health, and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, investigated this case, with assistance from the Dothan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan A. Kirkpatrick, Brandon W. Bates, and Stephen K. Moulton prosecuted the case.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to be with Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent OVC, or other Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies, are calling members of the public as part of imposter scams, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. These scams are usually intended to convince victims to send money to the fraudsters who use official agency names to make their communications sound serious and legitimate.
According to OVC’s website, some examples of scams include scammers falsely representing themselves as OVC Director Kristina Rose and attempting to obtain personal information or money. OVC states it will never contact individuals this way.
Other scammers may represent themselves as representatives of law enforcement agencies, such as INTERPOL, the FBI, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and claim the person to whom they are speaking has supported a terrorist network. Law enforcement will never contact a person demanding payment of a fine when the person has not been convicted of a crime following a trial or a guilty plea.
Additionally, after fraudulently obtaining money from someone through a scam like the ones described above, a scammer may contact a person a second time and tell the person that he or she is eligible for victim compensation or restitution from OVC. Such calls are also fraudulent. OVC states that it never offers victim compensation or restitution in this manner, and it does not demand money from individuals or threaten legal action—civil or criminal—if individuals do not make payments to OVC.
“Criminals will use any lie or trick they can invent to take advantage of the most vulnerable in society,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “I strongly encourage the public to remain vigilant and to never provide personal identifiable information — such as a social security number or bank account information — without verifying the identity and the legitimacy of the other individual.”
If a person receives what could be a scam phone call, email, or message from a someone claiming to be affiliated with a government agency, the recipient should not respond directly. Rather, he or she should access the agency’s website to find the agency’s legitimate contact information (email or telephone) and attempt to contact the agency to verify the information received.
The public can view the Federal Trade Commission's How to Spot, Stop, & Report Government Imposter Scams infographic for information on avoiding and responding to these scams.
Additionally, citizens may report scams to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
Chinese Woman Convicted of Setting Fire to a Montgomery Church and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Yesterday, a federal jury in Montgomery convicted 29-year-old Xiaoqin Yan, a Chinese national, of arson and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, during the early morning hours of September 30, 2021, the Montgomery Fire Department (MFD) responded to a fire reported inside First Baptist Church Montgomery. The MFD was able to extinguish the blaze, but only after the church sustained significant damage.
Surveillance videos taken from inside the church the day before the fire showed a woman carrying duffel bags and a plastic bag into the church during its Wednesday night service. Just after 2:00 a.m. on September 30, video showed the same individual removing silver containers from one of her bags and igniting multiple fires around the building. Investigators identified the vehicle driven by the suspect and obtained a tag number linking the vehicle to Yan. Law enforcement also learned that, on multiple occasions before the fire, church employees encountered someone matching Yan’s description on the church’s campus. During one encounter, a staff member escorted her off of church property due to her odd behavior. Investigators ultimately identified Yan as the same person encountered by the staff and in the surveillance videos.
During Yan’s arrest at a residence in Montgomery on October 4, 2021, agents found duffel bags identical to the ones seen in the church surveillance videos, as well as clothing matching the type worn by the suspect, gas containers, starter logs, and lighters. Officers also found a handgun. At the time of the arson and her arrest, Yan was in the United States illegally due to overstaying her non-immigrant visa and, therefore, could not lawfully possess a firearm.
Following the June 7, 2023, verdict, Yan faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Yan in the coming months.
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 are prosecuting the case.
Phenix City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison Following Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Dedrick Farold Smith, 40, from Phenix City, Alabama, received a sentence of 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges.
According to Smith’s plea agreement and other court records, on May 25, 2021, the Dothan Police Department received information that Smith, who had outstanding arrest warrants, was staying at a hotel in town and had with him methamphetamine and a firearm. When officers attempted to apprehend Smith, he tried to flee by ramming a law enforcement vehicle and leading them on a short high-speed chase. Eventually, Smith crashed his vehicle and officers took him into custody. During the arrest, investigators located a black bag containing plastic baggies of methamphetamine and observed an empty holster on Smith’s left side. On the driver's side of Smith’s vehicle, law enforcement found two handguns. One of the guns had been reported stolen. The methamphetamine was 89 percent pure. Smith has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On November 29, 2022, Smith pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Smith’s sentencing occurred on May 25, 2023.
The Dothan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer, III prosecuted.
Convicted Felon from Eufaula Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Robert Skyler White, 27, from Eufaula, Alabama, received a sentence of 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal firearms charges.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on July 9, 2021, law enforcement in Henry County, Alabama, stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officers identified White as the driver and discovered that he had outstanding warrants. While arresting White, law enforcement found a bag of marijuana in one of his pockets. Officers then looked inside the vehicle and discovered a scale, 50 small baggies containing marijuana, and a handgun. White is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Later, on March 18, 2022, White had an argument with his brother after they left a bar in Eufaula, then both men went to their mother’s house. White went inside and retrieved a rifle, pointed it at his brother’s head, and threatened to kill him. Finally, on July 31, 2022, White was stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation and was again found to be in possession of a firearm and controlled substances.
White pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 16, 2023. During the sentencing hearing on May 24, 2023, the federal judge also ordered that White serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Abbeville Police Department, the Eufaula Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted the case.
United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Alabama Commemorates National Police Week 2023Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed May 14 through May 20.
“The safety and prosperity of our nation depends on the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement,” stated U.S. Attorney Stewart. “They watch over our communities, day after day, never knowing if they will make it back home at the end of their shifts. During this week, we take time to honor and recognize those we have lost and thank those that continue to serve. I strongly encourage all citizens to do just that, not only this week, but each week to come.”
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. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 226 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2022.
Additionally, according to 2022 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 60 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2022 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 58 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts decreased 17.8% in 2022, when compared to the 73 officers who were killed as a result of criminal acts in 2021. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The NLEOMF’s 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in Washington, DC, memorializes the 556 fallen officers who sacrificed all for their communities. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.
Miami Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Alberto Carlos Varona, 30, from Miami, Florida, received a sentence of 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of stolen mail.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in February of 2021, Prattville, Alabama law enforcement officers received information about attempts to cash stolen checks at various banks. On February 26, 2021, officers from the Prattville Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle they suspected to be involved in the scheme. Officers identified Varona as the driver and, upon searching the vehicle, found 37 stolen checks. Soon after, a federal grand jury indicted Varona on four counts of possession of stolen mail matter. Varona pleaded guilty to these charges on September 29, 2021. During the May 10, 2023, sentencing hearing, the court considered the significant amount of potential loss from all 37 of the stolen checks when determining Varona’s sentence.
The Prattville Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted the case.
Inmate Convicted of Running Drug Distribution Scheme While in PrisonRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Yesterday, a federal jury found Johnnie Page Lott, 41, from Mobile, Alabama, guilty of conspiring to sell methamphetamine in an Alabama prison and conspiring to launder drug money, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in early 2020, Lott was an inmate at Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery. Correctional officers suspected Lott was involved in illegal activity and began listening to recordings of calls Lott made from prison phones. The recordings revealed that Lott had numerous conversations concerning the sale of drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids called “Flakka,” within the prison. The subsequent investigation showed that Lott would have drugs brought into the prison, then he utilized other inmates to distribute them throughout the facility.
The trial evidence revealed that on May 24, 2020, a correctional officer spotted an inmate with a suspicious bulge in his clothing. The officer searched the inmate and found a package of what turned out to be methamphetamine. Later on, Lott made a phone call and discussed with a co-conspirator the confiscation of the drugs.
The jury also heard evidence that Lott was coordinating payments for the sale of his illegal drugs with his co-conspirator. On numerous occasions, Lott and the co-conspirator spoke about the amount of money the drug enterprise generated and, on one occasion, boasted about having an “$11,000.00 weekend.” They also discussed the co-conspirator paying cash for a $27,000.00 vehicle. When DEA agents executed a federal search warrant on the home of the co-conspirator, they found nearly $130,000.00 in cash. Federal agents also seized the co-conspirator’s financial accounts, totaling approximately $60,000.00.
Following the May 11, 2023, verdict, Lott faces a sentence 10 years to life in federal prison. The Alabama Department of Corrections' Law Enforcement Services Division and the DEA investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric M. Counts, Kevin P. Davidson, and Mark E. Andreu are prosecuting the case.
Executive Director of Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Federal FundingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Yesterday, Doris Joann Gilmore, 61, from Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to federal program theft and failure to submit payroll taxes collected from employees, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, Gilmore was the Executive Director of the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE) in Montgomery, Alabama. The ALACTE serves as an advocate on issues affecting Alabama’s career and technical education programs. During the period in question, between 2020 and 2022, the ALACTE received federal grant funds through various state agencies. As the organization’s director, Gilmore was responsible for budgeting, approving payments, and developing and disbursing payroll funds. She also prepared and filed federal and state tax returns, payroll tax returns, and Forms W-2.
Although the total timeframe for the criminal conduct was not specified in court documents, Gilmore specifically admitted to embezzling ALACTE funds during the 2020 calendar year and failing to send payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that were withheld during the first quarter of 2022. The plea agreement states that Gilmore’s crimes caused a total loss of $2,832,486.30.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, Gilmore will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution.
The FBI, IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil is prosecuting the case.
Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services Announce Interim Resolution Agreement in Environmental Justice Investigation of Alabama Department of Public HealthRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today an interim resolution agreement in their environmental justice investigation into the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Lowndes County Health Department (collectively ADPH) in Lowndes County, Alabama. ADPH cooperated throughout the investigation and agreed to the interim resolution agreement that puts ADPH on a path forward towards ensuring the development of equitable and safe wastewater disposal and management systems in Lowndes County.
In November 2021, Justice and HHS launched an investigation into whether ADPH’s conduct violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557). Title VI prohibits recipients of federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their federally funded programs and activities. Section 1557 provides that an individual shall not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under, any health program or activity, any part of which is receiving federal financial assistance, based on the grounds prohibited under Title VI.
The nearly eighteen-month investigation revealed areas of concern in ADPH’s operations and compliance with Title VI and Section 1557. Specifically, the investigation revealed that ADPH’s enforcement of sanitation laws threatened residents of Lowndes County with criminal penalties and even potential property loss for sanitation conditions they did not have the capacity to alleviate. The investigation also revealed that ADPH engaged in a consistent pattern of inaction and/or neglect concerning the health risks associated with raw sewage. The investigation revealed that despite ADPH’s awareness of the issues and the disproportionate burden and impact placed on Black residents in Lowndes County, it failed to take meaningful actions to remedy these conditions.
“Today starts a new chapter for Black residents of Lowndes County, Alabama who have endured health dangers, indignities and racial injustice for far too long,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our agreement puts Lowndes County on a path to long overdue reform as the state now takes steps necessary to provide access to basic sanitation services, end exposure to raw sewage and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities. This agreement marks the first environmental justice settlement ever secured by the Justice Department under our civil rights laws. Our work in Lowndes County should send a strong message regarding our firm commitment to advancing environmental justice, promoting accountability and confronting the array of barriers that deny Black communities and communities of color access to clean air, clean water and equitable infrastructure across our nation.”
“Environmental justice is a public health issue, and where you live should not determine whether you get sick from basic environmental hazards not faced in other affluent and white communities,” said Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. “We are pleased that Alabama’s Public Health Department has committed to take immediate and long-term steps to protect the health of Lowndes County residents. This community has long been at the heart of the civil rights struggle, and today’s resolution is yet another testament to the ongoing work that is the pursuit of racial justice.”
“This agreement creates a path towards sustainable sanitation solutions,” U.S Attorney Sandra J. Stewart for the Middle District of Alabama. “The measures required in the agreement will improve public health and the environment for the residents of Lowndes County. My office is proud to support the community and the parties in reaching these important goals.”
Under the agreement, ADPH has agreed to take a number of actions to address public health in Lowndes County including:
- Suspending Criminal Penalties and Liens: ADPH will suspend enforcement of sanitation laws that could result in criminal charges, fines, jail time, and potential property loss for residents in Lowndes County who lack the means to purchase functioning septic systems. ADPH will ensure that Lowndes County residents are informed about the suspension of the criminal penalties and liens.
- Examining Public Health Risks within Lowndes County: ADPH will coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to measure the level of health risks different populations experience from raw sewage exposure. ADPH agrees to work collaboratively with the CDC and adopt any public health recommendations provided by the CDC.
- Launching a Public Health Awareness Campaign: ADPH will develop a public health awareness campaign using radio, print ads, flyers, mailers, door-to-door outreach, and other appropriate ways to ensure residents receive critical health and safety information related to raw sewage exposure.
- Providing Public Health Educational Materials for Lowndes County Health Care Providers: ADPH will create or supplement education materials for health care providers for Lowndes County residents, including school-based health centers and community-based organizations, to provide more information on symptoms and illness related to raw sewage exposure.
- Conducting Assessment to Determine Appropriate Septic and Wastewater Management Systems: ADPH will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate septic and wastewater management systems for homes within Lowndes County and use that information to prioritize properties to receive systems based on risk of exposure to raw sewage. ADPH cannot use this information for criminal penalties or liens.
- Creating a Sustainable and Equitable Public Health and Infrastructure Improvement Plan: Within one year, ADPH will create a plan to improve access to adequate sanitation systems and address public health risks associated with raw sewage exposure.
- Consistently Engaging with the Community: In carrying out each aspect of the interim resolution agreement, ADPH will consistently engage with community residents, local government officials, experts in wastewater, infrastructure, soil and engineering, and environmental justice advocates. ADPH must also engage with community stakeholders on at least a quarterly basis regarding its progress in creating and implementing the final Public Health and Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
As a result of ADPH’s decision to enter into this interim voluntary resolution agreement, the departments have agreed to suspend their investigation. Under Title VI, the Justice Department is required to informally resolve an investigation that indicates noncompliance. If ADPH does not comply with the agreement, the departments will reopen their investigation.
Addressing discriminatory environmental and health impacts through enforcement of the nation’s civil rights laws is a top priority of both the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Today’s announcement comes one day prior to the one-year anniversary of the Justice Department’s launch of its Office on Environmental Justice and its Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy.
The Civil Rights Division’s Federal Coordination and Compliance Section and the HHS Office for Civil Rights conducted this investigation jointly with the support of the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Middle District of Alabama.
Individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Additional information about the Office for Civil Rights is available on its website at www.hhs.gov/ocr. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint for yourself or someone else at: www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html.
United States Attorney’s Office Paralegal Receives Department of Justice Award for Exceptional ServiceRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – This morning, during a ceremony in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building in Washington, D.C., Debbie Shaw, a supervisory paralegal specialist at the United States Attorney’s Office, received the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Director’s Lifetime Exceptional Service Award, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, and other senior Department of Justice leaders participated in the awards ceremony.
Ms. Shaw has worked for the United States Attorney’s Office since 1982, serving at various times as a receptionist, criminal division legal assistant, and assistant to the United States Attorney. During that time, she has supported the work of the office and the Department of Justice in virtually every way imaginable. She has assisted in preparing and presenting nearly every significant case brought by the office over the past four decades. She has, on a near daily basis, coordinated with court personnel, law enforcement agents, and other officials, resolving every logistical issue that might arise in the office’s work. She has trained incoming legal support employees (and helped to train younger attorneys), always passing along the lessons she has learned and knowledge she has gained over the years. She has carefully read and edited attorney work product, ensuring that the work of the office is concise, professional, and persuasive. Although Ms. Shaw would likely describe her service as simply “doing her job,” the award issued today reflects the fact that Ms. Shaw is a cornerstone of the United States Attorney’s Office, the Montgomery legal community, and the Department of Justice at large.
“No award or honor could ever capture all that Ms. Shaw has meant to the United States Attorney’s Office over the years,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “Everyone who has worked at the office has benefitted from her work, her guidance, and her wisdom. I am delighted that the Department chose to recognize her and that I was able to be present as she received this award.”
For almost 30 years, Ms. Shaw worked closely with Louis V. Franklin, Sr., Deputy Director of Enforcement for the Alabama Securities Commission and a former United States Attorney and Chief of the office’s Criminal Division. Mr. Franklin said, “Debbie is the office’s central nervous system, integrating information received from the public, client agencies, and the courts, then coordinating the response of the various office working components. To every employee, she offers institutional knowledge, warnings of danger, and a welcoming presence. She is the personification of support and cannot be replicated. She is so deserving of this award!”
The United States Attorney’s Office congratulates Ms. Shaw on this high honor and expresses its deepest gratitude for her years of service.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison Following Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On April 27, 2023, Patrick Maurio Bass, 43, from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The federal judge also ordered that Bass serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and statements made in open court, on August 14, 2020, the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) received information that Bass had a large quantity of illegal drugs in his possession. Later that day, MPD officers observed Bass at a Montgomery gas station, parked in a sport utility vehicle. The officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers found significant amounts of cocaine and marijuana, along with a handgun. Bass is a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On June 6, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Bass for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute the controlled substance, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Bass pleaded guilty to these charges on December 19, 2022.
MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Wendell prosecuted the case.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Jesse Morgan Hinson, 36, formerly of Troy, Alabama, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The Alabama Securities Commission provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, in 2022, Hinson engaged in schemes to defraud multiple victims by falsely representing himself to be a man of great wealth with the ability to conduct profitable real estate transactions. He convinced victims to give him money based on promises of future financial benefits. However, Hinson had no significant assets and intended to take his victims’ money for his own use. Hinson also failed to let his victims know that he had prior convictions for securities fraud, including convictions on Alabama securities fraud charges as recently as March and April of 2022. Hinson was in custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections as of April 30, 2022.
In his plea agreement, Hinson specifically admitted that, in March of 2022, he defrauded an individual in Butler County by claiming that Hinson could finance real estate purchases for a 10 percent down payment. This was not true. Hinson obtained approximately $66,500.00 from the Butler County victim despite Hinson having no ability to finance real estate purchases, and none of the proceeds were used for the victim’s benefit. Instead, Hinson used much of these funds to pay personal expenses and to pay the debts of a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. After the Butler County victim began demanding his money back, to discourage him from speaking with law enforcement, Hinson, posing as a New York attorney, telephoned the victim, falsely stated that Hinson would be receiving the proceeds of an $11 million loan, and then threatened to bankrupt the victim by opening competing businesses.
Additionally, in April of 2022 and continuing after his incarceration on April 30 of that year, Hinson, as he admitted during his plea hearing, defrauded two other individuals from Tuscaloosa. Hinson told the victims that he would provide them with the profits from the sale of land that Hinson claimed to own to Auburn University if the victims would provide money upfront for taxes. During the course of discussions with the Tuscaloosa victims, Hinson had someone make false misrepresentations to the victims claiming that Hinson controlled assets in the range of $2 to $3 billion. This claim was also untrue. The Tuscaloosa victims provided multiple payments to Hinson’s attorney and to Hinson’s girlfriend totaling $124,028.80.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, Hinson will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution.
“Mr. Hinson has a checkered history of engaging in securities fraud schemes,” said United States Attorney Stewart. “I commend the work of the investigators and prosecutors who unraveled the brazen schemes at issue in this case, thus protecting the public from falling victim to Hinson’s lies.”
“Jesse Morgan Hinson has worked hard to build a horrible reputation of deceiving folks,” said Alabama Securities Commission Chief Deputy Director Amanda Senn. “We encourage everyone to research who you invest your hard-earned money with to avoid career criminals like Hinson, who has left a path of financial devastation and destruction in his wake.”
The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen K. Moulton and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew O. Schiff and Amanda Senn of the Alabama Securities Commission are prosecuting the case.
Opp, Alabama Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Funds from ChurchRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On April 6, 2023, Carmen Ramer Davis, 59, from Opp, Alabama, received a sentence of 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The federal judge also ordered that Davis serve one year of supervised release following her prison term.
According to court records and statements made in open court, sometime in 2006, the Brooklyn Congregational Methodist Church in Coffee County appointed Davis to serve as its secretary. In this position, Davis had authority to pay bills and expenses incurred by the church and had access to the church’s bank accounts. Davis eventually obtained a debit card associated with the church’s bank account without the church’s knowledge. Davis began using the card to make fraudulent cash withdrawals at ATMs and to purchase personal items at various retailers. She also fraudulently wrote checks from the church’s bank account to herself or made them out to cash. Davis did not make these withdrawals and purchases with the knowledge or consent of the church, nor were they for the church’s benefit. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that Davis used some of the illicit proceeds for trips to casinos in Mississippi and Alabama. The fraudulent activity was not discovered until August 2019, when a church leader received a letter from the church’s bank indicating there were insufficient funds to cover a $75.00 check written against the church’s account.
During today’s sentencing hearing, the judge determined that, over the course of the scheme (a period stretching from July of 2008 until July of 2019), Davis defrauded the church of $89,440.32. The judge ordered Davis to pay restitution to the church in that amount. Soon after the church leaders discovered Davis’s fraud, the Brooklyn Congregational Methodist Church closed due to financial hardship and has not reopened.
“The crimes committed by Ms. Davis victimized an entire faith community,” said United States Attorney Stewart. “The harm will continue to be felt for quite some time. I am hopeful that the sentence imposed will deter others from engaging in such deceitful conduct.”
“The actions of the defendant significantly damaged not only the church, but also the community at large,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “I am proud of the work by the FBI and US Attorney’s office to hold Davis accountable for her actions and work toward repairing the public's trust.”
The FBI and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
Valley, Alabama Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Christina Prather Williams, 42, from Valley, Alabama, received a sentence of 20 months in prison for preparing false federal tax returns.
According to court records and statements made in open court, Williams operated a tax preparation service in Valley, Alabama, “Family Tax Service,” where she prepared federal income tax returns for clients. Some of Williams’s clients complained to the Valley Police Department that they never received their tax refunds. The Valley Police Department’s investigation revealed that Williams had forged power of attorney forms in her clients’ names and cashed their refund checks, keeping the money for herself. The Valley Police Department reported its findings to the IRS. During its own investigation, the IRS determined that Williams had indeed prepared and filed false tax returns that included deductions her clients were not entitled to claim. In light of this conduct, on June 8, 2022, Williams was indicted.
In her plea agreement, Williams specifically admitted to filing for two individuals 2018 returns containing numerous false claims. In one return, filed in March of 2019, Williams claimed that a client incurred solar electric and water heating property costs, medical and dental expenses, home mortgage interest and points, and gifts to charity totaling $39,887.00. Williams also admitted to filing a return for another customer in April of 2019 that falsely claimed the same types of expenses, plus child and dependent care costs, in the amount of $42,841.00. Williams included all of these expenses in her customers’ returns despite knowing that the customers were not entitled to claim the expenses. As a result of Williams’ false statements, the IRS paid a larger return to the taxpayers than they were entitled to receive.
In addition to the 20-month prison sentence ordered on April 3, 2023, Williams will also serve one year of supervised release and is required to pay the IRS $76,694.00 in restitution.
“Tax preparers are entrusted to complete their clients’ returns using accurate and legitimate tax information,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “Unfortunately, some paid tax preparers falsify information to make more money for themselves. I applaud the Valley Police Department and the IRS for investigating this case and stopping these crimes against the American taxpayer.”
“Christina Williams used her position as a tax preparer to defraud her clients and the U.S. government and will now be held accountable,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “As this year’s tax season comes to a close, this is a timely reminder for taxpayers to review their returns carefully before signing and submitting them to the IRS. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate and recommend prosecution of dishonest tax preparers.”
The IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Valley Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted the case.
Texas Woman Traveling Through Alabama Found Guilty of Possessing Six Kilograms of Heroin with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Melissa Vasquez-Guardado, 25, from Houston, Texas, was found guilty of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The jury reached its verdict on March 14, 2023.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on July 27, 2021, law enforcement in Butler County, Alabama, stopped a vehicle on Interstate 65. The vehicle had three occupants. The driver had difficulty providing identification and stated she did not have a driver’s license. Officers eventually identified the driver as Fidelia Barrera-Villanueva, 39, also from Houston, Texas. Vasquez-Guardado was a passenger in the vehicle, along with Barrera-Villanueva’s 15-year-old daughter. When speaking with officers, Vasquez-Guardado and Barrera-Villanueva indicated that they were on their way to Atlanta, Georgia. Barrera-Villanueva gave officers permission to search the vehicle. During the search, officers saw a pillowcase underneath a box on the floorboard behind the front passenger seat. Inside the pillowcase were six cylindrical objects wrapped in black tape containing what turned out to be a total of 5.9 kilograms of heroin.
Following this conviction, Vasquez-Guardado faces a sentence 10 years to life in federal prison. Barrera-Villanueva previously pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute and could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing for both Vasquez-Guardado and Barrera-Villanueva is scheduled for July 6, 2023.
The DEA, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Covington County Sherriff’s Office, and the Greenville Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Davidson, Justin L. Jones, and Mark E. Andreu are prosecuting the case.