Northern District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Career Recidivist Drug Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years for Trafficking Crack Cocaine while ArmedRead the Press Release
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – This week a federal judge sentenced a convicted felon charged with drug trafficking while armed announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Chief United States District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Clemmie Lee Spencer, 43, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to 25 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm after previous convictions of drug trafficking and possession.
“Reducing violent crime is top priority of our office,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Spencer repeatedly ignored the law, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes. Thank you to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for working diligently to continue to remove the worst offenders from our communities.”
“Drug trafficking and the prevalence of guns on our streets continue to plaque our community at alarming rates,” SAC French said. “The ATF will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and charge those individuals who continue to make our neighborhoods unsafe with their armed drug trafficking activities.”
On August 15, 2019, Spencer was arrested at 1115 28th Street in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, following the execution of a search warrant. Upon arrival in the early morning, agents had to forcefully enter the home due to no response when they announced their presence. Once inside the house, agents found Spencer and his girlfriend. Agents seized over 60 grams of “crack” cocaine, 17 grams of marijuana, cash, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a loaded H&R Arms Company .38 caliber revolver, a loaded Winchester .22 caliber rifle, assorted ammunition, and digital scales. The loaded rifle was found in a utility closet with children’s toys and bicycles.
Spencer’s prior convictions include a January 4, 2006 conviction for trafficking marijuana. He was sentenced to the Alabama Department of Corrections for 10 years. While incarcerated, he was disciplined 11 times, including 5 times for possession of prison contraband. Three months after being released, on February 22, 2011, Spencer was arrested for being in possession of marijuana packaged for sale. He was convicted on September 6, 2012, for unlawful possession of marijuana first degree, and sentenced to 32 months of home confinement. That sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation for three years. While on probation, Spencer was a repeated violator.
Spencer was arrested again on December 10, 2014, and indicted for second degree rape and sex abuse of a child less than 12 years of age. These charges were dismissed on January 4, 2018, because the mother of the victims and the victims failed to cooperate with the prosecution of Spencer.
On November 17, 2020, a grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama charged Spencer in a three-count superseding indictment with possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The jury trial in this case began on March 22, 2021. After eight prosecution witnesses testified, Spencer knowingly and voluntarily pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021. The Court accepted Spencer’s plea of guilty to all three charges in the superseding indictment and found Spencer guilty. While in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service awaiting trial, Spencer committed numerous institutional violations including possession of drugs and weapons.
ATF investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Brittany T. Byrd prosecuted the case.
Huntsville Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Multiple Robberies in North AlabamaRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Huntsville man with committing a string of armed robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Christopher Maxwell Jacobie Owens, 28, of Huntsville, to 228 months in prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm. Owens pleaded guilty to the charges in June.
According to the plea agreement, in a span of six days in November 2020, Owens committed six armed robberies at businesses in Huntsville. Owens robbed two Family Dollar locations, Dollar General, two MetroPCS locations, and Walgreens.
“The safety of our citizens and the businesses operating within our district is of utmost importance,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “This defendant put the lives of several victims at risk during the commission of these robberies. Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, he will serve significant time in the federal prison system as a result of his actions. We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in the Northern District of Alabama. Let this be a deterrent to others who might consider similar conduct.”
“The FBI’s most fundamental duty is to safeguard people’s right to live without fear of violence,” SAC Sharp said. “Owens’s string of armed robberies put the lives of innocent citizens at risk while they were simply going about their daily business, and today’s sentence will give him plenty of time to reflect on his actions. The citizens of north Alabama should know that the FBI and our partners will not stop in our pursuit of violent offenders and our work to keep them safe.”
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pillsbury is prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Arrested for Illegal Possession of Eighteen FirearmsRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal indictment has been unsealed after a convicted felon was arrested on August 15, 2022, for illegal possession of eighteen firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Thomas Eric Hollingsworth, 46, of New Hope, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, on July 27, 2021, Hollingsworth unlawfully possessed two Browning .22 caliber rifles, a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, three Remington 12-gauge shotguns, two Weatherby .30-06 caliber rifle, a Fabico .22 caliber revolver, a Heritage .22 caliber derringer, a Glock 19 9mm pistol, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, a Browning 12-gauge shotgun, a Burgo .22 caliber revolver, a Mossburg 12-gauge shotgun, a Taurus .45 caliber revolver, and a North American .22 caliber revolver. Hollingsworth is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison.
ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pillsbury is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alabama Company Charged in Worker Death CaseRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced criminal charges today in a case involving willful violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that led to a worker’s death. The charges involve an Aug. 16, 2017, incident at the Helena, Alabama, plant owned by ABC Polymer Industries LLC, in which a worker was pulled into a cluster of unguarded moving rollers and killed.
ABC Polymer manufactures flat plastic sheets using plastic extrusion assembly lines that pull the plastic sheeting through multiple clusters of large spinning rollers. As alleged in the charging document, the machine at issue was manufactured with a metal barrier that would protect the operator from the pinch points of the moving rollers, as well as an “interlock” mechanism that would stop the rollers’ spinning if the guard were lifted out of the way. OSHA standards require moving machinery, such as the one at issue here, to be guarded while the machine is energized.
However, ABC Polymer had a standard practice of operating that machine with the guard in the “up” or unprotected position when the rollers were moving. The automatic mechanism that would have stopped the line and rollers’ spinning when the guard was in the up position was not used, allowing operators to reach between or near the roller drums to cut tangles in the plastic sheet without stopping the line.
Despite knowing of numerous prior worker injuries from using that machine without the safety guard engaged, ABC Polymer assigned the victim to cut tangles out of plastic sheeting from among the machine’s unguarded spinning rollers with a hand tool. The worker became entangled in the spinning rollers and was killed.
Federal law makes it a class B misdemeanor to willfully fail to follow an OSHA safety standard where the failure causes the death of an employee. The class B misdemeanor is the only federal criminal charge covering such workplace safety violations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor investigated this case. Trial Attorneys William Shapiro and Ethan Eddy of Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Posey and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case.
The defendant is presumed innocent until convicted. If convicted, the defendant faces a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the financial gain to the defendant or twice the financial loss to another, whichever is greater, and is also liable for restitution to the victim. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the relevant statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kingpin Sentenced to Life in Prison plus 120 Months for Leading a Birmingham-Based Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and CocaineRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge sentenced a Bessemer man charged under the “Kingpin” statute for leading a continuing criminal enterprise and large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey.
United States District Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Rolando Antuain Williamson, aka “Baldhead” and “Ball Head,” 37, of Bessemer, Alabama, to life in prison plus 120 months for leading a multi-million dollar continuing criminal enterprise; conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; distributing or possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and using a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Two codefendants in the drug conspiracy were also sentenced by Judge Axon. Ishmywel Calid Gregory, also known as “C,” 38, of Mulga, Alabama, was sentenced to 480 months in prison, and Hendarius Lamar Archie, also known as “Hen,” 33, of Bessemer, Alabama, was sentenced to 169 months. Gregory and Archie were convicted of conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Both Gregory and Archie were also convicted of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Archie was also convicted of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On April 18, 2022, after a week-long trial, a jury convicted Williamson, Gregory, Archie, and a fourth co-defendant of the charges.
A total of eighteen people were charged in the indictment returned on October 29, 2019. The indictment was the result of a three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation into the drug-trafficking enterprise based in Western Jefferson County. The task force identified acts in furtherance of the conspiracy committed by members of the organization over a period of six years. Fifteen of the defendants have now been sentenced, and three remaining defendants await sentencing later this month.
The OCDETF agencies involved in this investigation are the FBI, IRS, member agencies of the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bessemer Police Department.
The North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force arrested Williamson the morning of August 22, 2019, in the parking lot of a grocery store located in Homewood, Alabama. Williamson was driving a 2016 Dodge Hellcat worth $80,000. At the time of arrest, Williamson was armed two loaded pistols, additional loaded magazines, and was carrying almost $14,000 in cash. All other members of the conspiracy were arrested on or about November 13, 2019.
At the time of Williamson’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized from him and three of his stash houses, 366 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 109 grams of suspected cocaine, 573 grams of pure methamphetamine, 52 kilos of marijuana, over $97,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and over 1700 rounds of ammunition.
“As a result of the sustained and extensive investigation by our many law enforcement partners, this drug kingpin will spend the rest of his life in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “It is difficult to imagine the harm to the community caused by this criminal enterprise. The addictions and other adverse health consequences, the economic harm, and the associated violence of drug trafficking will hopefully come to an end after these prosecutions. We are grateful and proud of the excellent work of this team of law enforcement professionals.”
“With this term of imprisonment, Williamson’s days as an international drug kingpin are over, and it is a decisive blow against the drug trafficking network. This was a team effort with our law enforcement partners, and I am proud of the work of the FBI’s North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force to bring members of this drug enterprise to justice,” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp.
“Great job by the investigators. These criminals were responsible for a major amount of drugs flowing through Jefferson County. These convictions are huge in our fight against illegal drugs,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway.
“First, I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all agencies involved in the investigation and ultimate convictions of those involved in this major drug distribution criminal enterprise. This is an example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together. It is our hope that these convictions will send a strong message to others that are committing or thinking about committing like crimes in Bessemer and surrounding areas. The Bessemer Police Department will remain committed to working with our Federal, State and local Law Enforcement partners to apprehend and convict other drug traffickers that attempt to operate in the City of Bessemer and surrounding areas,” said Bessemer Police Chief Michael Roper.
Forfeiture was obtained for two of Williamson’s high-end vehicles: a $46,000 Ford F-250 King’s Ranch and $37,000 Cadillac Escalade; over $100,000 dollars in cash; $45,000 in jewelry; and all firearms and ammunition used to facilitate the drug trafficking enterprise. Additionally, the United States proved $36,615,000 in gross proceeds against Williamson, and $4,000,700 in gross proceeds against Gregory.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Cross and Gregory R. Dimler prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced yesterday on the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Deontra Lamar Austin, 21, was sentenced on the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Austin was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon to 42 months of imprisonment followed by 36 months of supervised release.
On February 11, 2022, detectives of the Birmingham Crime Reduction Team (CRT) conducted surveillance on Austin due to his being wanted for Burglary First Degree and a parole violation. Detectives observed Austin entering the passenger side of a vehicle, and they followed the vehicle until it stopped at the Chevron Gas Station located at the intersection of Sunhill Road and Carson Road. As Austin exited the gas station, officers arrested him and retrieved a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun from Austin’s waistband. Austin was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was a convicted felon.
Austin is linked to the Hard 2 Kill gang. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms (ATF) investigated the Hard 2 Kill gang, better known as H2K. This gang operates in the Birmingham, Alabama area and is known to be involved in acts of violence, illegal drug distribution, and illegal firearm possession.
The case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
“Street gangs are responsible for much of the violent crime in Birmingham,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “To reduce the senseless deaths and injuries from gun violence, our law enforcement partners seek to identify the most violent offenders and use every available means to take them off the street. Prosecution of felons with guns is a very effective way to reduce the violence that plagues our communities.”
“The ATF prides itself in working with our state, local, and federal partners to take firearms out of the hands of individuals who knowingly and illegally possess them. In most cases, firearms are obtained illegally by gang members and passed around until they are recovered in some type of unfortunate criminal incident. The hard work and collaborative efforts that the ATF and our law enforcement partners demonstrate on a daily basis allows us to successfully combat crime in and around the Birmingham area,” said ATF SAC Mickey French.
ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Parole. Assistant United States Attorneys Darius Greene and Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced this week on the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Christopher Jawan Weaver, 39, was sentenced on the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Weaver was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala to 57 months of imprisonment followed by 24 months of supervised release.
In April 2021, Weaver was involved in a domestic altercation with a juvenile while armed with a firearm. During the altercation, Weaver struck the juvenile in the face with the firearm, causing a large laceration above the juvenile’s left eye. The juvenile was taken by ambulance to the hospital where the juvenile received stitches to close the wound. Weaver was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he has three prior Alabama state court felony convictions for Robbery, First Degree.
“Our law enforcement partners are keenly aware that domestic abusers and firearms are a deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Those who commit a domestic violence offense while illegally armed with a firearm will draw the attention of federal law enforcement and the imposition of strict federal penalties.”
“ATF will continue to combat violent crime by holding individuals who unlawfully and knowingly possess firearms and use them to commit crimes of violence. Domestic violence is a growing problem across the country, and we will tirelessly fight to keep the citizens in our communities safe. Federal law prohibits individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence from legally possessing firearms” said ATF SAC Mickey French.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Lipscomb Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darius Greene and Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced yesterday on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Horace Dantai Burgess, Jr., 26, was sentenced yesterday on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, and one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin. Burgess was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala to 70 months of imprisonment followed by 60 months of supervised release.
Burgess sold methamphetamine to law enforcement on multiple occasions. In addition, in August 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Burgess. Burgess refused to stop, and a high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, Burgess threw a bag containing a significant amount of heroin out of the window. Burgess is linked to the Hard 2 Kill gang. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the Hard 2 Kill gang, better known as H2K. This gang operates in the Birmingham, Alabama area and is known to be involved in acts of violence, illegal drug distribution, and illegal firearm possession.
“Violent street gangs often fund their illegal activities by trafficking illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “By focusing drug enforcement efforts on gang-related dealers, our law enforcement partners can reduce both the violence and the drugs that plague our communities. We are grateful for the efforts of the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI in taking another dealer off the street.”
“As a result of this case, the streets of Birmingham are a little safer and yesterday’s sentence should send a message that violent actors will be held accountable for their criminal acts. The FBI is committed to the fight against violent crime, and we will continue to work side by side with our state, local, and federal partners to bring criminals like Burgess to justice,” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
The case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
FBI investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Darius Greene and Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 25 years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge yesterday sentenced a Birmingham man on sex trafficking a minor and sexual exploitation of children, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
United States District Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Jeremy Lynn Alexander, 36, of Birmingham, to 300 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking a minor and sexual exploitation of children. Alexander pleaded guilty to this charge in November 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on or about July 16, 2021, FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force received a priority lead regarding a 14-year-old female reported missing out of Madison, Wisconsin. FBI Birmingham and Homewood Police Special Investigations Unit launched an immediate investigation to find and recover the child. They located her through an advertisement on a website known for commercial sex advertisements. A task force officer responded to the number posted in the advertisement and arrangements were made to meet the victim at a specific location. Members of the task force responded to a local hotel and located the minor victim in the hotel room with Alexander. Further investigation revealed child sexual abuse material involving Alexander and the minor victim located on Alexander’s cell phone. This conviction will require Alexander to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
“I am very grateful for the swift response of the Homewood Police Department and FBI who located and recovered the child victim in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The interstate trafficking of children for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a despicable crime, and my office will make every effort to find and prosecute those who commit this offense.”
“I’m proud of the work of the FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and our partners at the Homewood Police Department to bring Alexander to justice and rescue this young victim. We will not stop our pursuit of those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our community” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
FBI Birmingham's Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) investigated the case, with the assistance of the Homewood Police Special Investigations Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Darius Greene and Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge yesterday sentenced a Birmingham man in connection with his involvement in a 2018 cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Prentice Delawrence Tanniehill, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, to 180 months in prison. Tanniehill pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, five separate instances of distributing cocaine, and five counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime.
“Multiple law enforcement agencies worked together with our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force to disrupt this drug trafficking conspiracy and put Tanniehill in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Our efforts to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into our communities depend on the skill and determination of our law enforcement partners, and we are grateful for their excellent work in this case.”
“I’m proud of the outstanding work by the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force to remove Tanniehill from the streets and hold him accountable for his actions,” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
The indictment charged Tanniehill with a cocaine distribution conspiracy that involved over five kilograms of cocaine and spanned from July 2017 to October 2018. During this time, Tanniehill sold cocaine to an FBI confidential source on five distinct occasions.
This case is a part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
FBI investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and member agencies of the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Dimler prosecuted the case.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Jackson County man in connection with two bank robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced John Lance Cameron, 58, of Dutton, Alabama, to 188 months in prison. Cameron pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery in March.
“We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of the Hoover, Trussville, and Birmingham Police Departments and the FBI in tracking down this defendant and securing the evidence against him,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Focusing on the most violent repeat offenders, we will continue to work with law enforcement partners to make our communities and individuals who are impacted by violent crimes safer.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to making our communities safer by bringing these violent offenders like Cameron to justice. Thanks to the work of dedicated law enforcement officers, Cameron is now in custody and facing the consequences of his crimes” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
On November 25, 2020, Cameron entered the Pinnacle Bank located on Gadsden Highway in Trussville and demanded money from a teller. Cameron told the teller he had a firearm and threatened to shoot her. Cameron appeared to get spooked and left the bank with no money.
About two hours later, Cameron entered the BBVA Compass Bank located on Montgomery Highway, in Hoover. Cameron approached a teller, pulled a plastic bag from his shirt and handed it to the teller. Cameron told the teller, “I want your money.” Cameron lifted his shirt and showed the teller a dark colored firearm with a wooden handle in his waistband, and said, “Don’t die over a few dollars.” The teller gave Cameron $19,100 in U.S. currency.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
FBI investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Hoover Police Department, and Trussville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Eight Members of a Calhoun County-based Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Ring ArrestedRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – An indictment charging 12 defendants in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy based in Calhoun County was unsealed today, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French. Eight of the defendants were arrested today, and the four remaining defendants were already in custody on state offenses.
A 66-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Antonio Franchester Orr, aka Lil T, aka Tony, 48, of Eastaboga, Brandon Maurice Butler, aka BB, 34, of Lincoln, Thomas Terrel Truss, 50, of Oxford, Seth Michael Owens, 29, of Ragland, Gerod Montario Stripling, 35, of Eastaboga, Jakahri Howard aka Joc, 22, of Lincoln, Steven Weed, 50, of Lincoln, Melissa Sage Goins, 36, of Guntersville, Brian Kenneth Goodwin, 44, of Pell City, Michael Edwin Scales, Sr., 68, of Anniston, James Christopher Stanley, 46, of Tuscaloosa, and Charles Alan Calhoun aka Charles Allen Calhoun and Chopper, 57, of Alpine with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana between June 2021 and June 2022. The indictment also charges all defendants with at least one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.
The DEA, the ATF, and other law enforcement agencies have seized a total of over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of cocaine as a part of the investigation. The indictment includes special findings of the grand jury regarding the amount of methamphetamine attributable to various defendants as part of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
- Orr, Butler, Truss, Owens, Stripling, Howard, Weed, Goins, Goodwin, Scales, and Stanley are charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Calhoun is charged with conspiring to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
- Orr is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Howard is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
- Goodwin is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Orr, Owens, and Stripling are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Orr is charged with attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Howard, Butler, and Stripling are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The minimum prison sentence for this charge is five years in prison, which must be served after completion of any other sentence related to the crime.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is life in prison. Each count of using a telephone in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Orr, Stripling, and Stanley were already in custody on related state charges. Truss is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Fountain Correctional Facility for 1st Degree Rape and 1st Degree Sodomy.
“The combined efforts of multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of a large amount of methamphetamine and the indictment of a dozen individuals for conspiring to traffic in illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The scope of this indictment, including charges for use of firearms and interstate communication facilities to carry out the drug trafficking operation, demonstrates the expertise of our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.”
“In Alabama and all across our nation, DEA and our partners are determined to find drug traffickers, shut down their operations, and bring them to justice. Today’s arrests are yet another strike against the powerful drug trafficking organizations whose tentacles stretch across the state border into our neighborhoods” said DEA ASAC Towanda Thorne-James.
“This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces. We will continue to work together and pursue those individuals who participate in organized crime, distribute illegal and dangerous drugs, and illegally possess firearms. These types of individuals and activities wreak havoc in the communities that we serve which is unacceptable and will not be tolerated” said ATF SAC Mickey French.
The DEA and the ATF investigated the case, along with assistance from the Anniston Police Department, Oxford Police Department, 7th Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit, Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Pell City Police Department, West Alabama Narcotics Task Force, Blount County Sheriff’s Department, and the Alabama National Guard Joint Counter Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Garnett and Blake Milner are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Huntsville Business Executive Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Federal prosecutors have charged a Round Rock, Texas man with wire fraud for embezzling from his employer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.
A one-count information filed yesterday in U.S. District Court charges Steve Ray Shickles, Jr., 43, of Round Rock, Texas, with wire fraud.
According to the information, between January 2012 and January 2019, while employed as the Chief Operating Officer for Simple Helix, LLC in Huntsville, Shickles devised and executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from Simple Helix. As part of the scheme, Shickles gained access to PayPal accounts of Simple Helix and made multiple unauthorized charges, withdrawals, and transfers from those accounts to pay for personal expenses. Shickles also created a fraudulent email account for Simple Helix and caused funds intended for Simple Helix to be deposited into personal accounts of Shickles. Shickles took steps to conceal his fraudulent activities by causing a computer-generated report of financial activities of Simple Helix to exclude his fraudulent transactions. The fraudulent transfers caused by Shickles resulted in a loss to Simple Helix of over $2.1 million dollars.
“White-collar crimes imperil the livelihood of every employee and their families. Vigorous enforcement against white-collar criminals is the best deterrent and means to protect the integrity of our community institutions,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pillsbury is prosecuting the case.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Announces Recent Results of Federal Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime in Calhoun CountyRead the Press Release
ANNISTON, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona announces that continued federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime have led to four Calhoun County men being charged with federal firearms crimes in the last month. These indictments are the result of the collaborative enforcement strategies applied by federal and local partners to identify and focus enforcement on the most violent and highest risk offenders driving violent crime in Calhoun County. Federal and local law enforcement collaborate in Calhoun County through the Department of Justice’s National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) Program, which Anniston and Oxford have been a part of since 2019. PSP seeks to leverage federal law enforcement assets in support of local efforts to drive down violent crime.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to sharing all available federal resources and support with our partners in Calhoun County to respond to escalating violence and drug crime,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “By leveraging strong federal violent crime laws and protections, the Anniston and Oxford Police Departments and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Office are utilizing every available resource to make Calhoun County safer and to deliver justice for victims. I’m thankful for their leadership and partnership in PSP and beyond.”
In June 2022, a federal grand jury indicted multiple defendants from Calhoun County:
James Spears, 37, of Oxford, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spears illegally possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol and ammunition during a traffic stop by Anniston Police.
Antoine McClellan, 32, of Anniston, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. McClellan was stopped by Anniston Police for a traffic violation. As officers approached the car, they noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded large amounts of illegal substances that were later proven to be methamphetamine and marijuana.
Otis Hunter 40, of Anniston, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hunter illegally possessed a Springfield 0.40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Charrezz Brown 25, of Anniston, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the case documents, an officer who approached Brown’s car during a traffic stop saw Brown place what appeared to be a firearm under his seat. After a search of the vehicle, it was confirmed that Brown possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol and a 5.56 mm rifle.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s violent crime strategy to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders collaborate to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
“These indictments for illegal firearms possession are a lesson for every person who is prohibited due to a previous felony conviction or other circumstance,” said United States Attorney Escalona. “If you have been convicted of a felony or are a domestic abuser, you are prohibited by federal law from having a firearm, as well as ammunition. If you have been previously convicted of a felony and don’t want to end up in federal prison, stay away from all guns and ammunition,” recommended Escalona.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy, Tara Pharmacy SE, LLC, to Pay $622,000 to Settle Lawsuit Alleging Violations of False Claims Act and to Settle Alleged Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tara Pharmacy SE, LLC has agreed to pay the United States $622,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing Schedule II controlled drugs without a valid prescription and violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare for these improperly dispensed drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
“Pharmacies that violate federal prescribing guidelines put their patients’ health at risk and contribute to the drug epidemic plaguing our communities. Since 2020, drug overdose deaths in Alabama have increased by more than 71%,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “Law enforcement and public health agencies are committed to combatting any unlawful sources that distribute controlled substances into our communities.”
“Pharmacies that distribute controlled substances without legitimate prescriptions seriously endanger the well-being of their patients. In billing Medicare for inappropriately dispensed drugs, those pharmacies also divert federal funds needed to care for the program’s many beneficiaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of such activity.”
“Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health crisis that harms families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “DEA Registrants, like Tara Pharmacy, who violate their duties will be held accountable for allowing these medications to get into the wrong hands. This settlement agreement is the result of DEA’s continued commitment to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners and hold accountable those who participate in illegally diverting controlled substances.”
Tara Pharmacy is a specialty pharmacy located in Homewood, Alabama, that provides pharmacy services for long-term care facilities located in Alabama and Georgia. Tara Pharmacy filled prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedule II under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, such as oxycodone, can cause significant harm if used improperly and have a high potential for abuse.
The agreement settled allegations that Tara Pharmacy filled prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances that lacked a valid, original physician signature and that Tara Pharmacy failed to get written prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances within the required 7-day period after an emergency dispense.
The False Claims Act allegations resolved by today’s settlement were originally brought by Alex Sproule and Nicholas Fuhrmann, former employees of Tara Pharmacy, under the whistleblower provisions of the Act, which authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States and to receive a portion of any recovery. Mr. Sproule and Mr. Fuhrmann will receive $52,000 as their share of the settlement.
The settlement with Tara Pharmacy was the result of a coordinated effort among HHS-OIG, the DEA, and Assistant U.S Attorney Don Long.
The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Sproule, et al., v. Aurora Cares LLC d/b/a Tara Cares, et al., 2:20-CV-217-AMM (N.D. Ala.) The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Birmingham Store Manager Pleads Guilty to Food Stamp and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The manager of a Birmingham grocery store pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to wire and tax fraud for his unlawful manipulation of the Supplemental Nutrition Act Program totaling more than $4.6 million, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Investigations, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Salina Walker, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette.
OMAR MOTLEY, 42, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karon O. Bowdre to one count of tax fraud and one count of wire fraud. Motley’s guilty plea will require him to repay restitution of $847,001.00 to the IRS and $3,815,599.98 to the USDA, which administers the food stamp program under the name Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Motley is scheduled for sentencing on November 8, 2022.
Motley was the manager of the Big B Food Mart located at 4012 24th Street North in Birmingham, Alabama, which was authorized by USDA to accept food stamp benefits. A federal grand jury indicted Motley in March 2021.
SNAP benefits are provided to qualified recipients by the USDA on an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT), which functions like a debit card. Motley pleaded guilty to unlawfully redeeming EBT SNAP benefits for cash and ineligible items between November 2014 through March 2017. During this time, SNAP benefits redeemed at Big B Food Mart were 52 times greater than similarly sized stores in the area. Motley’s manipulation of the SNAP program led to him withdrawing approximately $3.7 million of cash from the Big B Food Mart’s bank account.
Motley also pleaded guilty to tax fraud for under-reporting to the IRS his 2015 income received from redeeming SNAP benefits. According to evidence proffered by the United States at the hearing, Motley substantially overstated the amount of Big B Food Mart’s cost of goods sold on this return, resulting in a large deduction in the amount of his personal income tax liability. The tax loss to the IRS totals $847,001.00. The maximum penalty for the tax fraud is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“The money allocated by Congress for the SNAP program funds critical USDA efforts to help families in need,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona, “I commend the efforts of our federal partners who worked to ensure that these public funds are used for their intended purposes.”
“The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General - Investigations, actively investigates allegations of fraud in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). This investigation and prosecution serve as a warning to all stores, that participate in the SNAP program as vendors, that fraud and trafficking (purchasing those benefits for cash) will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by the USDA-OIG, the U. S. Attorney’s Office, and all of its federal, state, and local partners that have a stake in ensuring that fraud is eliminated from taxpayer-funded programs,” said Salina Walker, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge for USDA’s Office of Inspector General.
“The purpose of the SNAP program is to feed and nourish our community. Motley took advantage of that program,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette. “Motley diverted funds from the program to ultimately benefit himself. On top of that, he did not pay taxes; money which could have further helped our citizens. Motley showed a blatant disregard for others, so today’s plea is a victory for our community.”
The USDA-OIG and IRS-CI investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Catherine Crosby prosecuted.
Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has pleaded guilty to robbery and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Henry Sirnard Russell, 42, pleaded guilty this week before U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco to the charges of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
He entered his plea pursuant to a binding Plea Agreement with the government, in which the parties jointly agreed to a sentence of 240 months (20 years) in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for October 26, 2022.
According to the Plea Agreement, on October 12, 2021, Hoover Police responded to the Chevron convenience store in Hoover. The clerk of the store reported an armed male stole an undisclosed amount of money. The clerk saw the suspect leave in a grey SUV, and the police issued a BOLO to surrounding agencies. Vestavia Hills officers saw a vehicle matching the BOLO and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Henry Sirnard Russell was the sole occupant of the vehicle and appeared very nervous and was shaking. Russell was asked to exit his vehicle, but he refused and drove away. A short pursuit ensued, and Russell stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. Various law enforcement agencies arrived on scene, set up a perimeter, used a drone, a K-9, and a helicopter to assist in locating Russell. The search continued throughout the night until a Hoover Police Officer notified dispatch that he observed Russell on the northbound side of I-65 toward Hoover from Homewood. Officers immediately converged on the area and Russell fled into the wood line where he was arrested.
“Federal and local law enforcement agencies prioritize resources on individuals and factors that drive violent crime in communities and that pose a continual threat to public safety,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “People who persistently cause harm in our communities will receive the full attention of federal law enforcement.”
Russell has prior felony convictions for Domestic Violence, Assault (Second Degree), and Robbery (First and Second Degree).
FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Homewood Police Department, Hoover Police Department, and the Vestavia Hills Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man pleaded guilty to drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
Randy Hasan Abdurrahim, 37, pleaded guilty this week to possession of a controlled substance. His sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2022, before United States District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala.
According to the Plea Agreement, on September 2, 2021, while two detectives on patrol were at a Shell gas station on East Lake Boulevard, a Lexus pulled up to the gas pump with the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A detective ran the tag through NCIC and it came back as belonging to a Nissan Altima. The vehicle left the gas station and the detectives attempted to perform a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled from detectives. The driver hopped out of the Lexus and fled on foot as the vehicle rolled down the hill. The detectives pursued the driver and were able to take him into custody.
Detectives searched the vehicle and recovered 4 grams of cocaine, 9 grams of fentanyl, 6.16 grams of marijuana, 107 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of heroin, and drug paraphernalia.
ATF investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Sylacauga Man Convicted of Attempted RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Dameon LaShawn Nix, 32, of Sylacauga, was convicted after a jury trial of attempted robbery and of using a firearm during a crime of violence announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that on May 28, 2019, Nix entered the Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union in Sylacauga and shot a pistol three times into the ceiling. Twenty minutes after fleeing the credit union, Nix was caught by two Sylacauga police officers while attempting to escape through nearby woods. He was in possession of $195 belonging to a customer at the credit union and a gun holster. The firearm was never found. Nix had taken the cash from the customer when the tellers were unable to open their cash drawers. A delivery driver observed Nix donning a mask as he entered the credit union, and later picked him out of a lineup. Experts from the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, identified Nix’s DNA on clothing he had discarded in the woods as he fled the bank. The clothes bearing Nix’s DNA matched the clothing worn by the robber as revealed by the credit union’s surveillance cameras.
Nix faces imprisonment of approximately 40-50 months on the attempted credit union robbery and a 10-year consecutive term of imprisonment for discharging the firearm during the attempted robbery.
“The FBI is committed to working with our state, local and federal partners to combat violent crime and bring individuals like Nix to justice,” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp. “I particularly want to express my appreciation to our partners with the Sylacauga Police Department for their outstanding work and assistance in this case.”
“We are grateful for the work of the Sylacauga Police Department in apprehending this offender,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “As this case confirms, working closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is the best way to combat violent crime and remove violent offenders from our communities.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant United States Attorneys John Camp and Bill Simpson prosecuted the case.
Mississippi Pharmacist Returns $7.1 Million Unlawfully Taken from MedicareRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The federal government has received $7.1 million in forfeited funds that were unlawfully obtained from Medicare by a Mississippi man who was convicted in 2021 of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
In August 2021, Phillip Anthony Minga pleaded guilty to four counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In December 2021, Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Minga to 78 months in prison. At that time, the Court ordered Minga to repay more than $16.1 million in restitution and ordered him to forfeit $7.1 million. After filing a motion to forfeit certain property, the United States last week confirmed the receipt of $7.1 million from Minga. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek to restore these funds to the Medicare Program.
“It is always a goal of the justice system to make the victim whole following wrongdoing. When public agencies like Medicare are defrauded for personal gain, it harms all American taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “I’m grateful that the collaborative work of federal law enforcement agencies and state partners in Alabama and Mississippi have restored taxpayer dollars to an agency purposed to serve some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” added Escalona.
“Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. Defrauding federal healthcare programs not only wastes valuable taxpayer dollars, it also takes resources away from individuals in need of medical care,” said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to return these funds to the Medicare program.”
Minga failed to report a 2010 wire fraud conviction to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Consequently, on October 17, 2016, Minga was excluded from the Medicare Program for 10 years. The exclusion provided that Medicare would not pay claims submitted by anyone who employed Minga in a management or administrative role. Nevertheless, from 2016 until 2021, Minga committed health care fraud by continuing to manage and control pharmacies that submitted claims for payment to Medicare. In order to avoid detection, Minga ensured that those submitting Medicare enrollment/revalidation paperwork for these pharmacies would not disclose Minga’s ownership interest or managerial role in these pharmacies. From October 17, 2016, to August 16, 2021, Medicare paid approximately $16,109,446.67 to the pharmacies in which Minga had an ownership interest or managerial role.
HHS was the lead federal investigative agency. HHS was closely assisted by the State of Mississippi’s Office of the Attorney General and the State of Alabama’s State Board of Pharmacy. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Borton, Austin Shutt, and Kristen Osborne led the forfeiture recovery proceedings, while Lloyd Peeples, Ryan Rummage, and Don Long prosecuted the criminal health care fraud case.
Hartselle Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Kidnapping and Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Yesterday, a Hartselle man pleaded guilty to using the internet to orchestrate an attempted kidnapping and sexual assault, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Matthias Jacob Edward Mann, 22, of Hartselle, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon to attempted kidnapping and attempted inducement of an individual to travel in interstate commerce to commit an illegal sex act. As part of the plea agreement, the parties stipulated to a 180-month term of imprisonment for Mann’s crimes.
According to the plea agreement, on December 29, 2021, an undercover detective with the Owatonna, Minnesota Police Department was monitoring the public Kik group “Abduction and R@pe 3.” During that time, the Kik User “Dylan H.,” who was determined to be Mann, posted in the group, asking for someone to abduct and sexually assault a woman from Wisconsin. The undercover detective responded and told Dylan H. that he was in Minnesota and would be interested.
On December 30, 2021, the undercover detective recorded a telephone conversation with Mann. On the call, Mann confirmed that his request for the abduction and sexual assault of the victim was not a fantasy. Mann provided the undercover detective with photos and a physical address of the victim, who he stated was a former friend. Mann requested a video to confirm that the abduction and sexual assault was carried out as requested. During their subsequent conversations, Mann agreed to pay the undercover detective gas money to travel to Wisconsin from Minnesota and approximately $2,000.00 once the abduction and sexual assault had been completed. Mann paid the undercover detective $75 on January 5, 2022.
Federal agents arrested Mann on the morning of January 6, 2022, in Hartselle, Alabama.
“This case highlights the dangers of the internet and how an online relationship can quickly take a turn into dangerous territory. Law enforcement is to be commended for their quick response across four states and among several different local, state, and federal agencies. They coordinated their efforts to ensure that the victim was safe, and then worked expeditiously to identify the defendant and arrest him.” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
“The crimes that Mann has pled guilty to are deplorable. I’m proud of the work of my agents and our partners to bring him to the justice he deserves,” said Johnnie Sharp, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The FBI-Birmingham Division investigated the case along with the Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Police Department; Owatonna, Minnesota Police Department; and FBI-Atlanta Division. Hartselle Police Department also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hodge and John M. Hundscheid are prosecuting the case.
Birmingham Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced this week for drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James.
United States District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced LaMarcus Antonio Sills, Sr., 39, to 72 months in prison. Sills pleaded guilty in March to charges that he possessed heroin with the intent to distribute, was a felon in possession of a firearm, and carried a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crime.
According to the plea agreement, on July 16, 2020, Birmingham Police Officers had established a police checkpoint at the intersection of 29th Avenue North and 29th Street North, when a white Mercedes Benz came to a stop at the checkpoint. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was Sills. While speaking to Sills, officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and Sills admitted to officers that he had smoked marijuana earlier that day just outside the vehicle. During a search, officers discovered a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol in Sills’s waistband. Officers searched the vehicle and found a clear plastic sandwich bag containing marijuana, a plastic bag containing 30.79 grams of heroin, a small digital scale, and more empty sandwich bags.
“Jefferson County is experiencing near all-time highs in both homicides and drug overdose deaths, with drug fatalities increasing 70% over the last two years,” said United States Attorney Prim. F. Escalona. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to do all that we can to protect our community from illicit drug trafficking and to prevent firearms from coming into the possession of prohibited people,” added Escalona.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Birmingham Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –A federal judge this week sentenced a convicted felon for three counts of illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
United States District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced Demarcus Marshall, 27, to 120 months in prison. Marshall pleaded guilty to the charges in January. According to the plea agreement, Marshall illegally possessed a firearm on three occasions.
On September 9, 2020, Birmingham Police Officers responded to a domestic call where Marshall’s girlfriend was the victim. When officers arrived, they recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol from Marshall.
On September 30, 2020, a Homewood Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle where Marshall was the passenger and observed Marshall holding a pistol. Officers recovered a Taurus .40 caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition. The officers also recovered a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol in the front passenger glove box loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition. They also recovered loose rounds of ammunition throughout the vehicle.
On June 22, 2021, Marshall approached a woman and assaulted her by hitting her in the face with his fist and throwing her to the ground. The female got away from Marshall and got into her car. As she drove away, Marshall chased after the car and fired two rounds from a handgun at the vehicle. No one was hit by the rounds. A Birmingham Police Officer recovered a .40 caliber shell casing from the ground near where Marshall had fired. Later that day, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with four occupants. Marshall was in the back seat and when officers approached, Marshall was attempting to conceal a firearm under the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The officers instructed him to stop moving but he did not comply until he completely concealed the item. The officers recovered a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, digital scale, and miscellaneous controlled substances.
“To reduce the gun violence occurring in our communities, we partner with other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those who persistently violate federal gun laws and commit acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “We are grateful for the coordinated work of our federal, state, and local partners in bringing this offender to justice.”
“The ATF recognizes that we are most successful when we work with our state, local, and federal partners. Our ability to protect the American families, increases by having a comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy in place. We will continue to focus our efforts to decrease violent crime and hold individuals accountable who continuously cause harm in the community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
“While the FBI investigates a host of crimes, fighting violent crime and being effective partners to state and local law enforcement is at the core of who we are, and we will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the fight against violent crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
This case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Operation Safe Families Initiative, which was launched in October 2020. Operation Safe Families focuses on fighting domestic violence in the Northern District of Alabama. Annually, offenders with a history of domestic violence commit more than half of all homicides committed in Jefferson County. Through Operation Safe Families, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works with federal, state, and local law enforcement to use federal firearm laws to combat domestic violence.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and our partners prioritize protecting victims and the community from people who commit domestic violence with a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The presence of a firearm within a domestic violence situation increases the threat of death to the victim by 500%. Moreover, escalating community violence in Jefferson County is being driven by people who have a history of domestic violence, with 74% of solved homicides in 2021 being committed by someone with a history of domestic violence,” added U.S. Attorney Escalona.
FBI investigated the case along with ATF, the Birmingham Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristy Peoples and Darius Greene prosecuted the case
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced last week for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
United States District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced Darius Emale Craig Jr., 23, to 65 months in prison. Craig pleaded guilty to the charges in February.
According to the plea agreement, on July 13, 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit made two controlled purchases of drugs from Craig. On July 13, 2021, Craig sold 24.58 grams of methamphetamine for $400 near the Holiday Inn on Airport Road in Birmingham. On August 17, 2021, Craig sold 20.96 grams of methamphetamine for $450 at the Kangaroo gas station near Roebuck Parkway and Hwy 79.
“Methamphetamine is the greatest drug threat in Alabama due to its availability, risk from abuse, and contribution to violence and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Prosecution of traffickers will help to reduce that threat and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
“The FBI is committed to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those individuals or organizations that are distributing dangerous drugs, committing acts of violence, and fueling the addiction that destroys communities and families.” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
FBI investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristy Peoples and Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Illegal Firearms Possession Leads to Federal Charges for North Alabama MenRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama announces the latest results of the continued collaborative work by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime in Alabama by keeping guns out of the hands of people who are prohibited due to previous felony convictions. In recent weeks, fourteen individuals across North Alabama faced separate charges in federal court for illegally possessing firearms.
“Community safety is threatened when violent, prohibited people possess firearms. Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are prohibited due to prior felony convictions is a priority of federal, state, and local law enforcement in Alabama,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “I’m grateful for the teamwork and common purpose that our local and federal law enforcement agencies share in addressing the drivers of violence in our communities,” added Escalona.
Four North Alabama men appeared in federal court last week on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On Monday, June 6, 2022, Brandon Keith Jackson, 38, was sentenced by Judge Anna Manasco to 15 months for one count being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jackson pleaded guilty to one count in February. Jackson illegally possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol in May 2019.
Freddie Green, 49, Birmingham, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala to 51 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Green pleaded guilty to one count in January. Green illegally possessed a Century Arms rifle in May 2020.
Anthony Rego Torres, 26, Blountsville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Torres pleaded guilty to two counts in February. Torres illegally possessed a Savage Arms .22 rifle in December 2020 and a Taurus Spectrum .380 caliber pistol and Taurus Ultra-Lite .38 Special Revolver in August 2020.
Ervin Deangelo Fields, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Fields illegally possessed a Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol in Jefferson County in June 2021 and a Canik 9 mm pistol in January 2021. Fields is scheduled for sentencing on August 17, 2022.
Additionally, six individuals were arraigned in federal court on Thursday, June 9, 2022, on indictments that were handed down by the grand jury in May 2022. These individuals were charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
Jonathan Peter Smith, 44, was charged with illegally possessing a Ruger .38 caliber revolver, and a Ruger 9mm pistol in November 2021 in Calhoun County.
Aaron Elisher Quarles, 31, of Birmingham, was charged with illegally possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol in September 2020 in Jefferson County. Quarles is also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.
Zsaquon Dean Averette, 25, of Madison, was charged with illegally possessing an American Tactical .45 caliber pistol in March 2022 in Jefferson County.
Dexter Sherrod Pearce, 33, of Birmingham, was charged with illegally possessing a 9mm, Glock 17 handgun in February 2022 in Jefferson County.
Donald Joseph Boteler, Jr, 47, of Odenville, was charged with illegally possessing a Diamondback 9mm pistol in December 2021 in St. Clair County.
Allquan Cortex Patton, 37, of Tuscaloosa, was charged with illegally possessing a Glock 9mm pistol in February 2022 and a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol in March 2022 in Tuscaloosa County.
Also in May 2022, a federal grand jury indicted the following individuals with being felons in possession of firearms.
Anthony James Perkins, 29, of Arab, was charged with illegally possessing an American Tactical, Omni Hybrid, .223/.556 caliber pistol in January 2022 in Cullman County.
Scottie Ray Guffey, 56, of Fyffe, was charged with illegally possessing an a FIE Model Tex 22 caliber revolver, and a High Standard Model Sport King Carbine A102 22 caliber in January 2020 in DeKalb County.
Antonia Dynell Bates, 31, of Tuscaloosa, was charged with illegally possessing a Glock .40 caliber pistol and a Canik 9mm pistol in November 2021 and a Glock .40 caliber pistol in May 2022 in Tuscaloosa County.
Joseph Salter Reaves, 57, of Decatur, was charged with illegally possessing a Beretta 9mm pistol, a Remington .22 caliber rifle model 34, a J. Stevens Arms Company 12-gauge double-barrel side by side shotgun model 315, and approximately 80 rounds of Speer 9 mm ammunition in December 2021 in Madison County.
David Randall Holder, Jr., 37, was charged with illegally possessing a J.P. Sauer and Sohn .357 caliber revolver, a Glock .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Sarsilmaz 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a Heckler and Koch .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Canik 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber rifle, a CBC .22 caliber rifle, a Remington .410 caliber shotgun, a Remington .28 caliber rifle, and a Keystone Sporting Arms .22 caliber rifle in December 2020 in Jackson County. Holder is also charged with theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, Mark Anthony Dover d/b/a The Pawn Shop, in December 2020.
"These sentences and indictments for illegal firearms possession should be a lesson for every person who is prohibited due to a previous felony conviction or other circumstance,” said United States Attorney Escalona. “If you have been convicted of a felony or are a domestic abuser, you are prohibited by federal law from having a firearm, as well as ammunition. If you have been previously convicted of a felony and don’t want to end up in federal prison, stay away from all guns and ammunition,” recommended Escalona.
Federal firearms restrictions found in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) include prohibitions on the right to possess firearms by people who have been previously convicted of a felony, have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, are subject to a domestic protection from abuse order, are drug users/addicts, are undocumented noncitizens, or are fugitives from justice, among other restricted groups of people.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Georgia Resident Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Targeting Several StatesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Austell, Georgia resident pleaded guilty today to using stolen identities to fraudulently collect more than $4 million in unemployment benefits from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES) and attempting to defraud at least five other states, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
Olushola Adewole Afolabi, 39, of Austell, Georgia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon. Afolabi’s co-defendant, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, 38, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in May.
“Defrauding government programs designed to assist struggling Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic is shameful,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively target individuals who used a national pandemic as an opportunity to line their own pockets.”
“The defendants stole millions intended for those suffering during the pandemic and sent the proceeds overseas. Thanks to the hard work of the Northern District of Alabama, these criminals have been brought to Justice,” Office of Deputy Attorney General, Director of COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Kevin Chambers said. “This case and others to come demonstrate the Department’s commitment to aggressively pursue and disrupt transnational actors who exploited pandemic relief programs.”According to court documents, Afolabi and co-conspirators orchestrated a scheme from September 2020 through July 2021 to defraud the Illinois DES into paying out more than $4 million in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of the scheme, the conspirators filed fraudulent claims using stolen identities of elderly Illinois residents. The conspirators deposited the proceeds of the fraudulent claims into bank accounts opened specifically to perpetrate the fraud. Afolabi and co-conspirators then used the associated debit cards to withdraw cash and purchase money orders from retail stores across the Northern District of Alabama and elsewhere. The conspiracy further laundered the unemployment insurance funds by using the money orders to purchase salvaged automobiles in the United States and ship them to Nigeria.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan “Jack” Harrington and Edward J. Canter 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.
Convicted Sex Offender Indicted on Federal Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury last week indicted a Madison County man on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger.
A four-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court charges Kevin Alexander Guerrero-Beltran, 32, with advertising, transportation, distribution, and possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Guerrero-Beltran was previously convicted in the Circuit Court for Marshall County for traveling to meet a child for sex in Alabama. With that prior conviction, the advertisement of child pornography charge carries a statutory imprisonment range of 25 to 50 years.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF), FBI Phoenix Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Huntsville Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation participated in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment Unsealed Charging a Birmingham Lawyer with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed charging a Birmingham lawyer with child exploitation offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
The two-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court charges Chase Tristian Espy, 36, with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography arising out of events that occurred from March 2021 to August 2021.
The attempted coercion and enticement of a minor charge carries a statutory imprisonment range of ten years to life and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for child pornography is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Birmingham FBI’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Jonathan Cross are prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI Raise Awareness of Elder AbuseRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. are committed to protecting older adults by raising awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the Northern District of Alabama.
“Unfortunately, some of the most vulnerable among us, our senior citizens, are a prime target of elder abuse, in all its forms. It is important that we inform and educate our older population about the scams that target them,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute those who prey on senior citizens in the Northern District of Alabama.”
“Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite,” SAC Sharp said. “They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers. I want to encourage all seniors and their caregivers to remain vigilant and educate yourself on the most prolific scams. Finally, if any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should immediately report it to the FBI.”
Each year, June 15th is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse, neglect, and fraud schemes committed against older Americans.
Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting at least 10% of older Americans every year. The effects of financial crimes can be physically and emotionally devastating. Just in Alabama, in 2021, over 1100 Alabama seniors reported being victims of elder fraud with losses of over $17 million.
Some of the most common scams targeting older Americans include:
- Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites in order to obtain money from the victim.
- Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues, such as computer viruses or hacked accounts.
- Grandparent Scam: Criminals pose as a relative, usually a child or grandchild, claiming to be in immediate financial need.
- Governmental impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay.
These tips could help you or someone you know from becoming a victim:
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Criminals create a sense of urgency to instill fear and the need for immediate action.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers
- Never provide any personally identifiable information.
- Never wire money to persons or businesses you have only met online. Verify any email request for money
- Do not open emails or click on attachments or links you do not recognize or were not expecting.
- Research online and social media advertisements before purchase to determine if a product or company is legitimate.
- Stop communication with the perpetrator, but expect that the criminal will continue to attempt contact.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted and continues to prosecute elder abuse cases in the Northern District of Alabama. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby is the district’s Elder Justice Coordinator. She is responsible for prosecuting elder abuse cases, conducting public outreach and awareness activities related to elder abuse, serving as legal counsel for the district on matters relating to elder abuse, and ensuring collection of data required by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act.
For elder abuse resources in the State of Alabama visit – https://go.usa.gov/xJTQG. To learn more about the ways you can assist in our efforts to prevent fraud, neglect, and abuse of elders visit www.elderjustice.gov.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact the FBI Birmingham Field Office at 205.326.6166. You can also contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or file a complaint FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.ic3.gov.
Birmingham Man Arrested for Possession of a Firearm While Subject to Protection from Abuse OrderRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal indictment has been unsealed after a Birmingham man was arrested on Monday on gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Antarius Lanay Mitchell, 23, with possession of a firearm by a person subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, and threatening an intimate partner (known as a domestic violence protective order, Protection from Abuse order, or PFA) and providing a false statement on a federal firearm licensee record.
According to the indictment, in October 2021, Mitchell provided fraudulent information on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, to the effect that he was not the subject of a PFA when, in fact, he was the subject of a PFA. The PFA charge against Mitchell stems from his possession of a firearm, while subject to the terms of a PFA order issued by the Jefferson County Family Court on August 6, 2020. Under federal law, an individual who is subject to a PFA order is prohibited from possessing firearms. As alleged in the indictment, Mitchell possessed a Steyr Arms 9mm pistol.
The maximum penalty for possession of a firearm while under a Protection from Abuse Order is 10 years in prison.
The maximum penalty for providing a false statement on federal firearm licensee records is 5 years in prison.
ATF investigated the case, along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Plyler is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Operation Safe Families Initiative, which was launched in October 2020. Operation Safe Families focuses on fighting domestic violence in the Northern District of Alabama. Annually, offenders with a history of domestic violence commit more than half of all homicides committed in Jefferson County. Through Operation Safe Families, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works with federal, state, and local law enforcement to use federal firearm laws to combat domestic violence. Additionally, the Office works with partners in the community who are focused on prevention, education, and survivor support. Operation Safe Families is a partnership between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, One Place Family Justice Center, YWCA, and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Father and Son Prosecuted for Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Tuesday, a father and son appeared in court on charges stemming from a bank fraud scheme in which they provided fraudulent information to financial institutions for the purpose of obtaining loans, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Judge Annemarie C. Axon sentenced Christopher A. Montalbano, 39, of Vestavia, to 180 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $11,924,471.00. Montalbano pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in November 2021.
“Today’s sentence demonstrates that schemes to defraud federally-insured financial institutions are serious crimes that carry significant penalties,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “This defendant caused a multi-million-dollar loss to the victims. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold perpetrators of these fraud schemes accountable and use all tools at our disposal to recover their ill-gotten gains.”
“Montalbano deserves every day of this sentence, as he went to great lengths to cover up his massive fraud scheme,” SAC Sharp said. “Hopefully, Montalbano enjoyed the short time he had with the luxury items he purchased with money he swindled from federally insured banks, as he will now pay for his crimes with years behind bars. American citizens can be assured that the FBI will continue to pursue predators who drag down our economy by deception for their own personal gain.”
According to the sentencing memo, between 2016 and 2020, Montalbano engaged in a bank fraud scheme targeting financial institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in multiple states including Alabama. Montalbano, through his shell companies, and/or known associates, fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in loans from at least twenty different financial institutions by submitting fraudulent information and supporting documentation on more than 140 loans. Montalbano obtained these loan proceeds in his personal name, through a shell company, or in the name of a co-conspirator. Montalbano specifically used the loan proceeds to pay for an extravagant lifestyle which included traveling on a private jet aircraft, employing private pilots, employing a personal assistant, purchasing multiple high-end vehicles including Lamborghinis and Ferraris, and purchasing multiple real properties, including a residential home in a gated community, a lake house, and farmland.
To further facilitate the bank fraud scheme, Montalbano created internet websites for some of his shell companies including Land Work Tractor & Equipment (LWT&E), previously located in Florida and then Vincent, Alabama. On the LWT&E website, Christopher Montalbano posted photographs of agricultural and construction equipment, UTVs and boats which were purportedly in LWT&E’s possession and for sale. However, the majority of these photographs were copied and taken from the internet websites of legitimate equipment dealers. As a further part of the scheme, Christopher Montalbano purchased adjoining properties totaling approximately 150 acres in Vincent, Alabama, where LWT&E was purportedly located. Christopher Montalbano then gated the private access road(s) which both prevented unscheduled access, and severely limited the lenders’ ability to verify LWT&E’s possession of the equipment being sold and/or the validity of the equipment pictures on LWT&E’s internet website.
Gus Montalbano, 77, of Vestavia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie C. Axon to conspiring with Christopher Montalbano to commit bank fraud.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robin B. Mark and Kristen Osborne are prosecuting the cases.
Birmingham Man Indicted on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand yesterday indicted a Birmingham man on gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Fredrick Leonard Temple, Jr., 32, with possession of a machine gun and receipt of an unregistered firearm.
According to the indictment, in January 2022, Temple illegally possessed a Glock 9mm pistol equipped with a “Glock switch” – an after-market device which is designed to illegally convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into a fully automatic machine gun.
The maximum penalty for possession of a machine gun is 10 years in prison.
The maximum penalty for receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm is 10 years in prison.
ATF investigated the case, along with the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Birmingham Police Department began seeing these small illegal devices about a year ago. ATF confirms the frequency has picked up in the Southeast over the last three months. The conversion of the semiautomatic Glock pistol to a fully automatic machine gun causes the firearm to become inaccurate, spraying bullets everywhere, and increasing danger to innocent bystanders. If you know someone who has a Glock switch, you are asked to call law enforcement. Information about Glock switches can be reported to ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or 1-888-283-8477.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Recognize National Missing Children’s Day and Provide Summer Safety Tips for ChildrenRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On National Missing Children’s Day, U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. share tips on how to keep children safe both in the online and offline worlds. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. National Missing Children’s Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.
“As a parent of young children, I am concerned about providing a safe environment for children. As the U.S. Attorney, I also realize that there are predators who work overtime to take advantage of children’s vulnerabilities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will do our part to prosecute those who victimize our children, and we urge parents and caregivers to do their part through education and awareness.”
“It’s an unfortunate reality that every year, thousands of children become victims of crime, whether through kidnappings, violent attacks, sexual abuse, or online predators,” SAC Sharp said. “While I want to encourage parents to stay vigilant in protecting their children, the citizens of North Alabama can rest assured knowing that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who would take advantage of our most vulnerable population.”
As the school year draws to a close, many parents are planning for their children’s summer activities. Whether a child is spending the summer at home with parents, or away from home at a summer program, the following safety tips will help ensure that children are being cared for under the watchful eyes of trusted and vetted adults.
- Know your childcare providers. Choose babysitters, nannies, and tutors with care. Obtain references from family, friends, and neighbors. Observe the interaction with your children and ask your children how they feel about your childcare provider. Do background screening and reference checks.
- Check out camps and summer programs before enrolling your children. Ask if a background screening check is completed on the individuals working with the children. Talk to your children about safety and encourage them to tell you or another trusted adult if anyone or anything makes them feel sad, scared, or confused. Teach them it is okay to tell you what happened, and they will not be “tattletales” for telling.
Another thing to be mindful of is online safety. During the summer, children will have an increased online presence. The following safety tips will help educate parents and prevent children from becoming victims of child predators and sexual exploitation.
The most important advice for parents is to have open and ongoing conversations about safe and appropriate online behavior. Other advice to consider:
- Educate yourself about the websites, software, games, and apps that your children use.
- Check their social media and gaming profiles and posts. Make sure they use privacy settings to restrict access to their online profiles.
- Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house.
- Explain to your kids that once images or comments are posted online, they can be shared with anyone and never truly disappear.
- Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult and law enforcement.
- Make it a rule with your kids that they can’t arrange to meet up with someone they met online without your knowledge and supervision.
- The FBI has seen a huge increase in the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced by adults into sending explicit images online—a crime called sextortion. For more information visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion.
Child Exploitation is a serious federal crime, carrying severe federal penalties. Some cases carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted and continues to prosecute child exploitation cases in the Northern District of Alabama.
To help in child abduction recoveries, the FBI has developed the Child ID app, which provides an effective way for parents and guardians to keep their child’s pictures and information on hand in case he or she goes missing. The app also includes safety tips for parents to help keep their kids out of harm’s way. The app is free, and, in the event a child goes missing, parents and guardians can quickly e-mail the photos and information to authorities. No information about you or your child will be collected or stored by the FBI. To download the Child ID app, go to iTunes Apps Store on your iPhone or Play Store on your Android phone.
For more information on the FBI’s guidance on child exploitation and protecting your kids visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/protecting-your-kids.
If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
Multiple Defendants Sentenced in a Scheme to “Straw Purchase” FirearmsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced one of six defendants charged in a scheme to “straw purchase” firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
“This kind of criminal activity escalates violent crime in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove illegal firearms from our neighborhoods before they can be used in a homicide or other violent crime.”
“A person violates federal law the moment that they purchase and transfer a firearm to an individual who cannot legally possess them,” SAC French said. “The ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate and prosecute the “straw purchasers” in conjunction with the individuals who receive these firearms and use them to commit violent criminal acts.”
Freddie Ward, 23, of Uniontown, was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Ward pleaded guilty to giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm in October 2021.
On April 28th, Dayquan A. Haley, 23, of Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Haley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to falsify information on firearm acquisition records in December 2021.
On March 30th, Michael Tiree Coleman, 24, of Tuscaloosa, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation. Coleman pleaded guilty to giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm in October 2021.
Darius Marquise Collins, 25, of Boston Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm in March 2022.
Jeremy Bernard Brown, 30, of Tuscaloosa, pleaded to giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm in August 2021.
Demarcus Montez Walker, 25, of Tuscaloosa, pleaded guilty to giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm in July 2021.
According to court documents, ATF Birmingham Field Division received a referral from ATF's Crime Gun Intelligence Center about multiple firearms purchases from Three Factors Unlimited, Inc., doing business as Wade's Pawn Shop, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Between November 2019 and March 2021, Walker, Brown, and Coleman – the straw purchasers – purchased approximately 42 handguns from Wade's Pawn Shop. Coleman also purchased three firearms from Blue Bore Armory in Demopolis, Alabama. During that time, Haley, Collins, and Ward partnered with Walker, Brown, and Coleman, who were permitted to buy guns from licensed dealers in Alabama. As Massachusetts residents, Haley and Collins could not buy handguns from licensed dealers in Alabama and take them back to Massachusetts. The straw purchasers falsified documents by specifically stating that they were the actual buyers when in fact they were buying the firearms for Haley, Collins, and Ward. Haley and Collins provided the straw purchasers with funds to buy firearms and also paid them for purchasing the firearms.
On March 11, 2020, a traffic stop was conducted in South Carolina in which Haley was in possession of several firearms, 14 of which were purchased by Walker at Wade's Pawn Shop. Several of the other firearms that Walker purchased were recovered by law enforcement in Boston, Massachusetts. One of the firearms purchased, by Walker in Alabama on November 18, 2019, was used in a homicide in Boston, Massachusetts on April 15, 2020.
On July 20, 2020, Uniontown police officers encountered Collins and Haley, at the E&Z Event Center in Uniontown, Alabama. Collins and Haley were in possession of multiple firearms which had been purchased by Brown at Wade’s Jewelry and Pawn in July 2020.
These cases are a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ campaign "Don’t Lie for the Other Guy" is a part of PSN aimed at reducing firearm “straw purchases”, the illegal purchase of a firearm by one person for another, and to educate would-be straw purchasers of the penalties of knowingly participating in an illegal firearm purchase. More information about the campaign can be found at: www.dontlie.org.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples and Darius Greene are prosecuting the cases.
Leader of multi-state identity fraud ring sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: The leader of an elaborate multi-state fraud and identity theft ring has been sentenced to federal prison.
Kenson Hunte, 39, of Canton, Ga., was sentenced to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Use Five or More False Identification Documents, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Hunte to pay restitution of $104,347.16, and to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Hunte led his codefendants into a theft and fraud scheme for no purposes other than to enrich themselves at the expense of innocent victims,” said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Prison time and the payment of substantial restitution will help hold him accountable for his crimes.”
Three codefendants – Sheryl Henderson, 39, of Norcross, Ga.; Colby Hart, 27, of Vidalia, Ga.; and Monique Laing, 23, of Atlanta – previously entered guilty pleas for their involvement in the scheme and have been sentenced.
With Hunte and the other two as passengers, Henderson was driving on State Road 27 in Glynn County on March 6, 2019, when a Georgia State Patrol trooper pulled her over for speeding. During a subsequent search, troopers found 44 fake driver’s licenses and identification cards appearing to have been issued in various states, with all of the cards using the personal information of other individuals.
Evidence presented in court showed that beginning in or about January 2019 through May 2019 in Jefferson County, in the Northern District of Alabama, Hunte and a co-conspirator used the fraudulently created identification cards to purchase cell phones and network contracts through a third-party retailer in a Wal-Mart store in Homewood, Ala. Hunte paid only a percentage of the cost up front for the phones and contracts, fraudulently purchasing approximately 127 phones.
The conspirator received employee commissions from the retailer and kickbacks from Hunte, while Hunte profited from the black market sale of the fraudulently obtained phones. The total loss amount from the conspiracy is $104,347.16 – the amount Hunte is ordered to repay.
“This sentence is the result of the determination and hard work of federal, state, and local investigators who aggressively pursue identity theft,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work hard to pursue any individual who greedily puts innocent people at financial risk for their own personal gain.”
The cases were investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Georgia State Patrol, with assistance from the Brunswick Police Department and the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Bearden and Northern District of Alabama Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin B. Mark.
U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Prim Escalona will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“This week, we celebrate the men and women in law enforcement, especially those in the Northern District of Alabama, who devote their lives to public service,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Our law enforcement partners often put their lives on the line without hesitation. Let us all take a moment to recognize the sacrifices of every member of law enforcement, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while courageously acting in the line of duty. To the families of these brave men and women, you have our unending gratitude and support.”
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), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Six officers have died in the line of duty in the Northern District of Alabama.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Federal Law Enforcement Focuses on Violent Crime in TuscaloosaRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with state and local law enforcement, have increased their focus on prosecuting violent crime in Tuscaloosa. The initiative was made possible, in part, by focusing on crimes that drive the violence. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and ATF Special Agent in Charge Mickey French made the announcement.
“These efforts signify what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work together and combine every resource available to combat violent crime,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “But our work is not done. We expect additional prosecutions in the near future as we continue to focus on the scourge of violent crime. We are committed to working with our state and local partners in Tuscaloosa to make our communities safer.”
“The individuals who knowingly and unlawfully possess firearms, distribute narcotics, and use illegal substances while possessing firearms are a huge concern for law enforcement,” SAC French said. “The ATF works collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to swiftly remove violent criminals from the streets. The ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent crime in our communities, and we will work tirelessly to keep the communities that we serve safe.”
In April 2022, a federal grand jury indicted multiple defendants with firearm offenses, including:
Stanley Darnelius Wilder, 26, Tuscaloosa, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wilder illegally possessed a Diamondback 9mm pistol.
Antawn Devonte Marshall, 25, Eutaw, was charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Marshall illegally possessed a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, approximately 29 rounds of Wolf 7.6x39mm ammunition and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol.
Johnny Dewayne Wells, 31, Tuscaloosa, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wells illegally possessed a Cobra .380 caliber pistol.
Charles Anthony Leatherwood, Jr., 20, Tuscaloosa, was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and with being an unlawful and addicted user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Leatherwood received a stolen Glock .40 caliber pistol.
On April 28, 2022, Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Donovan Logan Crawley, 32, of Tuscaloosa, to 15 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Crawley pleaded guilty in December 2021 to the charge. Crawley is prohibited from having a firearm because of multiple prior felony convictions.
In addition to the above cases, ATF, along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, partnered in a two-day operation focused on reducing violent crime in Tuscaloosa. The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals. ATF Special Agents and Task Force Officers arrested Devante Deshaun Stewart for a recent federal indictment alleging possession
of two firearms after having been convicted of a felony. Tuscaloosa officers arrested individuals for a broad variety of offenses, including narcotics possession, pistol possession without a permit, distribution of narcotics, assault, outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court, illegal possession of pistols after convictions for certain state offenses, DUI, and leaving the scene of a crash, among other charges. Officers recovered a Jaguar automobile that had been stolen from the Birmingham area. Additionally, local narcotics investigators executed two narcotics search warrants during the operation. Officers also seized nine firearms from individuals who did not have pistol permits or were barred from possessing them because of prior convictions for certain felonies.An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud and Money Laundering SchemesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, an Illinois man pleaded guilty to charges stemming from his participation in fraudulent business email compromise and account takeover schemes that targeted victims around the United States, including businesses in the Northern District of Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Adetona Lala, 38, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his plea agreement, the defendant also agreed to forfeit approximately $2,310,330.33. Lala’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case to six.
According to court documents, from December 2017 through February 2020, Lala participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy that targeted dozens of victims with business email compromise, account takeover, and other fraud schemes. During the course of the conspiracy, Lala employed “field officers” who traveled across the country opening up fraudulent bank accounts designed to receive transfers from fraud victims. Many of these accounts were opened using fake names, false identification documents, and shell companies to avoid detection and hide the true identities of the members of the conspiracy controlling the accounts. This account-opening activity was planned and organized by Lala. He identified financial institutions for his co-conspirators to target, created shell companies used in the scheme, forged tax forms and utility bills that were used to open the fraudulent bank accounts, helped procure false identification documents from co-conspirators in Illinois and Nigeria, and facilitated his co-conspirators’ travel to financial institutions across the United States. Collectively, Lala and his co-conspirators attempted to defraud victims out of more than $9.5 million.
According to the plea agreement, after receiving proceeds from these fraud schemes, Lala and his co-conspirators moved the funds between accounts to disguise their origin and conceal their fraudulent nature and then either transferred the proceeds to accounts in Nigeria or used them to purchase cryptocurrency or automobiles that were shipped overseas.
The maximum punishment for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud is 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000.00 fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved, whichever is greater.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and Catherine L. Crosby are prosecuting the case. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Indiana, the Middle District of Georgia, and the Eastern District of Wisconsin provided assistance in the investigation.
Undocumented Individual Indicted on Illegal Firearm Possession, Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala – A federal grand jury this week charged an undocumented individual with drug and gun crimes and illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger.
A 17-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Juan Jose Maldonado-Arce, 36, with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, one count of distribution cocaine hydrochloride, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of being an undocumented individual in possession of a firearm, two counts of carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and one count of illegal re-entry after deportation.
According to the indictment, between May 2021 and February 2022, in Madison and Limestone Counties, Maldonado-Arce possessed and sold methamphetamine and cocaine hydrochloride, and he possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Smith & Wesson .32 caliber revolver, and a Hi-Point 9mm pistol.
Maldonado-Arce re-entered the United States in July 2012, July 2016, and June 2020 after he was previously deported to Mexico on March 24, 2011.
The penalty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine hydrochloride and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine is 10 years to life in prison. The maximum penalty for distribution of five or more grams of methamphetamine is 40 years in prison. The maximum penalty for distribution of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for illegal re-entry after deportation and being a felon and/or undocumented individual in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison. The minimum penalty for possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime is five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence.
DEA and HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tuscaloosa Man Indicted on COVID-19 Program Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala – A federal grand jury this week indicted a Tuscaloosa man for defrauding the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Quincy T. Doss, 41, with wire fraud.
According to the indictment, between April 2021 and November 2021, Doss submitted false and fraudulent PPP loan applications and received two separate PPP loans totaling more than $220,000. In the loan applications, the defendant allegedly misrepresented that his business was in operation and had employees for whom it paid salaries, that the funds would be used to retain workers, and that the information provided in the loan applications was true and accurate.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan “Jack” Harrington is prosecuting the case.
Criminals worldwide exploit COVID-19 through a variety of fraud schemes. For more information about these scams visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud .
Anyone who thinks they are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEA Holds 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to Prevent Addiction and Reduce Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona announces support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take Back Day is a bi-annual event that aims to provide safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing or prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“I encourage our community to take this opportunity to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs. It is free, easy, and anonymous,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step we all can take to get involved in protecting our loved ones from accidental overdoses or even addiction.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Drug overdose deaths continue to climb, last year marking the largest number ever recorded, claiming 290 lives every day. Sadly, the majority of these addictions start with prescription drugs found in home medicine cabinets. DEA’s Take-Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to rid their homes of unneeded medications that too often become a gateway to addiction. Please do your part to keep prescription drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community.”
Last October, DEA’s New Orleans Field Division, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, collected 39,840 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at 289 collection sites throughout the division. The amounts collected for each state within the division was the following: Louisiana – 4,510 pounds; Mississippi –5,942 pounds; Alabama – 4,708 pounds; and Arkansas – 24,680 pounds.
Drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 15 million pounds of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the overdose epidemic in the United States.
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, DEA and its law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to April 30 collection sites.
Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and business. Additionally, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public may now use drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers to dispose of controlled substance prescription medications. Check with your local VA health facility for more information. With more than 13,000 year-round drop-off locations in the United States, every day can be Take Back Day.
National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 24-30. This year’s theme “Rights, Access, Equity, for all Victims,” emphasizes the importance of helping crime survivors by enforcing federal victim’s rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.
“This week we reflect on our responsibilities to crime victims in our communities and renew our commitment to enforcing victims’ rights and providing victim services,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Working together with community partners, we are better able to serve victims of crime and support them through the healing process.”
Over the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama has provided direct services to over 900 crime victims. We also worked alongside community partners to raise awareness and host trainings and events for community members and law enforcement focused on human trafficking and opioids. Our office continues to maintain pivotal partnerships with One Place Metro Birmingham Family Justice Center, One Place of the Shoals, North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Vicarious Trauma Initiative Team. These partnerships are key to expanding access to services and enabling crime victims to find the justice they seek, in whatever form that might take.
The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), during which victim advocacy organizations, community groups, and state, and local agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. For more information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week website.
The following event will be held in our local area to commemorate NCVRW 2022:
- NCVRW Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Bessemer Division on Thursday, April 28, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. at Perfecting Reconciliation Church, 1723 3rd Avenue North, Bessemer.
Former Alabama Resident Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Concealing Terrorism FinancingRead the Press Release
A former Alabama resident was sentenced today to 90 months, the equivalent of seven and a half years, in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for concealing the transmission of funds to be provided as material support to al-Qaida, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Alaa Mohd Abusaad, 26, pleaded guilty to concealment of terrorism financing in September 2019. According to the plea agreement, between February and April 2018, Abusaad instructed an FBI undercover employee (UCE) about how to send money to the mujahideen – fighters engaged in jihad. Abusaad told the UCE that money “...is always needed. You can’t have a war without weapons. You can’t prepare a soldier without equipment.” Abusaad also advised the UCE on how to send money in a manner that would avoid detection by law enforcement, including by using fake names and addresses when conducting electronic money transfers. Subsequently, Abusaad introduced the UCE to a financial facilitator who could route the UCE’s money to “brothers that work with aq” (meaning al-Qaida).
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama, and Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. of the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Birmingham, Memphis and Cleveland Field Offices investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry Cornelius and Manu Balachandran for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Athens Owner of Hearing Aid Practice Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Athens-based businessman has been charged with health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and TVA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Meagan Sands.
An information filed today in U.S. District Court charges Joshua D. Creasy, 44, of Athens, Alabama, with fifteen counts of health care fraud. Creasy operated One Love Hearing Concepts, a practice with multiple storefront locations that provided hearing aids and other hearing solutions. According to the information, Creasy schemed to defraud insurers into paying for medically unnecessary hearing aids. For example, Creasy provided free products to induce beneficiaries to allow One Love to bill their insurance for hearing aids. He also billed insurance for hearing aids that beneficiaries never received. In some cases insurance was billed for hearing aids for individuals who never visited a One Love location, or for individuals who came in but said they did not want or need the hearing aids.
Creasy has agreed to plead guilty to the charges. A change-of-plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. In a plea agreement also filed today, Creasy stipulated that he will pay forfeiture of $1,000,000 and pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $1,500,000.
The maximum penalty for each count of health care fraud is ten years in prison.
The FBI and TVA-OIG investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward is prosecuting it.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Vincent man for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Nigel Earl Hartley, 43, of Vincent, to 39 months in prison followed by 36 months supervised release for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Hartley pleaded guilty to the charge in January. Hartley is prohibited from possessing ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions
According to the plea agreement, on October 13, 2020, deputies of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office went to Hartley’s residence in Vincent, AL, to arrest him on two active Shelby County arrest warrants. During a search of Hartley’s person incident to the arrest, deputies located six rounds of ammunition in his pocket.
The ATF investigated the case, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Kingpin and All Members of Birmingham-Based Continuing Criminal Enterprise Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal jury on Monday convicted a Bessemer man charged under the “Kingpin” statute, and three other defendants, on charges of operating a continuing criminal enterprise involved in the large-scale distribution of illegal drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey.
After a week-long trial before United States District Court Judge Annmarie C. Axon a jury convicted Rolando Antuain Williamson, also known as “Baldhead” and “Ball Head,” 37, of Bessemer, Alabama, of leading a multi-million dollar continuing criminal enterprise. Williamson, Adrien Hiram Taylor, also known as “Slim,” 34, of Bessemer, Alabama, Ishmywel Calid Gregory, also known as “C,” 38, of Mulga, Alabama, and Hendarius Lamar Archie, also known as “Hen,” 33, of Bessemer, Alabama, were convicted of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Williamson, Taylor, Gregory, and Archie were all convicted of distributing or possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Williamson and Archie were convicted of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Williamson and Taylor were convicted of several counts of using a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
With today’s verdict, all 18 people charged in the indictment returned on October 29, 2019, have now been convicted. The convictions were the result of a three-year investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of this West Jefferson County-based drug-trafficking enterprise. The investigation identified acts committed in furtherance of the conspiracy over a period of six years. Prior to the trial, 14 of the charged defendants pleaded guilty. Seven members of the criminal enterprise have been sentenced and the remaining defendants await sentencing.
The OCDETF agencies involved in this investigation are the FBI, IRS, member agencies of the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force, Bessemer Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force arrested Williamson the morning of August 22, 2019, in the parking lot of a grocery store located in Homewood, Alabama. Williamson was driving a 2016 Dodge Hellcat worth $80,000. At the time of arrest, Williamson was found to be in possession of two loaded pistols (with additional loaded magazines) and almost $14,000 in cash. All other members of the conspiracy were arrested on or about November 13, 2019.
At the time of Williamson’s arrest law enforcement officers also seized from Williamson and three of his stash houses, 366 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 109 grams of suspected cocaine, 573 grams of pure methamphetamine, 52 kilos of marijuana, over $97,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and over 1700 rounds of ammunition.
“This verdict should send a message to those engaged in violent crime and distribution of deadly drugs in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime continues to be our highest priority. I commend our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to ensure these defendants were brought to justice.”
“Removing this “kingpin” and the dangerous drugs he and his criminal enterprise peddled will no doubt save lives and families from the pain of addiction,” SAC Sharp said. “This sentence reflects the severity of Williamsons actions, and he will have decades in prison to consider the impact of his decisions. This case highlights the joint commitment, dedication, and partnership between our law enforcement partners in combatting drug trafficking in our community.”
“Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, worked in conjunction with the FBI and other participating agencies during this 3-year investigation,” Sheriff Pettway said. “The illegal drug trade ruins hundreds of lives in Jefferson County every year. We are proud to have been a part of disrupting the trade and distribution of these illegal narcotics in western Jefferson County. Working in unison with our fellow local and federal agencies, we are able to share and act on critical intelligence that is imperative to shutting down these type operations. This case is an example of how these agencies working together successfully disrupted a large-scale drug operation. We look forward to continuing these invaluable partnerships against crime.”
As, a convicted “Kingpin,” Williamson faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Taylor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty-five years to life in prison. Gregory faces a maximum of thirty years in prison. Archie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years to forty years in prison.
Forfeiture was obtained for two high-end vehicles of Williamson: a $46,000 Ford F-250 “King’s Ranch” and a $37,000 Cadillac Escalade; over $100,000 dollars in cash; $45, 000 in jewelry; and all firearms and ammunition used to facilitate the drug trafficking enterprise.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service, investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Cross and Gregory R. Dimler are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks.
Alabama Man Charged with Defrauding Jefferson County Retirement PlanRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Alabama man has been charged with devising a scheme to defraud Jefferson County’s retirement plan, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
An information filed today in United States District Court charges GARY DEAN GIBBS, JR., 52, with one count of wire fraud. According to the information, Gibbs’ father was a former employee of Jefferson County, Alabama, who was receiving benefits from The General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County (“GRS”). GRS is a retirement plan that provides benefits to retired and disabled employees of Jefferson County, Alabama. The information alleges that, beginning in September 2017 and continuing until February 2022, Gibbs concealed his father’s death from GRS and collected money from GRS to which he was not entitled. According to the information Gibbs used his father’s personal identifiers and forged his father’s signature on documents submitted to GRS to further his scheme. Additionally, the information alleges that Gibbs assumed his father’s identity during telephone calls with a GRS employee.
According to a plea agreement, also filed today, Gibbs agreed to plead guilty to the information. The plea agreement states that Gibbs collected approximately $132,646.12 to which he was not entitled.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney George Martin is prosecuting the case.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Blount County Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Blount County man on gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Stephen Matthew Laughlin aka “Country”, 38, to 286 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Laughlin pleaded guilty in December 2021.
According to the plea agreement and evidence at sentencing, on September 29, 2021, law enforcement conducted a joint operation of a safety and driver license inspection checkpoint in Blount County. An officer approached Laughlin’s vehicle when it stopped at the checkpoint and asked Laughlin to produce his driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. The officer walked to the rear of the vehicle to check the status of the tag and noticed a large metal piece sticking up off the trailer hitch. The metal piece obstructed the view of the vehicle tag and was in violation of Alabama state law. The officer returned to the driver's window and asked Laughlin to pull to the side of the road and wait for the officer to issue a warning citation for the violation. As the officer walked to his patrol unit, he asked a K-9 deputy to use his narcotics detection K-9 to conduct a free air sniff of the truck. The K-9 positively alerted for the presence of the odor of drugs coming from the truck. The officer asked Laughlin to exit the vehicle so officers could conduct a probable cause search of the vehicle based on the positive K-9 alert. Laughlin then became argumentative with the officers, put his truck in drive and fled the scene. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer (TFO), who was at the checkpoint, began to pursue Laughlin. Laughlin accelerated to speeds exceeding eighty miles per hour and threw a red bag out of the driver's side window. Another officer stopped and retrieved the bag, which was found to contain methamphetamine. Spike strips were deployed by officers. Laughlin ran over the spike strips and eventually stopped, surrendering to law enforcement officers. During the search of Laughlin’s vehicle, officers found a PPS43C Pioneer Arms Corp 9mm semi-automatic pistol and an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223 caliber rifle in a soft rifle case located behind the driver's seat on the bench seat. The drugs seized from Laughlin totaled 997.1 grams of 94% pure methamphetamine.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett prosecuted the case.
Three Oklahoma Sisters Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crimes Related to Walker County ShootingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced three Oklahoma sisters to prison for convictions related to a shooting in Walker County in 2018, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
In July 2021, a federal jury convicted the Tulsa, Oklahoma sisters of various crimes related to shots fired at a Florida resident and his wife as they sat in their car at a rural Walker County convenience store.
Tierzah Mapson, 29, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to commit interstate stalking and discharging of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of interstate domestic violence and two counts of interstate stalking.
Elisa Mapson, 25, and Charis Mapson, 33, each were sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to commit interstate stalking and discharging of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of stalking.
Testimony at trial showed that Tierzah Mapson and the male victim had a child together in 2013. In June of 2018, the child’s father and his wife, also a victim, were planning to meet Tierzah Mapson halfway between their home in Orlando, Florida, and her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to take temporary custody of the child. The victims and Tierzah Mapson agreed to meet on June 18th at a rural convenience store in Eldridge, Alabama, northwest of Jasper.
Testimony and evidence established that the couple drove to Alabama on June 18th, believing that Tierzah Mapson and the child were driving from Oklahoma. While they waited at the store for over four hours, they received text messages from Tierzah Mapson explaining delays in her travel. Around 5:40p.m, the victims heard shots, one of which came through the trunk of their car, hitting the child’s father in the shoulder and lodging in his chest. Store security video showed that as he made two attempts to get out of the car, additional shots hit the ground on his side of the vehicle. After the two took cover inside the store, the shooting stopped. The wounded father was later transported to a Tuscaloosa hospital where his wound was treated and determined to be nonlife-threatening. It was later determined that the shots were fired by a rifle from a wooded hill behind a nearby church.
“These convictions are the result of a collaborative effort by a multitude of agencies, both here and outside the district,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “ I commend all those who were involved in bringing these defendants to justice.”
“I applaud the sentences handed down today, as the Mapsons showed no regard for human life as they carried out their conspiracy,” SAC Sharp said. “This case is a perfect example of how law enforcement can combine resources and efforts to bring violent criminals to justice.”
The FBI North Alabama Violent Crime Task Force and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, the Orlando, Tulsa, and Eureka-Fortuna (CA) offices of the FBI, the Orlando Police Department, the Hoover Police Department, the Tennessee Valley Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, and the FBI Electronic Device Analysis Unit at Quantico, Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Baty and Jonathan Cross prosecuted the charges.
Huntsville Doctor Charged with Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Huntsville doctor has been charged for conspiring to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles.
An information filed yesterday in U.S. District Court charges, Dr. Eric Beck, 63, of Huntsville, Alabama, with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Beck operated Valley Center for Nerve Studies and Rehabilitation in Huntsville. According to the information, Beck conspired with the owner of QBR, a Huntsville-based testing company, to bill insurers millions of dollars for electro-diagnostic testing that its technicians performed, regardless of whether there was a medical need for them. Beck billed insurers for tests using his National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, even where he did not conduct the tests, supervise the tests, interpret the test results, or have anything to do with the tests beyond allowing his NPI number to be used for billing purposes.
In a plea agreement also filed yesterday, Dr. Beck agreed to plead guilty to the information. According to the plea agreement, the defendant caused health insurance programs to be billed over $28 million for medically unnecessary electro-diagnostic testing QBR performed. Dr. Beck has fully cooperated with the investigative team during its investigation.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit health care fraud is five years in prison.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Long and J.B. Ward are prosecuting it.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.