Northern District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Huntsville Man Charged with Multiple Bank Robberies in Madison CountyRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury in Huntsville has charged an individual with committing a string of bank robberies in Madison County, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Lawrence Jones, 57, of Huntsville, with committing bank robberies at four Regions Bank locations between May 2022 and January 2023.
FBI investigated the case along with the Huntsville Police Department and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara M. Judah and Russell Penfield are prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Mexico Man Sentenced to More than 27 Years in Prison for Advertising and Selling Child Pornography OnlineRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A New Mexico man was sentenced yesterday on two felony charges related to his online child sexual exploitation activities, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Wesley Alan Crownover, II, 37, to 330 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In August 2023, Crownover pleaded guilty to one count of advertising child pornography and one count of sale of child pornography. These convictions will require Crownover to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to the plea agreement, Crownover was a member of 10 separate online groups dedicated to users who have a sexual interest in children. Within some of these groups, Crownover marketed his child pornography collection comprising of thousands of images and videos for sale. When contacted by an FBI undercover agent in one of the online groups, Crownover sold 30 videos containing child sexual abuse material for $25.
A federal complaint and arrest warrant were obtained in the Northern District of Alabama, and a search warrant for Crownover’s residence was obtained from the District of New Mexico. When the warrants were executed, Crownover was not on the premises. Nonetheless, he saw law enforcement at his residence and fled the state. Crownover was a fugitive from justice for only a few months before he was located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and arrested by the United States Marshals Service.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the assistance of FBI Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Kristen Osborne prosecuted the case.
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.
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.
Former Alabama Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation and Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A former Killen, Alabama, Police Department officer pleaded guilty today for sexually assaulting a woman while on duty and for receiving sexually explicit photos of a minor.
As part of the plea agreement, Jarrod Gailen Webster admitted that, on November 12, 2023, he violated the civil rights of a woman after initiating a traffic stop on the woman’s vehicle. Webster asked the woman to step out of her vehicle, and he asked her what she wanted to do to “get out of this.” When the woman told Webster that she was not going to do anything for him, Webster handcuffed the woman and sexually assaulted her.
Further, Webster admitted that, between June 2016 and October 2018, he communicated with a minor by phone. Webster asked the minor to produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself. The minor victim sent multiple photos to Webster at his request, at least one of which constituted child sexual abuse material.
“Jarrod Webster took an oath to protect and serve citizens of his community. He violated that oath when he sexually assaulted a woman and exploited a minor to produce and send sexually explicit images,” said Prim Escalona U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate positions of public trust are held accountable for their actions.”
“Police officers are given immense trust and responsibility to serve and protect, and are therefore held to a higher standard,” said Carlton Peeples, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham Division, “so there are serious consequences when one tarnishes the badge by breaking the law. Jarrod Gailen Webster disgraced the uniform when he abused his authority, and his conviction affirms that the FBI has zero tolerance for officials who prey on the citizens they have sworn to protect.”
Webster pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of sexual exploitation of children. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2025.
Webster faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the charge of deprivation of rights under color of law. For the child sexual exploitation charge, he faces a prison term of 15-30 years, a supervised release term of 5 years to life, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Royster and Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Maura White and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Alabama Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation and Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
A former Killen, Alabama, Police Department officer pleaded guilty yesterday for sexually assaulting a woman while on duty and for receiving sexually explicit photos of a minor.
As part of the plea agreement, Jarrod Gailen Webster admitted that, on Nov. 12, 2023, he violated the civil rights of a woman after initiating a traffic stop on the woman’s vehicle. Webster asked the woman to step out of her vehicle and he asked her what she wanted to do to “get out of this.” When the woman told Webster that she was not going to do anything for him, Webster handcuffed the woman and sexually assaulted her.
Further, Webster admitted that, between June 2016 and October 2018, he communicated with a minor by phone. Webster asked the minor to produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself. The minor victim sent multiple photos to Webster at his request, at least one of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“Jarrod Webster took an oath to protect and serve citizens of his community. He violated that oath when he sexually assaulted a woman and exploited a minor to produce and send sexually explicit images,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate positions of public trust are held accountable for their actions.”
“Police officers are given immense trust and responsibility to serve and protect, and are therefore held to a higher standard, so there are serious consequences when one tarnishes the badge by breaking the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “Jarrod Gailen Webster disgraced the uniform when he abused his authority, his sentencing affirms that the FBI has zero tolerance for officials who prey on the citizens they have sworn to protect.”
Webster pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of sexual exploitation of children. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20.
Webster faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the count of deprivation of rights under color of law. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, supervised release for life, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the count of sexual exploitation of children. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Maura White and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Baldwin County Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a 9-year-old ChildRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Baldwin County man has been sentenced on a charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco sentenced William Guy Long, 47, of Bay Minette, Alabama, to 276 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. Long was also ordered to pay $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. In October, Long pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to the plea agreement, Long arranged a date with an escort and then offered the escort $500 if she would bring an underage girl to have sex with him. Long said he wanted someone 10-years-old or younger. The escort told Long that she had a nine-year-old daughter. Long said that he preferred younger, “like 4 or 5” but he would pay $800 if she would check her nine-year-old out of school that day and bring her to him. An arrangement was made, but instead of getting the child, the escort contacted law enforcement. Long’s abhorrent request was corroborated through text messages. ICE agents, along with the Hoover and Pelham Police Departments, conducted surveillance at the hotel. When Long opened the door to his hotel room expecting to see the child with whom he planned to have sex, he instead was met by law enforcement. Long admitted that he communicated with an escort for the purpose of soliciting a minor child for an unlawful sex act. With Long’s consent, agents seized and searched his cell phone. A review of Long’s messages revealed his correspondence with another individual whom he told, “get me a young one”—“the younger you find the more money I’ll pay FYI.”
ICE investigated the case along with the Pelham Police Department and Hoover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
Child sex trafficking is a serious issue. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 27,800 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2024. This signifies more than a 30% increase since 2023. See https://www.missingkids.org/ for further information.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 gave the Department of Justice more tools to address human trafficking. One tool was creating a mandatory $5,000 special assessment that applies to non-indigent defendants for each count of conviction of certain offenses. The revenue generated from this special assessment is used to support programs to provide services to victims of human trafficking and other offenses.
Multiple Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has indicted a dozen people for illegal reentry after deportation and three individuals for being an alien in possession of a firearm.
“Ensuring the safety of our communities is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “These charges represent the combined efforts of my office and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity.”
“The enforcement of our immigration laws is essential to maintaining national security, public safety, and the integrity of our legal system,” said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “We will continue to use all the available resources to ensure that those who break our laws are held accountable.”
Among the people indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported are:
- Glendi Martinez-Lopez, 30, of Honduras;
- Anabel Cebreros, 36, of Mexico;
- Javier Francisco Ricalde-Santos, 31, of Mexico;
- Gustavo Neri-Soto, 32, of Mexico;
- Gerardo Rivera-Rodriguez, 36, of Mexico;
- Jose Arevalo-Carballo, 38, of El Salvador;
- Leonardo Ayala-Mejia, 33, of Mexico;
- Francisco Bernabe-Vera, 43, of Mexico;
- Carlos Crisostomo-Garcia, 47, of Mexico; and
- Jesus Alberto Ortega-Suarez, 28, of Mexico.
In addition, Jose Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, 22, of Mexico, and Isaias Ramirez-Oliva, 19, of Honduras, have been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.
In addition to prosecuting these cases, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Alabama continue to provide regular training to attorneys, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement partners to assist them in investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses in federal court.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Telegram-based Bank Fraud Scheme that Targeted Alabama BusinessesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Florida man has been sentenced for his role in a Telegram-based check fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Gabriel Samuel Odiot, 21, of Kissimmee, Florida, to 60 months in prison and ordered him to forfeit $84,000. In December 2024, Odiot pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, from August 2022 to March 2023, Odiot served as an administrator of “RICH OFF PLAYS,” a Telegram channel dedicated to the negotiation of fraudulent checks. Odiot used the channel to recruit mail carriers, to advertise the services of bank insiders, and to collaborate with others to commit bank fraud. He frequently posted pictures and videos of himself committing bank fraud on the channel. These included pictures and videos depicting stolen checks, transaction receipts, and large amounts of cash. In many cases, the pictures and videos were branded with Odiot’s nickname “Motion.”
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Heflin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Canter prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.
U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Keundre Levelle Brown, 25, of Birmingham, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, a Birmingham Police Officer responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at a motel in Birmingham. Brown was found alone inside of a motel room that showed evidence of gunfire, with the shots appearing to have been fired from within the room. The officer searched Brown and found a loaded Taurus G2C pistol in his waistband. The pistol had been reported stolen about a year earlier in Birmingham. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer Division, for Theft of Property, Burglary and Robbery.
ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.
Two Colombian Nationals Charged with Drug-Trafficking on Alabama InterstateRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury indicted two Colombian nationals for drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Cristian Yesid Lugo-Beltran, 24, and Johan Leandro Zapata-Valencia, 23, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, on February 6, 2024, Lugo-Beltran and Zapata-Valencia possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The traffic stop of both men occurred on Interstate 65 in Shelby County.
HSI investigated the case, along with Calera Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and Olivia C. Brame are prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Birmingham Man Convicted on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Birmingham man for possession of a machinegun and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.
The jury returned a guilty verdict against Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., aka “Cutt”, and “Cutthroat” after 4 days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Temple was convicted of possession of a machine gun, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
“This individual posed a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and Friday’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such dangerous and unlawful activities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in violence and drug trafficking are held accountable for their actions.”
“Drug trafficking and gun violence are major issues affecting our communities at alarming rates,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Stankiewicz said. “Those involved in illegal firearm possession and drug distribution are being held accountable. The ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to disrupt these cycles and combat violent crime.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Temple distributed fentanyl on two different occasions. After the distributions, the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force searched his home pursuant to a search warrant and recovered 14 firearms, including a machinegun; several firearm magazines, including 100- and 50-round drum magazines; a large amount of ammunition; fentanyl; methamphetamine; 6 digital scales of various sizes; and other drug paraphernalia.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to More than Nine Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of a U.S. Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced a Montgomery man for the robbery of a U.S. Postal carrier, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division.
U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Anthony Darryl Barber, Jr., 24, to 109 months in prison. In October 2024, Barber pleaded guilty to robbery of a U.S. Postal carrier and using or carrying a firearm during a violent crime.
According to the plea agreement, on May 3, 2023, a U.S. Postal carrier was delivering mail at an apartment complex in Huntsville. Barber approached the carrier, pointed a gun, and took the arrow key – a specialized key used by postal carriers to open U.S. Postal Service mailboxes. Barber then fled the scene. A Morgan County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was on patrol in the area when dispatchers advised of a stolen car tag affixed to a white Nissan Altima. The tag had been reported stolen in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 30, 2023. The sergeant conducted a traffic stop on the white Altima, which Barber was driving. When the sergeant asked Barber to pull the vehicle into a gravel driveway to clear the roadway, Barber sped away. The sergeant pursued Barber in a high-speed chase, which ended with Barber stopping and getting out of the car at the officer’s command. The sergeant found a Glock 27, Gen 5 .40 caliber pistol in the right front pocket of Barber’s pants. A search of the vehicle revealed a beige ski mask and postal arrow key.
The USPIS investigated the case along with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow prosecuted the case.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A North Carolina man was sentenced for attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Jonathan Allen Norris, 45, of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, to 120 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In October 2024, Norris pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. This conviction will require Norris to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
According to the plea agreement, in December 2022, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl responded to an ad posted by Norris on a social media application. On January 6, 2023, Norris arrived in Birmingham from New Mexico to engage in a sexual act with a minor.
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.
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.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in Prison for Gun Crime Related to Road Rage IncidentRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie Axon sentenced David Lee Hooker, 53, to 30 months in prison. In November 2024, Hooker pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm stemming from a road rage incident in Jefferson County.
This sentence sends a clear message that violent and reckless behavior on our roads will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities and endanger innocent lives.”
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples, Birmingham Division. “The strong collaboration between FBI Birmingham and our state and local law enforcement partners works as a force multiplier to remove violent offenders from the communities we protect and serve.”
According to the plea agreement, on April 4, 2023, Hooker was involved in a road rage incident at the intersection of Bessemer Road and BY Williams Sr. Drive. Hooker’s vehicle remained stationary during two cycles of the traffic light, and the individual in the vehicle behind Hooker continued to blow their horn. When Hooker made a left turn, he pulled to the right side of the roadway. As the driver of the second vehicle drove by, Hooker drove up beside the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the driver. The driver of the second vehicle then pulled into a nearby parking lot. Hooker followed the driver into the parking lot where he got out of his vehicle and proceeded to walk toward the second vehicle. A Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office Task Force Officer witnessed this and activated his emergency lights to intervene. Hooker placed the firearm into his front pocket and raised his hands above his head. The officer recovered a Smith &Wesson 9mm pistol from Hooker.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Keown, Sr., prosecuted the case.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Violating U.S. Sanctions on IranRead the Press Release
Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh, and Rahman Natooshas, 71, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, has been sentenced to five years in prison for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In July 2024, Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiring to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of the U.S. trade sanctions.
According to court documents, in May 2014, Hunt registered Vega Tools LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, listing the nature of the business as “the purchase/resale of equipment for the energy sector.” He operated Vega Tools, including purchasing, receiving, and shipping U.S.-origin goods, from locations in Madison County, Alabama. Beginning at least as early as 2015 and continuing to the time of his arrest in November 2022, Hunt conspired with two Iranian companies located in Tehran, Iran, to illegally export U.S.-manufactured industrial equipment for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
Hunt engaged in a series of deceptive practices to avoid detection by U.S. authorities, including using third-party transshipment companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and routing payments through UAE banks, as well as lying to shipping companies about the value of his exports to prevent the filing of Electronic Export Information to U.S. authorities. Hunt lied to suppliers and shippers by claiming the items he purchased on behalf of the Iranian co-conspirators were destined for end-users in Turkey and UAE, while knowing the exports were ultimately destined for Iran. Hunt also lied to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers regarding the nature and existence of his business when questioned upon his return from a March 2020 trip to Iran.
Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama; Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement John Sonderman of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS); and Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division announced the sentence.
BIS investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Henry Cornelius for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Alabama Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Violating Iran SanctionsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh, and Rahman Natooshas, 71, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, has been sentenced for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In July 2024, Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiring to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of the U.S. trade sanctions.
According to court documents, in May 2014, Hunt registered Vega Tools, LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, listing the nature of the business as “the purchase/resale of equipment for the energy sector.” He operated Vega Tools, including purchasing, receiving, and shipping U.S.-origin goods, from locations in Madison County, Alabama. Beginning at least as early as 2015 and continuing to the time of his arrest in November 2022, Hunt conspired with two Iranian companies located in Tehran, Iran, to illegally export U.S.-manufactured industrial equipment for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
Hunt engaged in a series of deceptive practices to avoid detection by U.S. authorities, including using third-party transshipment companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), routing payments through UAE banks, and lying to shipping companies about the value of his exports to prevent the filing of Electronic Export Information to U.S. authorities. Hunt lied to suppliers and shippers by claiming the items he purchased on behalf of the Iranian co-conspirators were destined for end-users in Turkey and UAE, while knowing the exports were ultimately destined for Iran. Hunt lied also to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers regarding the nature and existence of his business when questioned upon his return from a March 2020 trip to Iran.
Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama, Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement John Sonderman of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, and Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division announced the sentence.
BIS investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Henry Cornelius for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An illegal alien has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Joel Armando Martin-Martin, 24, of Guatemala, to 24 months in prison. In November 2024, Martin-Martin pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 5, 2024, a Homewood Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on Martin-Martin. The officer smelled marijuana and asked Martin-Martin to exit the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded DTI AR-style rifle, 11 magazines fitted for the rifle, ammunition, a loaded Springfield 9mm magazine, and 3 spent shell casings.
HSI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Camp prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Herman Dewayne Steen, 35, to 60 months in prison. In November 2024, Steen pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, Steen illegally possessed a firearm on two separate occasions. First, on December 14, 2022, Steen possessed a firearm at a bus station in Birmingham. A Birmingham Police officer responded to a call regarding Steen. This was the third time that day that the officer had responded to the same address regarding Steen. When the officer arrived, she was approached by a security guard who stated that Steen had a firearm. The officer took a loaded Glock 9mm pistol from Steen.
Second, on March 12, 2023, Steen went to the Jefferson County Jail to make a report that he had been assaulted in the Center Point area. While making the report, Steen complained of being dizzy and his head hurting. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded; and during a pre-transport search, a sheriff’s deputy found a loaded Taurus .380 caliber pistol in Steen’s pocket.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples prosecuted the case.
Hanceville Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Hanceville man has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and New Orleans Division Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.
U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Jason Earl Shirley, 41, to 87 months in prison. In November 2024, Shirley pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to the plea agreement, on October 5, 2023, a Cullman County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on Shirley. Shirley was driving on the center line, had an expired tag, and did not have a valid driver’s license. Shirley appeared nervous and would not make eye contact with the deputy, so the deputy asked Shirley to step out of the car. When Shirley got out, a black zippered bag fell out of the vehicle. Shirley admitted to the deputy that drugs were in the bag. The deputy searched the vehicle and recovered a camouflage bag under the driver’s seat that contained methamphetamine, scales, and a smoking device with methamphetamine residue.
The DEA investigated the case along with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Sara M. Judah prosecuted the case.
Ten Defendants Plead Guilty in Multi-Million-Dollar Sports-Betting and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ten men pleaded guilty this week to managing a multi-million-dollar sports-betting operation, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office.
Timothy J. Pughsley, 53, and Nathan Burdette, 39, of Birmingham, Alabama; Christopher Burdette, 32, of Chelsea, Alabama; Thomas Zito, 59, of Vestavia, Alabama; Gary Rapp, 46, of Lakeland, Tennessee; Mark Giaquinto, 52, of Upton, Massachusetts; Matthew Voorhees, 49, of Englewood, Colorado; David Richards, 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Joshua Gentrup, 38, of Athens, Georgia, entered their guilty pleas before United States District Judge Madeline Haikala to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business and to their participation in a money laundering conspiracy. Jonathan Lind, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business. Sentencing hearings for the defendants are set in May 2025.
According to the plea agreements, Pughsley began operating a bookmaking organization at least 17 years ago. The organization eventually became known as “Red44,” and bookmaking and betting activities occurred online via an offshore server located in Costa Rica. It is estimated that the organization accepted over $2 billion in wagers during its existence. Within the plea agreements, the defendants—all senior agents within Red44—agreed to pay excise tax restitution totaling $19,777,382.61 to the IRS arising from their acceptance of wagers from sports betters across the U.S. and to satisfy any income tax obligations that remain outstanding.
“These guilty pleas are the end result of years of hard work by members of federal and state law enforcement agencies to enforce our nation’s gambling and tax laws,” Escalona said. “The defendants illegally accepted millions of dollars in wagers and lived lavishly while avoiding their excise tax obligations. This office will diligently pursue those who enrich themselves in violation of the law.”
“Excise tax evasion and illegal sports betting are not victimless crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “Money obtained from illegal gambling operations is often used to finance other criminal activities. IRS-CI special agents are skilled at following the money to investigate and expose these illegal organizations, who will be held accountable. Thank you to our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in this investigation.”
IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the Vestavia Hills Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Revenue, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine Crosby, Kristen Osborne, and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case.
Inmate Sentenced to More than Four Years in Prison on Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced a federal inmate for assaulting a corrections officer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Christopher McCallum to 51 months in prison based on his September 2024 guilty plea to assault of an officer.
According to the plea agreement, McCallum was a federal inmate of the Bureau of Prisons at FCI Talladega, serving a sentence for a previous federal conviction. On February 29, 2024, McCallum became disruptive, walked toward the staff with clinched fists, and ultimately assaulted a female corrections officer. McCallum punched her in the head and upper torso area. The corrections officer sustained multiple injuries.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Felton prosecuted the case.
Four Defendants Indicted for CarjackingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury has indicted four Birmingham men with multiple crimes related to three separate carjacking events in Jefferson County, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
Those indicted in January include:
- Dearrius Dontrell Pace, 30, who was charged with carjacking and kidnapping. This incident occurred on July 16, 2024;
- Charles Avery Pruitt, 22, who was charged with carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This incident occurred on July 10, 2024; and
- Kyone D’Mias Harris and Brandon Taylor Ezell, both 24, who were charged with carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This incident occurred in October 2024.
FBI investigated each case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John G. Camp, Daniel S. McBrayer, and Darius C. Greene are prosecuting these cases.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Talladega Organization Charged with Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
TALLADEGA, Ala. – A federal grand jury has indicted seven men for distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine across the Northern District of Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge John M. Clayton.
Separate but related indictments filed in U.S. District Court charge the seven members of the drug trafficking organization. Four Talladega men were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine: Flemmings Chatman, 41; LaDaraious Q. Brown, 32; Tramarcus Fomby, 29; and Robert Houston, Jr., 55. Three other men were charged with distribution of methamphetamine: Kenneth Honneycutt, 30, of Birmingham; Elijah Brown, 35, of Tuscaloosa, and Brian J. Whatley, 45, of Talladega.
These indictments and investigation are 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 DEA and the Talladega County Drug Task Force led the investigation along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, Talladega Sheriff’s Office, Talladega Police Department, West Alabama Narcotics Task Force, Pell City Police Department, Jasper Police Department, Oxford Police Department, Alabama State Probation Office, and the Alabama National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorney Alan S. Kirk is prosecuting the case
Multiple Defendants Indicted or Sentenced on Federal Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Recently, the federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has indicted several people for illegal reentry after deportation and/or being an alien in possession of a firearm. Others have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal immigration-connected charges.
“Keeping our communities safe is our top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “My office is focused on prosecuting individuals who are in our country illegally, especially those who engage in federal crimes. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.”
“The charges and sentences announced today highlight the importance of pursuing criminals who violate our nation’s immigration laws and threaten public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Alabama and Georgia. “HSI and our partners remain steadfast in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity, unlawfully possess firearms or commit violence across our communities.”
Those indicted in November, December, and January include:
- Elbio Byron Cuz-Chub, 22, of Guatemala, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm;
- Edgar Bayardo Madriz-Morales, 64, of Nicaragua, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation;
- Jorge Campos-Xochihua, 31, of Mexico, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm; and
- Abraham Lopez-Ramirez, 48, of Mexico, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Several other defendants recently have been adjudicated on federal immigration-related charges. Those include:
- Juan Manuel Salas-Sanchez, 43, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 135 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an alien in possession of a firearm;
- Marvin Ernesto Clemente, 38, of El Salvador, who was sentenced to 36 months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation;
- Raul Edgardo Jimenez-Cruz, 38, of Honduras, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and illegal reentry after deportation;
- Jesus Daniel Bibiano-Ruiz, 28, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm;
- Alvaro Amezcua-Gonzalez, 48, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm; and
- Clemente Aguilera-Castaneda, 55, of Mexico, who pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Alabama will provide regular training to attorneys, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement partners to assist them in investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses in federal court.
Hoover Brothers Sentenced for Selling Stolen Goods OnlineRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two Hoover brothers have been sentenced for running an online fencing scheme that resulted in the sale of over $1 million worth of stolen goods, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Abdurrahman Amar, 32, to 34 months in prison and Yahya Amar, 33, to 30 months in prison. In August and September 2024, the Amars pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen goods.
According to the Amars’ plea agreements, from January 2022 through December 2023, Abdurrahman Amar organized and led a network of “boosters”— professional thieves. The boosters regularly offered the Amars various new and unopened goods for purchase, especially personal electronic devices and tools. The Amars knew that the boosters obtained these goods by stealing them from various retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
After purchasing the goods from the boosters at a steep discount from their retail value, the Amars listed the goods for re-sale on various online platforms—primarily eBay and Facebook—at prices that included a markup from the boosters’ prices but that were still well below the stolen goods’ retail value.
Over the course of the conspiracy, the Amars completed approximately 7,283 separate sales of stolen goods on eBay, resulting in total revenue of approximately $1,014,191.44. After selling the stolen goods online, the Amars shipped the stolen goods to customers located throughout the United States and internationally.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich prosecuted the case.
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Birmingham Man Sentenced to over Ten Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Courdarius Lamont Hall, also known as “Skinny,” 26, to 123 months in prison. In April 2024, Hall pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the plea agreement, during three separate controlled drug transactions in 2023, Hall sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential source. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies obtained a search warrant for Hall’s house. Deputies recovered a substantial amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl from his daughter’s Minnie Mouse backpack; a Glock .40 caliber pistol equipped with a machinegun-conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch;” a Draco.223 caliber firearm; and a loaded, extended drum magazine.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany T. Byrd prosecuted the case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Madison man was sentenced for attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Anthony Ray Lawrence, 38, of Madison, to 120 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In October, Lawrence was convicted by a jury of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. This conviction will require Lawrence to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
According to evidence presented at trial, between April and May 2023, Lawrence used a social media application to engage with someone he thought to be a 14-year-old female but who actually was an undercover law enforcement officer. He told the undercover officer that he used the application to meet up with younger girls. On May 1, 2023, Lawrence traveled from Madison, Alabama, to Homewood, Alabama, to engage in a sexual act with a minor. At the time of his arrest, Lawrence possessed condoms and sexual lubricant. He had rented a hotel room nearby.
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.
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.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
United States District Court Judge Annemarie Carney Axon sentenced Curtoine Lamar Jackson, 35, of Bessemer, to 64 months in prison. Jackson previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 30, 2023, Jackson possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol. Jackson is prohibited from having a firearm because of multiple previous felony convictions.
Jackson was convicted on March 15, 2012, in the Circuit Court of the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County, Alabama, of the offenses of Robbery, First Degree; Burglary, First Degree; and Robbery, First Degree. He was convicted in the same court on or about December 4, 2017, of the Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
FBI and Bessemer Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Gun-related CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
United States District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced D’Angelo Martin, also known as “Hot Boi,” 28, of Gadsden, to 36 months in prison. In October, Martin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm (which includes possession of ammunition).
According to court documents, on April 24, 2023, Gadsden Police Department officers responded to a call that someone had shot at a vehicle in front of the caller’s residence. The officers found a shell casing on the porch. Martin admitted to possessing the 9mm ammunition that officers collected from outside the home.
Martin is prohibited from having ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions. Martin was convicted on January 26, 2016, of the offense of Robbery, Second Degree and on November 1, 2021, of the offense of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm in the Circuit Court of Etowah County, Alabama.
ATF investigated the case along with the Gadsden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and William R. McComb prosecuted the case.
Undocumented Individual Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Voting Fraud and Passport FraudRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – An undocumented individual has been sentenced in connection with her fraudulent assumption of a United States citizen’s identity and her use of that identity to vote in multiple elections and obtain multiple United States passports, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Resident Agent in Charge Joseph R. Wysowaty of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Atlanta Resident Office.
U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Angelica Maria Francisco, 42, of Russellville, to 60 months in prison. In September 2024, Francisco pleaded guilty to two counts of false claims of citizenship in connection with voting, one count of false statements in application for a United States passport, five counts of use of a United States passport obtained by false statements, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
“This sentence sends a clear message that any attempts by non-U.S. citizens to vote in the Northern District of Alabama are unacceptable and will result in serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “Maintaining the sanctity of the U.S. election system is one of the most important responsibilities of federal law enforcement. My office will remain vigilant in carrying out this mission and, to that end, will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who seek to undermine our elections.”
According to the plea agreement, in 2011, Francisco assumed the identity of a United States citizen. Francisco used the false identity to obtain a United States passport in 2011. She subsequently used the United States passport to travel to and from her native country of Guatemala in 2012, 2015, and 2018. Using the same false identity, Francisco also registered to vote in Alabama in 2016 and voted in the 2016 and 2020 primary and general elections. And in 2021, Francisco used the same false identity to apply for and receive a renewed passport, which she used to travel to and from Guatemala in 2022.
DSS investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the East Metro Area Crime Center, and the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich prosecuted the case.
Postal Employee Convicted for Role Supplying Checks to Telegram Scam ChannelRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former U.S. Postal employee has been convicted at trial for his role in supplying stolen checks to a scam Telegram channel called “The Lucky Shop,” announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division, and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
The jury returned a guilty verdict against Michael Christopher Rowser, 24, of Birmingham, after three days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Rowser was convicted of conspiracy to receive bribes and conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud.
According to evidence presented at trial, “The Lucky Shop” was a scam Telegram channel dedicated to the sale of stolen checks and bank login information. It operated as a criminal marketplace. Administrators of “The Lucky Shop” would obtain stolen checks from corrupt postal employees like the defendant, and then post redacted copies of those checks on the channel to market them for sale. When customers of “The Lucky Shop” paid the channel’s administrators to purchase stolen checks, a portion of their profits would be kicked back to the defendant. The evidence established that Rowser, a mail handler at the U.S. Postal Service’s Processing & Distribution Center in Birmingham, received approximately $106,000 in bribe payments over the course of a year for his role supplying checks to “The Lucky Shop.”
Rowser is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and Daniel S. McBrayer.
Former CEO of IT Company Charged with Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Bankruptcy Fraud in Connection with Various Fraudulent SchemesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The former CEO of a Birmingham IT company has been charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud in connection with schemes to defraud his customers and a Covid-19 program, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
A nineteen-count indictment filed in United States District Court charges Thomas Aaron Kane, 44, with twelve counts of wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud customers, five counts of wire fraud related to a scheme to commit Covid-19 program fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of bankruptcy fraud.
According to the indictment, Kane was the owner and CEO of Keep Information Technology Simple, LLC and later Keepitsimple.us LLC, both of which provided IT services and support for businesses, particularly businesses in the healthcare industry. The indictment brings four different types of charges against Kane. First, the indictment alleges that between at least July 2017 and December 2021, Kane devised a scheme to defraud his customers. Kane’s customers would place a credit card or banking information on file to pay for a monthly service fee and any authorized expenses. However, Kane began using his customer’s credit cards and banking information to make unauthorized charges. When confronted about these charges, Kane would make up an excuse—such as claiming that there had been an accounting error. Kane would also often create false invoices that he would send to a customer. The indictment lists twelve different examples of these unauthorized charges.
Second, the indictment alleges that between April 2020 and May 2021, Kane engaged in a scheme to receive unauthorized funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from the Small Business Administration. Kane made false representations to obtain three PPP loans totaling more than $625,000 . Additionally, Kane attempted to receive two more PPP loans in the name of his second business, Keepitsimple.us, totaling more than $450,000. Kane made additional false representations in support of these two loan applications and submitted false tax documents with his applications to try and get them approved.
Third, the indictment charges Kane with money laundering based on an unlawful monetary transaction exceeding $10,000. More specifically, Kane used $150,000 in PPP funds to repay a prior victim of his unauthorized-charges scheme.
Fourth, the indictment alleges that Kane committed bankruptcy fraud when he withdrew a cashier’s check in the amount of $20,941.66 from a Keepitsimple.us bank account and deposited these funds into a personal bank account, even though these funds constituted property of the Keepitsimple.us bankruptcy estate and were funds that he was not allowed to use.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is twenty years in prison. The maximum penalty for money laundering is ten years in prison. The maximum penalty for bankruptcy fraud is five years in prison.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Trussville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Plead Guilty in Conspiracy Scheme Involving Bribery of Government Contracting OfficerRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Three men pleaded guilty today to their respective roles in a conspiracy to bribe a public official announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Keith Kelly, Special Agent in Charge for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.
Francisco Guerra, 55, of Lexington, Alabama, Coogan Preston, 55, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Jason Ingram, 47, of Rogersville, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke to conspiracy to bribe a public official. Preston also pleaded guilty to receiving a gratuity as a public official. Sentencing hearings for each of the conspirators have been scheduled for March 18, 2025.
According to the plea agreements, the scheme began in 2016 and continued until 2021. As part of the scheme, Guerra agreed to provide money and other items of value to Preston, a government contracting official working at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In exchange for these bribes, Preston identified subcontracting opportunities for companies owned and operated by Guerra and convinced the prime contractor to use one of Guerra’s companies as a subcontractor.
“This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally prioritize their personal gain over the fiduciary responsibilities of a federal government official,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Persons who seek to enrich themselves through bribes and illegal payments undermine the public’s trust and the basic concept of fairness.”
“We are very pleased with today’s announcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly. “This is a true testament to our continued commitment to work closely and seamlessly with our outstanding fellow law enforcement agencies to help bring those to justice who attempt to defraud the U.S. Government and U.S. Army.”
The Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Defense Office of Inspector General-- Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples is prosecuting the case.
New Hope Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking, Extortion, and Production of Child Pornography and Agrees to 40-Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A New Hope man pleaded guilty today to stalking and extorting a woman and producing child pornography involving two minor victims, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
Donald Wayne Carmody, 30, of New Hope, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke to cyberstalking, two counts of extortion, and two counts of production of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, Carmody used anonymous text messages to threaten to release pictures of the victim on the internet if she did not send him intimate photographs. Carmody also obtained the victim’s login credentials for her social media accounts and accessed their contents. After Carmody was arrested on cyberstalking and extortion charges for this conduct, investigators discovered a USB thumb drive belonging to him that contained images of child pornography that involved two victims under the age of twelve. The FBI’s Video Forensic Analysis Unit compared the images from the thumb drive, which showed a person’s hand, to pictures of Carmody’s hands taken during the investigation. The Unit identified similar class and distinguishing characteristics between the images, demonstrating that the hand in the images on the thumb drive belonged to Carmody.
As part of the plea agreement, Carmody stipulated to a 480-month sentence of imprisonment for the offenses. If the Court rejects the stipulated sentence, Carmody or the United States could withdraw from the plea agreement.
The maximum penalty for cyberstalking is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for extortion is two years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for production of child pornography is 30 years imprisonment. Each offense also carries the possibility of a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities. These videos titled “Sextortion Prevention” can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac/videos.
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.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. For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Tuscaloosa ManRead the Press Release
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A St. Francis, Minnesota, man was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment Tuesday for his role in an international drug trafficking ring that resulted in the death of a man, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division.
Christopher Louis Bass, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler for distributing fentanyl, after previously pleading guilty and admitting that Dr. Louis Burgio’s death resulted from Bass’s criminal activity. Dr. Burgio was a psychology professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan. In 2004, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Burgio as the University’s Distinguished Research Professor for his work in the Applied Gerontology Program, the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the University.
“This case reminds us all too clearly that drug distribution is not a victimless crime,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “My office will continue to prosecute those who place these poisons into families and communities throughout north Alabama.”
“Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Mona Hernandez, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The overdose death in this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and why the Postal Inspection Service remains committed to eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. Mail and consequently safeguarding our community. Christopher Louis Bass’ 240-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who intend to engage in this type of criminal activity. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will never tolerate the misuse of the U.S. Mail to distribute fentanyl to our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service – Birmingham, United States Postal Inspection Service – Twin Cities, the East Central Drug Task Force, and the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Alan S. Kirk prosecuted the case.
Former Doctor and Her Wife Sentenced for Fraud and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A former family practice doctor in Huntsville was sentenced today for drug crimes, health care fraud, and COVID-19 disaster relief fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer, and Special Agent in Charge Tamela Miles of the Department of Health and Human Service Office of the Inspector General Atlanta Region. The doctor’s wife, who owned the medical practice, was also sentenced.
Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Francene Aretha Gayle, 50, to 87 months in prison on four opioid prescribing charges, one count of health care fraud, and one count of wire fraud. Judge Burke sentenced Schara Monique Davis, 48, to 42 months in prison for one count of health care fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each defendant was also ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution, forfeit $226,815, and pay a fine.
According to the defendants’ plea agreements, between about 2014 and early 2020, Gayle was a doctor who operated a multi-clinic practice in Huntsville, Athens, and Killen. Davis owned the practice and served as business manager. In 2019, the Killen clinic shut down. In March 2020, the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission revoked Gayle’s license, and the other two clinics closed shortly after that.
Gayle admitted that she had unlawfully distributed drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone.
Gayle and Davis both admitted to having conspired to commit health care fraud for several years by billing insurers for office visits under Gayle’s name even when she did not see the patients, was not in the same building, and sometimes was not in the same town. The defendants knew that the billing scheme was fraudulent. In 2015, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama audited the practice and discovered that Gayle was absent, other staff were seeing patients, and yet all office visits were being billed under Gayle’s name. Blue Cross flagged the issue, and Gayle promised it would stop. Instead, the practice continued fraudulently billing insurers for office visits for the next four years. In total, between 2015 and 2020, Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross paid more than $2.3 million for office visits billed under Gayle’s name.
Gayle and Davis both also admitted to having conspired to commit wire fraud. In March 2020, based on concerns about her prescribing and billing practices, Gayle’s Alabama medical license was revoked. Months later, Gayle and Davis applied for and obtained more than $450,000 in COVID-19 disaster relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Those funds were designed to stabilize businesses struggling because of the pandemic. In their funding applications, Gayle and Davis certified that their medical practice needed the money because of economic uncertainty or injury caused by the pandemic. In reality, Gayle and Davis’s practice had closed, and they used COVID-19 funds they received on other things.
The FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG investigated the case. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office provided exceptional investigative assistance after the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Program Integrity Division initiated the case and referred it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward and Ryan Rummage prosecuted the case.
Bessemer Man Convicted in Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Bessemer man has been convicted at trial in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
The jury returned a guilty verdict against Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, 47, of Bessemer, after two days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco. Pruitt was convicted of two counts of wire fraud.
According to evidence presented at trial, in September 2023, Pruitt executed a Power of Attorney over an elderly family member with dementia, without the victim’s knowledge or permission. Between September 2023 and December 2023, Pruitt devised a scheme to defraud the victim by becoming a joint account holder on the victim’s bank accounts, changing the address on the victim’s bank accounts from the victim’s address to his address, removing two payable on death (POD) beneficiaries from one of the accounts, and adding two POD beneficiaries to another account. Pruitt then transferred $550,000 in funds from the victim’s accounts to his personal bank accounts. Pruitt used some of these funds for his own personal benefit, and he moved $500,000 to a new bank account that did not include the victim as an account holder. When confronted, Pruitt told various, inconsistent stories attempting to excuse his conduct.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan S. Rummage and Brett Janich are prosecuting the case.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and attempted fraud is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 3 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMIHGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegally possessing firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and United States Marshal Martin Keely.
U.S. District Court Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Ro’Daryus Donell Mitchell, 27, of Center Point, to 42 months in prison. In August, Mitchell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on May 31, 2023, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) was looking for Mitchell for multiple arrest warrants. Mitchell had arrest warrants for 22 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle; four counts of Theft of Property, Second Degree; one count of Receiving Stolen Property, Second Degree; and a probation revocation warrant for Violation of the State Firearms Act. USMS GCRFTF deputies found Mitchell at a residence in Birmingham and arrested him on the outstanding warrants. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical .300 pistol, a Taurus .45 caliber pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and multiple loaded and unloaded firearm magazines. The American Tactical .300 pistol had been reported stolen to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on May 12, 2023. The Taurus .45 caliber pistol had been reported stolen to the Birmingham Police Department on May 25, 2023. At the time of this incident, Mitchell had been convicted of two counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County.
USMS GCRFTF and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie Axon sentenced Waymon Lanar Robinson, Jr., 31, of Birmingham, to 140 months in prison. In September, Robinson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted surveillance on a house in Tarrant, Alabama, associated with the gang “Hard2Kill.” Officers conducted a traffic stop in an alleyway behind the house. Officers saw Robinson place something inside his pants and walk away from the house. They approached Robinson and asked if he had any weapons on him. Robinson said he did and showed the officer a Glock .40 caliber pistol in his waistband. Robinson also had fentanyl, methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, heroin, and marijuana inside of a Crown Royal Bag in his pants.
The FBI investigated the case, along with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.
Two Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit ChildrenRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two individuals have been indicted on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Wisam A. Sharieff, 43, of Euless, Texas, and Blake Miller Barakat, aka “Hamna,” 50, of Shelby County, Alabama, with conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, between September 27, 2024, and October 15, 2024, Sharieff and Barakat conspired together to coerce a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct; and they conspired to receive and distribute child pornography.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the FBI Dallas-Fort Worth Violent Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States 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.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Conspiring to Launder Cybercrime Fraud ProceedsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A recidivist money launderer from Pennsylvania has been sentenced for his role in an international money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Toochukwu Michael Okorie, 46, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, to 108 months in prison. Okorie was convicted in July of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2011, Okorie was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to evidence presented at trial, from June 2017 through May 2019, Okorie helped launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud proceeds through two front companies: TMO Consulting LLC and Collective Intelligence Forensics LLC. During the conspiracy, Okorie and his co-conspirators would receive wire transfers from business email compromise, romance scam, and other frauds—including from victims in the Northern District of Alabama. Okorie and his co-conspirators would then move the fraud proceeds among bank accounts in an effort to disguise their origin and conceal their fraudulent nature. After paying themselves a commission, members of the conspiracy ultimately would wire the proceeds to bank accounts in Nigeria or use them to purchase automobiles that were shipped overseas.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco previously sentenced two other individuals involved in the money laundering conspiracy: On January 20, 2022, Paulinus Ebhodaghe, 40, of Clementon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; and Ohimai Asikhia, 37, of Glassboro, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force provided assistance during the investigation.
For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.
Pelham Man Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pelham man was sentenced today on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon.
U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Neal Richard Goodacre, 54, to 960 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In July, Goodacre pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Goodacre to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force discovered images of child pornography on a Russian file-sharing website. Queensland officers connected the account used to post the images to Goodacre at a residence in Pelham, Alabama. On September 13, 2023, HSI executed a search warrant at Goodacre’s residence. Agents recovered two electronic devices containing 29 images and one video of child pornography. Goodacre produced some of the child pornography he possessed.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
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.
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.
North Alabama Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded More Than $7.25 Million for Community-Policing Initiatives and TechnologyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and Bureau of Justice Assistance have recently awarded $7,256,829 to local communities and law enforcement agencies across north Alabama for law enforcement technology and community-policing initiatives.
“Local law enforcement agencies and officers are the day-to-day superheroes in our communities who keep us safe,” said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “I am grateful to the Department of Justice’s COPS Office and the Bureau of Justice Assistance for this much needed support in keeping our families and communities safe.”
The recently announced awards were made through the various Department of Justice grant programs listed below:
COPS Office Community Policing Development Program
- The National Association of School Resource Officers was awarded $200,000 to provide school resource officer training.
- The City of Jacksonville was awarded $125,000 to hire an additional officer.
- The City of Pell City was awarded $219,850 to hire two additional officers.
COPS Office Hiring Program
COPS Office Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Program
- The City of Hartselle was awarded $25,000.
- The Winston County Board of Education was awarded $499,598.
- The Cullman County District Attorney’s Office (32nd Circuit) was awarded $110,000 to improve its computer technology and to purchase a law enforcement vehicle.
- The City of Fort Payne was awarded $670,000 to improve its local communications and emergency-response systems.
- The Jackson County Commission was awarded $250,000 for additional patrol vehicles.
- Jacksonville State University was awarded $656,000 to improve campus security and communications.
- The Limestone County Commission was awarded $425,000 to improve security and surveillance within the county courthouse.
- The Madison County Commission was awarded $195,000 to improve security and surveillance within the county jail.
- The City of Moody was awarded $245,000 to improve local emergency-communications systems.
- The City of Oxford was awarded $185,000 to enhance crime-fighting resources that are networked to the East Alabama Metro Area Crime Center.
- The City of Pell City was awarded $612,000 to improve emergency-communications systems with other local law enforcement and emergency-response agencies.
- The Pickens County Emergency 911 Board was awarded $1,805,000 to improve local emergency systems and communications services.
- St. Clair County was awarded $1,200,000 to develop a mobile command center to best prevent and respond to public safety threats and incidents.
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
COPS Office Technology and Equipment Program
Bureau of Justice Assistance Body Worn Camera Program
- The Blount County Commission was awarded $29,996.
- The City of Montevallo was awarded $4,385.
The full list of FY 2024 COPS awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. Information about grant awards made through the Bureau of Justice Assistance can be found here: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/awards/list.
Three Men Convicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ANNISTON, Ala. – A federal jury has convicted a Tuscaloosa man on drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.
The jury returned a guilty verdict against Hanston Alexander Clark, 33, of Tuscaloosa, after two days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze. Clark was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at trial, in June 2023, Clark used a telephone to exchange calls and text messages with his co-defendant to arrange a drug transaction. On June 29, 2023, Clark drove to Anniston, Alabama, and delivered three pounds of methamphetamine and one hundred grams of fentanyl to his co-defendant.
Two other defendants, Terrance Antwon Stevens, 41, and Yannick Keyon Wolf, 35, both of Anniston, Alabama, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Stevens also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
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 DEA and ATF investigated the case along with the Oxford Police Department and 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany Byrd and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case.
Dell and Iron Bow Agree to Pay $4.3M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Submitting Non-Competitive Bids to the ArmyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Dell Technologies Inc. and Dell Federal Systems L.P. (collectively Dell), located in Austin, Texas, have agreed to pay $2,300,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting and causing the submission of non-competitive bids to the Army and thereby overcharging the Army under the Army Desktop and Mobile Computing 3 (ADMC-3) contract. Iron Bow Technologies LLC (Iron Bow), located in Herndon, Virginia, also agreed to pay $2,051,000 for its role in the scheme.
The settlements resolve allegations that from May 2020 to April 2024, Dell operated a deal registration program, whereby it gave advantageous pricing to Iron Bow to sell certain Dell computer hardware products to the Army in response to solicitations under the AMDC-3 contract. The United States alleged that Dell also submitted its own direct bids to the Army on the same solicitations, knowing that its prices would be higher than Iron Bow’s, thereby creating a false appearance of competition. The United States further alleged that Dell’s practice of providing higher direct bids influenced the Army’s source selection process and enabled Iron Bow to overcharge the Army for certain Dell products.
“The United States relies on competition to get the best value and price for the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to hold accountable those who overcharge the government through collusion or other unlawful conduct.”
“Fraud in the government contracting process costs taxpayers untold dollars each year,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to investigate and pursue those who commit government contracting fraud.”
The Dell settlement also resolves a lawsuit filed against Dell under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Brent Lillard, an executive of another IT reseller, to receive a $345,000 share of the recovery from Dell. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Lillard v. Dell Technologies Inc., No. 5:20-CV-1613-HNJ (NDAL).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General, Army Criminal Investigation Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Blutter for the Northern District of Alabama handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Dell and Iron Bow Agree to Pay $4.3M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Submitting Non-Competitive Bids to the ArmyRead the Press Release
Dell Technologies Inc. and Dell Federal Systems L.P. (collectively Dell), located in Austin, Texas, have agreed to pay $2,300,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting and causing the submission of non-competitive bids to the Army and thereby overcharging the Army under the Army Desktop and Mobile Computing 3 (ADMC-3) contract. Iron Bow Technologies LLC (Iron Bow), located in Herndon, Virginia, also agreed to pay $2,051,000 for its role in the scheme.
The settlements resolve allegations that from May 2020 to April 2024, Dell operated a deal registration program, whereby it gave advantageous pricing to Iron Bow to sell certain Dell computer hardware products to the Army in response to solicitations under the AMDC-3 contract. The United States alleged that Dell also submitted its own direct bids to the Army on the same solicitations, knowing that its prices would be higher than Iron Bow’s, thereby creating a false appearance of competition. The United States further alleged that Dell’s practice of providing higher direct bids influenced the Army’s source selection process and enabled Iron Bow to overcharge the Army for certain Dell products.
“The United States relies on competition to get the best value and price for the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to hold accountable those who overcharge the government through collusion or other unlawful conduct.”
“Fraud in the government contracting process costs taxpayers untold dollars each year,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to investigate and pursue those who commit government contracting fraud.”
The Dell settlement also resolves a lawsuit filed against Dell under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Brent Lillard, an executive of another IT reseller, to receive a $345,000 share of the recovery from Dell. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Lillard v. Dell Technologies Inc., No. 5:20-CV-1613-HNJ (NDAL).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General, Army Criminal Investigation Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Blutter for the Northern District of Alabama handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Dell Settlement
Iron Bow Settlement
Former Decatur Oncologist Sentenced for Illegal Opioid PrescribingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former oncologist in Decatur has been sentenced for illegally prescribing drugs, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.
Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Sammy Fuad Becdach, 58, to 24 months in prison followed by a year of home confinement. Becdach was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
According to the plea agreement, Becdach worked as an oncologist in Decatur, Alabama, including during 2018 through 2021, when the illegal prescribing occurred. In August 2022, the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama revoked Becdach’s medical license for unprofessional conduct related to his romantic relationship with a woman to whom he had written opioid prescriptions and who later died from a drug overdose. Becdach wrote illegal prescriptions for controlled substances to three individuals who were not his patients. The three filled the prescriptions at Becdach’s request and then gave him the pills they received. Becdach gave some pills to women with whom he was romantically involved. The prescriptions included opioids and benzodiazepines.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.
Two Chicago Residents Sentenced for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
A Chicago man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor victim and distributing child sexual abuse material. His co-defendant, a Chicago woman, was sentenced previously to 19 years in prison for conspiracy to sex traffic the minor.
According to court documents, in April 2022, Geremy Glass, 35, and Markita Tidwell, 25, sex trafficked a minor whom they met in Chicago. Glass posted online advertisements, set the prices, and communicated with potential commercial sex purchasers. Tidwell provided transportation and registered hotel rooms for the arranged sexual encounters. Both defendants received a portion of the proceeds. In mid-May 2022, Tidwell and Glass transported the minor victim to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the defendants forced the minor to engage in as many as 15 commercial sex encounters in a day. During the trafficking, when the victim attempted to stop or take breaks, Glass was physically violent with her, including dragging her out of the house and slamming her face into a car window. In communicating with commercial sex purchasers, Glass sent sexually explicit images of the victim more than 50 times. Law enforcement received a call from hotel staff in Tuscaloosa stating that there was a young woman who appeared to be abused, which led to the recovery of the minor victim and the arrest of Glass and Tidwell.
On Sept. 26, Glass pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of distribution of child pornography. Glass’s term of imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. On June 27, Tidwell pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor. Tidwell’s term of imprisonment will be followed by 20 years of supervised release.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama; and Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office made the announcement.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with FBI Chicago, FBI Milwaukee, the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, the University of Alabama Police Department, Tuscaloosa Police Department, and Northport Police Department.
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White for the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Traddarryl Rishad Boykins, 32, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on January 29, 2024, a Homewood Police Department officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Boykins. Boykins led officers on a chase from Homewood to downtown Birmingham. The pursuit ended when Boykins crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of 18th Street North and 15th Avenue North. The driver and passenger of the vehicle suffered multiple injuries and were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Officers arrested Boykins and conducted a search of the vehicle. In the driver’s floorboard, officers found a loaded Glock 23 pistol.
Boykins is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions.
ATF investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. McComb is prosecuting the case.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Meet a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Jefferson County man was sentenced today on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco sentenced Robert Elton Trimble, 38, of Kimberly, to 120 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In June, Trimble pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court documents, on October 16, 2023, Trimble made contact with an individual he believed was a 15-year-old girl on a social networking app. After learning her age on day one, Trimble continued to communicate with the “child,” asking her questions about school, telling her about his work, and requesting photos. Within two weeks, Trimble turned their conversation sexual by asking the “child” about her sexual experiences and discussing plans to meet her. On November 21, 2023, Trimble arrived for the meeting and was arrested. Only then did he discover that he actually had been communicating with an undercover officer.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the National Children’s Advocacy Center have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.
The videos can be accessed from the following locations:
https://www.nationalcac.org/sextortion-prevention/
https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac
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 or online at www.cybertipline.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for gun and drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced Damion Deonte Wade, 24, to 120 months in prison after Wade pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to the plea agreement, on April 11, 2023, Birmingham Police officers stopped a vehicle for having a tinted windshield; Wade was driving. Officers saw drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms in plain view. Officers searched the vehicle and recovered two digital scales, methamphetamine, fentanyl, a Mak-47, a Glock 10mm extended magazine and an AK-47 magazine.
ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.