Southern District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Allen Malcolm Stienke, 35, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Court documents reflect that Steinke was in a vehicle stopped by the Elberta police for displaying a switched tag. The officers recovered four guns in the vehicle, along with several items described a burglary tools. Steinke has a prior felony conviction for Unlawful Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance in Baldwin County Circuit Court, and the guns were described as three pistols and a revolver. Stienke pled guilty to the charge in September of 2018.
United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentence of 51 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. During his supervision, Steinke will undergo treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. The judge did not impose a fine, but ordered that Steinke pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Elberta Police Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Felon Sentenced to Fourteen Years for Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Phay Lam Souphanthog, 39, of Irvington, Alabama, was sentenced this morning to 168 months imprisonment for his illegal possession of firearms. Souphanthog had been previously convicted of Manslaughter in 1999 in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, and he was arrested three times in possession of firearms from 2015 through 2017. Souphanthog was indicted on three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and convicted in November of 2018 after a jury trial on two of those counts.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed the 168-month sentence, consisting of 84 months on each count, and ordered that the sentences run consecutively. The judge ordered that Souphanthog, who is illegally in the United States, be surrendered to a duly authorized immigration official at the conclusion of his imprisonment for deportation. If for some reason he is not deported, the judge ordered that he serve a three-year term of supervised release, which would include drug testing and treatment. No fine was imposed, but he was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Prichard Police Department, the MCSENT Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
U.S. Attorney Recognizes the Service and Sacrifice of Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Richard W. Moore, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, takes time to stop, remember, and recognize all federal, state and local law enforcement officers and pay tribute to their service and sacrifice. Law enforcement has the difficult and dangerous task of making our communities safer, while placing their own lives and well-being at risk.
Sadly, each year many officers make the ultimate sacrifice and give their lives in performance of their duties. In the State of Alabama, three officers have been shot and killed over the past year, with two of those deaths taking place in the last month. Mobile Police Officer Sean Paul Tuder, was shot and killed on January 20, 2019 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Just a week before, on January 13, 2019, Sergeant Wytasha Carter of the Birmingham Police, was also shot and killed attempting to make an arrest. Last year, Mobile Police Department Officer Justin Billa was killed while assisting in the apprehension of a murderer.
We know that law enforcement is the foundation of a safe community. They work diligently each day to maintain order while risking everything for the greater good. Far too many are killed each year for simply doing their jobs. We must also never forget that it is not only the officers that deserve our respect and support, but their families as well. Officers always have our backs and we should always have theirs, including their loved ones.
“An assault on a police officer is an assault on the rule of law and our democratic principles,” said U.S. Attorney Moore. “The citizens of Alabama have an interest in helping us to get the word out that you do not shoot a police officer. That needs to start at home and in our schools. This has become a national problem that all of us need to address together.”
Dallas County Man Receives 37 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jermaine Butler, a 27 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was sentenced to 37 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a Zastava rifle after being convicted of Assault First Degree.
On September 25, 2018, Butler entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that on May 25, 2018, Dallas County, AL deputies set up a random driver’s license checkpoint in Selma, Alabama. A Chevrolet Impala driven by Butler stopped several yards short of the checkpoint. Deputies motioned for Butler to continue to the checkpoint. Butler then drove past the checkpoint then stopped. As deputies approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, they smelled marijuana and saw one passenger in the vehicle with Butler. Both were asked to exit the vehicle. When Butler opened the front driver’s side door, deputies saw a small amount of marijuana. Butler was immediately detained. Deputies then saw, in plain view, a rifle on the floorboard of the backseat of the vehicle. The rifle was loaded. The rifle is described as a Zastava, model N-PAP DF, 7.62X39 caliber rifle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. The search discovered another quantity of marijuana stuffed between the front seats. Butler then stated that the rifle and the marijuana were his and the passenger also stated that the rifle and marijuana belonged to Butler.
Butler was previously convicted of Assault First Degree on March 3, 2015, in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama, case number CC-2012-000045.
Officers of the Dallas County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Dallas County Man Receives 30 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Chadwick J. Blake, a 31 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was sentenced to 30 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol after being convicted of Assault Second Degree.
On September 28, 2018, Blake entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that on October 24, 2017, an Alabama Parole Officer conducted a home visit of Blake at his residence in Selma, Alabama. The parole officer found one round of 9mm ammunition in Blake’s pocket. The parole officer then searched Blake’s residence. He found a Taurus, model Millennium, G2, 9mm pistol. The parole officer then arrested Blake for violating his probation.
At that time, Blake had been convicted of Assault 2nd, on August 12, 2015, in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama, case number CC-2015-000123.Officers of the Selma, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and investigators from the State Attorneys General’s Office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S.
Vann.Dallas County Man Found Guilty of Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Anthony Jerome Ellis, a 33 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was found guilty of possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony. The trial was held on January 22 and 23, 2019.
The evidence produced at trial showed that on December 16, 2017 at about 12:30am, Selma, Alabama police officers were in an unmarked vehicle patrolling the area around the “Small Street Inn.” The “Small Street Inn” is a nightclub known to have crimes of violence committed in and around it while in operation over the nighttime hours. Once officers arrived on the scene, Ellis and his nephew were walking briskly toward the officers as the officers drove up to the club. As the officers stopped their vehicle to go and talk to them, Ellis and his nephew pivoted left and walked between two vehicles. Almost immediately after they got between the vehicles, Ellis and his nephew squatted down for a second or two. The officers then drew their service weapons and yelled, “Selma Police Officers put your hands up.” Ellis and his nephew then stood up. Officers immediately detained them and went the the areas where Ellis and his nephew squatted down. Found in the exact area for each was a firearm. In the area where Ellis squatted was a loaded .38 caliber RG revolver and in the area where his nephew squatted was a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol. Ellis’ nephew told officers that the .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm was his. Ellis was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. During the time between Ellis’ arraignment for the felon in possession of a firearm charge and his trial on January 22, 2019, he sought out an inmate who had been convicted of the same charge he was facing. Ellis told that inmate that he and his nephew were at a nightclub one night in Selma, Alabama and the cops pulled up so he and his nephew ducked between two cars and tossed their guns. Ellis told the inmate that the cops would not be able to prove he had the gun because they could not see him toss it and they did not find the gun on him. He also told the inmate that the cops could not get any fingerprints off of the gun. When the inmate asked Ellis how he was going to explain why he squatted out of sight, Ellis told him that he would say he was tying his shoe or had dropped his cigarette lighter. Ellis also told the inmate that he was going to have his trial in Selma and not Mobile because everybody in Selma knows him and he won’t be convicted there.
Officers of the Selma, AL Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Drug Courier Sentenced to Serve a Prison Term of 37 Months for His Role in a Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States Senior District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Jose Francisco Esparza-Arevalo on December 12, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 37 months, in addition to time already served, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of 21 USC § 846. The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on August 22, 2018.
On March 15, 2018, the defendant was stopped in a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Saraland, Alabama. The traffic stop lead to the recovery of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in the gas tank of the vehicle. The gas tank had been retrofitted with a baffle in order that a separate compartment, separate from the gasoline fueling the vehicle, contained the methamphetamine. The defendant had driven the vehicle from San Antonio, Texas and was operating as a courier for another individual. The defendant was planning to deliver the methamphetamine to the Atlanta, Georgia area for the other individual. A query of the United States Border Protection Land Entry database revealed that the vehicle that the defendant was driving had crossed the U.S./Mexican border 805 times since March of 2013. The most recent inbound crossing before the stop occurred on March 12, 2018. Esparza-Arevalo was in the United States illegally and is expected to be returned to Mexico after he serves his prison term.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Saraland Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May and Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Dallas County Man Receives 46 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that George Armstead, a 28 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was sentenced to 46 months incarceration for possession of a pistol after being convicted of Robbery First Degree.
On September 14, 2018, Armstead entered a guilty pled and admitted in open court that on May 22, 2018, a Selma, AL police officer initiated a traffic stop on a green Honda being driven by Armstead for speeding. During a routine records check, using Armstead’s driver’s license information, the officer learned that Armstead had an outstanding warrant. The officer told Armstead he was going to be arrested based on the warrant and asked Armstead if he has weapons or contraband in the vehicle because it would be towed. Armstead told the officer that “his brother’s firearm” was inside the vehicle underneath the passenger seat. The firearm was seized. It is described as a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber pistol. The firearm had been reported stolen sometime prior to May 22, 2018. Later that day, Armstead was Mirandized and agreed to talk to police. The interview was recorded. Armstead said that the firearm was his and that he placed it underneath the passenger seat. Armstead said that he bought the firearm “off the street” for $100 because he thought it was being sold for a good price. Armstead also said that he bought the pistol for protection. He further said that he was a felon and was on state probation for Robbery 1st Degree. Armstead said that he was not a bad guy. At that time, Armstead had been convicted of a felony, Robbery First Degree on April 6, 2015 in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama, case number CC-2013-000146.
Officers of the Selma, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Dallas County Man Receives 27 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Clarence Brenson, a 25 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was sentenced to 27 months incarceration for possession of a rifle after being convicted of Rape Second Degree.
On September 19, 2018, Brenson entered a guilty pled and admitted in open court that on June 2, 2018, Selma, AL police officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by a female friend of Brenson’s for failing to yield for an emergency vehicle. Brenson was in the front passenger seat and two small children were in the back seat. The officers smelled the strong odor of marijuana and asked the female driver to exit the vehicle. When she did, she told the officers she had been smoking marijuana. Officers asked her if they would find marijuana if they searched the vehicle and she said, “No” because she smoked it all. She gave permission to search the vehicle. As Brenson exited the front passenger seat officers, observed a Romarm/Cugir, model WSAR-10, 7.62X39 caliber rifle. The firearm was loaded. While Brenson was seated, the firearm was between his feet. Brenson told the officers he did not have identification and gave the officers his social security number. Brenson also told the officers he was a registered sex offender. A search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of marijuana and spent shell casings from guns other than the rifle Brenson possessed.
At that time, Brenson had been convicted of a felony, Rape 2nd, on June 13, 2016 in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama, case number CC-2013-000238,
Officers of the Selma, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.Bay Minette Man Sentenced in Connection with Prichard ShootingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Laderrick Deanrey Hopson, 24, of Bay Minette, was sentenced in federal court today on the charge of felon in possession of ammunition. Hopson pled guilty to the charge in July of 2018. The evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed Hopson depicted on surveillance video at a convenience store on St. Stephens Road in February of 2018 as he entered the store, then followed another customer out of the store and shot him. The video showed Hopson rack the gun once prior to firing it, and the ammunition ejected from the gun was recovered in the investigation that followed the shooting. The customer, identified during the hearing as R.M., later passed away at the hospital. Hopson has pending state charges relating to the homicide. The federal indictment reflected that his prior conviction is for Robbery Second Degree in 2016.
Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 71 months imprisonment for the federal charge involving the ammunition, to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years. No fine was imposed, but Hopson was ordered to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Prichard Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Silverhill Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Frank Lee McCall, III, 29, of Silverhill, Alabama, was sentenced today for stealing a firearm and for being a felon in possession of firearms. McCall pled guilty to the two charges in August of 2018.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 87 months imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. He ordered that McCall serve a three-year term of supervised release when he is released from custody, during which he will undergo mental health counseling and treatment as well as drug abuse counseling and treatment. No fine was imposed but McCall was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Loxley Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Frisco City Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jeremiah Rashaun Tolbert, 29, of Frisco City, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court to 61 months in prison for his illegal possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed the sentence, consisting of 37 months on the gun charge, to run consecutive to a separate term of 24 months. The second sentence was imposed because Tolbert was under federal supervision from a prior conviction for the identical offense, committed in 2015. The total prison sentence for this second conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm was 61 months. The judge ordered another term of supervision to follow his latest conviction of three years, and did not impose a fine. She ordered that Tolbert pay $100 in special assessments.
The case was investigated by the Excel Police Department, the Frisco City Police Department, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Convicted Felon Waving a Firearm in Pinehill Apartment Complex Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Chief Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Octavius Tyrone Peace on December 14, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 24 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for the for the illegal possession of a firearm in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). The defendant was under federal supervision for a prior conviction for bank fraud when he committed the instant offense. Accordingly, the Court sentenced the defendant to serve a concurrent 8 month term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on September 17, 2018.
The facts presented in court set forth that on May 20, 2018, the Pine Hill Police Department responded to the Peachtree Apartments in Pine Hill, Alabama after several witnesses reported that a man was threatening people with a firearm. The witnesses informed the police that the male had exited his vehicle and was waving a gun around saying, “You want some of this.” Subsequently, the male attempted to leave the scene in his vehicle, but was apprehended by the police. The male was identified as Octavius Tyrone Peace. The police located a Taurus model 85, .38 caliber revolver, serial number, TC20242, with the hammer pulled back and ready to fire in the inside well of the door of the vehicle. During the investigation, the police would later discover that the firearm recovered from the defendant’s vehicle was stolen.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State of Alabama Office of Inspector General, and the Pine Hill Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alex F. Lankford, IV and Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that William Nicholas Hearn, 44, of Toxey, Alabama, was sentenced today for his possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. Hearn pled guilty to the two charges in August of 2018.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 120 months imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. He ordered that Hearn serve an eight-year term of supervised release when he is released from custody, during which he will undergo drug abuse counseling and treatment. No fine was imposed but Hearn was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the MCSENT Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Four Postal Employees Indicted for Various Crimes in Connection with the Distribution of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that four employees of the United States Postal Service were indicted for various crimes in connection with the distribution of marijuana.
On November 27, 2018, Unterria J. Rogers, a 33 year old resident of Mobile was indicted in two cases for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of marijuana, use of a communication facility to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution and possession with intent marijuana, use of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and embezzlement of packages from the U. S. mail entrusted to him for delivery.
On November 28, 2018, Devon Donald, a 26 year old resident of Mobile was indicted for conspiring to embezzle packages from the U. S. mail entrusted to him for delivery and embezzlement of six packages from the U.S. mail entrusted to him for delivery.
On November 28, 2018, Shambria Hill, a 25 year old resident of Mobile was indicted for conspiring to embezzle packages from the U. S. mail entrusted to her for delivery and embezzlement of three packages from the U.S. mail entrusted to her for delivery.
On November 28, 2018, Sade Martin, a 26 year old resident of Mobile was indicted for conspiring to embezzle packages from the U. S. mail entrusted to her for delivery and embezzlement of five packages from the U.S. mail entrusted to her for delivery.
“Most postal workers are honest and conscientious about their work and they would never become involved in the kinds of crimes that these four defendants have been charged by the Grand Jury,” United States Attorney Moore said. “The citizens of this district should not have to worry about whether the U.S. mail is being compromised and particularly by employees of the U.S. Postal Service. We take this kind of alleged conduct by Postal Service employees very seriously and I appreciate our law enforcement partners who aggressively investigated these cases and brought them to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The U. S. mail has a wall of protection around it. When postal inspectors discovered this scheme, they reached out to their law enforcement partners to start a multifaceted investigation that culminated in these indictments,” said Inspector in Charge, Adrian Gonzalez, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Inspector in Charge Gonzalez went on the say, “along with federal agents of the Postal Inspection Service and the U. S. Postal Service/ Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), personnel from the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol Air and marine Operations, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations converged to conduct a series of intensive investigations, complex surveillance, and make arrests to defend our communities and their USPS mail service.”
Christopher Cave, Special Agent in Charge, USPS-OIG also commented saying that, “the federal indictments obtained are indicative of the hard work of our special agents who vigorously investigated this narcotics scheme. Our office along with our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue these investigations. Our agency will remain vigilant and strive to maintain the sanctity of the mail.”Selma Resident Receives 7 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Daryl Dewayne Struggs, 35, a resident of Selma, Alabama, to imprisonment for eighty-four months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Struggs undergo three years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, pay a $100 mandatory special assessment, and undergo substance abuse and mental health treatment as directed by the U.S. Probation Office.
According to documents filed with the court as part of his guilty plea and the court’s pronouncements at sentencing, Struggs is a convicted felon who is barred by federal law from knowingly possessing firearms or ammunition. He was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Dallas County, Alabama of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana in the First Degree, Burglary in the Third Degree, and Robbery in the First Degree.
Around 8:18pm on March 28, 2017, Selma Police Department officers responded to an address on Twenty Foot Avenue in Selma concerning gun shots fired and two shooting victims. According to witnesses, the suspects were driving a blue Lincoln Town car. Around 10:55pm, Selma Police Department Detective Willie Calhoun was driving to the crime scene when he saw a blue Lincoln Town car speeding on Highway 80 toward the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. He stopped the vehicle. Struggs was the passenger and co-defendant Danny Jamal Tate was the driver.
Officers searched the vehicle. They recovered one round of ammunition from between the driver’s seat and passenger’s seat. Under the passenger seat, officers found a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. When Calhoun found the firearm, the slide was locked to the rear and the magazine was empty. Officers also found a second Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in the vehicle. This pistol was loaded with a round in the chamber and thirty-four rounds in the extended magazine. Struggs knowingly possessed the two pistols, both of which were manufactured outside the State of Alabama.
At sentencing, Senior Judge Steele observed that the firearms were used in the shooting and underscored the serious nature of Struggs’s offense. Tate and Struggs have pending state charges in connection with the shooting.
On July 26, 2018, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged Struggs and Tate with one count each of being a felon in possession in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). On September 14, 2018, Struggs pleaded guilty before Senior Judge Steele to being a felon in possession.
Tate remains at large. He has a pending federal warrant for his arrest.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Selma Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.United States Secret Service Case Results in Former Bay Minette Accountant Sentenced to 8 Months for Theft of over $60,000.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that United States District Court Senior Judge Callie V. S. Granade sentenced Karen Dawn Gurvitz on December 6, 2018 to 8 months imprisonment and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $63,205.
Karen Gurvitz pled guilty on August 22, 2018, in accordance with a plea agreement with the United States to the crimes of Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud. She worked as the bookkeeper/accountant for the Bay Minette-based company, S & K Machineworks for nearly three years. During her employment, specifically between January 2015 through October 2017, Gurvitz made close to $62,000 in personal purchases using an S&K company credit card.
In order to keep her criminal activity concealed from her employers at S &K, Gurvitz would change the business mailing address of S&K on all invoices dealing with her fraudulent purchases to that of her home address. Some of the purchases made included gift cards, along with other goods, intended for her sole personal use. In total, Gurvitz was ordered to pay $63,205 to S & K Machineworks in restitution.
Brian O’Neil, Resident Agent in Charge for the United States Secret Service Mobile Field Office stated, “The U.S. Secret Service plays a pivotal role in securing the nation’s critical infrastructure, specifically in the areas of cyber, banking and finance. Today’s sentencing is one of many examples of the working relationship among law enforcement in bringing justice to victims along the Gulf Coast.”
The United States Secret Service, Mobile Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Mobile County Man Receives 188 Month Sentence for CarjackingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Gary Michael Gilmore of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for Carjacking before Judge Callie V.S. Granade.
On April 22, 2018, Gilmore took a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox from a person by force and violence and by intimidation with intent to cause death and serious bodily injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119.
The victim was asleep in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Sahara Club on Schillinger Road, Mobile, Alabama when he was awaken with a knife to his throat. Gilmore was apprehended in Citronelle, Alabama with the stolen vehicle after he ran from police by jumping in a lake.Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations along with deputies of the Mobile, County, Alabama Sheriff’s office investigated the case and brought it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Michael D. Anderson.
Former Attorney Receives Thirty-Three Months for Embezzling Money from his ClientRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Chief United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced David Hudgens, 66, a resident of Daphne, Alabama, to imprisonment for thirty three months for committing wire fraud. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Hudgens undergo three years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, pay a $100 mandatory special assessment, undergo credit restrictions, receive a mental health evaluation, and pay restitution totaling $624,686.70 to the victim in the case.
According to documents filed with the court as part of his guilty plea and testimony from Friday’s sentencing hearing, Hudgens was a lawyer in Baldwin County, Alabama who previously represented an individual identified in court documents as B.W. From around 2012 to around November 2016, Hudgens willfully and knowingly executed a scheme to defraud B.W. and achieve personal financial gain by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, knowing at the time that the pretenses, representations, and promises were false.
In 2012, B.W. retained Hudgens to represent her in legal matters and act as a custodian of B.W.’s business funds. Hudgens maintained these funds in two Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) on B.W.’s behalf. IOLTA accounts are bank accounts managed by lawyers who hold money received from a client to help fund the legal representation. As part of his scheme to defraud, Hudgens misappropriated B.W.’s funds held in the IOLTA accounts for his own personal use. He did so without B.W.’s permission and made material misrepresentations to B.W. and others in the process. At various times during his scheme, Hudgens made unauthorized wire transfers of funds belonging to B.W. and transmitted wire communications in interstate commerce.
On April 13, 2018, Hudgens was charged with one count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. On April 25, 2018, Hudgens pleaded guilty before Chief Judge DuBose to the charge. As a result of his criminal conduct, Hudgens has been disbarred from the practice of law in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. State jurisdictions commonly have strict rules in place that govern the management of IOLTA accounts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.Dallas County Woman Receives Five Years Probation for Obtaining Opiods by FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Misty Danielle Combs Bailey, a 35 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was sentenced to five years of probation after being convicted of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud.
On August 21, 2018, according to a factual statement Bailey signed in connection with her guilty plea, over a seven day period in February 2018, Bailey forged, or caused to be forged, 10 prescriptions made out to her as patient of a Selma area dentist and obtained quantities of hydrocodone and oxycodone. Bailey had access to the prescriptions as a patient of the dentist. On February 8, 2018, the dentist reported that one of his prescription pads had been stolen from his office. He stated that he believed that Bailey stole the prescription pad from his secretary’s desk. All prescriptions were presented to pharmacies located in the Selma, Alabama area. Bailey obtained approximately 125 hydrocodone tablets and approximately 80 oxycodone tablet during her week long fraudulent scheme.
Officers of the Selma, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Baldwin County Man Receives 12 Month and a Day for Possession of a Firearm After FelonyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that James C. Hill, a 25 year old resident of Bay Minette, Alabama was sentenced to 12 months and one day after being convicted of possession of a firearm after conviction of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
According to a factual statement Hill signed in connection with his guilty plea, on May 21, 2018, Baldwin County deputies were investigating a complaint involving a domestic dispute. When deputies arrived on the scene, they saw Hill standing near a white vehicle and watched him bend down and drop a pistol on the ground. A citizen on the scene, told the deputies that Hill had the firearm in his pocket and as they approached he dropped it on the ground.
At that time, Hill had been convicted of a felony, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, on January 27, 2014, in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama, case number CC-13-1196.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with officers of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Court Sentences Selma Man to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Chief Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Anthony Rashad Brown on November 30, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 70 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for the for the illegal possession of a firearm in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on July 30, 2018.
Evidence elicited through testimony in Court revealed that on October 3, 2017, detectives with the Selma Police Department stopped the defendant for a traffic infraction. After smelling marijuana in the vehicle officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .40-caliber, Ruger, P94 firearm from under the driver side seat. The firearm was determined to be stolen. Officers also found approximately 70 pills, that appeared to be Ecstasy but tested at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences as methamphetamine, and approximately 15 grams of marijuana, in the center console of the vehicle. The defendant was on federal probation for the felony offense of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. The prior federal conviction occurred on May 20, 2014.The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Selma Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May and Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Court Sentences Mobile County Man to 48 Months in Federal Prison for Weapons and Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Chief Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced John Robert Payne on November 30, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 48 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, and violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 924 (c), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on July 30, 2018.
Facts established through Court records revealed that on July 17, 2017, a reliable confidential informant (CI) working for the Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotics Team (MCSENT) reported that Payne was offering to sell him methamphetamine. Officers set up a “buy/bust” undercover operation and detained the defendant when he showed up at the location designated as the buy location at a Burger King parking lot in Mobile County. After being detained at the location the defendant admitted he was a methamphetamine seller and that he had methamphetamine in his pocket to sell to the CI. The defendant was planning to sell the CI approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine (actual). The defendant also had a firearm in the center console of the vehicle that the defendant bought off the streets to protect his drug trade. Four days later in a completely separate investigation, a Federal Bureau of Investigation CI made an undercover buy of .5 grams of methamphetamine from Payne.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotics Team (MCSENT) and the City of Saraland Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May and Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.Gun Thief Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jesse Lane, 25, of Ellisville, Alabama, was sentenced today for his participation in stealing firearms and possessing stolen firearms. He pled guilty to the two charges in federal court during July of 2018.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 33 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. During his supervision, the judge ordered that Lane undergo testing and treatment for illegal drug use. Lane was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments, but no fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.Texas Receives 84 Months for Use of Firearm in Robbery Affecting Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Patrick Miller, a 25 year old resident of Kaufman, Texas was sentenced to 84 months incarceration, ordered to pay $387.20 restitution after being convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to a factual statement Miller signed in connection with his guilty plea, on Christmas Day, 2017, Spanish Fort Police Department received a 911 call from a store clerk at Circle K Convenience Store located at 6490 Old Spanish Trail in Spanish Fort, Alabama in reference to a robbery. Almost immediately another 911 call came in from a patron of the store who told police that the robber ran across Spanish Trail to a vehicle that was parked behind Rite Aid Drug Store. The patron advised police dispatch that the robber got into the passenger side of the vehicle. The patron described the vehicle as an older model grey truck with blue writing on the side.
Spanish Fort police officers responded to the location at approximately 5:00 pm., they were told that a white male entered the store, went to the cooler and selected a six pack of Bud light beer and then returned to the register. The clerk stated that, after the robber pulled out a camouflage wallet and asked for a pack of Camel Turkish Royal Blend cigarettes in a box, he lifted his shirt and showed her a handgun located in his waist band. The store clerk stated that the robber then stated, “this is no joke, and I want all the money in the register." The store clerk then opened the register, and gave the robber all the money in the register. The store clerk described the robber as very tall and wearing a grey hoodie with a brown neck warmer. The total amount in cash stolen was approximately $387.20.The patron stated that after entering the store and going to the coolers, he heard a large amount of change hitting the counter, and it got his attention. The patron stated that when he looked, he could see money in the bag the robber was carrying. He advised police that he could tell something was wrong, and followed the robber out of the store. Once in front of the store, the robber began to walk toward the south of the building. The patron said that the robber showed him the butt of the handgun he was carrying. The patron then stopped following the robber and returned to his vehicle to retrieve his phone.
Still shots taken from the surveillance video showing the robber and his weapon were placed on the Spanish Fort Police Department Facebook page and given to Channel 15 News and Channel 10 News to broadcast.Three days later, on December 28, officers received a call from Miller’s employer who said he saw a TV broadcast and he identified the robber as Patrick Miller. Miller’s employer stated that he had also been in touch with the family Miller was living with in Spanish Fort. He provided a telephone number for Miller and advised his office was closed for the day. He said that he told his staff not to come in because he feared for their safety. Miller’s employer stated that Miller was currently driving a company truck which was described as an older Chevrolet with blue emblems on the door. He also advised that Miller was currently living with a family in Spanish Fort.
Also on December 28th, member of the family Miller lived with called with additional information. He stated that he had seen the broadcast from the Circle K, and that the robber was Miller. He stated that Miller had lived with his son at Auburn, and was currently living with him at his home in Spanish Fort. The family member stated that Miller was wearing a Broncos pull over that his son had given Miller and a neck warmer used when duck hunting by his son. The family member also stated that the handgun Miller used in the robbery belonged to his son as well. The family member stated that his son had brought Miller to live with them because of a drug problem, and was attempting to help him recover from addiction. The family member also stated that Miller was currently occupying a Chevy pickup that belonged to his boss. He advised that the truck was silver or grey with blue emblems on the doors. The family member also advised that Miller had shaved his beard earlier in the day.
Miller was located and arrested. At the time of arrest, Miller was in possession of a green camouflage wallet. He was also in possession of $267.00 in cash.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with officers of the Spanish Fort, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Mississippi Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Thomas Lee Ruffin, 57, of Meridian, Mississippi, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for his participation in the interstate transportation and sale of stolen firearms. Ruffin pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and concealing a stolen firearm in July of 2018.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed the 36-month sentence on November 9, 2018. Ruffin will serve 3 years on supervised release following the completion of his imprisonment, and the judge ordered that he would undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse while under supervision. The judge did not impose a fine but ordered the imposition of $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Lauderdale County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office, The Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
California Man Sentenced to 160 Months in Federal Prison for Multi-State Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Senior United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Sebastian Daniel Riso on November 7, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 160 months followed by 5 years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1). The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on February 28, 2018.
Official court documents revealed that Riso was a large scale crystal methamphetamine (ICE) distributor who operated in Hollywood, California and Los Angeles, California and facilitated the shipments of bulk quantities of crystal methamphetamine to the Southern District of Alabama, Central District of California and the District of Hawaii.In October 26, 2017, a cooperating informant (CI) provided information to the Mobile Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in Mobile that he/she met Riso in Hawaii several years ago and has conducted several transactions involving Riso shipping narcotics to him/her in Mobile Alabama. The CI stated that Riso recently contacted the CI and agreed to ship a bulk amount of crystal methamphetamine to the CI in Mobile Alabama.
On October 28, 2017, the CI made several recorded calls to Riso to order methamphetamine. Following the calls, Riso shipped approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine to the CI via Federal Express.
On September 15, 2017, an officer for the Kauai, Hawaii Police Department (“KPD”) conducted a vehicle stop of a subject named Ecolono in Lihue, HI, based upon a warrant for Ecolono’s arrest. The vehicle was subsequently searched pursuant to a Hawaii state court search warrant, and was found to contain a ripped-open postal parcel in the rear seat containing approximately 14.2 grams of heroin, approximately 27.3 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 23 grams of fentanyl.A bag in the cargo area of the vehicle was found to contain (inside multiple vacuum sealed bags) approximately 403.5 grams of heroin and approximately 452.9 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also found approximately $32,000 inside a Louis Vuitton women’s purse in the front seat of the car.
The investigation revealed that Riso was the source of supply for the controlled substances found in Ecolono’s vehicle. The investigation further revealed that Ecolono traveled to California in May of 2017 and stayed with Riso. On that visit, Ecolono agreed to take five pounds of methamphetamine (actual) back to Hawaii to sell. Ecolono agreed to pay $5,000 per pound, and she paid $8,000 up front, and agreed to pay the rest at a later date. Ecolono also agreed to sell heroin for Riso, and she received approximately 125 grams of heroin for $1,500. In payment, Ecolono sent Riso $16,000 in money orders from her sales of the narcotics.
Some time later in the summer of 2017, Ecolono received a parcel from Riso containing four pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of heroin. Ecolono sold the narcotics and sent cash back to Riso in California.
In August 2017, Riso informed Ecolono that a third parcel was on its way. When the parcel did not arrive on time, Riso instructed Ecolono to meet with “T” and receive methamphetamine from “T” to sell. Ecolono did so and received a pound of methamphetamine from “T”. The expected parcel containing one pound of methamphetamine came shortly thereafter, and Ecolono was instructed by Riso to mail $16,000 cash back to Riso.
The September parcel that was found in Ecolono’s vehicle was the fourth package of controlled substances received by her from Riso.
On October 31, 2017, members of the Los Angeles Police Department High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAPD-HIDTA) group conducted surveillance of Riso and observed Riso ship three separate packages, one shipped from Fed Ex and two shipped from UPS. All the packages were shipped to Hawaii. Agents contacted a DEA Task Force Officer (TFO) in Hawaii with the parcel information in order to intercept the packages.On November 2, 2017, a Mobile DEA Agent and Task Force Officer conducted a joint search warrant with LAPD-HIDTA group during the execution of the federal arrest warrant for Riso issued from the Southern District of Alabama. During the search of Riso’s home in the Los Angeles area, agents recovered approximately 8.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 650 grams of Heroin and 5.4 kilograms of high grade marijuana. Also on November 2, 2017, the DEA TFO in Hawaii intercepted one of the UPS packages in Hawaii that was shipped by Riso and it contained approximately 1000.5 grams of methamphetamine. On November 2, 2017, the DEA TFO intercepted the Fed Ex package in Hawaii that was shipped by Riso and it contained approximately 924.8 grams of methamphetamine.
On November 8, 2017, law enforcement intercepted the other UPS package in Hawaii that was shipped by Riso and it contained approximately 194.1 grams of methamphetamine
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Mobile, the DEA in Hawaii, the Mobile Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Kauai, Hawaii Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.Bay Minette Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Chaney Darnell Thomas, 30, of Bay Minette, Alabama, was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment for his participation in the distribution of drugs and the use of a firearm in connection with that crime. Thomas pled guilty to three charges in June of 2018-- possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of or in relation to a drug trafficking felony; and felon in possession of a firearm.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the 262-month sentence this morning, consisting of 202 months and 120 months on the drug count and the felon in possession count, respectively, and ordered that they run concurrently. On the charge of using the gun in relation to a drug felony, the judge ordered that the statutory consecutive minimum mandatory sentence of 60 months run consecutively to the sentences in the other counts, totaling a sentence of 262 months. Thomas will serve a total of 6 years on supervised release following the completion of his imprisonment, and the judge ordered that he would undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse while under supervision. The judge did not impose a fine but ordered the imposition of $300 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Bay Minette Police Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Daphne Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Richard W. Moore on Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
As the first Alabamian to serve as the Nation’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions won the respect and loyalty of prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the Country. He was extremely active and personally invested in the work of prosecutors in 93 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and at Main Justice in Washington D.C. Under his leadership violent crime has started to go back down after several years of increases that Attorney General Sessions correctly warned could not be ignored. He motivated prosecutors and law enforcement officials to unite in an aggressive strategy to make our streets safer and he was successful in leading that effort. In addition to reducing violent crime, Attorney General Sessions led the Department of Justice’s efforts in addressing the heroin and opioid crisis, combating transnational criminal organizations and reducing illegal immigration.
Jeff Sessions is an effective and inspirational leader who motivated not only U.S. Attorneys but also the law enforcement officers who we work with every day. Having been a federal prosecutor himself he understood the day-to-day challenges that prosecutors and agents face. He continued to remind us that this work is not just a job but a “sacred task….to secure the equal rights of citizens.” Under his leadership, the Department of Justice broke records for violent crime, firearm, and illegal immigration prosecutions. In the Southern District of Alabama we have dramatically increased our prosecutions that are a direct result of AG Sessions’ aggressive policies and expectations. At the same time, survey results of employees showed that the morale of employees in U.S. Attorney’s Offices improved significantly over prior years.
On a personal level, I have had the opportunity to prosecute cases with Jeff Sessions when he was the U.S. Attorney here in the Southern District of Alabama and for the past year to serve as an advisor to him as Chairman of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. He has been rightly described by U.S. Attorneys as a “prosecutor’s prosecutor” because he was a skilled adversary in the courtroom and a highly principled lawyer. Above all, the most common attribute associated with Jeff Sessions has always been “integrity.” He is a mentor and friend who will be dearly missed.We will continue to pursue the rule of law priorities of President Trump and I look forward to working under the leadership of Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker.
Prichard Man Who Fired on Police is Sentenced to 97 MonthsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces the guilty plea and sentence of defendant Kevin V. Lucy for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Lucy pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in Federal Court on July 23, 2018, before Senior Judge Callie V.S. Granade. On November 7, 2018, Senior Judge Granade sentenced the defendant to 97 months.
According to the Prichard Police Department’s offense report and the facts he admitted at his guilty plea, during the early morning hours of December 30, 2017, Kevin Lucy (24), of Prichard, Alabama opened fire on two Prichard police officers who were attempting to stop his vehicle for driving erratically. The officers believed that Lucy was possibly intoxicated and initiated a traffic stop to investigate. Lucy, however, fled at high speed, ignoring stop signs and traffic lights in a residential neighborhood. Lucy’s vehicle finally came to a stop in a residential back yard. When Prichard police officers approached the vehicle, Lucy exited and started shooting at the officers. The officers immediately took cover for their safety and returned fire. Once the shooting stopped, the officers again approached Lucy’s vehicle and found him on the ground, uninjured, crying and apologizing.
The officers recovered two pistols near Lucy, one on the ground and another on the driver’s seat. Officers also recovered a pill bottle and a baggy of marijuana between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle.During later questioning, Lucy admitted he had smoked synthetic marijuana, sometimes referred to as “spice”, prior to coming into contact with police and admitted he possessed the firearms that he used to fire upon the police.
Lucy has a history of violence, evidenced by his conviction for robbery in 2014, which resulted in the death of another. State charges arising out of the same incident are still pending.
The Prichard Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mobile Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted for the United States.
Mobile County Man Receives 18 Months for His Role in a Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that John Paul Willcox, a 37 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 18 months incarceration after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On July 26, 2018, according to a factual statement Willcox signed in connection with his guilty plea, on August 9, 2017, Postal Inspectors intercepted a 2 pound 15 ounce express mail package addressed to John P. Willcox, at his home address in Mobile, Alabama. The package originated from Arizona (a source state for methamphetamine) and had a return address that was fictitious. Since it was a common practice for illegal narcotics traffickers to utilize the U.S. Mail to send narcotics from source cities with fictitious addresses, postal inspectors called in a narcotics drug dog who alerted to the package.
On August 10, 2017, a controlled delivery was made to Willcox at his home address. Once he accepted the package and took it into the residence, Mobile County deputies executed a search warrant at the address. During the search, the package was retrieved and opened. Inside of the package was approximately 857.9 grams of methamphetamine - a distribution amount of methamphetamine. Willcox was the only person at the residence at the time of the search. Willcox was read his Miranda Rights and he stated that he understood them and agreed to speak with the deputies. Willcox stated that he receive the package for “Rock”, who was his supplier for illegal pills. He agreed to receive the package because he owed “Rock” for providing him with the illegal pills. Willcox knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the package he received for “Rock” contained illegal drugs consistent with the weight of the package. Willcox intended to give the package to “Rock.”
Inspectors of the U. S. Postal Service along with deputies of the Mobile County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.Irvington Man Sentenced to Five Years Probation in Gun CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces the guilty plea and sentence of defendant Gregory Carl Kent for unlawfully possessing a firearm in violation of 18 United States Code 922(g)(1). Kent pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in the United States District Court on June 18, 2018, before Senior Judge Callie V.S. Granade. On October 31, 2018, Senior Judge Granade sentenced the defendant to five (5) years probation and ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation.
As part of his guilty plea, Kent admitted that he made threatening statements while his brother was visiting Kent and their mother at their residence in Irvington, Alabama. When his brother asked if Kent intended to harm him, Kent answered in the affirmative. Kent’s brother then left the residence and returned to his home in Grand Bay, Alabama. Later that same day, Kent drove to his brother’s home to further taunt him by creating a disturbance in the front yard. At that time, Kent’s brother observed Kent holding a rifle. The police were subsequently called to the residence.
Deputies from the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office arrived in time to catch Kent attempting to flee the scene. Deputies were able to recover a loaded .22 caliber pistol on the front driver’s seat of Kent’s vehicle. When deputies discovered Kent was a convicted felon, they contacted the Mobile Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Kent had previously been convicted of Possessing Controlled Substances in September 2011 in Mobile County Circuit Court and could not lawfully be in possession of any firearms since that date.
The Mobile County Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mobile Field Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the Southern District of Alabama.
18 Members and Associates of Selma Street Gang Charged in Mobile Federal Court with Narcotics and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam announced the unsealing today of a twenty-three count indictment charging 18 members and associates of a Selma-based street gang known as the MLK Gang” with narcotics conspiracy and firearms offenses.
A total of seven defendants were taken into custody this week; seven other defendants were already in Alabama state custody. Six of the 18 defendants will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sonja F. Bivins today at 2:00 P.M. CHOIIS HARRIS was arrested in northern Alabama and was presented and arraigned before Magistrate Judge Herman N. Johnson, Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama yesterday. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock.
U.S. Attorney Richard Moore said: “The city of Selma has been plagued too long with a high level of violent crime that we are determined to stop. This indictment is only one part of the strategy of federal, state and local law enforcement to take back the streets of Selma. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to increase our presence in Selma and we are asking the residents of Selma to join us in making their streets safe again.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam said, “The damage caused by drugs and violence affects everyone across the nation, including towns like Selma, Alabama. Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs. The arrests of these individuals should be a warning to others who prey on the weak and defenseless through their drug trafficking and violent acts. We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners, to relentlessly pursue these violent criminals and drug traffickers plaguing our communities.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Mobile federal court and in other court papers:
The MLK gang, comprised of “DTE” gang members and “Crips” affiliated individuals, concentrated in the processing of cocaine into crack cocaine and its distribution in and around the Martin Luther King Street area of Selma, Alabama. To protect its crack Distribution location, the MLK gang maintained a ready supply of firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles. These weapons were often used by the MLK Gang against rival crack cocaine traffickers.
Count One of the Indictment charges DAMIAN ROGERS, aka DTE LI’DAME, aka A1 DAME, aka DAME, KEISHA WEST, aka TREECE, IRVIN WEST, aka TRIPPY, aka MOO MOO, MITCHELL WILLIAMS, JR., aka MINI MAN, aka MANY MAN, aka MAN E MAN, JAMARCUS BRENSON, aka DTE LISAVAGE, aka L’IL SAVAGE, aka SAVAGE, aka CHEESE, KAREEN WALKER, aka CHROME, JEREMIAH BROWN, aka UNC, EARL GOLDSBY, aka IRON HEAD, LEO CARTER, aka BO PEEP, JAMARRIOUS SHAW, aka DUKEY DUKE, JUWAN HOWARD, J’QUAHN HARVILLE, aka DTE MELO, aka MELO, aka RAHMEL, CHOIIS HARRIS, KENTREVIUS WASHINGTON, aka TREY, JAMES CARTEZ LEE, aka KNACK KNACK, JON GARY, aka ROUN, HORACE CRAIG, aka HONEY BEE, and JARRELL PRITCHETT aka RELLwith participating in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Count Nine of the Indictment charges DAMIAN ROGERS, aka DTE LI’DAME, aka A1 DAME, aka DAME, KEISHA WEST, aka TREECE, IRVIN WEST, aka TRIPPY, aka MOO MOO, MITCHELL WILLIAMS, JR., aka MINI MAN, aka MANY MAN, aka MAN E MAN, JAMARCUS BRENSON, aka DTE LISAVAGE, aka L’IL SAVAGE, aka SAVAGE, aka CHEESE, JEREMIAH BROWN, aka UNC, EARL GOLDSBY, aka IRON HEAD, JAMARRIOUS SHAW, aka DUKEY DUKE,JUWAN HOWARD, J’QUAHN HARVILLE, aka DTE MELO, aka MELO, aka RAHMEL, CHOIIS HARRIS, KENTREVIUS WASHINGTON, aka TREY, JAMES CARTEZ LEE, aka KNACK KNACK, and HORACE CRAIG, aka HONEY BEE, with participating in a conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of the drug conspiracy in Count One, the defendants could be imprisoned from a minimum of five to a maximum of 40 years. If convicted of the firearm conspiracy in Count Nine, the defendants could be imprisoned up to twenty years. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Selma Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Luis F. Peral is handling prosecution of the case for the United States.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Carlos Walker, 43, of Newton, Mississippi, was sentenced on November 6, 2018, for his participation in the possession with intent to distribute two kilograms of cocaine. Walker pled guilty to the charge in June of 2017.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. The judge ordered that Walker undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse while in prison and during his supervised release. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Walker pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotics Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Five Mobile County Merchants Charged with Trafficking in Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, of the Southern District of Alabama announces that five area merchants and an employee of one of the merchants were indicted for violations of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2342(a), trafficking in contraband cigarettes. They include, Thy Touch, a 45 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Reginald Lyons, a 43 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Sakhoeuth Khan, a 33 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Khalil N Al-Mashni, a 51 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Shahid Abassi, a 42 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; and Shameka Mallory, a 39 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama. Upon conviction, each would face a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration, a fine of $250,000 and a supervised release term of three years.
United States Attorney Moore stated, “We appreciate the very aggressive and thorough job done by both the ATF and the Mobile, Alabama Police Department in making these cases. Our prosecutor, Gina Vann, has coordinated the prosecution efforts on these cases which I very much appreciate. Trafficking in illegal contraband of any kind hurts honest businesses that follow the law. I am encouraging all our law enforcement partners to be on the lookout for these kinds of crimes that undermine our economy. We will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge, Marcus Watson, also remarked, “ATF’s partnerships with law enforcement and the community are an effective tool in enforcing our mission.”
An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
Woman Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jessica Harris was sentenced on October 31 on a charge that she made false statements on a federal form in order to purchase a firearm. Court documents show that Harris, 34, of Mobile, Alabama, falsified information on the federal form to acquire five AR-type pistols. When confronted by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, she admitted that the information she put on the form was not true and identified the person for whom she bought the guns. United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 12 months’ probation. No fine was imposed but Harris was ordered to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Mississippi Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Clarence Benard Willis on September 18, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 46 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for the possession with the intent to distribute FUB-AMB in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1) 813, 802(32)(A). The defendant previously plead guilty on July 25, 2018.
On September 13, 2016, Homeland Security Investigations along with the United States Postal Service began an investigation of Willis for the illegal importation of Synthetic Cannabinoids, a Schedule I controlled substance, into the United States from China. On the date of the incident, a package destined for Gulfport, MS came through the United States Postal Services in Mobile, Alabama. The package was an international parcel coming from China. The package was suspicious and was opened by a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) under his extended border search authority.
The package was found to contain approximately one kilogram of a substance called FUB-AMB, a controlled substance analogue of AB-FUBINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance. Controlled substance analogues are not scheduled controlled substances. However, Title 21 of the United States Code states that if a substance that is not a listed controlled substance has a chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance and has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance, and it intended for human consumption, it can be charged as a controlled substance analogue. The statute essentially prevents rogue chemists from slightly tweaking the chemical structure of a controlled substance and then claiming the substance is not a controlled substance and thus not illegal to sell.
United States Attorney Moore stated that synthetic cannabinoids, often shipped into the United States from China, are typically sprayed with a variety of chemicals. The chemicals can cause a severe physical reaction, and even death, when ingested by the user. Often times the users have no idea what dangerous chemicals they are ingesting. Moore further stated that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute individuals and organizations that import into the United States and distribute these dangerous analogues. Moore added that foreign shippers of these dangerous drugs are also not necessarily beyond the reach of his office if sufficient evidence is developed and the extradition process is successful.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Service, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. The Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory was also extremely helpful in providing experts that were prepared to testify that FUB-AMB is a controlled substance analogue of AB-FUBINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May and Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama. AUSA May commended all the investigators and specifically Dr. Terrence Boos the Section Chief of the Drug Chemical Evaluation Section of the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory for his support in providing expert advice and expert witnesses for the case.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Michael James Reed, 39, of Toomsuba, Mississippi, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute two kilograms of cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Reed pled guilty to the charges in March of this year.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence on November 1, 2018, ordering that Reed also receive drug treatment while in prison and as a condition of his four-year supervised release term when he is released. No fine was imposed, but Reed was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Armed Defendant Located by Police in a Stolen Vehicle Receives 41 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Rex James Thompson on November 1, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 41 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1). The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by the Court on July 27, 2018.
On November 17, 2017, deputies from the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a medical emergency. When they responded to the scene, they observed a truck in the mud on a dirt road. The deputies were also advised that there was a person “down” in the truck. Medical personnel were already on the scene assisting the vehicle occupant. The vehicle occupant was identified as the defendant, Rex James Thompson. The deputies knew the defendant to be a car thief from previous dealings and they received information that he was armed. The vehicle Thompson occupied had indeed been reported stolen the day before. The deputies arrested the defendant and located a loaded Rossi, Model 38 Special, .38 caliber revolver in his pocket during the pat down. The defendant had an extensive criminal history, which included prior convictions for Receiving Stolen Property in the First Degree, Receiving Stolen Property in the Second Degree, and Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Lead Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney George F. May for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.Mobile Man Sentenced to 95 Months for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that United States District Court Senior Judge Callie V. S. Granade sentenced Anthony Lee Mitchell on October 22, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 95 months followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1). The defendant previously pled guilty to the offense on July 23, 2018.
According to admissions the defendant made as part of his guilty plea, on May 9, 2017, Mobile Police Department officers received a complaint of a man breaking into a house. Officers responded to the location and they stopped Mitchell in a vehicle leaving the house. Mitchell gave a false name to officers by providing his brother’s name, who had active arrest warrants. Officers arrested Mitchell and received consent to search his vehicle. Officers found approximately 48 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Mitchell was read his rights and he admitted that another man “fronted” him the methamphetamine and that he still owed over $1,200 to the man that fronted him the methamphetamine. Fronting drugs means the supplier provides the drugs to the buyer essentially on credit. The buyer then sells the drugs to generate the money to pay the supplier and also to make some profit.
The case was investigated by Mobile Police Department and referred for federal prosecution through the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Lead Attorney, George F. May for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Felon with a Gun Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Edward Leonard Howard, Jr., was sentenced this morning on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Howard, 22, of Mobile, Alabama, pled guilty to the charge in July. United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentence of 44 months imprisonment, and ordered that Howard serve three years of supervised release when he is discharged from prison. No fine was imposed but Howard was ordered to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Daniel Dewayne Conner was sentenced this morning on five counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Court documents showed that Conner was on federal supervised release from his prior federal drug conviction when he made the sales to a confidential informant working for the Saraland Police Department. Conner, 44, of Axis, Alabama, pled guilty to the charges in February. United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 57 months imprisonment to run concurrently on the five counts, and ordered that Conner serve a term of 7 years of supervised release when he is discharged from prison. No fine was imposed but Conner was ordered to pay $500 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Mobile County Woman Receives a Sentence of Five Years Probation for Filing False Tax Returns and Ordered to Pay $43,608 Restitution to the IRSRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Juanike Gulley, a 36 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $43,608.00 restitution to the IRS for conspiring to file false tax returns for others and filing a false tax return for herself.
On July 23, 2018, according to a factual statement Gulley signed in connection with her guilty plea to the tax crimes, during 2011 through 2015, Gulley and Demetrius Kidd operated G & K Tax Service. They conspired together to file false tax returns for their taxpayer customers. Specifically, Gulley and Kidd prepared, assisted in the preparation of or directed the preparation of tax returns for six taxpayer/customers.. The tax returns they prepared had fraudulent information about Schedule C expenses, education credits and earned income credits. This false information caused the IRS to issue tax refunds to the taxpayer/customers that were higher than they would have received thereby defrauding the IRS of approximately $43,608.00. Additionally, on April 7, 2016, Gulley, a Mobile, Alabama resident, prepared her own tax return for tax year 2013 and swore under penalty of perjury that the information in the returns was true and accurate, knowing at that time she did not believe the information to be true and knew the information was false. Specifically, she stated that her income was $36,690.00 when in truth and in fact, it was higher than she stated.
Special Agents of the IRS/Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Mobile County Man Receives a Sentence of Five Years Probation for Filing False Tax Returns and Ordered to Pay $43,608 Restitution to the IRSRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Demetrius Kidd, a 37 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $43,608.00 restitution to the IRS for conspiring to file false tax returns for others and filing a false tax return for himself.
On July 23, 2018, according to a factual statement Kidd signed in connection with his guilty plea to the tax crimes, during 2011 through 2015, Kidd and Juanikee Gulley operated G & K Tax Service. They conspired together to file false tax returns for their taxpayer customers. Specifically, Gulley and Kidd prepared, assisted in the preparation of or directed the preparation of tax returns for six taxpayer/customers. The tax returns they prepared had fraudulent information about Schedule C expenses, education credits and earned income credits. This false information caused the IRS to issue tax refunds to the taxpayer/customers that were higher than they would have received thereby defrauding the IRS of approximately $43,608.00. Additionally, on May 9, 2017, Kidd, a Mobile, Alabama resident, prepared his own tax return for tax year 2013 and swore under penalty of perjury that the information in the returns was true and accurate, knowing at that time he did not believe the information to be true and knew the information was false. Specifically, he stated that his income was $36,690 when in truth and in fact, it was higher than he stated.
Special Agents of the IRS/Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Maine Resident Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Threatening an Attack at Hangout Music FestivalRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Senior United States District Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Christopher Scott Carey, 30, a resident of Portland, Maine, to imprisonment for twelve months and one day for making interstate threatening communications. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Carey undergo three years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, pay a $100 mandatory special assessment, receive substance abuse testing, and receive treatment for substance abuse and mental health.
According to documents filed with the court as part of his guilty plea, on March 12, 2018 Carey posted threatening communications on a Facebook group page read by other persons regarding the Hangout Music Festival, a popular annual festival held in May in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Carey posted about the festival, “I’m bringing an AR 15 so it should be good inside.” A Facebook user remarked, “Should be good as long as your friend brings the ammo in a separate bag.” Carey replied, “Extended mags bro [smiley face emoji] hope everyone’s ready [explosions emoji].” A Facebook user posted, “Delete this garbage” to which Carey replied, “But what if it’s for real. Got to get that warning out there.” Representatives of the music festival notified law enforcement officials, who took various security precautions as a result of Carey’s threats.
On May 4, 2018, the court signed a criminal complaint and issued a warrant for Carey’s arrest. On May 14, 2018, government agents arrested Carey in Portland, Maine. After being Mirandized, Carey admitted to sending the Facebook messages with the intent to communicate a true threat and with the knowledge that they would be viewed as a true threat by readers of the messages. Carey said that he recalled the mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2017 and knew the similarities between what he posted and what had occurred at the Las Vegas festival.
On May 31, 2018, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged Carey with one count of making interstate threatening communications in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). On July 23, 2018, Carey pleaded guilty before Senior Judge Granade to the charge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gulf Shores Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.Mobile County Man Receives 188 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Devon Deshaun Lawson a resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 188 months incarceration for possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in January 2008.
On June 7, 2018, Lawson pled guilty to the offense of felon in possession of a firearm. According to a factual statement Lawson signed in connection with his guilty plea, on about August 31, 2017, Mobile County Sheriff’s Department deputies executed a traffic stop when they came upon a vehicle stopped in the middle of the Louis Tillman and Grand Webb Roads in Mobile County, Alabama. When the deputies turned on their blue lights, the vehicle in the middle of the road drove off and pulled into a residence. After the vehicle came to a stop, the deputies smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle. The deputies retrieved drugs and recovered two guns. The guns were a .44 special revolver and a .380 handgun, both of which had been reported stolen, along with cash totaling $1,000. Lawson admitted to being a convicted felon and knew he was not supposed to own or possess firearms.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations along with deputies of the Mobile, County, Alabama Sheriff’s office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Michael D. Anderson.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Dylan Robert Davison, 27, of Loxley, Alabama, was sentenced today for using, carrying or possessing a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking felony. Court documents reflect that Davison was stopped by Elberta police officers on Wortel Road near Highway 98 in Baldwin County, Alabama, for making an illegal U-turn. In the search of his vehicle, officers found a gun and several different types of drugs. Davison admitted after being advised of his rights that the items were his. He pled guilty to the gun charge in federal court on June 14, 2018.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose sentenced Davison to 5 years imprisonment, to be followed by a five year term of supervised release. She ordered that Davison will undergo testing and treatment for substance abuse in prison and while under supervision. She ordered that he pay the $100 special mandatory assessment, but did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the Elberta Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Mobile County Man Receives 46 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Deanthony T. Murphy, a 24 year old resident of Theodore, Alabama was sentenced to 46 months incarceration for possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony Assault, Second Degree.
On June 12, 2018, according to a factual statement Murphy signed in connection with his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, on about February 23, 2018, Murphy was speeding while driving a red Pontiac Firebird on Highway 90 in Mobile County, Alabama. Based on this traffic violation, a Mobile County Sheriff’s deputy executed a traffic stop. The deputy asked for and received Murphy’s driver’s license. A records check revealed that Murphy had active misdemeanor arrest warrants. He was arrested and the vehicle was set to be towed. During an inventory search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was located lodged between the driver’s seat and the center console. The firearm is described as a Jimenez Arms, 9mm pistol. Murphy admitted that he possessed the firearm. Also found during the search was approximately 525 grams of marijuana, a set of digital scales, and an open box of sandwich baggies.
At that time, Murphy had been convicted of at least one felony, namely, Assault Second Degree, on March 25, 2014, in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, case number CC-2013-004639.
Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security/ICE along with deputies of the Mobile, County, Alabama Sheriff’s office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Alan Lee Baky, 41, of Bayou La Batre, was sentenced in federal court for his illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Baky pled guilty to the charge in July of 2018.
United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentence of 46 months imprisonment, and ordered that Baky undergo substance abuse treatment. When Baky is released from custody, he will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. No fine was imposed in his case, but he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. The judge also ordered that the weapon which Baky illegally possessed would be forfeited to the United States.
The Bayou La Batre Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation in the case. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Mobile County Man Receives 27 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm While Using a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Edward Blake Freer, a 25 year old resident of Grand Bay, Alabama was sentenced to 27 months for being a user of marijuana and methamphetamine in possession of a firearm.
On July 18, 2018, according to a factual statement Freer signed in connection with his guilty plea to being a user in possession of a firearm, on July 25, 2017, Mobile County, Alabama deputies were patrolling the area of Old Pascagoula Road when they saw a Honda Accord traveling with an expired tag. They initiated a traffic stop. As the Honda slowed down, deputies could see the driver and passenger moving around in the vehicle. When deputies approached the vehicle they observed Freer and a front seat male passenger. When a deputy asked Freer for his driver’s license he could see a bullet in Freer’s lap. Next, the deputy asked Freer if he had a firearm in the vehicle and Freer responded, “Yes.” Freer then reached for his waistband and the deputy grabbed his hands and asked him to exit the vehicle. The passenger was also asked to exit the vehicle. Both men did and were checked for weapons for officer safety. Neither had weapons on his person. Freer then stated that the firearm was underneath the driver’s seat. Deputies then seized from underneath the seat a loaded Euro arms, 9mm pistol. Deputies then learned that the vehicle Freer was driving was stolen. After Freer waived his Miranda Rights, he stated that he bought the vehicle from someone for “half an ounce of weed” and did not know the vehicle was stolen. Freer also stated that he obtained the firearm from a “meth head” for protection a few hours before he was stopped by the deputies. Both men were arrested and pursuant to an inventory search of the Honda, deputies seized several syringes, two burnt marijuana cigarettes and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. On May 3, 2018 Freer was interviewed at his mother’s residence by FBI agents. Freer told the agents that the Euro arms pistol was his and that he bought it for 3.5 grams of methamphetamine. Freer said that he had been using Methamphetamine since the age of 15 years and could also to cook methamphetamine. He also stated that he was “high” the date of the traffic stop in July 2017. Freer stated that at that time he was using Methamphetamine every weekend but said that all he uses now is marijuana.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with deputies of the Mobile, County, Alabama Sheriff’s office investigated the case and brought it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.