Southern District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Methamphetamine Conspirator Sentenced to Ten YearsRead the Press Release
In a federal drug case, Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 121 months imprisonment on Michael Lamar Sweat, 38, of Wilmer, who was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a List I chemical with knowledge it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance. Sweat was found guilty of the two charges by a federal jury in June of 2014. Judge Steele ordered that the sentences run concurrently on the two counts. In addition, the judge ordered that Sweat would serve three years’ supervised release after he comes out of prison, and that Sweat pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. The judge further ordered that Sweat undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse during his supervision. No fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Tony Lashone Gray of Mobile was sentenced following a June 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously convicted of Possession of Cocaine in 2007 and 2012, and Theft of Property in 2000, in Mobile County Circuit Court. By virtue of these convictions, Gray is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Gray knowingly possessed a .45 caliber semiautomatic Glock pistol on December 23, 2013.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a previously convicted felon is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1). Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a 92 month sentence of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
This case was referred for prosecution by the Mobile Police Department and investigated by Special Agent Nicholas P. Murphy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Defendant Sentenced in Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Anthony Terrill Williams of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced following a June 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Williams was previously convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in 2011, in the Circuit Court of Escambia County, Florida. By virtue of prior felony convictions, Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Williams knowingly possessed a .32 caliber revolver on August 2, 2013.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a previously convicted felon is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1). Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a 37 month sentence of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
This case was referred for prosecution by Officer Rick Oliver of the Daphne Police Department. Assistance in research concerning the firearm was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Men Sentenced for Passing Counterfiet CurrencyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that CHRIS CHARLES CHAMBERS and SCOTT THOMAS TOTO have been sentenced passing counterfeit United States currency in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. Judge William Steele sentenced Chambers to serve 30 months imprisonment and Toto to serve 33 months imprisonment. Both defendants have to pay a $100 SA, restitution and serve three years supervised release after their release from incarceration.
This case was investigated by Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama, AUSA Maria E. Murphy.
Guilty Plea in Spice CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Tamer Shaher Foqahaa, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, entered a guilty plea today before Chief United States District Court Judge William Steele to a one count Information charging a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The matter was investigated by the DEA, the HSI and MCSENT and was prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin.
Drug Importer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Adrian Alexusia Benson, 37, of Daphne, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court this morning for his illegal importation of controlled substances. In May of 2014, Benson had pled guilty to the importation of Ketamine, a Schedule III controlled substance, and to attempting to import Anabolic Steriods and Xanax, Schedule III and IV controlled substances respectively.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele ordered that Benson serve three years probation for the offenses. The judge also ordered that Benson undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse while he is on probation, and required that Benson pay $300 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspectors. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney's Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Mobile County Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces that Daniel Norman Howard, Jr. was sentenced on September 22, 2014 to twenty-seven months confinement by United States District Court Judge Charles R. Butler. Howard plead guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Howard’s prior felony conviction was for Possession of Cocaine in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, on or about July 27, 1999. The firearm Howard possessed was a loaded FNP, Model ACP .45 caliber handgun.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Narcotics Division.
BP Fraud SentencingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Faye Levene White, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $55,000 today in connection with her guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Kristi Dubose to mail fraud.
White admitted a fraudulent BP oil spill claim was filed on her behalf and that she received funds to which she was not entitled.
The matter was investigated by the Mobile Field Office of the FBI and was prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin
Nevada Man Sentenced to 5 Years Probation After Guilty Plea to Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (BP) FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Teborius Gaines, a 31 year old resident of Las Vegas, Nevada was sentenced today. Mr. Gaines pled guilty on May 16, 2014, to participation in a mail fraud scheme. Mr. Gaines received a five year probationary sentence and was ordered to serve the first six months of the sentence on home confinement, to maintain employment, and to pay restitution in the amount of $13,400.00.
Special Agents of the United States Secret Service investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Clarke County Woman Sentenced to Five Years of Probation and Ordered to Pay Full Restitution After Guilty Plea to Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Stephanie Hollifield, a 34 year old resident of Grove Hill, was sentenced today. Mrs. Hollifield pled guilty on May 15, 2014, to unlawfully using the credit cards she stole from the home of her employer. She was sentenced to a five year probationary term and order to pay $2,406.96 restitution.
Officers of the Foley, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Daryl Atchison.
Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Abraham Alfonia Malone, 58, of Mobile, was sentenced in federal court this morning on three counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Malone had been convicted in 2003 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and sentenced to 120 months custody. He was released in 2011 to an eight-year term of supervised released, and was arrested in February of 2014 on the new charges. Malone pled guilty to the three new counts in May of 2014.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele conducted a hearing on the petition to revoke Malone’s supervised release term in connection with the sentencing hearing on the new charges. Judge Steele ordered Malone’s supervised release term revoked, and imposed a sentence of 51 months imprisonment. He also imposed a 24-month term of imprisonment on the new charges, but ordered that the sentences on the new charges would run consecutively to the sentence for the supervised release violation. Accordingly, Malone will serve a total of 75 months in custody. Judge Steele ordered that Malone serve another term of supervised release at the conclusion of his custody sentence, this time for six years. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Malone would pay $300 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
“Cookie Stuffing" Internet Fraud Schemer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jody Michael Smith, a resident of Oregon, entered a guilty plea today before United States District Court Judge Kristi DuBose to a one-count Information charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Smithadmitted that he andothers operated a fraud scheme, commonly known as “cookie stuffing,” using affiliate marketing programs. They created “forced clicks” by unsuspecting web shoppers, which allowed Smith and members of the conspiracy to receive commissions for sales they did not generate, thus defrauding legitimate advertisers and the company paying for the advertising. 1. This was done primarily through Linkshare Corporation and Google, to victimize Fareportal, Inc.
Smith faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The matter was investigated by the Mobile Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service and was prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin.
1. Affiliate marketing is internet performance-based marketing which, by using an individual’s websites or advertisements, directs traffic to another website in the “network” and receives credit for either pay per click (PPC) or pay per action (PPA) if the user travels to the website.
Mobile County Man Sentenced to 51 Months After Guilty Plea to Possession of Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Donterrio Evans, a 30 year old resident of Mobile, was sentenced today. Mr. Evans pled guilty on May 22, 2014, to possession of a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol found in his possession after police arrested him on unrelated robbery charges. At that time, Mr. Evans had been convicted of Receiving Stolen Property. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Officers of the Mobile Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and presented 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 Sentenced to 33 Months After Guilty Plea to Possession of Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that James R. Robinson, a 35 year old resident of Mobile, was sentenced today. Mr. Robinson pled guilty on May 15, 2014, to possession of a 9mm Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol found on his person after police stopped him to investigate his suspicious reaction to their presence. At that time, Mr. Robinson had been convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Officers of the Mobile Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Defendant Sentenced for Prohibited Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Marlique Jermaine Bridges of Mobile was sentenced following a May 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Bridges was previously convicted in Mobile County of Robbery, First Degree in 2012. By virtue of this conviction, Bridges is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Possession of a firearm by a felon is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1). At the time of this offense, Bridges was on probation for his 2012 robbery conviction. Subsequently, Bridges’ state probation was revoked. Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 48 months on the federal charge, to be served consecutively to Bridges’ twenty year robbery sentence on his probation revocation. The federal sentence of imprisonment will be followed by a three year term of supervised release.
This case was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution by Sgt. Louis Screws of the Mobile Police Department, who also serves as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Armed Felon Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown announced Johnnie Lee Parks, 43, of Mobile, was sentenced today in federal court to 33 months imprisonment for his illegal possession of a firearm. Parks was previously convicted of possession of marijuana first when he was found in possession of a handgun under suspicious circumstances. United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence this morning.
Judge Steele ordered that Parks undergo mental health and drug abuse treatment, and that he serve a three-year term of supervised release when he is released from custody. The judge did not impose a fine, but did order that Parks 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 Bedwell.
Methamphetamine Manufacturing Conspirator SentencedRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announced today the sentencing of Janet Marie Boykin. Judge William H. Steele sentenced Janet Marie Boykin to a year and a day imprisonment. Boykin, 53, of Robertsdale, was indicted in July of 2013 along with seven co-defendants, charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The conspiracy began in or about 2009 and continued through 2013. She entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge in March of 2014 and was sentenced this morning.
Judge Steele ordered that Boykin would undergo drug testing and treatment as a condition of a four-year term of supervised release, which will follow the custody sentence. The judge also ordered that Boykin pay $100 in special assessments, but no fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Loxley Police Department, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney's Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Defendants Sentenced on Theft of Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Tyree Arvell Monroe, Trayon Alphonse Caulton and Walter J. Porter of Mobile were sentenced following April 2014, guilty pleas to a charge of theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearm dealer.
On September 20, 2013, Monroe, Caulton and Porter, along with a juvenile, entered the Quik Pawn on Cottage Hill Road and committed an armed robbery in which they stole elven (11) firearms from the store’s inventory.
Theft from a federal firearms licensee is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(u). Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the following sentences of imprisonment: Monroe received a sentence of 70 months; Caulton received a sentence of 57 months; and, Porter received a sentence of 63 months. The sentences of imprisonment will be followed by a 3 year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Special Agent Wade Vittitow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, following a referral of the case for federal prosecution by the Mobile Police Department.
Defendant Sentenced for Prohibited Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Shawn Ephisian Taylor of Mobile was recently sentenced following an April 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm.
Possession of a firearm by an illegal drug user is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(3). Taking into account the Defendant’s criminal history and the circumstances of the offense, Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 70 months. The sentence of imprisonment will be followed by a three year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Sgt. Louis Screws of the Mobile Police Department and is assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Alabama Hospital System and Physician Group Agree to Pay $24.5 Million to Settle Lawsuit Alleging False Claims for Illegal Medicare ReferralsRead the Press Release
Mobile, Alabama-based Infirmary Health System Inc. (IHS), two IHS-affiliated clinics and Diagnostic Physicians Group P.C. (DPG) have agreed to pay the United States $24.5 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging that they violated the False Claims Act by paying or receiving financial inducements in connection with claims to the Medicare program, the Justice Department announced today.
“Financial arrangements that compensate physicians for referrals encourage physicians to make decisions based on financial gain rather than patients’ needs,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Stuart F. Delery. “The Department of Justice is committed to preventing illegal financial relationships that undermine the integrity of our public health programs.”
The government’s suit alleged that two IHS affiliated clinics -- IMC-Diagnostic and Medical Clinic, in Mobile, and IMC-Northside Clinic, in Saraland, Alabama -- had agreements with DPG to pay the group a percentage of Medicare payments for tests and procedures referred by DPG physicians, in violation of the Physician Self-Referral Law (commonly known as the Stark Law) and the Anti-Kickback Statute. Also named in the lawsuit was Infirmary Medical Clinics P.C. (IMC), an affiliate of IHS that directly owns and operates approximately 30 clinics in the Mobile area, including the two clinics involved in this lawsuit.
The Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law are intended to ensure that a physician’s medical judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by federal health care programs, including Medicare. The Stark Law forbids a hospital or clinic from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians who have a financial relationship with the entity.
According to the government’s complaint, in 1988, IMC purchased IMC-Diagnostic and Medical Clinic from DPG and agreed to pay DPG a share of the revenues the clinics collected, including Medicare revenues from diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests. After IMC acquired the IMC-Northside Clinic in 2008, the physicians practicing there joined DPG and entered into an agreement with the same key terms as the earlier agreement with IMC-Diagnostic and Medical Clinic. The government contended that these payments were illegal kickbacks and constituted a prohibited financial relationship under the Stark Law, and that in June 2010, an attorney for DPG warned employees of both IMC and DPG that the compensation being paid to the physicians likely violated the law. Nevertheless, the agreements allegedly were neither modified nor terminated for another 18 months.
The lawsuit was originally filed by Dr. Christian Heesch, a physician formerly employed by DPG, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States and to receive a portion of any recovery. The act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case with respect to some of Dr. Heesch’s allegations. Dr. Heesch will receive $4.41 million as his share of the settlement.
“Today’s settlement represents a single but significant step towards achieving integrity in the administration of public health programs in this region,” said U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown for the Southern District of Alabama. “Physicians, physician groups and other medical entities operating illegally within public health programs will be held accountable. I also commend whistle blowers like Dr. Christian Heesch, who helped bring this particular case to light.”
As part of the settlement announced today, the settling defendants have also agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which obligates the defendants to undertake substantial internal compliance reforms and to submit its federal health care program claims to independent review for the next five years.
“Patients must know that medical advice is based on best practices, not on their provider’s bottom line,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson. “We are pleased these allegations are resolved and will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and pursue illegal, wasteful business arrangements.”
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $20.2 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $14 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The investigation and litigation were conducted by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama, HHS-OIG and the FBI. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Heesch v. Diagnostic Physicians Group, P.C. et al., Civil Action No. 11-0364-KD-B (S.D. Ala.).
Saraland Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Michael Dewayne Kimbrell, 52, of Saraland was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Kimbrell was sentenced by United States District Judge Charles R. Butler. Following his release, Kimbrell will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Kimbrell pled guilty to the charge in November, 2013. He has been in custody since his arrest in June of 2013. The investigation revealed that Kimbrell had actively sought out and traded child pornography with other internet users, as well as downloaded images and videos of child pornography. Investigators recovered thousands of computer images, hundreds of videos, and more than 4,000 hard copy printouts from Kimbrell of victims as young as two years old. During a polygraph interview, Kimbrell initially denied ever having inappropriate contact with a child, but after being confronted with the results of the polygraph, ultimately admitted that when he was younger, he lured a toddler under a bridge, removed her diaper, and molested her.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Costello as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat child exploitation. The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/
Defendants Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Harbor AliensRead the Press Release
Francisco Weinmann-Cervantes, Delia Wong De Weinmann and Ana Cristina Romero- Weinmann pled guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama before the Honorable Judge Callie V.S. Granade to conspiring knowingly to harbor aliens.
Specially, the defendants pled to knowingly and recklessly disregarding of the fact that aliens had come to, entered, and remained in the United States, in violation of the law. The defendant then concealed, harbored and shielded them from detection to enable the aliens they harbored to perform construction work for the defendants and their company for the purpose of private financial gain to the defendants.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama. The sentence is set for December 8, 2014 at 1:00 pm before Judge Granade.
This case was investigated by Homeland Securities Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Gregory A. Bordenkircher and Sinan Kalayoglu.
Lacey Act SentenceRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, and NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Tracy A. Dunn announce that David Braley was sentenced yesterday in two related cases. First, Braley was sentenced to serve 30 months imprisonment for violations of the Lacey Act, Title 16, United States Code, Section 3372 and 3373. This charge was based on illegal sales of Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish including Red Snapper with a market value of $10,660.50. Braley was ordered to pay $3,731.18 in restitution to the owner of the vessel he used to illegally catch and sell the fish and $319.82 to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Braley was also sentenced to serve 63 months imprisonment concurrently to the first sentence for retaliation against a witness who had provided information in the Lacey Act Case. This charge was based on postings Braley made on Facebook threatening physical violence to a witness.
This case was jointly investigated by the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Alabama Marine Resource Division. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama and the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Larry Gene Broadnax of Mobile was sentenced following a March 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Broadnax was previously convicted in Mobile County in 2010, of Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Robbery. By virtue of these convictions, Broadnax is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Broadnax possessed a 20 gauge and a 12 gauge shotgun on April 30, 2013, in connection with a home invasion burglary he participated in with three other individuals. During the home invasion a female occupant of the residence was raped by one of the individuals with Broadax.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a previously convicted felon is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1). United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade imposed the statutory maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by Detective Brad Grandquest of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Task Force Officer Lorne Watts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Defendant Sentenced for Prohibited Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Alonzo Spencer of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced following a March 2014 guilty plea to a charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Spencer was previously convicted in Mobile County Circuit Court of Assault in 1984 and 1999, and Burglary in 1984. By virtue of these convictions, Spencer is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Spencer pled guilty to prohibited possession of multiple rounds of various type of ammunition.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1). Chief United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 84 months, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and Special Agent Nicholas P. Murphy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Felon in Possession of A Firearm Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Nathan Edward Prim, 32, of Foley, was sentenced in federal court for his possession of a firearm after he had been convicted of a felony offense. Prim was also sentenced on a second count, which charged that he was illegally in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Prim had entered guilty pleas to both charges in March of 2014.
At the sentencing hearing on June 26, United States District Court Kristi Dubose heard testimony from a Mobile police officer about the facts surrounding Prim’s arrest. The officer testified that Prim attempted to pull the gun from his waistband when he physically restrained Prim and a second officer disarmed him. The judge imposed a sentence of 160 months imprisonment in Prim’s case. Prim will pay $200 in special assessments, and following his release from imprisonment, he will serve three years on supervised release.
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 Bedwell.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that James Lee Collins, Jr. was sentenced on June 25th in Federal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to pass and utter United States treasury checks with falsely made and forged endorsements and signatures. The scheme primarily involved stolen or fraudulent federal tax refund checks. Collins received a sentence of 46 months imprisonment, with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Collins was also ordered to pay over $800,000 in restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the South Alabama Financial Crimes Task Force.
“The prison time received by Mr. Collins should serve as a strong warning that tough punishment awaits those who embark on a similar criminal path,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge. “IRS Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority and we will vigorously pursue those who undermine the integrity of the U.S. tax system.”
Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Keith Kidd was sentenced today in Federal Court after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kidd received a sentence of 18 months imprisonment, with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Kidd was taken into custody immediately after the hearing to begin serving his sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Daphne Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Cecil R. Rice, Jr. was sentenced today in Federal Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Rice received a sentence of 46 months imprisonment, with 3 years of supervised release to follow.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.
“Cookie Stuffing" Internet Fraud Schemer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jefferson Bruce McKittrick, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, entered a guilty plea today before United States District Court Judge Kristi DuBose to a one-count Information charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
McKittrickadmitted that he andothers operated a fraud scheme, commonly known as “cookie stuffing,” using affiliate marketing programs. He created “forced clicks” by unsuspecting web shoppers, which allowed McKittrick and members of the conspiracy to receive commissions for sales they did not generate, thus defrauding legitimate advertisers and the company paying for the advertising. This was done primarily through Linkshare Corporation and Google, to victimize Fareportal, Inc. During the course of the conspiracy McKittrick received approximately $1,830,000.
McKittrick was operating several online accounts listed in his own name as well as several other accounts listed in other names. The placement of the “cookies” generated “forced clicks” from users who visited their sites without the user having visited their affiliated sites with the ads. The tracking cookie was “forcefully” loaded onto the users’ computers from the site with the ad which then created a fraudulent, “forced click” credit to McKittrick and others.
During the time the conspiracy operated, McKittrick emailed a member of the conspiracy as follows:
"Please dont tell anyone though and keep this venture between us, to keep footprints away and keep this method on the down low ..lol . . . ALso, wanted to let you know..That I have been perfecting another method I am doing..and I am banking MAJOR money with it.. The problem is, I cant bank that much in 1 account, I have to spread the earnings,..So if you want in on it.. I If you have a linkshare account..I can do it with you, and I will put starting out only 3K a month in it, because I have to start it slow, but then the next month go up to 4K then 5k and so on..etc..etc.. . . . . The linkshare will 100% be the number I say, because I could LITERALLY make 25K a day if I wanted too, but ..lol. It would get banned."
The majority of the e-mail correspondence between McKittrick and members of the conspiracy involved discussions about opening different accounts and methods of exploiting those accounts to receive the highest levels of revenue, all while avoiding detection and being shut down.
“Internet fraud has a devastating impact on our consumers, as advertising expenses are added to the cost of items the consumer buys ” U.S. Attorney Brown said. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop internet fraud.”
McKittrick faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Monies and two boats seized from McKittrick have been administratively forfeited.
The matter was investigated by the Mobile Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service and was prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin.
Affiliate marketing is internet performance-based marketing which, by using an individual’s websites or advertisements, directs traffic to another website in the “network” and receives credit for either pay per click (PPC) or pay per action (PPA) if the user travels to the website.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Ricardo Cruz was sentenced today in Federal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Cruz received a sentence of 35 months imprisonment, with 5 years of supervised release to follow.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, which involved a total of 14 defendants, with the assistance of the Mobile Police Department, the Foley Police Department, the Fairhope Police Department, the Gulf Shores Police Department and the Alabama State Port Authority. The FBI presented the case for prosecution to the United States Attorney=s Office, and Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Kipp Luster was sentenced on June 19th in Federal Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Luster received a sentence of 70 months imprisonment, with 3 years of supervised release to follow.
The DEA conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.
Defendant Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Marshall Mayhew of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was sentenced following a March 2014 guilty plea to a charge of possession of a stolen firearm. Mayhew has multiple felony convictions over the last fifteen years for a variety of property crimes. As a result of his numerous convictions, Mayhew was determined to have a criminal history category of VI under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. By virtue of his prior felony convictions, Mayhew is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Mayhew pled guilty to possession of a stolen AR-15 type rifle which occurred on September 26, 2013.
Possession of a stolen firearm is a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(j). United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Grande imposed the statutory maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Investigator Ron Baggette with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office and Special Agent Nicholas P. Murphy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with assistance from the Marengo County Sheriff’s Office.
Zenbio Bookeeper Pleads Guilty to Fraud Related to the Sale of Synthetic DrugsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Crystal Hope Henry, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, entered a guilty plea today before Chief United States District Court Judge William Steele to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by interfering with the lawful governmental regulatory and enforcement functions of the FDA and DEA.
Henry and her co-conspirators manufactured and distributed at least 20 tons of products containing the chemical compound XLR11. They referred to the products as potpourri and marketed them under names such as “Bizarro,” “Sonic Zero,” “Neutronium,” and “Orgazmo.” The products were misbranded smokable synthetic cannabinoids which were distributed for human consumption. The products were packaged and sold without the labeling required by law and necessary to protect the user such as: the place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; an accurate statement of the contents; adequate directions for use; warnings where its use may be dangerous to health; or warning against unsafe dosage. The products were labeled, “Not for Human Consumption.”
The company Henry worked for operated a call center in Robertsdale, Alabama and from December 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 took in over $29, 656,917.98.
“The use of synthetic or designer drugs has a devastating impact on our communities. Although synthetic cannabinoids are many times marketed as ‘legal’ marijuana, they are not only illegal are extremely harmful,” U.S. Attorney Brown said. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to shut down the manufacturers and distributors who reap profits without regard for the law or public safety.”
Henry faces a maximum statutory penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Monies seized from her in June of 20913 have also been administratively forfeited.
The matter was investigated by the Mobile Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and the Mobile Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; with assistance from the Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Counsel; the San Francisco and Chicago Field Divisions of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Oakland, California Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation; and the San Francisco Field Office of HSI, and was prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin.
Mobile County Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute 31 Grams of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Jermaine Dickinson, a 30 year old resident of Mobile, was sentenced today. Mr. Dickinson pled guilty on March 5, 2014, to possession of 31 grams of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
Officers of the Mobile Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Defendant Involved in $900,00 BP Fraud IndictedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Crystal Lani Kitt, a resident of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, was arrested today by the FBI. Kitt was charged in a seven count Indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and with mail fraud.
It is alleged in the Indictment that Kitt prepared fraudulent BP claims in names of other members of the conspiracy and in names of individuals who were unaware their names and identifies were being. Thereafter, Kitt submitted the false claims to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) or had members of the conspiracy submit them to GCCF. It is also alleged that Kitt and other members of the conspiracy provided one of several mailing addresses to the GCCF, to include but not limited to 2661 Holly Brook Dr., Mobile, Alabama 36605 and 557 Mohawk Street, Mobile, Alabama 36605, knowing those addresses would be used as mailing addresses for checks generated by the GCCF in payment for the fraudulent BP claims. The Grand Jury charged that Kitt assisted in submitting more than one-hundred fraudulent BP claims, defrauding the GCCF out of more than $900,000.00. Kitt, it is alleged, deposited someof the checks which were payable to the individuals who had not authorized her to file fraudulent claims into a bank account where she was the only one authorized to conduct business on that account.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and will be prosecuted by AUSA Deborah Griffin. Several individuals who paid Kitt to file false claims for them have also been prosecuted.
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.
Three Defendants Sentenced to 60 Months Each for Their Roles in Operating A Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces that defendants Stephen Merry, David Petersen, and Yaman Sencan were sentenced to federal prison for 60 months each for their roles in a massive, multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Following their sentences, Merry and Sencan face potential deportation to the United Kingdom and Turkey, respectively. In addition, the defendants must pay $2,891,898.95 in restitution to seventeen victim investors, as well as pay $2,000 each in special assessment fees to the court.
Merry, Petersen, and Sencan were convicted of conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud following a week-long jury trial in December 2013. At trial, the evidence established that the three defendants played various roles related to a massive investment fraud scheme. Investors believed their money was being sent to a company called Westover Energy Trading Partners where it would purportedly be traded using a super computer. Investors were provided with weekly statements which indicated that their money was being traded and that it was continually earning a profit. However, the super computer was never fully operational, and the investors’ money was not traded as they believed. Furthermore, beginning in 2011, the defendants stopped sending the money to Westover all together. Rather, they kept the money to enrich themselves and to make Ponzi payments to investors. In total, the defendants obtained $4.6 million dollars from investors. Approximately, $1.6 million of that money was paid back out to other investors in the form of Ponzi payments.
This case was investigated by FBI-Mobile and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Meth Defendant Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Lee Anthony Guidry, 48, of Robertsdale, was sentenced today in federal court to 130 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Guidry pled guilty to the charge in June of 2013. United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence this morning, ordering that Guidry would serve a three-year term of supervised release following the completion of his prison term. Judge Steele ordered that Guidry pay $100 in special mandatory assessments, but did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay Minette Police Department. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Dealer Who Ordered Drugs in the Mail Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Eric Dynell McGadney, 36, of Mobile, was sentenced today in federal court to 188 months imprisonment for his activities in arranging for the delivery of 144 pills of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, to Mobile in the mail. Court documents reflect that the package McGadney ordered was identified at the United States Post Office by postal inspectors as suspicious. The postal inspectors arranged for a controlled delivery of the package, coordinating with members of the MCSENT unit, who assisted with surveillance and back-up during the delivery. McGadney had arranged for another subject to accept delivery of the package in a false name, but was present when the delivery was made. When law enforcement officers detained the subject who accepted delivery and McGadney, both were advised of their rights and agreed to answer questions. The subject who accepted delivery identified McGadney as the person who asked him to sign for the package. He consented to a search of the package, and the investigators found the MDMA concealed inside a bottle of children’s vitamins. McGadney told the investigators that the person who accepted delivery of the package for him was not involved in the drug delivery scheme. McGadney admitted that the bottle contained “Molly,” a street term for MDMA (Ecstasy), and that he was to deliver the drugs to another person in Mobile. McGadney pled guilty to the charges of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and use of an interstate facility, in this case the United States mail, to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony in January of 2013.
At the sentencing hearing this morning, United States District Court Judge William H. Steele found that McGadney was a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, based upon two prior qualifying felony convictions for escape and possession of marijuana in the first degree. The judge ordered that McGadney serve 188 months imprisonment, to be followed by a six-year term of supervised release following the completion of his prison sentence. Judge Steele ordered that McGadney pay $200 in special mandatory assessments, but did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, MCSENT, the and the Mobile Police Department. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Camden Man Sentenced for Crack Cocaine and Cocaine Distribution Offenses and Ordered to Forfeit Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL-- The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown announces that Roderick O=Neil McMillian was sentenced today to forty three months imprisonment and an eight year term of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine in violation of Title 21 USC '841(a)(1). McMillian was also ordered to forfeit $1,511.00 in drug proceeds seized from him at the time of his arrest. He was also ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment for the victims of crime. Under Title 21 USC '853, Congress has made it mandatory for federal drug defendants to forfeit the proceeds of their drug offenses as well as assets they use to facilitate the commission of such offenses.
The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau, Enforcement Division.
Protection of Voting Rights in the 2014 Election CycleRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Vicki M. Davis will oversee the efforts of the Southern District of Alabama’s voting rights protection for the upcoming June 2014, primary elections and the 2014 general election. AUSA Davis has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Alabama for many years. She is responsible for overseeing the District=s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with the Department of Justice in Washington.
United States Attorney Kenyen Brown stated, Aevery citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points-of-contact in order that the public may report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open.
Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. The law also provides special protections for the rights of voters in order that they may vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Federal law also protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted in marking their ballot by a person of their choice.
The voting franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We must all strive to ensure that those who are entitled to the voting franchise exercise it if they choose, and equally that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. AUSA/DEO Davis can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (251) 441 5845.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has Special Agents available in each field office and resident agency to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuse. The local FBI field office can be reached at (251) 438-3674.
Complaints concerning ballot access issues or allegations of discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division=s Voting Section in Washington by calling 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767.
United States Attorney Brown stated, Aensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.
Local Fisherman Pleads Guilty to Illegal Sale of Red Snapper and GrouperRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Natalie McArdle of Foley, Alabama, pleaded guilty today to charges of violating the Lacey Act by transporting and selling Gulf Reef Fish in interstate commerce, knowing that the fish had been landed illegally under Alabama law.
According to the plea agreement, McArdle acted as a broker for commercial fisherman selling unreported red snapper and grouper. On six occasions in 2012 and 2013, McArdle sold or attempted to sell red snapper and grouper that had been landed illegally in Alabama to undercover law enforcement officers posing as employees of a Georgia-based fish and seafood dealer.
The maximum penalty for violating the Lacey Act is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Pursuant to the plea agreement filed today, the prosecution and the defendant will jointly recommend that McArdle be sentenced to eight months of home detention. A sentencing hearing is set for July 18, 2014.
This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Alabama Department of Natural Resources, and was prosecuted by Maria E. Murphy of the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama and Colin L. Black of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section.
Doctor Pleads Guilty to Prescribing Drugs for Sex, MoneyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Dr. Joseph Ngui Mwau Ndolo, 60, of Fairhope, Alabama pleaded guilty to three federal drug charges. Ndolo, an internal medicine physician, ran a “pill mill” from 2008 to 2013 out of his private clinic, Premier Internal Medicine, P.C., in Fairhope. He prescribed patients drugs outside the usual course of professional practice in exchange for sex, graphic communications, money and favors from his patients. Ndolo’s cocktail of medications consisted of schedule II controlled substances such as oxycodone and numerous other schedules II – V substances. Some patients referred to Ndolo’s clinic as a “candy store” for drugs. He put his patients’ safety in jeopardy by, for instance, writing medically needless prescriptions without conducting basic patient examinations. As part of his agreement with the United States, Ndolo shall surrender his medical license. He faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison for each drug charge. His sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Bordenkircher and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu.
Former County Commissioner Convicted of Attempting to Entice MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Freeman Eugene Jockisch, 69, of Theodore, was convicted this morning of attempting to entice a 15-year old girl on the Internet. Jockisch, formerly a Mobile County Commissioner, was convicted following a one-day trial.
The evidence at trial showed that Jockisch responded to two Internet personal ads in July and November, 2013 from what he believed to be a 15-year old girl. Jockisch was arrested when he showed up to meet the girl in Saraland. The investigation was part of an undercover operation.
United States District Judge Callie V.S. Granade set Jockisch’s sentencing for July 15th at 1:00 p.m. Jockisch faces a mandatory sentence of ten years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Following his release, Jockisch is subject to supervision by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life.
The case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Murphy and Assistant United States Attorney Sean Costello handled the prosecution on behalf of the United States.
Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Felony Federal Firearm and Drug Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Following a one-day trial before District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade, a jury returned a guilty verdict on April 15, 2014 against Lawrence Perrier for federal firearm and drug trafficking offenses. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dominic A. Rossetti and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Bordenkircher. The sentencing for Mr. Perrier has been set for July 14, 2014.
Robertsdale Meth Cook Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Tony Rodger Foley, 33, of Robertsdale, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, April 9, to a seven-year prison term for his involvement in conspiracy to manufacture and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine. Foley pled guilty to the two charges, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and an attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, in 2012. Court documents reflect that Foley was arrested after attempting to flee from Mobile County sheriff’s deputies in a black Hummer when they attempted to arrest him in connection with a sting operation involving the controlled delivery of pseudoephedrine. After making bond on those state charges, he continued to purchase pseudoephedrine and was arrested within months at a trailer near Robertsdale, caught in the act of manufacturing methamphetamine. The federal drug charges were brought against him shortly thereafter, and he has been in custody since that time.
The judge ordered that the sentences in each case would run concurrently. He also ordered that Foley undergo drug treatment while in custody, and as a condition of his supervised release term of five years, which will follow his incarceration. The judge did not impose a fine but ordered that Foley pay $200 in special assessments
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Loxley Police Department. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Mobile County Meth Cook Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. –Clarence Ray Lee, 31, of Irvington, was sentenced today in federal court to 72 months imprisonment. Lee pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and one count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with and in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony in 2013. Court documents reflect that Lee was arrested after DHR workers responded to a welfare check at a trailer on Judge Irwin Drive and discovered what appeared to be a methamphetamine lab. Mobile Count Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene, and Lee and his co-defendants Miles Alexander and Cecily Colvin, approached the residence in a vehicle while the deputies were investigating. When they were detained, sheriff’s deputies discovered additional components of a meth lab, gasoline cans, propane tanks and a gun in the car. The gun was discovered under Lee’s seat in the vehicle. Also present in the vehicle was one of Colvin’s two minor children. The other child was at the trailer when DHR workers arrived for the welfare check.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence, consisting of a mandatory consecutive 60-month sentence on the gun charge, and a 12-month sentence on the methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy. Judge Steele did not impose a fine, but ordered that Lee pay a special mandatory assessment of $200.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney's Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Mobile County Meth Cook Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Thomas McThaniel Turner, 31, of Wilmer, was sentenced today in federal court to a term of 59 months imprisonment for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Turner pled guilty to the charge in 2013 and has been held in federal custody pending the imposition of sentence. United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed the sentence this morning and ordered that Turner undergo drug treatment while in prison and after his release on a four-year term of supervision, which will follow his imprisonment. She did not impose a fine, but ordered that Turner pay the $100 special mandatory assessment.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Meth Cook Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Joseph Thomas Plamann, 28, of Robertsdale, was sentenced today in federal court to a term of 48 months imprisonment for his participation in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence, and ordered that Plamann undergo drug treatment both during his term of imprisonment and after his release on a five-year term of supervision. The judge did not impose a fine, but ordered that Plamann pay $100 in mandatory special assessments. The sentence was imposed pursuant to a guilty plea entered earlier.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Loxley Police Department. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney's Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Female Meth Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, Ala. – Jaime Marie Holland, 26, of Saraland, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, April 9, for her participation in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentenced of 37 months imprisonment, and ordered that Holland undergo drug treatment both while in prison and as a condition of a four-year term of supervised release, which will follow her imprisonment. Judge Granade did not impose a fine, but ordered that Holland pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
Court documents reflect that Holland distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for the sheriff’s office and to others who were invited into her residence while the informant was there, also to buy methamphetamine. Holland was also implicated by other subjects cooperating in the investigation as a person who distributed and used methamphetamine, and who acquired pseudoephedrine pills for others to use in manufacturing methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.