Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Southwest Georgia Resident with Lengthy Criminal History Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with a lengthy criminal history trafficking controlled substances in the community was sentenced to federal prison after being caught distributing methamphetamine during a GBI-led investigation.
Gregory Washington, 30, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Sept. 1 after he previously pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Career offenders who repeatedly break the law must be held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement is working to identify and bring to justice those individuals who are instigating the most havoc in the communities we serve, in an effort to reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer.”
“ATF’s central objective is ensuring the safety of local residents. To accomplish this mission, ATF will aggressively and acutely target individuals who seek to diminish the general welfare through violence, narcotics sales and illegal firearms trafficking,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities. We will continue to work diligently with our federal partners to investigate drug trafficking,” said GBI Director Michael Register.
According to court documents, state and federal agents were conducting surveillance regarding Washington’s ongoing controlled substance distribution activities in the Albany community. On Aug. 12, 2021, an undercover GBI agent communicated with Washington about purchasing a quantity of methamphetamine and agreed to conduct the transaction at a store on West Oakridge Drive in Albany. Surveillance units observed Washington first meet with the occupant of a vehicle at a near nearby gas station before meeting with the undercover agent. The substance sold to the undercover agent by Washington amounted to 111.343 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity. Washington has a lengthy criminal history with multiple felony convictions in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court for the distribution of controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and GBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Metro-Atlanta Methamphetamine Supplier Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution in Peach CountyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A metro-Atlanta resident who admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Middle Georgia was sentenced to prison today for his crime.
Victor Penaloza Sanchez, 27, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release to run consecutively to a sentence imposed in Cobb County, Georgia, Superior Court Case No. 14-9-1384-52 today after he previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine on March 15. Co-defendant Christian Jesus Pineda, 28, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 38 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 7 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 21. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III handed down the sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat offenders who brazenly disregard the law by choosing to distribute large amounts of the most deadly and addictive illegal substances into our communities face accountability for their crimes at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working with law enforcement to identify and bring to justice those individuals who continually commit crimes that harm the overall safety of our neighborhoods.”
“Methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities in our nation,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Because of the positive results yielded in this case, the sentencing of this repeat offender will put other methamphetamine traffickers on notice that DEA and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate the distribution of this insidious drug.”
According to court documents, a confidential informant (CI) told law enforcement that Sanchez was selling large quantities of methamphetamine. The informant and Sanchez, via multiple text messages and phone calls, agreed to the CI purchasing approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine from Sanchez and that a courier would meet the CI at a gas station in Byron, Georgia, on April 28, 2021, to conduct the transaction. Agents with DEA, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Byron Police Department and K-9, working with the CI, observed a vehicle driven by Pineda pull into the gas station at the appointed time. The CI approached Pineda, who showed him a clear bag containing a half kilogram of methamphetamine. Sanchez has a previous state conviction for distribution of methamphetamine in Cobb County, Georgia, and was on parole at the time of this incident.
The case was investigated by DEA and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Byron Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case.
14-Count Indictment Unsealed Charging 12 Defendants in Alleged Armed Drug Trafficking Operation Centered in Milledgeville, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. –Ten Milledgeville, Georgia, and two Atlanta residents are facing federal drug and firearms charges alleging their participation in the armed distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other controlled substances.
Arrest operations which occurred this week were the result of April 2021 and Feb. 2022 search warrants where agents seized approximately 92 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of heroin, two kilograms of cocaine, 15 pounds of marijuana and 15 firearms.
The federal indictment was unsealed today charging the following defendants:
Lagary Williams aka Frog, of Atlanta, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Brandon Ector aka Big, of Atlanta, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Damon Hayes aka D-5, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of cocaine base, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Quintavious Horton aka Bloody Bae, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Earnest Hamilton, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Antonio Mason, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
Travarious Davis aka D Red, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
Alonzo Vasser aka Tie, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
Derrick Ingram, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
Kimdra Wilkerson, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
Johnnie Halligan, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and,
Billy Harper, of Milledgeville, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
If convicted, each defendant is facing a maximum term of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
According to court documents, Hayes, Davis and Vasser are convicted felons who have prior felony convictions for a serious drug felony in the Superior Court of Baldwin County, Georgia.
Williams and Ector remain at-large; initial appearances for the remaining defendants began today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle in the Macon, Georgia, U.S. Courthouse.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and Atlanta-Carolina’s HIDTA Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Athens Resident Who Shot at Repo Employees and Fled Arrest Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – An Athens resident with a violent criminal history who shot at two people attempting to repossess a vehicle and then led police on a high-speed chase through a residential area pleaded guilty to illegal gun possession in federal court recently.
Ceddrick Demon Mercery aka Stunt, 30, of Athens, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 19. Mercery faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Federal and local law enforcement worked seamlessly to safely capture Ceddrick Mercery and bring him to justice for his reckless actions which endangered two innocent employees and a residential neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is using every law enforcement and prosecutorial tool available to hold armed habitual offenders accountable and reduce violent crime in communities across the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Career criminals who carry guns are a threat to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the Project Safe Neighborhoods program are dedicated to keeping the sanctity and security of our communities a priority.”
According to court documents, two individuals attempting to lawfully repossess a Honda Accord located on Loblolly Road in Athens on Sept. 23, 2020, were nearly struck by the same vehicle as Mercery sped away from them driving the car. Mercery then drove toward Freeman Drive, made a wide right turn, stopped, rolled down the window and fired three shots at the individuals, who took cover from the gunshots and were not struck. An Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officer spotted the Honda Accord being driven by Mercery on Commerce Road and attempted to pull him over. Mercery fled at a high rate of speed through a residential complex and then abandoned the car, running away. Officers found heroin and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The following day, the .40 caliber pistol confirmed by ballistics tests as having been used in the shooting was found along the route Mercery drove while fleeing apprehension, discarded in front of an apartment building on College Avenue with a round in the chamber and three bullets in the magazine.
FBI and ACCPD tracked Mercery to an apartment complex on Berlin Street and took him into custody on Oct. 26. Prior to his arrest, Mercery was armed with a pistol and was pacing inside the apartment, voicing displeasure that the police were outside the apartment. Mercery was taken into custody without incident. Agents found a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine and a laser sight inside the apartment. Mercery’s cell phone was also located inside the apartment; it had been broken and placed in a toilet.
Mercery has a lengthy criminal history which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, including prior felony convictions for hit and run, possession of cocaine and aggravated stalking. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
Former Bookkeeper Sentenced to Prison for Stealing $600k+ from EmployersRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – The former bookkeeper for several Georgia real estate businesses who admitted to stealing more than $600,000 from her employers was sentenced to prison this week for her crimes.
Suzanne Brooks, 41, of Bogart, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $610,857.99 in restitution by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 18 after she previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue cases against all those who use fraud and deception for their own profit, costing small businesses and citizens dearly,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Fraud creates a chain reaction of negative consequences for both its victims and the larger community. Our office and law enforcement is committed to holding fraudsters accountable for their crimes.”
“Brooks violated the trust placed in her by her clients and will now spend time in prison paying for her crimes,” said Keri Farley Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully, this sentence sends a message that the FBI is dedicated to working with our partners to protect our citizens from anyone seeking to defraud innocent victims for their own personal greed.”
According to court documents, Brooks was a bookkeeper from 2013 to 2018 for two individuals who owned real estate companies in Georgia. Brooks was entrusted with access to paper checks and online banking logon credentials for their businesses at multiple FDIC-insured institutions. Brooks ultimately used business bank accounts to make multiple payments towards personal credit card balances for her and her husband with various credit card companies, without authorization from the victims. Brooks used the money to pay for her living expenses, including utilities for her home, insurance payments, restaurants, first-class travel, online shopping, retail purchases, fine jewelry and to purchase inventory for her side business selling clothing with a multi-level marketing company. When her personal credit cards developed balances, Brooks repeatedly used the victims’ funds to pay off those balances at her discretion and without their authorization. Brooks concealed her theft by falsifying Profit & Loss statements and other files in the accounting software used by the businesses, resulting in both victims believing their businesses to be less profitable than they actually were. Brooks also altered bank statement records and wrote dozens of unauthorized checks to herself. In total, Brooks caused at least $659,106.38 of intended losses to the victims.
The case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman prosecuted the case.
Defendants Sentenced for Crimes in 100+ Kilo Meth Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A federal judge handed down prison sentences for four defendants involved in an extensive drug trafficking organization centered in Southwest Georgia that was responsible for distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine in the region.
“These individuals are being held accountable for their part in a significant methamphetamine trafficking network responsible for funneling more than 100 kilograms of a highly addictive and deadly drug in Southwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will do our part to support law enforcement at every level to identify and bring to justice all those pushing large amounts of the most dangerous illegal substances into our communities.”
“This case is an example of DEA’s effort to confront, engage and eliminate drug distribution networks,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the collaborative effort between DEA and its law enforcement partners, these defendants will spend well-deserved time in federal prison.”
“As the sentencings continue for members of this drug trafficking network, we can assure citizens of Southwest Georgia that they are much safer with these individuals off the streets,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI would like to thank our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for all of their hard work and commitment to ending the opioid epidemic here in Georgia.”
“This case demonstrates the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the illegal distribution of methamphetamine, a dangerous drug that continues to wreak havoc on Georgia communities. The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said GBI Interim Director John Melvin.
The following co-defendants were sentenced today:
Kentrail Brown, 31, of Cairo, Georgia, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on March 17 and was sentenced to serve 264 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Tobias Sanders, 32, Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Orrie Bell, 36, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; and,
Shandrekia Mango, 34, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to serve three years of probation.
The following co-defendants were sentenced on Aug. 11:
Xavier Jordan, 33, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
R. Kevin Barrineau, 49, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 57 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release; and,
Nicholas Harden, 29, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 24 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release.
The following co-defendants were sentenced on June 16:
Richard Bond, 47, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 220 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Mike Thomas, 48, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; and,
Dewayne Isom, 31, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
The following co-defendant was sentenced on April 14:
Demorris Adams, 32, of Whigham, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 160 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
The following co-defendant was sentenced on April 4:
David Donald, 38, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
The following co-defendants were sentenced on March 9:
Phil Grim, 45, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 120 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release;
James Levy Sapp, 41, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 87 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release; and,
Mitchell Tomberlin, 50, of Whigham, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 60 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The following co-defendant has entered a guilty plea and will be sentenced on Sept. 23:
Joseph Jones aka Bae, 32, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is presiding over the case.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, agents conducted a wiretap investigation into the drug distribution activities of the co-defendants beginning in March 2019. The investigation revealed that the co-defendants were engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia. In all, more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine are attributable to this organization.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by DEA, FBI, GBI, Grady County Sheriff’s Office and Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Guilty Verdict in Athens Trial Resulting from Federal Investigation into Armed Career Criminals Trafficking Firearms, Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – An Athens resident with a lengthy criminal history was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday evening of multiple charges related to an FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force undercover operation into illegal gun and drug trafficking. His conviction follows a co-defendant entering a guilty plea last week in this case.
Robert Booker Sr., 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute alprazolam, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The verdict was reached following a two-day trial that began on Monday, Aug. 15 before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. Booker is an Armed Career Criminal and a Career Offender and faces a maximum lifetime of imprisonment for his crimes. Peter Deandra Lawrence, 47, of Athens, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm on Aug. 11; as an Armed Career Criminal and a Career Offender, Lawrence faces a minimum of 15 years up to a maximum lifetime in prison for his crime. Co-defendant Gerrick Lanier Cooper, 47, of Watkinsville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine on May 11. Cooper faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing for these defendants has not been scheduled.
“Armed Career Criminals trafficking weapons and dangerous controlled substances will be held accountable at the federal level for crimes that undermine the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working alongside federal, state and local law enforcement to bring the most violent and repeat offenders to justice for their continued criminal activities.”
“Booker refused to learn from his past mistakes and continued to possess firearms and illegal drugs. Now that a jury has passed judgement, our citizens will be safer while he spends significant time in prison,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our partners in the Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force to remove career criminals from our streets.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the case began when two FBI confidential informants (CI) purchased a .22 caliber rifle from Lawrence in Watkinsville, Georgia, on Aug. 17, 2016. Lawrence negotiated the purchase of the firearm with Cooper over his cellphone in the presence of the informants and retrieved the firearm from Cooper to give to the CIs at the close of the deal. Lawrence has previously been convicted of aggravated battery, burglary and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in both state and federal courts; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Cooper admitted that he sold various quantities of cocaine to the CIs on three separate occasions in Jan. 2017 at his Athens residence. Cooper, a convicted felon with a prior federal conviction for possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, was indicted in this case on July 14, 2020, and a firearm was retrieved at this home when agents executed a search warrant.
On Sept. 22, 2019, a GSP trooper stopped a vehicle with Lawrence driving and Booker in the front passenger seat. Lawrence was driving on a suspended license with an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Athens-Clarke County. As the trooper was dealing with Lawrence, Booker attempted to hide a large quantity of methamphetamine and alprazolam under the vehicle. The drugs under the vehicle were noticed and seized by the trooper. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately two pounds of marijuana, oxycodone packaged for illegal distribution and a pistol in the glovebox. Booker has a lengthy criminal history, which includes convictions for obstruction of an officer and three prior serious drug offenses.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force with assistance from Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Morrison and Tamara Jarrett are prosecuting the case.
Two Men Federally Charged in Shooting at an FBI Agent in ColumbusRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. –Two Columbus residents are facing federal charges alleging their involvement in the firing of multiple rounds at an FBI Agent in Columbus on July 28; one was remanded to federal custody following an initial appearance today, the other is in state custody. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal indictment was returned on August 9 charging Jarvis Smith, 27, and Joshuia Brown, 24, with one count of forcible assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition, Smith is facing one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Smith and Brown face a maximum of life in prison.
Brown had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle; the government’s motion for detention for Brown was granted by the Court. Smith is currently being held on state charges and is anticipated to be brought into federal custody in the near future.
This case is being investigated by FBI, with assistance from multiple agencies including DEA, Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Phenix City Police Department and Russell County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Amy Helmick are prosecuting the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.
22 Defendants Charged in 22-Count Indictment Alleging Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – 22 individuals are facing federal charges resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation into an alleged armed drug trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and other controlled substances in Middle Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal indictment was returned on June 15 charging the following individuals:
- Cornelius Leonard aka Tae, 28, of Grantville, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine; two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession of a stolen firearm; possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; possession of heroin with the intent to distribute; possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; and, conspiracy to tamper with a witness. If convicted, Leonard faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $8,000,000 fine.
- Kedric Fuller aka Blakk Ru, 41, of Woodbury, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Fuller faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Markevious Snipes aka Big Dawg, 31, of Thomaston, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. If convicted, Snipes faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Pedro Valencia aka Casper aka Bossman, 45, of Calhoun State Prison, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Valencia faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Horatio Venable aka Ray, 25, of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. If convicted, Venable faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Rashad Moreland, 36, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Moreland faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Antovious Hunter aka Ant, 39, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Hunter faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Darius Wellmaker, 39, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Wellmaker faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Ashley Ingram, 35, of Cataula, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Ingram faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Mechile Hobbs, 48, of Woodbury, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Hobbs faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Mark Dean, 44, of Manchester, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Dean faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Nehemiah Johnson aka Brazy, 29, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Jennifer Moss, 38, of Molena, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Moss faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Justin Whitten, 36, Hogansville, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Whitten faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Natashia Antley, 34, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Antley faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Krystal Juarez Norman, 33, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Norman faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Dixie Bailey, 33, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Bailey faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Carlton Power, 26, of Manchester, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Power faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Dustin Robbins, 33, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Robbins faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Sabrina Smith, 32, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Joshua McAfee, 34, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
- Ramone Zorn aka Big Razor, 52, of Thomaston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Zorn faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $20,000,000 fine.
Initial appearances for the defendants occurred beginning on July 20 with more scheduled through August 10 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Q. Langstaff.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
- Cornelius Leonard aka Tae, 28, of Grantville, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine; two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession of a stolen firearm; possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; possession of heroin with the intent to distribute; possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; and, conspiracy to tamper with a witness. If convicted, Leonard faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $8,000,000 fine.
Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Charges Related to 10-Kilo Meth Bust in Lee County, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Three individuals involved in an illegal drug ring responsible for distributing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia entered guilty pleas in federal court today.
Matthew Bridges, 29, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; Terrance Battle, 41, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Quannesha Gatling, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. If convicted, each faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine. The pleas were entered today before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner. Sentencings have not yet been scheduled.
“Strong work by GBI and Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigators prevented a significant amount of methamphetamine from entering the Southwest Georgia community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is using every prosecutorial tool at our disposal to reduce criminal activity across the District and make our neighborhoods safer.”
“Drug trafficking at any level will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia. It is paramount that violators of drug laws be held accountable. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is fully committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“This case demonstrates for the citizens of Lee County and Southwest Georgia that law enforcement is working together to fight drug networks that are pushing the most addictive illegal substances into our communities. We will not tolerate this activity and we will hold them accountable for their crimes,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.
According to court documents, GBI agents debriefed a confidential informant (CI) in Aug. 2021 who advised that Bridges was selling illegal drugs in the Albany area. Between Aug. and Oct. 2021, investigators conducted several controlled buys of methamphetamine and heroin from Bridges and co-defendant Battle. On Oct. 30, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with GBI agents, initiated a traffic stop of three vehicles, driven by the co-defendants, who were returning from the Atlanta area. Law enforcement located approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately three pounds of marijuana in the vehicle operated by Gatling.
The case was investigated by GBI with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.
Co-Defendants Sentenced in Methamphetamine, Heroin Conspiracy Directed from Two Georgia PrisonsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Two individuals involved in a heroin and methamphetamine trafficking network directed by inmates from two Georgia prisons were sentenced to federal prison today for their crimes.
Joseph Collins, 38, of Augusta State Prison, was sentenced to 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Co-defendant Christopher Ogle, 38, of Dalton, Georgia, was sentenced to 132 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner handed down the sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.
Co-defendant Eric Gilbert, 46, of Calhoun State Prison, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on April 20, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Gilbert’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2022.
Co-defendant Natalie Espinoza, 27, of Sugar Hill, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Espinoza faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Espinoza is a wanted person; those with knowledge of her whereabouts can contact the United States Marshals Service by calling 1-877-WANTED-2.
“Our office will hold inmates accountable for continued criminal activity occurring behind prison walls which threatens the safety of incarcerated individuals, prison staff and the community at large,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify repeat offenders and bring them to justice.”
“These sentencings remove dangerous criminals from our streets and send a clear message to others who may be contemplating or who are polluting our communities with poison from behind prison walls,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “The takeaway is that DEA and its law enforcement partners have a watchful eye on such criminals and will relentlessly pursue them.”
According to court documents, an undercover source informed law enforcement in June 2020 about drug trafficking being coordinated by Gilbert from the Calhoun State Prison, including information about his affiliation with the Ghost Face Gangster criminal street gang and a Mexican drug trafficking cartel. The source said Gilbert had customers across the Southeast. On June 16, 2020, the source ordered heroin from Collins, who was an inmate at Augusta State Prison. Collins directed the source to Gilbert; Gilbert was recorded stating that he had been distributing heroin and methamphetamine for ten years. Gilbert arranged the deal later that day with the source. Espinoza, who is a wanted person, delivered approximately 80 grams of heroin. Espinoza allegedly worked with Gilbert to coordinate illegal drug transactions for him outside of prison. A series of controlled and recorded purchases of heroin and methamphetamine occurred. On Jan. 5, 2021, officers in Whitfield County, Georgia, received information that Gilbert was supplying methamphetamine to Ogle. Under surveillance, the informant agreed to purchase one kilogram of methamphetamine from Gilbert, supplied by Ogle. Ogle agreed to meet the informant on Jan. 6, 2021; as agents closed in on Ogle, he threw a Ziploc bag and his phone into a nearby pond. Agents retrieved the phone and the plastic bag, which contained 772 grams of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by DEA.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.
Covington Resident Pleads Guilty to Supplying Methamphetamine to Monroe County DealerRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Covington, Georgia, resident was sentenced to federal prison today after he admitted to supplying a large quantity of methamphetamine to a Monroe County, Georgia, drug dealer.
Frank Settambrino, 63, of Covington, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Frank Settambrino was supplying methamphetamine to those who were pushing this deadly substance into the Monroe County community, fueling addiction and crime,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement agencies are working to identify and shut down these networks trafficking the deadliest controlled substances in the region.”
“The by-products of ‘meth’ after its manufacture leave behind a dangerous and toxic trail of waste,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting citizens from these dangers by disrupting, dismantling and destroying those who traffic these toxic chemicals. Now that this defendant has been removed from the streets, the Middle Georgia community is a safer place.”
“Working together with other local, state and federal agencies not only levels the playing field, it gives us the upper hand in dealing with these drug traffickers that operate both inside and outside of Monroe County,” said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman.
According to court documents and other evidence, an ongoing investigation into methamphetamine distribution activities by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators revealed that Settambrino was supplying methamphetamine to a dealer in the region. Between Sept. 2020 and Jan. 2021, DEA and MCSO coordinated a series of five audio and video recorded controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving Settambrino. A federal search warrant was executed at Settambrino’s residence on Jan. 14, 2021, where agents located more than one kilo of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia scattered throughout his home.
The case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case for the Government.
West Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute 765 Grams of Fentanyl and Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with a lengthy criminal history pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute nearly 500 grams of fentanyl and 265 grams of a fentanyl analogue.
Michael Schlarman, aka White Mike, 31, pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute before U.S. District Judge Clay Land today and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 29.
“Simply put, illicit fentanyl use kills. A single two milligram dose is potentially lethal, and Michael Schlarman was in possession of approximately 380,000 doses of this drug,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “In 2021, overdose deaths in America hit an all-time high; our office and our law enforcement partners at every level are working to combat the spread of fentanyl – and save lives – in every community across the Middle District of Georgia.”
“While in the midst of this country’s opioid epidemic, deadly drugs like fentanyl continue to ravage many communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Consequently, DEA and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue drug dealers like Michael Schlarman who choose to ‘push’ poison in the community for consumption. This defendant will now spend time in federal prison.”
According to court documents and other evidence, on Jan. 26, members of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and FBI executed a search warrant at Schlarman’s residence on Wagner Drive in Columbus. Schlarman fled from the rear of the house but was later arrested with the help of DEA Air Support and escorted back to the house without incident. Inside the defendant’s residence, law enforcement found 496.4 grams of fentanyl and 265.5 grams of p-Fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue), plus a Glock 9mm with an extended magazine and a Taurus 9mm with magazine and ammunition. In addition, agents found multiple jars of a cutting agent for drugs, digital scales, a 20-ton hydraulic press, a variety of drug paraphernalia and cash. Schlarman has a lengthy criminal history, including three prior burglary convictions in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court.
The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, ATF, and FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Macon Reentry Coalition Partners Call on Citizens to Serve in Community Reentry EffortRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Members of the Macon Reentry Coalition, a collaborative effort among community and law enforcement organizations focused on addressing the needs of people who were once incarcerated by helping them find jobs and successfully return to society, are calling for interested persons to join the group.
The Macon Reentry Coalition’s (MRC) mission is to enhance public safety by reducing recidivism of returning citizens. Through its partnerships, the coalition assists with housing, employment, transportation, substance abuse counseling and other individualized needs. The MRC is seeking additional members from every segment of the community, including healthcare, business, faith-based and other non-profit groups. MRC meets monthly via Zoom; in-person meetings will begin in September.
“Removing barriers to successful reentry for returning individuals is an important part of the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe and pursue equal justice under the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our communities will be safer when we offer the necessary support which previously incarcerated people need to secure housing, find employment, access health care and address other basic needs that are difficult to locate after prison, contributing to recidivism. The Macon Reentry Coalition is doing the important work of offering an access point for returning citizens in Middle Georgia.”
“Over the years the MRC and its partners have worked to develop a dynamic and diverse network of partners to help meet the very challenging needs of our returning citizens. However, there is still much work ahead,” said Todd Robinson, CEO of MRC and the Executive Director of The Next Step Recovery Ministries in Macon. “The vast majority of our returning citizens are hardworking, skilled and willing to learn. They want to succeed. We are looking for partners who want to work in the same direction. Returning citizens who find purpose and productivity tend to not reoffend.”
Currently, a mix of federal, state and local agencies, houses of worship, philanthropic organizations, community resource partners, businesses and advocates are members of the MRC. For a complete list of partners, and more information on how you can engage with MRC, please contact Pam Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, at [email protected].
Founded by the Macon U.S. Probation Office, the Macon Reentry Coalition is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Final Defendants in Moultrie Meth Trafficking Network SentencedRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The remaining defendants guilty of participating in a methamphetamine trafficking network based out of Moultrie, Georgia, were sentenced to prison for their crimes.
Robert Lee Smith, III, 46, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. April Contreras, 31, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Louis Sands handed down the sentences yesterday. There is no parole in the federal system.
“These defendants are responsible for supplying a significant amount of methamphetamine to a quiet Southwest Georgia community, much of which was orchestrated out of the local jail,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level are working to stop drug traffickers profiting from the sale of deadly controlled substances that cause overdoses and violent crime in our communities.”
“The lengthy sentence in this case clearly fits the crimes,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This defendant brokered the distribution of methamphetamine, even while incarcerated. Because of the hard work and dedication of DEA and its law enforcement partners, this defendant will now have to face the consequences of his actions.”
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
The following co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas and were sentenced:
Melissa Barrow, 48, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Aubrey Thompson, 55, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Corey Haynes, 42, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to serve 43 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release; and,
Roderick Smith, 40, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to five years of probation.
According to court documents, GBI began investigating a drug distribution conspiracy in Colquitt and Brooks counties in Nov. 2020, initially based on information that co-defendant Contreras was selling methamphetamine in the region. During the course of the investigation, agents discovered that co-defendant Robert Smith, who was incarcerated at the Colquitt County Jail, was working with Contreras and co-defendants Thompson and Haynes in the sale of controlled substances. Co-defendant Barrow, working under the direction of Contreras, sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant (CI). Barrow would also collect drug proceeds on behalf of Contreras. Co-defendant Roderick Smith was directed by Robert Smith to provide cash to Contreras for the purposes of methamphetamine trafficking. In all, this methamphetamine trafficking network is accountable for the distribution of between 1.5 kilograms and 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by DEA, FBI, GBI, Georgia State Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office and Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis prosecuted the case.
Career Offender Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Thomasville, Georgia, resident with a violent criminal history who fled from police after being caught illegally with multiple weapons — including a stolen AR-15 semi-automatic rifle — was sentenced to serve 21 years in prison for his crime.
Torrieo Monte Johnson aka Corker, 40, was sentenced to 260 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson yesterday after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed career offenders face accountability for their crimes at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program calls for reducing violent crime in our communities using all of the federal, state and local resources available. Enforcement efforts remain focused on bringing violent repeat offenders to justice as we work together to make our neighborhoods safer.”
“This case is the product of a concerted collaborative effort on the part of ATF and its local partners to target, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of violent crime,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.
According to court documents and other evidence, Johnson—a convicted felon—and another individual ran from Thomasville Police Department officers after they discovered multiple weapons inside the vehicle Johnson was driving on June 26, 2019. The officers found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 semi-automatic rifle, and a Spikes Tactical .223 semi-automatic rifle, along with multiple firearm magazines and boxes of ammunition. The Spikes Tactical weapon was reported stolen during a burglary at a Thomasville residence on June 17, 2019. Arrest warrants were issued for Johnson and he was captured in Tallahassee, Florida, on July 3, 2019. Johnson has a lengthy criminal history to include felony convictions for arson in the 1st degree, distribution of a controlled substance and burglary.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Thomasville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.
Valdosta Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta man who produced child sexual assault material involving two young children was sentenced to the statutory maximum prison sentence of 60 years in prison today.
Henry Theodore Salmons aka Ted, 48, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 720 months in prison (the statutory maximum of 360 months imprisonment per count) to be followed by 25 years of supervised release and pay $150,000 in restitution to each of the two minor victims by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. In addition, Salmons will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“Ted Salmons will spend the rest of his life in prison where he will no longer be able to sexually assault children and film their horrific suffering,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to protect children from exploitation; we will use every resource at our disposal to track down dangerous sex offenders who target children and bring them to justice.”
“Finding and stopping predators like Salmons, that not only victimize innocent children, but also share those horrific images with others who delight in viewing this filth is one of our highest priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the great work done by our agents along with our state, local and federal partners we were able to remove a serious threat from our community and we will continue to pursue those who commit these evil acts.”
“The U.S. Marshals and our K-9 unit helped us track down and take this defendant into custody; and thanks to our federal partners, we were able to build a good case against him. With this sentence, Ted Salmons will not see the light of day in Lowndes County again,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
According to court documents, Salmons admitted that he enticed two minor children under the age of ten years old to engage in sexually explicit acts which were filmed or photographed in April and July 2021. For the protection of the minor victims, Salmon’s guilty plea was sealed by the Court at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers.
Macon Man Sentenced to the Statutory Maximum Prison Sentence for Distributing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison after he assumed the social media identity of a 12-year-old girl using threats and then forced the victim to produce child sexual abuse material, which he sold online.
Anthony Sparks Brown, 27, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III after he pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Brown will also register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Anthony Brown’s ongoing exploitation of a middle schooler came to light thanks to a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. GBI agents tracked down the defendant, freeing the child from his escalating online threats,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case illustrates that it takes a cross-section of groups to include caring citizens and dedicated law enforcement to stop the online exploitation of children.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims. No child should be subject to online exploitation. As we work with internet service providers and other law enforcement agency partners, we are ensuring that predators like this defendant are held accountable,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents, the GBI received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Jan. 2019, based on a report originating from Facebook detailing child sexual abuse material communicated between two Facebook users – a middle school-aged female (Jane Doe #1) and a 57-year-old man. An ensuing investigation ultimately revealed that Brown was using the Jane Doe #1 account to possess, distribute and sell child sexual abuse material.
Brown had met the real Jane Doe #1, a 12-year-old girl from Tennessee, on Instagram in 2018. Brown told investigators that she sent him nude images. Later, Brown threatened the 12-year-old on Facebook using an alias, sending her these images and other sexually explicit photos and stating that he was sure that she didn’t want her parents to see the images. Brown then proposed they make a deal whereby in exchange for Jane Doe #1’s Facebook login information, Brown would refrain from sending out her explicit photos. Jane Doe #1 complied and sent her credentials to Brown. That same day, Brown began soliciting sexual images and videos from the girl, using threats.
Brown was taken into custody on July 9, 2019. Brown admitted he threatened the girl in order to receive her Facebook passwords and assumed her identity on Facebook, chatting with her friends and family on that platform. He further admitted to using threats to coerce more sexually exploitative images and videos from her, distributing those images and selling some of the images.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the GBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim prosecuted the case.
New Leadership Team Announced for the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary has elevated three Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) to leadership roles within the 70-county U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen has been named the Deputy Criminal Chief; Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick will become the Branch Chief for the Columbus, Georgia, Division; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Simon will serve as the Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) for the Civil Division. These three attorneys join recently promoted First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Shanelle Booker, Civil Chief Kevin Abernethy and Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) for the Criminal Division Robert McCullers to comprise the legal leadership in the office.
“These individuals are highly qualified and have displayed both wisdom and passion in their pursuit of justice on behalf of the people they serve,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “It’s critically important to the larger mission that our Office continues to develop a cutting-edge team dedicated to making our communities safer and upholding justice for all.”
Deputy Criminal Chief Leah McEwen will supervise the Albany and Valdosta Divisions in her new role, overseeing criminal cases involving hundreds of defendants annually. Deputy Criminal Chief McEwen has served as both Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) and Director of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. A career prosecutor, she worked as a Dougherty County Assistant District Attorney before turning to federal prosecution, joining the Albany Criminal Division in 2005. Deputy Criminal Chief McEwen’s expertise includes leading large multi-agency drug and criminal gang prosecutions. She successfully prosecuted the nation’s first criminal case involving an unlicensed drone operator who attempted to drop drugs into a Georgia prison and was invited to share her knowledge with national OCDETF leadership. Deputy Criminal Chief McEwen frequently provides training to prosecutors and law enforcement on criminal legal issues and was named Georgia’s Arson Prosecutor of the Year. A native of the Middle District of Georgia, she earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Mercer University, with high honors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick will become the new Branch Chief for the Columbus, Georgia, Division, effective July 17. Assistant U.S. Attorney Helmick joined the office in 2018, serving in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, AUSA Helmick clerked for several years for U.S. District Judge Clay Land and U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Hyles, both of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, and she also worked for a Columbus-based law firm. AUSA Helmick’s experience ranges from violent crime prosecutions to large-scale fraud cases. She has worked on high-profile civil cases defending the United States and is the Border Security Coordinator for the Office. AUSA Helmick will manage the second-largest staffed Division within the District. A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and Furman University, AUSA Helmick was admitted to multiple honor societies and academic groups. Born in Georgia, she is active in the Columbus community, volunteering with both civic and religious organizations, and is currently on the executive committee for the Columbus Inn of Court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Simon will serve as the new Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) for the Civil Division. Before joining the Middle District in 2018, AUSA Simon served in two components of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.: first as an attorney with the Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, then as a Senior Attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Previously, AUSA Simon clerked for Justice Ayala Procaccia of the Supreme Court of Israel and worked with a private law firm in Atlanta. Since 2020, he has served on the adjunct faculty of Mercer University School of Law. As the Civil Division’s SLC, AUSA Simon will focus on high-profile civil cases at the district court and appellate levels and develop training opportunities for attorneys and community stakeholders. AUSA Simon is the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in a leadership role within the Office. He received his law degree from Tulane University Law School and his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, graduating with high honors. A first generation American, AUSA Simon grew up in Marietta, Georgia.
The Middle District of Georgia encompasses 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties, and includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta with a population of approximately 2,045,000 people. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the District, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms, illegal gangs and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Georgia Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Prison for Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Georgia man was sentenced today to 230 months in prison for charges related to his filing of dozens of fraudulent tax returns on behalf of multiple sham trusts.
Marquet Mattox, of Lilburn, was convicted by a federal jury on Aug. 18, 2021, of wire fraud, false claims and theft of government funds. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2016 to 2018 Mattox filed more than 30 fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS in the names of approximately 12 different trusts. On those returns, Mattox falsely reported that the trusts had withheld large amounts of taxes on purported interest income, thereby entitling the trusts to refunds. In total, Mattox claimed approximately $165 million in refunds on behalf of the purported trusts. The IRS paid $5 million of the requested refunds. Mattox used those funds to purchase a new house, a luxury automobile and other personal expenses.
“It’s an injustice to all those who rightfully pay their taxes when an individual criminally takes advantage of the system, in this case defrauding taxpayers of millions of dollars,” U.S Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will do whatever it takes to hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes.”
“Marquet Mattox secured $5 million in fraudulent refunds by inundating the IRS with dozens of false returns on behalf of phony trusts he owned and controlled,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg. “His significant prison sentence today makes clear that fraudsters will be identified and prosecuted, no matter how persistent or complicated their schemes.”
“Mattox made multiple attempts to defraud the Internal Revenue Service of over $117 million,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “IRS has systems in place to detect and prevent fraud; attempting to file false claims for refunds is a federal crime. Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of Mattox’s actions and greed. Taxpayers should be wary of any individuals promoting and using schemes to submit false filings to the IRS. Should you come across such a scheme, please report it to IRS Criminal Investigation.”
“TIGTA’s statutory mission includes investigating individuals who interfere with the lawful collection of taxes,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “Attempts to interfere with IRS employees engaged in the performance of their official duties will be aggressively pursued. We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation in working with TIGTA to protect the integrity of federal tax administration.”
In addition to the prison term, Mattox was ordered to pay approximately $3.2 million in restitution and serve three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. There is no parole in the federal system.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Jessica Kraft of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Central Georgia Bookkeeper Sentenced for Defrauding Three Small BusinessesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Putnam County, Georgia, resident who admitted to stealing $156,734.76 from three small businesses that employed her as a part-time bookkeeper was sentenced to prison for her crime and ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
Alicia Merritt, 48, of Eatonton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III today after previously pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud. In addition, Merritt was ordered to repay $146,660.66 in restitution to the victims. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant has admitted her wrong-doing and has been held accountable for deceiving three local businesses in her community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Whether a trusted employee steals $100,000 or $1,000,000, fraud ultimately harms lives and can negatively affect a community, as seen in this case. Working with our law enforcement partners, we want to protect hard-working citizens and do everything in our power to stop fraud and restore justice.”
“Hopefully this sentencing makes a statement that the FBI is committed to making cases like this a strong deterrent to the temptation of greed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Merritt not only defrauded the companies she worked for, she also violated the trust they put in her, and for that she will be held accountable.”
According to court documents, Merritt’s theft from Willow Oaks Landscape was first discovered by the company’s owner in Feb. 2020. Merritt worked as the bookkeeper for the family-owned business for a decade and the owner trusted her “completely,” delegating to her payroll, vendor payments, reimbursements and giving her credit card access. When the business began to lose money, the owner assumed there must be other causes and didn’t suspect Merritt. However, from March 2019 until Feb. 2020, Merritt wrote checks to vendors, to herself for reimbursements that did not exist and cut payroll checks for former employees and cashed them for herself in the amount of $108,068.45. In addition, within this same time frame, Merritt admitted to charging $5,382.90 on the company credit card for personal expenses.
Merritt was also employed part-time managing business finances for two local Eatonton businesses, The Meat Shed and Vape on the Lake. Merritt was tasked with handling business tax payments to the Georgia Department of Revenue and IRS for the businesses. In early 2019, Merritt constructed a scheme, convincing the owner that she could better manage his tax payments if he wrote her checks for the amount owed and she, in turn, would pay the tax to the relevant revenue agency. In late 2019, Merritt’s demands escalated, insisting the owner write multiple large payments to resolve alleged tax payment deadlines, keeping the money for herself and not paying the taxes owed. In all, Merritt stole at least $33,209.31 from these businesses.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Decatur County Man with Violent Felony Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Possessing Numerous Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A South Georgia resident with a violent criminal history found in possession of numerous stolen firearms and who released his dog to attack deputies before he fled arrest has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.
James Currin, 44, of Bainbridge, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on July 7. Currin is facing a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with our law enforcement partners across the District to identify and stop violent, repeat offenders who are trafficking firearms in our communities by holding them accountable at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Decatur County Sheriff’s deputies safely apprehended this defendant, and their efforts have made Decatur County a safer place.”
“There is no initiative more critical to ATF than increasing the safety of our communities. Cases which result in the arrests and prosecution of violent criminals are fundamental to continuing this initiative while simultaneously shows criminals that ATF and its law enforcement partners will not falter in this mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We will pursue violent criminals such as these wherever they may operate and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to court documents, Currin, who is a convicted felon, was under investigation in Sept. 2019 for distribution of methamphetamine and illegal possession of numerous firearms. During this time period, Decatur County deputies were investigating a home burglary involving 20 stolen firearms. On April 1, 2020, deputies learned that the burglary suspect had traded six of the stolen firearms to Currin in exchange for methamphetamine. A search warrant was subsequently executed at Currin’s home. When deputies approached the defendant, who was armed and walking with a pit bull on a leash, Currin released the dog and ran into the woods. The dog attacked an officer while other responding officers ran after Currin but were initially unable to locate him.
During a search of Currin’s home, deputies found a total of 23 long guns and three handguns, along with methamphetamine and 36 marijuana plants. Some of the firearms recovered from Currin’s home were confirmed stolen in the home burglary and some had obliterated or removed serial numbers. Currin was taken into custody on April 7 in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Currin told investigators that he was planning “to do a suicide by cop.”
Currin has multiple prior felonies, including methamphetamine possession and felony battery-great bodily harm charges in Georgia and Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possession firearms.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Federal Judge Hands Down Ten-Year Sentence, Lifetime of Supervised Release to Former Georgia Pastor for Sexually Assaulting Ugandan MinorRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former pastor from Georgia who was conducting missionary work in Uganda when he sexually assaulted a girl under his care was sentenced by a federal judge this evening to serve above the guideline sentencing range for his crime.
Eric Tuininga, 45, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release and $20,000 in restitution to the victim by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. In addition, Tuininga will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“I want to recognize the true bravery displayed by the Ugandan girl for speaking out when she was assaulted by a trusted person of power from another country, courageously seeking justice across continents,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement – both abroad and here at home – took on a challenging international case. Homeland Security Investigations’ Child Exploitation Unit worked tirelessly to ensure that the truth was uncovered and the defendant was held accountable for his crime.”
According to court documents, a U.S. citizen affiliated with the U.S.-based Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) operating in Mbale, Uganda, contacted U.S. Embassy Kampala American Citizen Services (ACS) in June 2019, to report that Tuininga, who was working as one of the group’s ministers, had sex with the Ugandan female minor who was approximately 14-years-old. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS) agents in Kampala, Uganda, opened an investigation into the allegation. Finding Tuininga had fled to his home in the Middle District of Georgia, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Child Exploitation Unit, Atlanta, continued the investigation.
Federal agents identified a Ugandan minor who was approximately 14-years-old in March 2019 when Tuininga had sex with her as he was working as a pastor with the OPC. Tuininga admitted that he came to know the victim in his capacity as a religious leader and that the victim would visit the OPC church, including a compound, overseen by Tuininga. Tuininga also admitted that he engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the child.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, HSI-Child Exploitation Unit with special assistance from U.S. Department of State, DSS agents in Kampala, Uganda.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Kalim and Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case.
Tifton Bartender Pleads Guilty for Distributing Meth, Fentanyl from L.A. to South Central GeorgiaRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Tifton man who was working as a bartender while brokering large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pleaded guilty to distribution.
Edgar Fernando Neri aka Colocho, 21, of Tifton, Georgia pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine before U.S. Senior District Judge Hugh Lawson on June 21. Neri faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant was attempting to move large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into a small South Central Georgia community; discussions of trafficking firearms, a rocket launcher and body armor also occurred, further illustrating the violent criminal element surrounding the illegal distribution of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are working with law enforcement at every level to hold individuals accountable for those crimes which most affect the safety and security of our region.”
“A large amount of illegal drugs was taken off the streets of South Central Georgia. We will continue to dedicate resources to investigating drug activity to make our communities safer. Thank you to our federal partners for being a force multiplier when it comes to successfully investigating and prosecuting these types of cases,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“This defendant posed a clear and present danger to the Tifton community by dealing in dangerous drugs, including discussions of firearms trafficking,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division. “Thanks to collaborative partnerships between the DEA and its law enforcement partners, this defendant no longer poses a threat to Tifton and elsewhere.”
According to court documents, GBI agents developed a confidential source (CS) in late August 2021 who had information regarding the distribution of methamphetamine in Tifton (Tift County). The CS had been purchasing from a local bartender known as "Colocho" who was wanting the CS to purchase larger amounts of drugs that would come from a source in Los Angeles. During the course of the investigation, Neri discussed moving pounds of methamphetamine, multiple kilos of cocaine, as well as the purchase of body armor, rifles, a rocket launcher and rockets with his supplier in California.
Multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from Neri and Neri arranged for shipments of more methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, also referred to as “Percocet,” from the source. Packages containing three pounds of methamphetamine and 1,990 blue fentanyl pills were sent from Neri’s source in L.A. to Tifton in Oct. 2021; Neri was taken into custody on Oct. 19, 2021. Neri is being held responsible for distributing 1,290.93 grams of actual methamphetamine based on the high level of purity of the methamphetamine involved and 1,990 pills containing fentanyl and weighing 205.92 grams.
The case was investigated by DEA, GBI and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case.
Atlanta Man Pleads Guilty in Tri-State Check Cashing Scheme Targeting PublixRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Atlanta resident who pleaded guilty for his role in a check cashing scheme targeting Publix grocery stores in Georgia, Florida and Alabama was remanded to federal custody today.
Brandon Lamont Bell, 37, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit and unauthorized devices on June 23. Bell faces a maximum of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Bell was remanded to federal custody at a petition for action on conditions of pretrial release hearing before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands today. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29.
“Check cashing schemes using stolen bank information is not a minor offense—the harm it causes people and businesses can warrant federal prosecution and will not be ignored by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to protect people and businesses from fraudsters.”
“This case is another example that clearly shows criminals are continuously looking for ways to steal from financial institutions. In this case, not only were financial institutions defrauded, but United States citizens were violated by having their bank account information stolen for the purpose of committing fraud,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany, Georgia, Resident Office. “The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit this and other types of financial fraud in our community and around the nation.”
According to court documents, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Tifton Police Department officers were conducting a road check at the I-75 Northbound Exit 61 ramp (the intersection of Old Omega Road and Magnolia Drive in Tifton). During the course of the encounter with Bell and other occupants of the vehicle, and the subsequent United States Secret Service investigation, agents discovered a check cashing scheme involving Bell and other co-defendants targeting Publix Supermarkets in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Inside the vehicle, officers found 114 fictious checks printed with nineteen genuine bank account routing numbers, a printer and electric cords, nine counterfeit driver’s licenses and 18 VISA gift cards. Bell admitted that he possessed with the intent to defraud more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, GSP and the Tifton Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case.
Georgia Couple Sentenced to Combined 90 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Valdosta, Georgia, couple who admitted to producing child sexual assault material involving multiple minor victims was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed by law today for their crimes.
Jayson E. Wright, 36, was sentenced to serve the maximum 360 months in prison per count consecutively for a total of 720 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release and $625,000 in restitution to four victims after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. Kara Wright, 33, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release and $415,000 in restitution to four victims after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. Both defendants will have to register as sex offenders for life upon their release from federal prison. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands at the C.B. King U.S. Courthouse in Albany. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The Wrights have justifiably received the maximum prison sentences allowed under law for their unconscionable and heinous acts against children,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to protect children from predators such as the Wrights who deviously take advantage of a child’s vulnerability.”
“The defendants’ heinous predatory behavior is deserving of a lengthy prison sentence to ensure they cannot inflict further harm on other victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “We are very appreciative of the invaluable assistance and teamwork we receive from our law enforcement partners on cases like this.”
“The close working relationship between the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and our state and federal partners is crucial to capturing child predators like the Wrights and holding them accountable so they will never harm another innocent child,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim.
Federal Jury Convicts Leader of Large Meth, Fentanyl Trafficking NetworkRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A documented member of a criminal street gang organization who led a drug distribution network responsible for trafficking more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and other illegal drugs into Southwest Georgia and an associate were found guilty Monday evening on multiple drug charges by a federal jury following a week-long trial.
Jamie Keith aka JGottiDaBoss aka Cocho, 40, of Albany, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Artarious Davis aka Showboat aka Boat, 41, of Albany, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The verdict was reached following a trial that began on Tuesday, June 20 and ended on Monday, June 27 before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner. Keith and Davis each face a maximum term of life imprisonment. Sentencing has not been scheduled.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding individuals caught trafficking large quantities of the deadliest narcotics accountable for crimes that damage the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The success in putting an end to this significant methamphetamine and fentanyl network that was pushing some of the most addictive illegal drugs into Southwest Georgia was achieved with the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement in a significant Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.”
“These criminals once profited by spreading this insidious poison throughout a number of communities in Southwest Georgia, but the DEA and our law enforcement partners are in the business of protecting lives and serving those communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Justice was served thanks to strong and strategic partnerships between the DEA and its local law enforcement counterparts.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies at every level to end an epidemic in our society that is killing our citizens,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work diligently along our partners in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
“These convictions illustrate that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Georgia. The GBI is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale drug trafficking organizations such as this one operating in Southwest Georgia, in coordination with our local and federal partners,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“The Albany Police Department will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking and its associated crimes in Albany, Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia. This verdict warns those seeking fortune from this illicit trade that ill-gotten gains lead to harsh consequences,” said Albany Police Department Chief Michael Persley.
“The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is working with all of our law enforcement partners at every level to combat criminal activity in our community and ultimately put a dent in crime,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.
“The Worth County Sheriff’s Office has and will continue to work diligently with local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners across the area to find, investigate and prosecute criminals trafficking drugs in Worth County and the Southwest Georgia area,” said Worth County Sheriff Don Whitaker. “Drugs are a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise that targets our vulnerable populations, our neighbors and even our family members. Because of this, we can’t slow down, we must aggressively pursue this criminal element. We have found that by taking down these drug distributors, it also helps in the reduction of other crimes. With this in mind, we welcome a partnership with all agencies to fight this problem and make our communities safer.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keith and Davis were criminally involved in a large drug trafficking network responsible for distributing more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 2000 fentanyl tablets pressed to resemble Percocet, more than one kilogram of heroin, more than five kilograms of cocaine and other drugs in the metro Albany area in 2019. Trial testimony revealed that now-deceased co-defendant Demarcus Cook, of Sylvester, Georgia, was a documented member of the Piru set of the Bloods criminal street gang organization. Keith, a member of a rival organization and the leader of this drug trafficking organization, bonded Cook—who was ill—out of jail in exchange for access to Cook’s drug sources of supply and customers. Using Cook’s sources and Keith’s cash and distribution network, the two began delivering large quantities of drugs to Albany and Sylvester to be sold at locations including 122 Moultrie Road, Albany; 214 Albany Avenue, Sylvester, and 610 Johnson Road, Albany. Cook has since died of cancer. Keith was the manager of the drug network; Davis’ primary roles were protecting the drug loads on behalf of the organization and serving a subsidiary customer base of drug users and redistributors in the Albany area.
The other 29 defendants federally prosecuted as part of this investigation have pleaded guilty for their crimes.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by FBI, DEA, GBI, the Albany Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Worth County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Convicted Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun Possession in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta resident and member of a criminal street gang organization was sentenced to serve more than eight years in prison for illegally possessing a gun.
Deontrey Demorria Crumpton, 25, was sentenced to a total of 105 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release to run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed in a Miami-Dade County, Florida, state case and consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in a pending Lowndes County, Georgia, state case for probation violation. Crumpton previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson handed down the sentence on June 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons will face the possibility of federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia when they are caught in illegal possession of a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working alongside our community and law enforcement partners through Project Safe Neighborhoods, enforcement efforts remain focused on holding the most egregious repeat offenders accountable in an effort to make our communities safer.”
“This sentence makes it very clear that criminals who repeatedly break the law and continue to possess illegal firearms will be held accountable with lengthy prison terms,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, and strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies made the arrest of Deontrey Crumpton possible. Rest assured, the FBI will always work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Crumpton was a known member of the 1735 In Route Bloods criminal street gang and had a prior burglary conviction in Lowndes County Superior Court. An investigation into illegal drug trafficking involving Crumpton and others in the Valdosta community resulted in officers executing a search warrant at Crumpton’s residence on Oct. 28, 2020. Crumpton was found inside his bedroom, which was secured by a push button keypad. Crumpton was found in possession of a Glock semi-automatic handgun and $13,860. It is illegal for a convicted felon to be in possession of a firearm.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case.
Former Fort Stewart Soldier Sentenced to Prison for Producing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A former soldier who admitted to producing child sexual assault material involving a 13-year-old victim was sentenced to prison for his crime.
Aaron D. Sutherland, 28, formerly of Fort Stewart, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release and $250,000 restitution by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on June 22 after he previously pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. In addition, Sutherland will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“Producing sexual assault material of children is an intolerable crime that will not go unpunished,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level will pursue justice when adults sexually entice, abuse or harm a minor.”
“Cases like this underscore the need to be careful when our kids use the internet or social media; Sutherland used the internet to assist him in exploiting an innocent child. Thankfully, he was caught and will no longer be able to hurt children,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Protecting our most vulnerable populations from exploitation is one of HSI’s most important missions and we are fortunate to have great working relationships with our law enforcement partners that provide invaluable assistance.”
“This case is another example of the fruitful results that occur when we combine the resources of local, state and federal law enforcement partners to get predators off the street,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
According to court documents, Sutherland admitted he began communicating with a 13-year-old female while he was on active duty for the U.S. Army at Fort Stewart in Feb. 2021. Sutherland enticed the victim to send multiple nude images and videos of a sexual nature and asked to meet the child to engage in sexual activity. The minor victim’s mother discovered her child messaging an adult male in April 2021 after she observed her child acting strangely and confiscated her phone. In the messages, Sutherland stated the victim’s age. The mother reported the crime to authorities, and Sutherland was arrested on May 3, 2021. Sutherland provided law enforcement with his secret image vault where he saved all of the pictures and videos of the child.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case.
Tifton Man Who Led Police on High-Speed Chase Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Heroin to South Central GeorgiaRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Tifton, Georgia, resident was sentenced to twelve and a half years in prison resulting from his role actively trafficking large quantities of heroin into South Central Georgia from sources in metro Atlanta.
Joshua Gannon Deanda, 24, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on June 21 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat felons caught distributing deadly opioids will be held accountable for their criminal actions, which gravely harm people and the overall well-being of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local agencies successfully stopped the flow of narcotics into South Central Georgia from this active illegal drug pipeline. Their continued good work is making a difference.”
“This poly-drug trafficker brazenly continued his drug trafficking activities despite having a prior felony conviction,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Hopefully this arrest will send a clear message to him and others who may choose to follow this same perilous path: DEA and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue and ultimately prosecute drug traffickers.”
According to court documents, DEA agents worked with a Cooperating Source (CS) in October 2020 that named Deanda as a courier and distributor of a large shipment of drugs from Atlanta to Tifton containing one or two kilograms of heroin and approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine. Under investigation, Deanda was monitored on Nov. 5, 2020, traveling from his home in Tifton to Atlanta, where he stopped for a short period of time. On his return trip to Tifton, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to pull Deanda over for a traffic violation at a weigh station on I-75. Deanda briefly stopped his vehicle, but he did not exit the vehicle when commanded. Instead, he drove away; during the pursuit, Deanda reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a maneuver to stop Deanda’s vehicle, which collided with several objects and stopped. Deanda and a passenger fled the scene but were later apprehended.
Agents and investigators found two semiautomatic guns inside Deanda’s wrecked vehicle, both stolen at different times out of Tift County, Georgia. A search of the nearby area where Deanda fled resulted in agents finding a bag containing 267.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging materials, a black tray and an extended capacity magazine. The top bullet in the extended magazine matched the ammunition that was seized from the Glock pistol inside of Deanda’s vehicle. Agents also found various cell phone photos and text messages corroborating the found contraband and illegal drug trafficking activities.
Agents subsequently executed a search warrant at Deanda’s residence, finding a block of 350.97 grams of heroin. Additional quantities of heroin and methamphetamine were found, along with a handgun, a sawed-off shotgun and an SKS-type semi-automatic rifle with an obliterated serial number.
Deanda has a prior felony conviction and had an active warrant for his arrest at the time of the incident.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force (MSNTF), with assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim prosecuted the case.
Former Valdosta State Prison Supervisory Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Felony for Attempted Cover-Up of Assault on InmateRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former supervisory correctional officer at Valdosta State Prison pleaded guilty today in federal court for attempting to conceal an assault on an inmate.
Geary Staten, 31, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony for attempting to conceal an assault on an inmate incarcerated at the facility before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Staten faces a statutory maximum three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is important that corrections officers and their supervisors are held accountable for using unlawful, unnecessary, and unwarranted force against inmates, including those who fail to report such civil rights violations and take steps to cover them up,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold correctional officials accountable when they violate the civil rights of incarcerated individuals.”
“Many corrections officers do honorable work, but officers and their supervisors who turn a blind eye or even cover-up crimes against the people under their watch are committing a serious offense that our office will simply not ignore,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Prisoners should serve their sentences without being assaulted or extorted; our office will work to uphold the civil rights of all people, including the incarcerated.”
“By violating his sworn oath as a corrections officer, Staten betrayed every honest, hardworking officer, and stooped to behaving like the criminals he was sworn to protect,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The abuse of inmates by prison staff will not be tolerated by the FBI and will always be pursued for prosecution.”
According to court documents and statements made in connection with the guilty plea, while Lieutenant Staten was on duty as a supervisory correctional officer at Valdosta State Prison (VSP), several VSP correctional officers unlawfully used force on inmate F.G. in violation of the inmate’s constitutional rights. Staten was aware of the assault but instead of reporting or otherwise notifying law enforcement authorities of these felony violations, Lt. Staten took steps to conceal the offense by (1) directing the involved officers (Officer Brian Ford, Officer Jamal Scott, and Sergeant Patrick Sharpe, all of whom have pleaded guilty to federal offenses in connection with the incident) not to write any report to VSP officials or any other Georgia Department of Corrections officials regarding the unlawful use of force; and (2) failing to write such a report himself, despite knowing such a report was required.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Solis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Alleged Gangster Disciples Members Indicted for Murder, Federal Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging five alleged members of the Gangster Disciples with murder and racketeering related to the alleged murder of three people, as well as various other offenses including drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka Dolla Phil, 33, of Atlanta; Andrea Paige Browner, aka Light Brite, aka Shawty, 27, of Athens, Georgia; Lesley Chappell Green, aka Grip, 34, of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka Different, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia; and Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka Lil L, aka L, aka Lil Bro, aka Lil Larry, 27, of Decatur, Georgia, are each charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy. Chambers and Browner are additionally charged with Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering-murder (VICAR); the carry, use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and use of a firearm resulting in death.
The Gangster Disciples are a national gang with roots in Chicago, Illinois, dating back to the 1970s, and are now active in at least 25 states. Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are three gang-related murders triggered by the murder of a Gangster Disciple member. After that murder, other Gangster Disciples allegedly sought to identify and retaliate against those responsible for the victim’s death. Chambers allegedly followed Rodriguez Apollo Rucker to his Athens residence where he shot and killed Rucker, who was a relative of a suspect of the first murder.
According to the indictment, after learning that police suspected Chambers of Rucker’s murder, Chambers and Browner fled from Georgia to Texas. In order to cover up this crime, Chambers allegedly ordered that fellow gang members he suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson, be killed. Defendants Green, Guidry and Carlisle allegedly shot and killed Ruff and Jackson and left their bodies in a storage unit in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they were discovered four months later.
Chambers allegedly held a “Position of Authority” with the Gangster Disciples organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement” or “Elimination” team (E-Team); Browner was allegedly a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” or “SOS,” a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciple organization; Green allegedly was a member of the E-Team; Carlisle was a member of the GD organization; and Guidry allegedly held a “Position of Authority” as the “Assistant Literature Coordinator.”
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is being investigated by FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Ken Kaplan of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alleged Gangster Disciples Members Indicted for Murder, Federal Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia returned an indictment yesterday charging five alleged members of the Gangster Disciples with murder and racketeering related to the alleged murder of three people, as well as various other offenses including drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka Dolla Phil, 33, of Atlanta; Andrea Paige Browner, aka Light Brite, aka Shawty, 27, of Athens, Georgia; Lesley Chappell Green, aka Grip, 34, of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka Different, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia; and Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka Lil L, aka L, aka Lil Bro, aka Lil Larry, 27, of Decatur, Georgia, are each charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy. Chambers and Browner are additionally charged with murder in aid of racketeering; the carry, use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and use of a firearm resulting in death.
The Gangster Disciples are a national gang with roots in Chicago, Illinois, dating back to the 1970s, and are now active in at least 25 states. Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are three gang-related murders triggered by the murder of a Gangster Disciple member. After that murder, other Gangster Disciples allegedly sought to identify and retaliate against those responsible for the victim’s death. Chambers allegedly followed Rodriguez Apollo Rucker to his Athens residence where he shot and killed Rucker.
According to the indictment, after learning that police suspected Chambers of Rucker’s murder, Chambers and Browner fled from Georgia to Texas. In order to cover up this crime, Chambers allegedly ordered that fellow gang members he suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson, be killed. Defendants Green, Guidry and Carlisle allegedly shot and killed Ruff and Jackson and left their bodies in a storage unit in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they were discovered four months later.
Chambers allegedly held a “Position of Authority” with the Gangster Disciples organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement” or “Elimination” team (E-Team); Browner was allegedly a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” or “SOS,” a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciple organization; Green allegedly was a member of the E-Team; Carlisle was a member of the GD organization; and Guidry allegedly held a “Position of Authority” as the “Assistant Literature Coordinator.”
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ken Kaplan of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Offers Training, Resources to Combat Elder AbuseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia offers training and resources for its citizens to prevent and respond to elder abuse.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, through the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, is committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Elder abuse is a serious crime affecting an estimated one out of ten older Americans annually, although those numbers are likely even higher. Working with our law enforcement and community partners, our office will continue to seek justice for vulnerable citizens through enforcement actions, training and resources, victim services and public awareness.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has a dedicated Elder Justice Coordinator to successfully prosecute cases of elder abuse, along with offering opportunities for education and training. Citizen groups and law enforcement agencies interested in learning more about training opportunities can contact Pam Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Middle District of Georgia, at [email protected].
To learn more about the Department of Justice’s expanding efforts to protect and support older Americans through the Elder Justice Initiative, including information about grant opportunities to advance elder justice, please visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
To report financial fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm eastern time. English/Español/Other languages available.
To report elder abuse, contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by calling the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm eastern time.
Macon Man Sentenced as Part of ATF’s Operation United FrontRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A third individual who pleaded guilty to a federal charge resulting from Operation United Front, an ongoing ATF-led investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution in Middle Georgia utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), was sentenced to prison.
Jasper Blackshear, 57, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 130 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on June 8 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Co-defendant Chadrick Purnell, 43, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison on May 3 after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additionally, co-defendant Jermaine White, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 37 months imprisonment on May 4 after he pleaded guilty to two counts use of a communication facility. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Addressing violent crime in Middle Georgia means utilizing every asset at our disposal, including high-level ballistics technology like ATF’s NIBIN, ” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Nothing is more important than our collective work with our law enforcement and community partners to reduce violent crime and hold those responsible accountable for their crimes.”
“Utilizing technology is a key part of ATF’s strategy to identify and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “The combination of NIBIN and good police work has resulted in the arrest and conviction of these defendants.”
“This conviction shows how gun violators and drug violators frequently run together. Therefore, operations like United Front are successful in ridding our streets of individuals who harm our communities by peddling guns and drugs. Our neighborhoods are made safer when these criminals are brought to justice,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
According to court documents, law enforcement used data compiled from NIBIN in order to identify locations where shell casings were collected from shooting events in Macon. These shooting events were then overlayed on a map, and teams of confidential informants and undercover agents investigated criminal activity in the areas with high density shootings. From May to July 2021, Purnell, Blackshear and White were under investigation. During this time, undercover agents and confidential informants purchased nine firearms and crack cocaine from Purnell, who is a convicted felon. The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles and a shotgun with an obliterated serial number. In May 2021, undercover agents and confidential informants purchased cocaine from Blackshear four times, one transaction included co-defendant Purnell, and a separate transaction included co-defendant White. Blackshear and White have prior felony convictions. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the cases.
Moultrie, Georgia, Resident Guilty for Trafficking a Kilo of Crystal MethRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident admitted in federal court last week that he was attempting to distribute one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine in his hometown.
Anthony Giddens, 40, of Moultrie, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on June 2. Giddens faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Methamphetamine has a devastating impact in our communities. Those who profit by trafficking large amounts of this highly addictive and deadly drug face the possibility of federal prosecution for their crime,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the Moultrie Police Department and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office for their continued efforts to prevent the distribution of methamphetamine and other harmful and illegal drugs in their community.”
According to court documents, Giddens was pulled over for a tag violation by a Moultrie Police Department patrol unit on Sept. 10, 2019, on Veterans Parkway South. Giddens acted evasive and nervous during his exchange with the officer. Giddens also admitted he had marijuana in the vehicle and dumped a cup of marijuana blunts. During a search of the vehicle, the officer found a large plastic bag filled with 1005.68 grams of crystal methamphetamine on the front passenger seat. A Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office drug investigator was dispatched to the scene and located a stolen pistol, a revolver, two digital scales, a large quantity of plastic baggies and $2,214 cash.
The Moultrie Police Department and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
12th Defendant Sentenced in Dog-Fighting, Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The 12th defendant prosecuted as part of an extensive investigation into a dog-fighting and cocaine distribution network spanning three states was sentenced for his crimes in federal court today.
Shelley Johnson aka Gold Mouth, 40, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the maximum guideline sentence of 37 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture. As a condition of his supervised release, Johnson is prohibited from owning or possessing dogs. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in both cocaine distribution and organized dog fighting based out of Roberta, Georgia, which extended into North Georgia, Florida and Alabama from May 2019 until Feb. 2020. In Feb. 2020, law enforcement executed 15 residential search warrants and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for organized dog-fighting. A 136-count indictment was unsealed on Jan. 29, 2021, charging 11 individuals with various criminal activities. Three other individuals, including Johnson, were charged by criminal information.
During this time period, Johnson communicated with co-conspirator Jarvis Lockett about fighting and breeding dogs, dogs mauled and killed as a result of fighting, sharpening a dog’s teeth for fighting purposes, cash prizes for fights, and various topics detailing the business and the brutality of dog-fighting. Johnson attended a dog fight and participated as a handler inside the ring during the dog fight. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Macon residence on Feb. 26, 2020, recovering 13 pit bull terrier type dogs with scarring consistent with dog-fighting. In addition, agents found evidence of dog fighting activities including a digital scale, weighted collars, heavy chains, ground stakes and a variety of medical supplies to treat animals for injuries sustained from dog fighting activities.
“Johnson participated in a brutal criminal enterprise that profited from the suffering of animals,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD).“Dog-fighting is a crime, and also closely associated with other serious crimes. The sentences in this prosecution show those who engage in this cruel and inhumane practice face significant prison time.”
“The brutality of dog-fighting alone is sickening; but this case demonstrates the strong union that exists between this bloody and inhumane business and the world of illegal gun and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is committed to not only prosecuting dog-fighting participants, but working alongside our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we will root out the entire criminal network and hold them responsible for their crimes.”
“This investigation and prosecution should send a strong zero-tolerance message to those individuals involved in the inhumane torture of animals for entertainment,” said Jason Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. “We appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in pursing these purveyors of death and senseless suffering.”
The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this case:
Lekey Davis aka Kee Boo, 46, of Talbotton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Christopher Raines aka Binky, 51, of Talbotton, was sentenced to serve 135 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base;
Jarvis Lockett aka J-Rock, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and cocaine distribution;
Derrick Owens aka Doomie, 38, of Woodland, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Jason Carter, 39, of Phoenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 97 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Vernon Vegas, 50, of Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the maximum 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Shaquille Bentley, 27, of Roberta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility;
Rodrick Walton aka Rodrie Walton, 42, of Shiloh, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Reginald Crimes, 39, of Preston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture;
Lee Benney, 55, of Reynolds, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 21 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture; and,
Bryanna Holmes, 25, of Fort Valley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to use of a communication facility.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (DOJ-ENRD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department and the Fort Valley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
Gang Member with a Dozen Prior Convictions Sentenced to 200 Months Imprisonment Resulting from Project Safe Neighborhoods InvestigationRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident and gang member with an extensive criminal history was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison after a federal jury found him guilty on all counts.
Quinton Jarod Simmons, 30, of Adel, Georgia, was sentenced to a total of 200 months for possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on June 2 in Albany. Simmons was convicted on all counts on Thursday, Feb. 10, resulting from a four-day trial at the Valdosta, Georgia, federal courthouse.
“Repeat offenders face federal prosecution in Middle Georgia as we continue to focus law enforcement efforts on those who constantly commit crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as our community partners, to make Middle Georgia a safer place.”
“With twelve prior convictions, Simmons was a continuous threat to the safety of the citizens in our community,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our partners in the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program to help convict repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face steeper penalties and no opportunity for parole.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Simmons, a member of the Crips street gang, fled Remerton Police Department Officers who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop for a traffic violation on June 15, 2018. Simmons ran through a red light during the pursuit and crashed his vehicle into a tree on Georgia Avenue in Valdosta. Simmons attempted to escape his car, but responding officers took him into custody. Simmons was in possession of a Glock 22 firearm that had been reported stolen by an Adel resident in April 2018, as well as two clear bags of pink and blue pills that tested positive for methamphetamine. Simmons has a lengthy criminal history, with 12 prior convictions, including burglary, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing a police officer and theft by taking.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems
in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by FBI, GBI, Remerton Police Department, Valdosta State University Police Department, Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory and Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Mike Morrison prosecuted the case.
Gun Store Burglar, Trafficker Sentenced to 108 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident who broke into two Cordele, Georgia, gun stores, stealing multiple firearms and selling or distributing them in the community was sentenced to prison for his crimes.
Demetri Lott, 44, of Ashburn, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 1, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office is committed to prioritizing prosecutions of those responsible for the greatest gun violence in our communities, including those who illegally traffic in firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners are focused on reducing violent crime in our communities, and to use every available resource at our disposal to reduce gun violence.”
“The theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and their diversion into the illegal firearms market is a crime that affects us all,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “FFL burglaries are a top priority for ATF and we are pleased that Mr. Lott has been sentenced to a significant term of incarceration for his crimes.”
According to court documents, Lott broke into Wells Hardware & Supply in Cordele, Georgia, on Nov. 12, 2020, accessing the store through the roof. Lott stole 11 firearms. While the case was under investigation, Lott burglarized another gun store in Cordele, Evans Outdoors, on Jan. 2, 2021. A rifle was stolen as well as trail cameras, scopes and several boxes of ammunition. A concerned citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Office soon after the theft to report information about the stolen rifle. A second anonymous tip to the Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 15 helped law enforcement locate Lott. Lott was arrested at a Cordele residence, hiding inside the attic crawl space. Lott told agents he was responsible for breaking into and stealing firearms from both businesses. He also admitted to selling the stolen firearms from Wells Hardware & Supply for cash and drugs, later returning to the person’s home that same day to find that all of the firearms had been distributed to other people. Lott said he gave the Evans Outdoors rifle to an acquaintance. Lott has multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for aggravated battery, robbery and burglary.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and the Cordele Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis prosecuted the case.
Operation Washout Classic City Results in Arrests of Most Wanted Individuals in Athens-Clarke County RegionRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. –An eight-day multi-agency operation to curb violent crime in the Athens-Clarke County and surrounding communities resulted in wanted repeat violent offenders and documented gang members taken into custody on various state charges. These cases are currently under federal investigation and no federal charges have been filed at this time.
“Operation Washout Classic City” took place between May 18 – 25, amassing federal, state and local law enforcement resources to arrest the most wanted individuals in the area, including repeat violent offenders and gang members, who had eluded police. The operation was led by the U.S. Marshals Service-Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (USMS SERFTF), and included FBI, ATF, DEA, GBI, Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), Georgia State Patrol (GPS), Organized Crime and Gang Unit-Atlanta (OCAG), Clarke County Sheriff's Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Western Circuit District Attorney’s Office with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Arrest and search warrants executed during this time period resulted in 49 arrests; 13 are documented gang members of Ghostface Gangsters, Gangster Disciples, Bloods and 1831 Piru. The individuals taken into custody as part of the operation are facing various state charges including probation violations for violent crimes, aggravated assault, rape and robbery. During the operation, law enforcement seized five firearms and a quantity of illegal drugs.
“Reducing violent crime in the Athens-Clarke County region and in every community across the Middle District of Georgia is the highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Peter Leary. “Partnering directly with community stakeholders and law enforcement through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office aims to direct our resources toward addressing the most significant drivers of violent crime in each community and taking action.”
“Operation Washout Classic City is a great example of federal, state and local law enforcement partners working together to make a significant impact on reducing violent crime in our communities,” said USMS-SERFTF Deputy Commander John Edgar.
“The success of Operation Washout Classic City and initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods speak directly to what can be accomplished through collaboration and shared goals. The goal of directing resources to the most violent offenders in our community as a means to reducing violent crime is a strategy we can all unify behind,” stated District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez. “We are grateful for the strong work of our partners in the pursuit of creating a safer Athens-Clarke County.”
“The Athens-Clarke County community will not tolerate violent crime and criminal street gangs. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is committed to protecting the citizens of Athens-Clarke County and Operation Washout Classic City is an example of what we can achieve when federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies work collaboratively, with a unified goal of removing violent, repeat offenders from our community,” said ACCPD Interim Chief of Police Jerry Saulters. “ACCPD appreciates the hard work of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and the support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Crime in our area is a regional problem. Through efforts like this one, we want to ensure those that engage in the criminal lifestyle do not find a comfortable place to stay in Oglethorpe County,” said Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabrielle.
The following individuals were taken into custody on state charges as part of Operation Washout Classic City; those who are documented street gang members are noted below:
Demetrius Bankston, 39, Cocaine
David Bingham, 39, Probation Violation, Ghostface Gangsters affiliation
Bradley Blakely, 34, Probation Violation, Ghostface Gangsters affiliation
Larry Bolton, 20, Robbery, 1831 Piru affiliation
Eric Brunson, 45, Illegal Drugs
Melvin Bryant, 56, Probation Violation
Delvin Buckles, 35, Aggravated Assault, Gangster Disciples affiliation
Jarvis Clark, 22, Probation Violation/Bond Violation, Crips affiliation
Denzell Davis, 29, Aggravated Assault, Sex, Money, Murder affiliation (sub-set of Bloods)
Reginald Dillard, 61, Probation Violation
Trellis Drake, 36, Probation Violation, Gangster Disciples affiliation
Domeeka Dunn, 33, Obstruction
Reco Echols, 45, Probation Violation, Gangster Disciples affiliation
Rodney Edwards, 34, Bond Violation, Gangster Disciples affiliation
Dominque Faust, 33, Probation Violation
Alden Fleming, 31, Failure to Appear
Jeffery Foote, 58, Burglary
Brandy Franklin, 27, Cocaine
Jason Jackson, 36, Rape
Andrew Jackson, 41, Probation Violation, Bloods affiliation
David Jones, 39, Probation Violation
Joshua Kell, 30, Probation Violation, Ghostface Gangsters affiliation
Carey Kimbro, 52, Probation Violation
Roy Dale Kirk , 56, Illegal Drugs
Michael Kiser, 35, Probation Violation, Gangster Disciples affiliation
Quincy Lassiter, 20, Probation Violation
Darious Latimore, 24, Probation Violation
Andrew Lattimore, 59, Probation Violation
Terrance McGuire, 31, Parole Violation
Gregory McIntosh, 65, Aggravated Assault
Joshua Pappe, 29, Probation Violation
Jamie Parker, 37, Probation Violation
Keyron Pass, 29, Aggravated Assault
Bryan Prather, 44, Stalking
Yobani Rico, 31, Methamphetamine
Justin Rogers, 30, Methamphetamine, Ghostface Gangsters affiliation
Shanika Rucker, 31, Aggravated Assault
Johnnty Saylors, 46, Parole Violation
Antoine Stewart, 30, Aggravated Assault
Amber Tatum, 34, Probation Violation
Jerilyn Titus, 44, Methamphetamine
Steven Walls, 40, Illegal Drugs
Derrion Watson, 20, Probation Violation
Rufus Whitfield, 59, Failure to Appear
Steven Williams, 33, Aggravated Assault
Reavco Woodall, 37, Violation Probation
Jose Yanez, 22, Sodomy
In addition, two juveniles were taken into custody for armed robbery charges.
Operation Washout Classic City was conducted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
In addition, Operation Washout Classic City is a response to The Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts.
Criminal charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Judge Orders Middle Georgia Family Rehab to Pay $9.6 Million in Damages for Submitting Hundreds of Fraudulent TRICARE/Medicaid ClaimsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The District Court for the Middle District of Georgia found in favor of the United States and the State of Georgia in a civil case involving the fraudulent billing of hundreds of TRICARE and Medicaid claims by a Macon health care facility, ordering the defendants to pay $9,617,679.22 in damages and penalties.
U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III issued the judgment following an evidentiary hearing in U.S. v. Middle Georgia Family Rehab (MGFR) on Tuesday, May 24. The judgment was entered today.
“The ‘reckless disregard’ displayed by Middle Georgia Family Rehab in its billing should serve as a warning to other health facilities across Georgia—and the nation—that filing improper and false claims will come with hefty consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Middle Georgia Family Rehab reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars from taxpayers by improperly filing claims with agencies designated to provide physical therapy and speech therapy services to children and military families. A strong team effort from our Civil Division and its investigative partners resulted in a significant judgment against Middle Georgia Family Rehab which reinforces that our community’s most deserving patients are entitled to quality health care services.”
“Providers who undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense health care system for their own selfish gain must be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce, DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “DCIS and our investigative partners will aggressively pursue those who divert funds intended for military families.”
“When Medicaid providers fraudulently divert funds for personal gain, not only does it undermine the needs of those who are most vulnerable, but the taxpayers of Georgia are harmed as well,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Middle Georgia Family Rehab was charged with providing trusted health services to our military families and children in-need, and it failed to fulfill its responsibilities by instead choosing to exploit the system. This type of deceptive behavior is entirely unacceptable, and those who abuse our publicly-funded health care programs will be held accountable.”
U.S. District Judge Self initially granted partial summary judgment in this False Claims Act case on Wednesday, April 20. According to court documents, in that decision, the Court determined that approximately 800 false claims for services were improperly billed to Medicaid and TRICARE by MGFR and MGFR owner Brenda Hicks. Those improper services were billed under the names of a physical therapist and a speech therapist who were no longer employed by MGFR and therefore could not possibly have provided the services in question.
In analyzing the question of whether MGFR knowingly submitted the false claims, the Court found that MGFR’s conduct “epitomizes ‘reckless disregard’ of the truth.” (ECF No. 52 at 30.) Specifically, the Court found that MGFR’s submission of almost 800 claims to Medicaid and TRICARE over an eight-month period following the resignation of one physical therapist and the submission of 41 claims following the resignation of a speech therapist could not be characterized as an “honest mistake.” (ECF No. 52 at 30.)
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bowen Reichert Shoemaker and Taylor McNeill in the Civil Division are handling this case on behalf of the United States, with assistance from Senior Assistant Attorney General Rick Tangum, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Swanson, and Investigators Scott Jones and Shaketia Morgan, along with investigators from the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Division, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Former Muscogee Co. Deputy Clerk of Court Sentenced to 145 Months Imprisonment in Historic Multi-Million Dollar Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – The ring-leader of a massive and lengthy scheme to drain the Muscogee County Clerk of Courts’ coffers of millions of dollars was sentenced to prison for his crime today, along with five co-defendants.
Willie Demps, 64, of Phenix City, Alabama, and the former Deputy Clerk of Court for Muscogee County, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the guideline maximum of 121 months imprisonment for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On each of the two counts of tax evasion, he was given 60 months imprisonment with 12 months to be served consecutively to the bank fraud sentence. The total amount of imprisonment is 145 months to be followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentence and ordered Demps to pay $1,323,045.21 in restitution to the Muscogee County Clerk of Court’s Office and $359,604 to the IRS, joint and severable with the other defendants, and advised that Demps’s retirement benefits be garnished to pay the restitution. In addition, the Government has requested a money judgement for $1,095,991, which will be ruled upon at a later date. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Willie Demps was the mastermind of an extraordinary, years-long theft of the Muscogee County taxpayers, stealing millions of dollars from its citizens under the guise of a trusted county employee,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Demps has been brought to justice for his crimes thanks to the unwavering persistence of FBI and IRS investigators, who teamed up with federal prosecutors to map out the complex fraud and bring those involved in this scheme accountable.”
“The FBI was proud to work alongside our federal and local partners in this multimillion-dollar bank fraud investigation that uncovered a decade of illegal conduct by Demps and his codefendants,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This lengthy sentence will hold Demps accountable for cheating U.S. taxpayers and hopefully bring closure to all who were affected by his crimes.”
“Demps abused his position as Deputy Clerk of Courts while engaging in a series of fraudulent financial transactions devised to siphon funds from the community. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to have assisted our federal partners in unraveling the criminal activity undertaken by Demps for his personal benefit,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office. “Pooling the skills of each agency makes a formidable team as we investigate allegations of wrong-doing. Today's sentencing demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust.”
The following co-defendants were sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank fraud:
Terry McBride, 45, of Smiths Station, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay $299,285 in restitution.
Samuel Cole, 73, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and pay $387,020 in restitution.
George Cook, 33, of Columbus, was sentenced to time served, five years of supervised release and pay $215,196 in restitution.
The following co-defendant was sentenced for misprision of a felony:
Lamarcus Palmer, 35, of Smiths Station, Alabama, was sentenced to serve one year probation and pay $12,606 in restitution.
The following co-defendant was sentenced for interstate transportation of stolen property:
Rosalie Bassi, 66, of Phenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to serve five years of probation and pay $61,896.46 in restitution.
The following co-defendants will be sentenced on June 14 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud:
Curtis Porch, 48, and Dereen Porch, 43, both of Columbus.
According to court documents, Demps worked for the Muscogee County Clerk for approximately 30 years and supervised money deposits received by the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office received money from fines and condemnations, and payments were frequently made in cash. From at least 2010 to 2019, Demps maintained a safe in his office to store sums of cash that were collected by the Clerk’s Office. During the business day, this safe was rarely locked, even when Demps was away from his office. Demps (or his designee) was responsible for depositing cash received by the Clerk’s Office into an appropriate Clerk of Superior Court bank account. Records indicate that the Clerk’s Office received over $5.5 million in cash during the period of 2010-2019, yet only a single cash deposit of approximately $210 was made into official Columbus accounts in 2019. No cash deposits were made in other years.
From Oct. 19, 2010, to approximately Nov. 27, 2019, Demps issued at least 330 Clerk of Superior Court checks payable to the named co-defendants, and to some individuals not named, with a face value of at least $1.3 million. Bank records prior to Oct. 19, 2010, are not available, and the Muscogee County Clerk’s Office records prior to that date cannot be obtained. Demps would meet various co-defendants in locations away from his place of business at the Clerk’s Office to give the illicit checks to them to be cashed at banks in Columbus and in nearby Alabama. The co-defendants cashed the checks and returned the money to Demps, who would give the participating co-defendant a portion of the money. Demps admits he used the money for personal expenses, to send money to foreign countries and to spend at casinos.
Demps received cash deposits to his bank during the tax years 2018-2019, which he now admits were not the result of direct deposits from his lawful salary but rather proceeds from the money he stole from the Muscogee County Clerk’s Office. This money was not reported to the IRS and resulted in tax liability. Demps deposited $147,455 in cash in 2018 and $327,787 in cash in 2019 and fraudulently failed to account for these amounts as income on his tax returns. The IRS calculated Demps’s total amount of tax due from years 2015 to 2019 as $359,604.
FBI and IRS investigated the case, with assistance from the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick prosecuted the case for the Government. Retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Hyde initiated the prosecution of this case.
Guilty Verdict in Macon State Prison Contraband TrialRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Metro Atlanta resident was found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine intended for Macon State Prison.
Raquan Emahl Gray, 26, of Conley, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine by a federal jury on May 24, following a two-day trial that began on May 23, before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. Gray faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
“The flow of illegal and dangerous contraband into our prisons must end for the safety of everyone inside the prison and the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “To that end, our office—working alongside our local, state and federal partners—will hold those who supply inmates with drugs, cell phones and other illegal items accountable for their crime.”
“This defendant attempted to get drugs into a state prison, but instead landed there himself,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This investigation was a success because of the spirited efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved.”
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia, not even in our prison system. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of all populations. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations no matter where they are,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gray was the passenger of a vehicle that was pulled over by a Crawford County Sherriff’s Office deputy in Roberta, Georgia, for traveling 25 mph over the posted speed limit on Sept. 2, 2019. A strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the car and the driver, Demarea Demond Carey, 28, of Fairburn, Georgia, admitted he had smoked marijuana. A probable cause search of the vehicle found various packages wrapped in different colored duct tape and some were numbered. Some packages were softball shaped and wrapped in electrical tape. The packages contained 494 grams of methamphetamine, 150 suspected ecstasy pills which tested as methamphetamine, 50 cell phones, two large bags of cell phone chargers, approximately three pounds of marijuana, 19 bags of tobacco, a large bag of cigars and 19 lighters. Co-defendant Carey’s cell phone’s GPS destination was set for Macon State Prison.
Gray has an extensive criminal history including felony convictions for robbery, burglary and theft by taking. Two co-conspirators who were traveling with Gray—Daquann Marquez Epps, 25, of Columbus, Georgia, and Carey—both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, respectively. Sentencing for Epps and Carey is scheduled for July 6.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, GBI, the Georgia Department of Corrections and DEA investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Keyes and Leah McEwen are prosecuting the case.
Savannah Man Pleads Guilty to Athens Dollar General Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Savannah resident has pleaded guilty to robbing an Athens Dollar General Store in 2019, brandishing a firearm and threatening store employees during the crime.
Londell Nunn, 30, of Savannah, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Wednesday, May 18. Nunn faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
“Nunn’s armed robbery terrorized store employees and put the Athens community on alert. This kind of violent criminal action will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and FBI for apprehending Nunn and helping us bring him to justice.”
“Any time an individual takes a gun into a place of business to rob it, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the combined efforts with our local partners, Nunn will face serious consequences for his crime.”
According to court documents, Nunn entered the Dollar General located at 1125 West Broad Street in Athens on Sept. 6, 2019. He approached an employee, showed the employee a gun he was keeping in his waistband and demanded money from the cash register. The employee did not have the register keys and called a store manager. The store manager struggled to open the cash register to which Nunn responded, “This is how people get killed.” The register was opened and Nunn escaped with some cash, wearing a ski mask he pulled over his face just before he was handed the money.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The FBI and Athens-Clarke County Police Department investigated the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case.
“Protecting Houses of Worship” Safety Training Series Underway in the Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association are teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to hold “Protecting Houses of Worship” safety training conferences at communities across the District this summer.
Since 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has organized this training that brings faith-based leaders and all those involved with security at churches, synagogues, mosques and places of worship together to provide education and a forum for discussion around topics including safety, security, emergency action plan preparedness, hate crimes and the growth and management of threats.
“Learning how to prevent and respond to threats is, sadly, a necessity in today’s world. Preserving the inherently welcoming and peaceful environment that people expect at their places of worship is essential to the overall safety and well-being of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I am thankful to the many law enforcement agencies that partner with us to provide this essential training for those involved with security at our places of worship.”
A “Protecting Houses of Worship” summit was held in Athens, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 17, at Athens Church with attendees representing a synagogue, a mosque and area churches. The next training will occur on Tuesday, June 7, at Unionville Missionary Baptist Church, 3820 Houston Ave., Macon. There will be trainings in Columbus and Valdosta, Georgia, this summer. The dates and locations are being finalized.
For more information about registering or about hosting a “Protecting Houses of Worship” summit in your community, please contact Pam Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, at [email protected].
New Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Named for the Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary has named Shanelle Booker as the Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Division Chief for the Middle District of Georgia, making her the first woman to serve as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney and the first Black woman to hold both positions for the District.
Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker will supervise the Criminal, Civil and Administrative Divisions. In addition, she will serve as the Criminal Chief, replacing long-time Criminal Chief and federal prosecutor Michael Solis, who has accepted a position with the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) within the Department of Justice.
“Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker is a selfless and dedicated prosecutor, who has demonstrated great leadership and judgement throughout her career seeking justice on behalf of all people. It is my honor to name her to this new role within the Office, where she will undoubtedly continue her legacy of seeking equal justice under the law for our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I also want to thank Michael Solis for 33 years of outstanding service to the Middle District of Georgia and wish him well on this new phase with the Department of Justice.”
Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker has served as a federal prosecutor with the Middle District of Georgia since 2015. During her tenure, she has prosecuted high-profile violent crime, child exploitation, sex trafficking, public corruption and fraud cases. She was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in 2020, and she also serves as the Office’s liaison for the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Task Force, a team that coordinates and enhances efforts to pursue criminal offenders who target and attempt to victimize senior citizens. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, she clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Brian S. Miller with the Eastern District of Arkansas and was the Managing Attorney and Assistant Public Defender with the Brunswick Judicial Circuit Defender’s Office in Brunswick, Georgia.
A resident of Macon, Georgia, Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker is active in the community with a special focus on volunteering with young people, including mentoring juvenile girls committed to the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center through the Girl Squad Mentoring Program and working with Just the Beginning Foundation to inspire law careers among underrepresented students. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a board member of the Central Georgia Empowerment Fund, a philanthropic fund that seeks to build capacity and financial sustainability of non-profit organizations that serve the African American community and address the most pressing needs facing African Americans in the Central Georgia region.
Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker is an adjunct professor at Mercer University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she has taught criminal justice classes since 2020.
Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Booker received her Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Hampton University and her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins Local, State and Federal Agencies, Public to Honor Fallen Heroes During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia is joining with local, state and federal agencies during National Police Week to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local law enforcement officers. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“We must never forget those fallen officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, upholding a standard of justice and peace that benefits us all,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia will continue to honor their legacy by doing our part to preserve justice for all people. Please join with us this week to remember our fallen heroes and to thank our law enforcement officers for their dedication to our communities.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. 44 fallen Georgia officers are named in the NLEOMF 2022 Roll Call and will be added to the law enforcement memorial in Washington, D.C. Please visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/facts-figures/roll-call-of-heroes/ for more information and to view the names of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the FBI through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
Federal Murder, Attempted Robbery, Firearms Charges Filed in Shooting Death of Oconee County, Georgia, RaceTrac EmployeeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal grand jury today returned a four-count indictment charging a Philadelphia resident with murder, attempted robbery and firearms charges. A co-defendant is accused of illegally purchasing the alleged murder weapon.
Ahkil Nasir Crumpton aka Crump, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is charged with interference with commerce by attempted robbery (Count One), use and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (Count Two), murder with a firearm during a crime of violence (Count Three) and false statement during the purchase of a firearm (Count Four). James Armstrong, 34, of Commerce, Georgia, is charged with false statement during the purchase of a firearm (Count Four). The statutory maximum sentence for Count One is 20 years imprisonment; the statutory maximum sentence for Count Two and Count Three is life imprisonment; and the statutory maximum sentence for Count Four is ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The indictment alleges that Crumpton brandished a Glock 9mm pistol during an attempted robbery of the RaceTrac gas station and convenience store on Macon Highway in Watkinsville, Georgia, on March 19, 2021, before shooting and killing store clerk Elijah Wood. The indictment alleges that Armstrong illegally purchased the firearm for Crumpton on Feb. 8, 2021, at the Franklin Gun Shop in Athens, Georgia, by falsely claiming to be the buyer on the Firearms Transaction Record-Form 4473 when Crumpton was the actual buyer. It is a federal offense to lie on Form 4473.
The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, GBI, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Valdosta Police and School Resource Officer Indicted for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Assault MaterialRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former police and school resource officer was criminally indicted by a federal grand jury last month for producing and possessing child sexual assault material.
Jonathan Eric Hancock, 31, of Hahira, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury seated in Macon, Georgia, on April 12, with one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment alleges that Hancock enticed a minor child to engage in sexually explicit acts which were filmed or photographed. In addition, Hancock allegedly possessed child sexual assault material of a prepubescent child under the age of 12-years-old.
Hancock worked as an officer for the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) from June 29, 2015 – August 2, 2019, and during this time served as a school resource officer at JL Lomax Elementary School in Valdosta. Hancock was also previously employed with the Homerville, Georgia, Police Department between Dec. 12, 2020 – March 19, 2021. Parents and guardians of children who might have come into contact with Hancock and have concerns related to this investigation can contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2950.
The case is being investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Thomaston, Georgia, Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Assault Material Resulting from HSI InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident was sentenced to serve more than six years in prison for possessing child sexual assault material resulting from an ongoing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) effort combatting child exploitation online.
John Wesley Mitchem, 31, of Thomaston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on May 3, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In addition, Mitchem will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office will pursue federal prosecution against child predators who download, possess and share child sexual assault material,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “HSI investigators are working around the clock, along with federal, state and local authorities across the state, to capture and bring to justice all those who lurk online, where children are harmed each and every time images of their assault and manipulation are downloaded and shared.”
“Finding, arresting and prosecuting those who create, share and or collect these horrific images of abuse and exploitation is one of our most important missions,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to work to protect our most vulnerable population from those looking to exploit them.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted in court, HSI’s Child Exploitation Investigation Group (HSI-CEIG) Atlanta, received information from HSI Detroit that an individual employing the Kik application was in contact with an undercover HSI agent and had sent the undercover agent three images that contained child sexual assault material. Mitchem was identified as the Kik user and agents executed a federal search warrant at his Thomaston residence on March 13, 2020. A forensic examination of Mitchem’s digital devices found six images and one video of child sexual exploitation material depicting infants and toddlers. Mitchem admitted that he shared the three images with the undercover agent using his cellular device from his residence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the
Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by HSI Atlanta, with assistance from HSI Detroit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim prosecuted the case.