Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Macon Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to Statutory Max Resulting from ATF’s Operation United Front Utilizing NIBIN TechnologyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon man convicted on a federal gun charge for his role in trafficking semi-automatic rifles was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of ten years in prison resulting from an ATF investigation utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
Chadrick Purnell, 43, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on May 3, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, has proven to be an invaluable resource for law enforcement in our continued pursuit to reduce violent crime in every community across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to maximize every resource at our disposal to achieve this common goal.”
“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 a firearms trafficker who will spend the next ten years in federal prison.”
“These arrests and convictions show what technology, teamwork and street level investigations can accomplish. The partnership between ATF agents and Bibb investigators as well as the NIBIN technology has been essential in bringing gunslingers to justice,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. 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 and additional co-defendants 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. 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 investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case.
Multi-State Sam’s Club Theft Ring Defendants Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Several Columbus-area residents involved in a multi-state Sam’s Club theft ring amounting to $900,567 in loss to the company were sentenced to federal prison for their crimes.
Brian Cowman, 46, of Fortson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to transport stolen goods. Marcel Crawford, 68, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and Ernest Mitchell, 55, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after they previously pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to transport stolen goods. Mildred Alarcon, 48, of Fortson, previously pleaded guilty to one count of false statements and was sentenced to three years of probation. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences on April 27. There is no parole.
“Brian Cowman profited from this theft ring, reaping hundreds of thousands of dollars, even making a down payment for a new home with the illegal proceeds. These types of large-scale schemes have negative consequences for those of us who do the right thing, including increased prices of goods, business closings and job loss,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We will take the necessary steps to hold accountable those individuals who scam our citizens.”
“These defendants operated a complex multi-state theft ring that was costly to the economic well-being of our communities,” 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 fraud in our community and nation.”
According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Cowman and Crawford conspired to transport and sell stolen goods taken from numerous Sam’s Club stores located throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States between March 2018 and Feb. 2019, with the assistance of the remaining co-defendants. Often financed and directed by Cowman, Crawford and his co-conspirators traveled to Sam’s Clubs stores in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, where they would steal various items including ink cartridges, Bose speakers, razors, DVDs, and tick and flea medications and collars for pets. The co-defendants often committed their crimes by emptying large boxes filled with inexpensive paper goods and filling them with more expensive items, paying only the cost of the boxed item and walking out of the store with the pilfered goods.
Following the theft, Crawford delivered the stolen goods to Cowman’s home in Columbus or a storage facility rented by Cowman. Cowman knew many of the items were stolen. Cowman would then sell the goods on his eBay store known as “rockislandoutdoorsllc." Cowman conducted at least 6,474 sales transactions between March 2017 and Feb. 2019; many of these sales were of stolen Sam’s Club merchandise. Cowman is known to have transferred a total of $412,900 from his PayPal account into his personal bank account in 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. A federal search warrant executed at Cowman’s home and storage facility recovered three boxes full of stolen goods plus stolen items valued at approximately $61,000. Cowman reaped the vast majority of the proceeds himself; Crawford estimated he received between $30,000 and $45,000 from Cowman in the year and a half that he sold Cowman stolen merchandise, proceeds from which Crawford used to pay his associates participating in the theft. Cowman used the money for personal expenses, including for a down payment on a new home in Harris County, Georgia. A forensic investigation determined that the total loss to Sam’s Club is $900,567.01.
The following two co-defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury and remain at-large:
Christopher Brown, 50, of Phenix City, Alabama, and Orlando Brooks, 53, of Columbus, are both charged with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods. If convicted, Brown and Brooks face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick is prosecuting the case.
Oconee County, Georgia, Resident Convicted by Federal Jury for Distributing Child Pornography in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Watkinsville, Georgia, man who has been the subject of a lengthy investigation for downloading and distributing child pornography, was found guilty by a federal jury for possession and distribution of child pornography.
Eric Paul Krumm, 46, was found guilty of two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on April 27. Krumm faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the distribution charges and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment on the possession charge to be followed by five years to life of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine per count. In addition, Krumm will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. Sentencing will occur later this year.
“Children are manipulated, molested and sexually assaulted in the production of child sexual assault material. Every person who downloads, shares and pays to view these horrific images and videos is funding the cycle of child sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will pursue federal prosecution against people caught downloading and distributing child sexual assault material.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims. No child should be subject to online exploitation. As we work with our law enforcement agency partners and prosecutors, we are ensuring that predators like this defendant are held accountable,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“The exploitation of children by way of pornographic images is abhorrent and will not be tolerated in our community. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate these vile crimes. ACCPD appreciates the GBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for investigating this crime, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia for bringing forth a successful prosecution,” ACCPD Interim Chief of Police Jerry Saulters.
In 2016, Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) began an investigation into downloads of suspected child pornography that returned to Krumm. Following that initial finding, ACCPD obtained 204 images and two videos of child pornography linking back to Krumm’s IP
address. The child pornography depicted prepubescent girls and included sexual assault and molestation. A search warrant was executed by the GBI at Krumm’s residence on Feb. 15, 2017, and eleven electronics were seized, including laptops and hard drives. 56 images and one movie file found on Krumm’s electronics depicting child pornography and child sexual assault material were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for comparison to the Child Recognition and Identification System (CRIS).
Krumm, a systems administrator for a multinational corporation, downloaded and distributed child pornography via a peer-to-peer file sharing network. GBI investigators conducted an extensive forensic examination of Krumm’s electronics which led to the discovery of the evidence of his distribution and possession of child pornography.
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 Athens-Clarke County Police Department and GBI, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Criminal Chief Michael Solis is prosecuting the case.
Former Airman Enters Guilty Plea to Possessing More than 15,000 Child Sexual Assault Material Images, Videos in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A former U.S. Air Force servicemember previously stationed at Moody Air Force Base admitted he possessed child sexual assault materials resulting from a Project Safe Childhood case.
Ricardo Garcia, 25, of Valdosta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on April 26. Garcia faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by five years to life of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine per count. In addition, Garcia will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 26, at the Albany, Georgia, federal courthouse.
“Downloading child sexual assault material is a hideous crime against the most innocent people in our society. Our office will pursue federal prosecution against these types of child predators,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The successful outcome in this case—and others like it—is the direct result of a cohesive response from a mixture of caring citizens, responsible businesses, child advocacy groups, plus local, state and federal law enforcement. Rooting out child predators and bringing them to justice takes all of us.”
“This sentence sends the message to Garcia and others like him that relish in the horrific images of children being abused, that we are determined to find you and ensure you face justice,” 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 are committed to protecting our most vulnerable population from exploitation.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted in court, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) via the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in August 2020. The tip revealed Dropbox, Inc. captured an upload of two child pornography videos, which an investigation ultimately revealed belonged to Garcia. A search warrant was executed at Garcia’s Valdosta, Georgia, apartment on Sept. 11, 2020, and a number of electronic devices were seized. A forensic investigation found Garcia’s Dropbox contained approximately 15,000 images and 40 videos of child sexual assault material. The images contained child victims including infants, toddlers, prepubescent and teens. They also contained bondage, bestiality and sodomy.
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) with assistance from and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, GBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales is prosecuting the case.
North Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Supplying Methamphetamine to Middle Georgia CommunityRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Covington, Georgia, resident admitted in federal court to supplying a large quantity of methamphetamine to a drug dealer in the Monroe County, Georgia, community.
Frank Settambrino, 63, of Covington, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today. Settambrino faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 6. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant was supplying a consistent and significant quantity of methamphetamine to Monroe County and the surrounding communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Those individuals who profit by pushing large amounts of illegal and deadly drugs into the Middle District of Georgia face the possibility of federal prosecution for their criminal activities. I want to thank the DEA and both the Monroe and Newton County Sheriff’s Offices for shutting down this methamphetamine supply chain.”
“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.”
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, the DEA and the 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.
White Supremacist Gang Member with Multiple Prior Convictions Pleads Guilty in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A documented member of a white supremacist organization that is sometimes affiliated with the Ghost Face Gangsters pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.
Joel Nelson Tucker, 32, of Moultrie, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, April 19. Tucker faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for July 27, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Sands. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our region’s most violent and repeat offenders who continue to possess firearms illegally will be held accountable at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, federal prosecutors are working with law enforcement agencies to concentrate enforcement efforts on violent career offenders in an effort to reduce crime and ultimately make our communities safer.”
“Gang members like Tucker continuously plague our communities even after being charged and convicted of multiple crimes,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to enforce federal laws that can provide serious prison time for criminals who refuse to learn from their mistakes and continue to possess firearms and endanger others.”
According to court documents and other evidence, a Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a citizen’s call about two individuals driving a truck on property behind his residence, which had been the target of several recent thefts. The deputy recognized the driver as Tucker, who had outstanding arrest warrants, was a known convicted felon and had led deputies on a high-speed pursuit in recent months. Tucker, who was wearing a shoulder holster while seated in the front seat, gave a false name to the deputy. The officer saw a gun resting inches away from Tucker’s right hand. When he asked the defendant to exit his vehicle, Tucker replied with an expletive and refused to get out of the truck. The deputy, who had called for law enforcement back-up, gave numerous commands for Tucker to exit the truck. Tucker failed to comply. Tucker moved his hand toward his holster and the deputy deployed his taser. Tucker was handcuffed by another responding deputy and was combative during the arrest.
Tucker, who is a convicted felon, was in illegal possession of a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special revolver at the time of his arrest. Tucker was on probation at the time of the arrest and has multiple convictions in Colquitt County, Georgia, Superior Court, including for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and burglary. Tucker is a known and validated member the KKP (Killer Kracker Pride), a hybrid gang that originated in the Colquitt County Jail. KKP is a white supremacy organization that is sometimes affiliated with the Ghost Face Gangster.
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 Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office and FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Summary Judgement Issued in Civil Case Involving Hundreds of Fraudulent Medicaid/Tricare BillsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The District Court for the Middle District of Georgia entered an order partially granting summary judgment in favor of the United States and State of Georgia in U.S. ex rel Walthour v. Middle Georgia Family Rehab. Civ No. 5:18-cv-378-TES.
The order granted summary judgment on 808 false claims submitted by Middle Georgia Family Rehab (MGFR) and Brenda Hicks for services improperly billed to Medicaid and Tricare between Nov. 2, 2015, and June 18, 2020. 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. U.S. District Judge “Tripp” Self, III issued the order on April 20.
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 767 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.)
Under the False Claims Act, the government is entitled to three times damages and civil penalties ranging from $5,500 and $11,000 for each identifiable claim submitted between Nov. 2, 2015 – July 31, 2016, and a range of $11,181 - $22,363 for violations committed after Jan. 29, 2018.
“Protecting the integrity of our nation’s health care programs that provide critical services for veterans, elderly and vulnerable people is imperative to ensure the continued good health of these very programs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will pursue reports of medical facilities that file false claims, a choice that ultimately robs our citizens.”
The Court has ordered the parties to appear within 30 days for a hearing on the issue of damages. The hearing is scheduled for May 2 at 2:30 p.m. in Macon.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bowen Shoemaker and Taylor McNeill are handling this case for the Government.
Gangster Disciples Gang Member with Armed Robbery Conviction is Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded GunRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A gang member recently released from prison for armed robbery when he was arrested in possession of a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol during an investigation into an alleged gunfire incident was sentenced to prison on a federal weapons charge.
Xavier Rashad Brooks, 31, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Wednesday, April 13, after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This sentence will run consecutively to any term of imprisonment which may be imposed in a pending charge in Brooks County, Georgia, Superior Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Violent offenders who repeatedly disrupt the peace in the Middle District of Georgia face the possibility of federal prosecution when they are taken into custody illegally possessing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are focusing enforcement on the most violent offenders in an effort to make our communities safer and reduce crime.”
“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 Phillip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our partnership with local law enforcement agencies, like the Remerton Police Department and the Valdosta Police Department, make these arrests possible and ultimately make our communities safer.”
According to court documents and other evidence, on Oct. 15, 2020, a Remerton Police Department (RPD) officer saw a vehicle matching the description of an SUV reportedly involved in a firearm discharge event. Brooks, who was recently released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for armed robbery, was walking toward the car with another individual. When Brooks saw the officer, he walked around the corner of a building and then came back and stopped behind the vehicle. Brooks was non-compliant when the officer asked him to show his hands, and he ducked behind the vehicle. The officer began to retreat for cover when Brooks reappeared and showed his hands. Brooks then fled the scene and was arrested days later in the same area. Officers found a loaded Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a magazine at the spot next to the SUV where Brooks ducked from police. Brooks has a prior felony armed robbery conviction in the Superior Court of Lowndes County, Georgia, and was released from incarceration in July 2020. Brooks is a verified member of the Gangster Disciples gang.
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 Remerton Police Department, the Valdosta Police Department and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.
Thomasville, Georgia, Man with Violent Criminal Past Pleads Guilty in Project Safe Neighborhood CaseRead 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—pleaded guilty to a firearms charge in federal court.
Torrieo Monte Johnson aka Corker, 39, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Monday, April 11. Johnson has a criminal history that may subject him to armed career criminal status which carries a minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Felons with violent criminal histories simply cannot possess guns, let alone stolen ones,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, our office is working closely with our law enforcement and community partners to focus enforcement efforts where they are needed most and hold violent repeat offenders accountable.”
“Violent repeat offenders possessing stolen firearms is a dangerous combination,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “In this case, we have the best possible outcome in that a stolen firearm has been removed from the streets and Mr. Johnson will spend a significant amount of time in federal prison.”
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 Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta man who produced child pornography involving two young children has pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court.
Henry Theodore Salmons aka Ted, 48, of Valdosta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Monday, April 11. Salmons faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison per count to be followed by five years to life on supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. In addition, Salmons will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 20.
“Forcing children to engage in sex, filming the crimes and sharing the assaults with others is an unconscionable heinous act that deserves the maximum punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “For the protection of the minor victims, the horrific details will remain under the court’s seal; but, let me be clear that the criminal actions of Ted Salmons and other child sexual predators like him will not remain in the shadows but will be brought to the light of full 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.”
“In my more than two decades in law enforcement, I have never seen so much crime involving children as now, which I suspect is due to the prevalence of social media. I am thankful that we have great cooperation between our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies—plus strong federal prosecutors—that help us investigate child sexual exploitation and abuse cases and bring these criminals to justice,” 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales is prosecuting the case.
Repeat Offenders Sentenced to Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two co-defendants with criminal histories who attempted to out-run deputies during an evening high-speed motorcycle chase with nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine in their possession—resulting in injuries to three law enforcement officers—have been sentenced to federal prison for distribution.
John Terrell Johnson, 34, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 276 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine and Tosha Danielle Kidd, 31, of Conyers, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 222 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after she previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self presided over the sentencing hearings today. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The actions of both defendants in this case recklessly endangered the public and could have cost lives, including their own,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Repeat offenders who distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in our communities face the possibility of federal prosecution for their continued criminal activities.”
“We appreciate the strong relationship we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as we work together to make our community safer,” said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman.
According to court documents, on Dec. 12, 2020, at nearly 9:00 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies noticed a motorcycle speeding southbound on I-75 near Forsyth. The motorcycle was driven by Johnson, with Kidd riding as the passenger and carrying a camouflage backpack. The pair fled when officers attempted to pull them over, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph while weaving through traffic and using the emergency shoulder to pass other motorists. Eventually, with the help of a civilian motorist, law enforcement blocked Johnson’s motorcycle and brought it to a halt on the side of I-75.
Several law enforcement officers from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, focused on subduing Johnson and Kidd, were injured when a roadside collision occurred. At least two patrol cars were totaled. Kidd seized the opportunity for escape and fled on foot. As she ran, she dumped the camouflage backpack. She was eventually taken into custody near the site where Johnson’s motorcycle had been stopped, and the backpack was recovered. The backpack contained nearly three kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine. Johnson, a convicted felon, was illegally carrying a stolen handgun in his pocket and $1,075 in cash. Two deputies struck by a car in the line of duty sustained physical injuries requiring treatment at the hospital. One trooper also sustained physical injuries and was transported and treated at the hospital.
A few months prior to this incident, Johnson was arrested under similar circumstances. On Sept. 29, 2020, Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies spotted Johnson speeding on a motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop; Johnson fled from officers. Deputies were able to bring Johnson to a stop and found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol secured to his shoulder holster plus 11.944 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and two smoking devices in a bag clipped to the motorcycle’s handlebars. Johnson told officers he was a convicted felon who had been selling drugs for a long period of time and had bought numerous guns during that time. Johnson also admitted that fleeing from pursuing officers is “just what you do” when possessing drugs. Johnson has two prior felony convictions in Newton County and Butts County, Georgia. Kidd was on probation for a state offense when she was taken into custody in this case.
The case was investigated by DEA with the assistance of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
A Violent Convicted Felon who Led Officers on a Chase Through Macon Residential Areas is Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms, AmmoRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident with a violent criminal history was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing a firearm after he was captured following a high-speed and foot chase through residential areas involving multiple law enforcement agencies, helicopter support and a K-9 unit.
Angel D. Feliciano, 36, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release today by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. A federal jury found Feliciano was guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Dec. 14, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Due to his long and violent criminal history, Angel Feliciano is now facing a lengthy prison sentence for illegally possessing a dangerous weapon after he attempted to out-run officers through residential areas in the Macon community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will seek federal prosecution for violent reoffenders caught with guns. I want to especially acknowledge the good work by all of the law enforcement teams involved in safely capturing Feliciano.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement were alerted to be on the lookout for a stolen vehicle on June 15, 2020. A GSP trooper monitoring traffic on I-75 spotted the stolen vehicle in the southbound lane at mile marker 190, driven by Feliciano, and attempted to pull him over. Instead of stopping, Feliciano accelerated, and a high-speed chase ensued.
Multiple officers from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and GSP joined the effort to pull Feliciano over as he became increasingly reckless, exiting the highway and racing through residential areas, striking several vehicles, all of which was captured on dash cam. A successful PIT maneuver was executed, stopping Feliciano’s vehicle. Feliciano then fled on foot. A GSP helicopter provided air support during the search. Feliciano was eventually found by a Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) K-9 and was taken into custody.
A 9mm semiautomatic pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition and a stolen .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol were found in Feliciano’s car. Feliciano has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for aggravated assault, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joy Odom and Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case.
Macon Man Who Victimized a Child and Assumed Her Social Media Identity to Distribute Child Pornography is Convicted in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who assumed the social media identity of a 12-year-old girl using threats and then forced the victim to produce child sexual abuse material that he sold online, is facing a maximum of 30 years of federal imprisonment for his crime.
Anthony Sparks Brown, 27, of Macon, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Thursday, March 31. Brown faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine and a maximum lifetime of supervised release. Brown will also have to register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 12. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The facts in this case are terrible, but, sadly, all too common. The epidemic of child sexual exploitation online is such that parents must empower themselves and their children with information and take the necessary proactive measures to protect themselves from online predators,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local law enforcement resources are being engaged to track down and stop cyber child predators around the clock.”
“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, at his residence at the Intown Suites Hotel in Macon, where he was also employed. 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 to her uncle.
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 is prosecuting the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom.
Jury Convicts Georgia Man of Child Enticement in Operation End Game CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Winterville, Georgia, resident was convicted of attempted online child enticement resulting from a law enforcement effort focused on arresting child sex predators in the Athens, Georgia, area.
Noe A. Villafuerte, 47, of Winterville, Georgia, was convicted of attempted online enticement of a minor by a federal jury today in Macon federal court. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal presided over the trial. Villafuerte faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a maximum lifetime of supervised release and registration as a sex offender for life. A sentencing date has been scheduled for July 14, 2022.
“This predator was willing to victimize what he thought was a 14-year-old child; fortunately, he ran into the arms of law enforcement instead,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Operation End Game was a highly successful law enforcement effort to protect children involving local, state and federal agencies collaborating through Georgia’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims of online exploitation. We are grateful for the partnerships we maintain with our local and federal agencies to bring these predators to justice,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds
“Predators like Villafuerte are just another example of why parents need to be vigilant and aware of their children’s online activity,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Fortunately, he connected with an undercover detective and not a child. The FBI remains committed to protecting our young citizens and is thankful for the law enforcement partnerships that make it possible to bring child predators to justice.”
According to court documents and testimony presented at trial, Villafuerte was arrested as a result of “Operation End Game,” a three-day proactive effort from July 25-27, 2019, centered in Athens, Georgia, to arrest adults communicating with children on-line and traveling to meet them for the purpose of having sex. During the online operation, an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl placed an ad on an “escort” website known to be used by human traffickers. Villafuerte responded to the ad and began communicating with the undercover agent on July 25. Villafuerte offered to pay the child $60 for sex in his vehicle and they agreed to meet at a Kroger in Athens on July 26. Villafuerte was arrested shortly before 5:00 p.m. in the parking lot after searching the store and lot for 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 Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC), the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the FBI and the Athens-Clarke County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndie Freeman and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.
Columbus Woman Sentenced to 24 Months and Full Restitution for Stealing $240k from Non-ProfitsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus teacher who admitted to stealing approximately $240,000 from charitable organizations and a local dental office was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to repay the victims in full.
Trenna Denise Trice, 59, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and $240,259 in restitution by U.S. District Clay Land on March 29, after she pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Dec. 20, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Ultimately, it was Trenna Trice’s greed and gambling addiction that led to this moment. Fraudsters who steal the hard-earned money of others must be held to account for these crimes which so often have a harmful ripple effect across a community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue the work to bring these criminal fraud cases to light and to justice.”
“Ms. Trice was held accountable for her egregious misconduct in stealing funds from these organizations and using the stolen proceeds to fund her gambling addiction," said FDIC OIG Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles. “The FDIC Office of Inspector General remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who threaten to harm the banking system and the community as a whole."
According to court documents, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of the Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) initiated an investigation into the financial activities of Trice in May 2019, following reports of significant casino losses sourced by an unidentified income stream. The investigation into possible sources of income for her casino activity revealed that her sole source of income was working as a teacher for the Muscogee County School District (MCSD). Prior to teaching, she worked for a dental office and she worked as a volunteer campaign coordinator for the Columbus branch of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) from 2005 – 2017.
Trice was responsible for organizing the annual Columbus Mayor’s Masked Ball, UNCF’s primary fundraising activity. Her duties included collecting cash, credit card contributions and check payments for donations and ticket sales. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that Trice diverted numerous smaller contributions for her own personal use. UNCF ended their relationship with Trice in 2017, following questions regarding financial irregularities that were indicative of embezzlement. It was later discovered that Trice had also been terminated by the dental office following similar allegations. Trice was also collecting donations for a nonprofit corporation known as SAMARC run by two former NBA basketball players who conduct an annual basketball camp for underprivileged kids in Columbus.
In total, agents identified 109 checks and 265 credit card transactions fraudulently deposited into Trice’s own accounts without authorization. Trice told investigators she had a crippling gambling addiction for the last decade and the money was stolen to fuel her gambling addiction and compensate for her gambling losses. In total, with checks and credit cards, Trice is known to have stolen $240,259 from the following victims: UNCF ($162,044), the dental office ($70,231), SAMARC ($7,784) and the Georgia Dental Society ($200).
This case was investigated by the FDIC-OIG.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case.
Member of Moultrie Meth Trafficking Network SentencedRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. –A Moultrie, Georgia, resident and participant in a methamphetamine trafficking network operating in the area was sentenced to prison for her crime.
Melissa Barrow, 48, of Moultrie, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 24, after she pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 22, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
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 April 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 Aubrey Thompson and Corey Haynes in the sale of controlled substances. 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 following co-defendants have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing:
April Contreras, 31, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 10;
Corey Haynes, 42, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine on Feb. 2;
Robert Lee Smith, III, 46, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 17; and,
Roderick Smith, 40, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 3.
The following co-defendant entered a guilty plea and was sentenced:
Aubrey Thompson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 7, 2021. Thompson was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
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 is prosecuting the case.
Georgia Man with Past Fraud Conviction Sentenced in CARES Act Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Georgia man with a prior federal conviction for fraud was sentenced to federal prison for a scheme he orchestrated to claim government pandemic funds using identity theft and fraud.
Darrius Hollis, 28, of Quitman, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 42 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on March 23, after pleading guilty to wire fraud. The sentence included 30 months on the wire fraud conviction and 12 additional months to serve consecutively on a revocation of the supervised release Hollis was still serving for the earlier bank and wire fraud conspiracy conviction. In addition, Judge Lawson ordered Hollis to pay $42,667 in restitution to the Georgia Department of Labor. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, a United States Secret Service Special Agent was contacted by an individual in Aug. 2020, who believed Hollis was involved with filing fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Hollis was familiar to the agent because of his prior federal fraud conviction. The U.S. Department of Labor ran a query of its claims database and discovered that an unemployment insurance claim seeking federal and state pandemic assistance was electronically filed in Hollis’ name stating that he had been working at a Quitman business and lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Hollis was in federal prison during most of that claimed time period serving a sentence for a previous conviction, having been released from federal custody in late April 2020. Further investigation discovered that Hollis used the identities of two victims to fraudulently apply for and receive unemployment insurance and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money. Hollis admitted to the scheme and is responsible for a total of $42,337 in losses to the State of Georgia and the United States.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Georgia Department of Labor.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case.
Metro-Atlanta Meth Supplier and Courier Plead Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two metro-Atlanta residents admitted guilt to their roles in distributing a large amount of methamphetamine in Middle Georgia.
Christian Jesus Pineda, 27, of Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 21. Co-defendant Victor Penaloza Sanchez, 26, of Cartersville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Pineda’s distribution of methamphetamine on March 15. Both defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson presided over Pineda’s hearing and U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III presided over Sanchez’s hearing. The defendants will be sentenced on June 7.
According to court documents, a confidential informant (CI) told law enforcement that Sanchez was selling large amounts 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.
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.
Moultrie, Ga., Meth Trafficking Ring Broken, Six Co-Defendants ConvictedRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final member of a Moultrie, Georgia, methamphetamine trafficking network pleaded guilty to a federal drug distribution charge this week.
Robert Lee Smith, III, 46, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on March 17, and faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Methamphetamine is a plague on our communities; it is especially disturbing when we find drug trafficking organizations directed by incarcerated individuals, as seen in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Collaborating with our law enforcement partners at every level, our office will hold repeat offenders accountable for continually disregarding the law and damaging our communities.”
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 April Contreras was selling methamphetamine in the region. During the course of the investigation, agents discovered that Robert Smith, who was incarcerated at the Colquitt County Jail, was working with Contreras and co-defendants Aubrey Thompson and Corey Haynes in the sale of controlled substances. Co-defendant Melissa Barrow, working under the direction of Contreras, sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant (CI). Co-defendant Roderick Smith was directed by Robert Smith to provide cash to Contreras for the purposes of methamphetamine trafficking. Robert Smith is accountable for the distribution of between 1.5 kilograms and four kilograms of methamphetamine. Robert Smith has a lengthy criminal history including convictions for aggravated assault and drug distribution.
The following co-defendants have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing:
April Contreras, 31, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 10;
Melissa Barrow, 48, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 22, 2021;
Corey Haynes, 42, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine on Feb. 2; and,
Roderick Smith, 40, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 3.
The following co-defendant entered a guilty plea and was sentenced:
Aubrey Thompson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 7, 2021. Thompson was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
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 is prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Cairo, Georgia, Man for His Role in 100+ Kilo Meth Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia man was found guilty on all counts by a federal jury yesterday afternoon following a four-day trial resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into an extensive drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine in the region.
Kentrail Brown, 31, of Cairo, Georgia, was convicted 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, following a trial that began on March 14, before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. Brown faces a minimum of ten years up to a maximum life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Kentrail Brown’s conviction concludes an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation that ultimately shut down a methamphetamine trafficking network centered in a small Southwest Georgia community. Brown, along with 15 co-defendants convicted in this case, have been held accountable for the grave harm caused by their criminal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and our law enforcement partners are using every tool at our disposal to make our region safer and hold repeat and violent criminals accountable.”
“The conviction of these defendants 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 this exhaustive investigation ends, we can assure citizens of Southwest Georgia that they are much safer because Brown and his co-defendants are off their streets,” said Philip Wislar, Acting 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 conviction 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 Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, agents conducted a wiretap investigation into the drug distribution activities of Brown and numerous co-defendants beginning in March 2019. The investigation revealed that Brown and his 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.
The following co-defendants entered guilty pleas in this case and have been sentenced:
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, 40, 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;
Mitchell Tomberlin, 49 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; and,
R. Kevin Barrineau, 48 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;
The following co-defendants have entered guilty pleas and sentencings are scheduled for June 15-17:
Tobias Sanders, 32, 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;
Xavier Jordan, 33, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine;
Joseph Jones aka Bae, 31, 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;
David Donald, 37, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine;
Orrie Bell, 35, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine;
Richard Bond, 47, 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;
Mike Thomas, 47, 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;
Demorris Adams, 32, of Whigham, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine;
Dewayne Isom, 31, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine;
Nicholas Harden, 29, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and
Shandrekia Mango, 34, of Cairo, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 prosecuted the case.
Business Owner Sentenced to Prison, Ordered to Pay Restitution, for CARES Act PPP FraudRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Georgia man convicted for money laundering after he fraudulently filed for $2.6 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution exceeding $800,000.
Anthony J. Boncimino, 47, of Sycamore, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $802,321.28 in restitution to the Small Business Administration by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 16. The ordered restitution is in addition to $507,556.23 in loan funds seized from Boncimino’s bank accounts by the government during the investigation. Boncimino also repaid more than $1.3 million on two of the illegally obtained loans prior to sentencing. Boncimino previously pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pursuing federal prosecution against those who deliberately cheated programs available for small businesses and citizens struggling to stay afoot during the global pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Protecting honorable and hard-working people from fraudsters is a priority for our office and our law enforcement partners.”
According to court documents, Boncimino admitted that he knowingly created two fictitious companies in order to obtain PPP loans fraudulently and obtained PPP loans for his moving business by falsifying payroll information. In all, Boncimino collected $2,671,871.74 in four PPP loans from three lender banks using fraud. Boncimino created fake IRS forms for his fictious companies and submitted these and other fraudulent records to the lender banks and the SBA. Boncimino used the money to pay for state and federal taxes; he told investigators he wanted a safety net for his family and his moving business.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Small Business Administration-OIG Eastern Region, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case. Retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane initiated the prosecution of this case.
Former AgGeorgia Loan Officer Sentenced for Committing FraudRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former loan officer convicted of defrauding two agriculture-based financial institutions was sentenced to prison for his crime.
William Spigener, III, 33, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud a financial institution. In addition, Spigener was ordered to pay $474,148.02 to AgGeorgia Farm Credit and $174,489.42 to AgSouth Farm Credit in restitution. Co-defendants Johnnie Farrow, 66, Eary Fuller, 57, and Demetria Bell, 50, all of Macon, were also convicted of conspiracy to defraud a financial institution in this case and are awaiting sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office will do everything within our power to hold fraudsters whose schemes cripple our local businesses, their employees and our citizens accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The negative impact of white-collar fraud is far-reaching and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, working with our law enforcement partners, will seek justice for victims.”
“No matter how elaborate or complicated the fraud scheme, the FBI will work to uncover it to protect American citizens and businesses from further damages,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Spigener will now be held accountable for the damage his greed caused, sending a strong message to anyone considering such fraud that it is a serious crime with serious consequences.”
According to court documents, Spigener orchestrated a scheme to defraud AgSouth Farm Credit and AgGeorgia Farm Credit in Perry, Georgia, where he was employed as a loan officer from Feb. 2012 until his resignation in Feb. 2019. During this time, Spigener recruited co-defendants Farrow, Fuller and Bell to pretend to be borrowers with both institutions. In exchange for using their personal information and appearing at the loan closings, Spigener provided Farrow, Fuller and Bell approximately 10% of the loan proceeds. Spigener would create documentation to ensure the loan applications were approved, even though Farrow, Fuller and Bell were not engaged in farming activity, nor did they have the collateral to back up the loans. Spigener made some repayments on the loans but was unable to repay the vast majority of the loans, and both financial institutions suffered losses. Spigener admits the intended loss amount was more than $550,000 but less than $1.5 million.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case.
Macon Man Sentenced in “Lying and Buying” Gun CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who was on probation for aggravated assault when he was arrested during an ATF-led investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution was sentenced to prison this week for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Logan Riley Nettles aka Carrot Top, 23, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on March 9, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person under a felony indictment. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Lying to buy a gun for a prohibited person is a federal offense that endangers our community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working with law enforcement to prevent firearms from getting into the hands of violent felons and to hold those who help prohibited persons from obtaining guns accountable for their crimes.”
According to court documents, ATF was conducting undercover surveillance in Macon in May 2021, as part of Operation United Front when they spotted Nettles, who had been released from prison on March 8, 2021, and was serving probation. Nettles, who was wearing a blue backpack, got into a car belonging to his girlfriend, Ansley Nicole Hunt, 22, of Savannah, Georgia. Officers stopped Nettles and conducted a search pursuant to his probation. Inside Nettle’s backpack was a 9mm handgun with a loaded, extended 30-round magazine. Hunt later admitted that she purchased the gun for Nettles, and Nettles admitted he was with her when she bought the gun. In addition, when Hunt bought the firearm for Nettles, she made false statements on the ATF Form 4473 she signed at the time of purchase, knowing the firearm was for Nettles, a prohibited person. Nettles was convicted of aggravated assault and gang activity in the Superior Court of Bibb County, Georgia, in 2019.
Operation United Front is an ongoing ATF-led investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution centered in the Macon, Georgia, community using data gathered from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Agents used NIBIN data to plot shooting incidents in the Macon area on a map. When areas of high density relating to these shootings were identified, confidential informants and undercover agents were directed to these areas of criminal activity. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic
evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. 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.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Two-Time Bank Robber Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history, convicted by a federal jury for his second bank robbery offense, was sentenced to serve more than 17 years in prison.
Wesley Sorrow, 50, was sentenced to serve 210 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on March 9, after being convicted of bank robbery following a three-day trial that began on Nov. 15, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Wesley Sorrow has a long criminal history. Coupled with his decision to hold up a bank within days of arriving at a Macon halfway house for a previous bank robbery, he now has to pay a steep penalty for the criminal choice he made,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Repeat offenders who continually disrupt the peace and the safety of the communities we serve will face the possibility of federal prosecution.”
“Previous federal prison time was apparently not a teaching moment for Sorrow because within a week of being released, he went right back to his bank robbing ways,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “To anyone thinking about robbing a bank, the message from this sentence is clear. You will get caught, and when you do, you will serve a significant amount of time in prison.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sorrow was seven days into his residency at a halfway house after being released from federal prison for a bank robbery conviction in the Middle District of Georgia. On May 21, 2019, Sorrow walked into the American Pride Bank on Forsyth Road in Macon and presented a note to the bank teller demanding money. Sorrow took the cash and left the bank, returning to the halfway house. Sorrow was captured later that day and cash stolen from the bank was recovered from his locker. Sorrow has a lengthy criminal history, which was considered at his sentencing, including a previous bank robbery, robbing a person at gunpoint twice, forgery and multiple drug charges.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joy Odom and Robert McCullers prosecuted the case.
12th Defendant Convicted in Dog-Fighting, Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking network.
Shelley Johnson aka Gold Mouth, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Johnson faces a maximum five years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7. 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.
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 with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
"Get Dat Money" Member Sentenced to 17+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The 13th member of Macon’s “Get Dat Money” (GDM) methamphetamine drug trafficking organization was sentenced to serve more than 17 years in prison resulting from a lengthy investigation into the network’s illegal activities throughout Middle Georgia.
Tabitha Whitehead, 37, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Tuesday, March 8, after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 21, 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The final member of Kelvin Carswell’s ‘Get Dat Money’ organization has been held to account for her role in pushing large amounts of methamphetamine in Middle Georgia, destroying many lives and hurting our community in the process,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The tremendous efforts by federal and local investigators in this case ultimately protected people and ended an illegal methamphetamine network orchestrated by Carswell from behind prison walls.”
"This sentencing ends an exhaustive investigation into a conspiracy that compounded an epidemic that is killing our citizens," said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The lengthy sentence received by Whitehead and the twelve other defendants in this case serves as an example of the FBI and our law enforcement partners commitment to end the opioid crisis."
“We can be grateful that this dangerous group of individuals has been held to account for spreading poison in our community. The partnership between the Bibb Sheriff’s Office and the FBI has resulted in members of the ‘Get Da Money’ criminal organization getting justice for their criminal deeds,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
The following individuals have been sentenced to prison:
Kelvin D. Carswell, aka “K-9,” “Nine,” “Kinineso Harlem Carswell,” “9ne Oharlem,” “Kninepunkin KinGcarswell,” 42, of Macon, was sentenced to serve the maximum 240 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 15, 2020;
Davan Randolph, 50, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 125 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 15, 2020;
Terrico Wade, 40, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 71 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Dec. 15, 2020;
Chad Cummings, 38, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 3, 2021;
Quateshia Carswell, 28, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 1, 2020;
Trent Burton, 51, of Macon, was sentenced to serve the maximum 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on Dec. 16, 2020;
Kewaunis King, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve the maximum 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on Dec. 15, 2020. King’s federal sentence will run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court for criminal conduct occurring on Nov. 27, 2018, in Case No. 2018-130280;
Trayvion Burney, 27, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony on Jan. 27, 2021;
Kelly Jones, 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 24 months of probation after pleading guilty to use of communication facility on Dec.15, 2020;
Jahmi Booker, 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve ten months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on Dec. 15, 2020;
Jacobi Jones, Sr., 36, of Macon, was sentenced to serve seven months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to misprision of felony on Dec. 21, 2020; and,
Henry Flowers, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to time served to be followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility on Jan. 11, 2021.
U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III presided over this case.
According to court documents, FBI’s Macon office and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation in 2017 into the Carswell drug trafficking organization known as “Get Dat Money” or “GDM.” On May 30, 2012, Carswell had been incarcerated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, serving a sentence for attempted carjacking with a maximum release date of Oct. 12, 2026. In June 2017, the FBI received information that Carswell was orchestrating the sale of drugs while incarcerated at the Washington State Prison in Sandersville, Georgia. A search of Carswell’s prison cell uncovered a quantity of drugs and a cellular phone with multiple SD cards. Investigators discovered Carswell was texting his co-conspirators explicit instructions via his contraband cell phone to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin and crack cocaine from prison. The drugs, once obtained, were sold from a residence Carswell and his co-conspirators referred to as “The Mansion” located at 373 Fulton Street in Macon. Carswell’s co-conspirators would sell drugs out of “The Mansion” at his direction. Drugs were also sold by distributors working at the behest of Carswell at multiple motels located in Macon. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Carswell’s co-conspirators obtained more than 10,000 grams of methamphetamine for distribution at his direction.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Criminal Chief Michael Solis prosecuted the case.
Former Truck Driver Sentenced to 15+ Years in Prison Resulting from Project Safe Childhood InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former truck driver and Georgia resident was sentenced to serve more than 15 years in prison for distributing hundreds of thousands of images of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of infants, toddlers and minor children.
Stanley Joseph Weaver, 61, formerly of McDonough (Henry County), Georgia, and currently of Jackson (Butts County), Georgia, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self after he previously pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. In addition, Weaver will have to register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Stanley Weaver victimized children every time he viewed and shared these pornographic images, which he did hundreds of thousands of times,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The penalty is high for child predators, including those who actively view and share child pornography. Our office is committed to prioritizing these cases and holding individuals accountable for their crimes against children.”
“The extensive number of times that Weaver shared pornographic images of young children is sickening,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Identifying and prosecuting predators who not only victimize innocent children, but continuously share those horrific images for others to see, is one of the highest priorities of the FBI.”
According to court documents, FBI agents determined Weaver distributed child pornography on publicly available peer-to-peer sharing software to FBI undercover agents on multiple occasions, most recently on Jan. 12, 2021. Weaver was taken into custody on Jan. 23, 2021. Weaver shared a total of 342,756 files (524.8 GB) of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, infants and toddlers, and sadomasochism during two interactions with undercover agents plus a combined 54 images and six videos of child pornography during two more interactions with a foreign law enforcement partner.
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 FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales and Criminal Chief Michael Solis prosecuted the case.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta resident, who is an armed career criminal, was sentenced to serve more than 15 years in prison after state and federal agents arrested him in possession of two loaded firearms during a county-wide operation.
Frankie Shearry, Jr., 43, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced as an armed career criminal to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is unwise for a convicted felon to unlawfully own a gun, with armed career criminals facing even lengthier federal sentences for possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are helping us hold repeat and violent offenders accountable for their continued criminal activities.”
“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 Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies make these arrests possible, ultimately making our communities safer.”
“This is another great example of the agencies working together to take another armed career criminal off the streets,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
According to court documents, federal and state law enforcement began a county-wide operation focused on probationers requiring home checks due to their criminal history or current status as probationers. Officers had information that Shearry, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, was allegedly distributing narcotics from his place of work as a barber. Agents found two firearms inside Shearry’s bedroom that Shearry admitted belonged to him: a loaded semi-automatic pistol located near the top of his bed and another loaded semi-automatic pistol under his mattress. Shearry also admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history, which includes four prior convictions in Lowndes County Superior Court for various drug distribution charges.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
11 Defendants Charged in 19-Count Indictment Alleging Middle Georgia Meth Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Arrest warrants were executed today and 11 individuals are facing federal charges resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation centered in Warner Robins, 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 unsealed this morning charging the following individuals:
- Ontarrio Veal aka Torrie, 32, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
- Tamara Hall, 39, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Reginald Lowe, 40, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
- Milton Simmons aka Mann, 40, of Macon, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Matthew Kay, 35, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of heroin;
- Donna Ussery, 30, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Victor Mendoza aka Dino, 33, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Parsa Ervin, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Marquell Gaines, 38, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Eddie Linkhorn, 42, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and,
- Benjamin Luopa, 47, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment.Initial appearances for the defendants will occur before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle today and at a later date to be scheduled.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Warner Robins Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.
- Ontarrio Veal aka Torrie, 32, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in Muscogee County Clerk Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – An Alabama resident admitted her guilt today in a scheme orchestrated by her son-in-law that cost Muscogee County taxpayers millions of dollars.
Rosalie Bassi, 66, of Phenix City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count interstate transportation of stolen property before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Bassi faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 2.
“Rosalie Bassi cashed more than $61,000 in checks belonging to the Muscogee County Clerk’s Office, given to her by her son-in-law, Willie Demps. She did this many times and pocketed the cash, profiting off the backs of taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This extensive and treacherous theft would not have come to light without the assistance of the current Clerk of Courts, Danielle Forte, who called for an audit when she took office, discovered the fraud and took immediate action. Now, thanks to the efforts of federal and local law enforcement, the players involved in this long deceit have been held accountable for their federal crimes.”
"This was a methodical plan by Bassi, Demps and others to knowingly steal money from the taxpayers of Muscogee County," said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Public corruption is the highest criminal priority for the FBI. We will always work with our local and federal partners to protect our citizens against officials who abuse their positions of trust."
“I am pleased with the outcome of this investigation. I want to thank all of our officers and our federal partners who worked diligently throughout this case. Any individual that seeks illegal gain from our taxpayers will be held accountable, just like everyone involved in this case,” said Columbus Police Department Chief Freddie Blackmon.
Willie Demps, 64, of Phenix City, Alabama, and the former Deputy Clerk of Courts for Muscogee County, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts tax evasion on Feb. 1. Demps faces a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment for the conspiracy charge to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Demps faces a maximum five years of imprisonment for each tax evasion charge to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. Demps will also pay restitution in an amount ordered by the Court at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
The following co-defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and will be subject to a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; in addition, each defendant will pay restitution in the amount of the checks cashed:
Curtis Porch, 48, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Dereen Porch, 43, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Terry McBride, 43, of Smiths Station, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Samuel Cole, 72, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022; and,
George Cook, 33, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Sept. 21, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
The following co-defendant pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and faces a maximum three years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine:
Lamarcus Palmer, 34, of Smiths Station, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
According to court documents, Bassi admits she was contacted by her son-in-law, Willie Demps, approximately 16 times between Sept. 2015, and Feb. 2019, in order to cash checks belonging to the Muscogee County Clerk’s Office, where he was employed. Bassi cashed checks amounting to approximately $61,896.46, keeping the money and taking it to her home in Phenix City.
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 the Columbus Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick is prosecuting the case. Retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Hyde initiated the prosecution of this case.
Cook County Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Guns After Store Employee Reports Firearms to DeputiesRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Cook County, Georgia, resident with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to prison this week for unlawfully possessing firearms after a local gun shop employee turned over the defendant’s guns to deputies.
William Earl Alley, 55, of Adel, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 2, after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“I want to thank the gun store employee for responsibly contacting law enforcement when approached by a convicted felon in possession of firearms and doing this in a manner that was safe for all involved,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is standing alongside our law enforcement and community partners to do everything within our power to decrease violent crime in our region through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Removing guns from the hands of repeat felons and holding them accountable for their crimes is one piece of a larger strategy to reduce crime.”
According to court documents, on June 21, 2019, a local gun shop employee turned over three firearms to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office—a revolver, a semi-automatic rifle and a bolt action rifle—after Alley, a convicted felon, brought them to the gun shop for repair and cleaning. Cook County deputies confirmed that Alley was a convicted felon, with multiple prior state felonies, including habitual violator, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, theft by deception, terroristic threats and possession of controlled substances. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess 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 FBI and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Criminal Chief Michael Solis prosecuted the case.
Reptile Dealer Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Trafficking Animals, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Florida reptile dealer caught shipping venomous snakes and turtles from his residence in Valdosta as part of “Operation Middleman,” a multi-agency investigation focusing on the trafficking of reptiles from the United States to China, has been sentenced to prison for violating the Lacey Act and unlawfully possessing firearms.
Ashtyn Michael Rance, 35, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison on each count concurrently to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $4,300 fine by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Feb. 23, after previously pleading guilty on Nov. 18, 2021, to one count Lacey Act trafficking and one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition, Judge Lawson prohibited Rance from possessing or selling wildlife while under supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Rance admitted that on Feb. 22, 2018, he shipped three eastern box turtles and 16 spotted turtles from Valdosta to a customer in Florida, in a package falsely labeled as containing tropical fish and common lizards. He was paid $3,300 for the turtles and knew they were being subsequently trafficked to China.
Rance further admitted that on May 10, 2018, he shipped 15 Gaboon vipers from Valdosta to Florida. The snakes were worth approximately $900 and also headed to a buyer in China. He falsely labeled the package as containing harmless reptiles and ball pythons. Rance had legally imported 100 Gaboon vipers and other venomous snakes from Africa to Atlanta. He received a special permit to transport the snakes out of Georgia, but he later returned to Valdosta with 16 vipers.
Rance possessed and sold the reptiles in violation of Georgia laws. The federal Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking statute and prohibits, among other things, transporting wildlife in interstate commerce if the wildlife was illegal under state laws. It is also a Lacey Act violation to falsely label a package containing wildlife.
The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the eastern United States and Great Lakes region. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is endemic to forested regions of the East Coast and Midwest. Collectors prize both species in the domestic and foreign pet trade market, where they are resold for thousands of dollars. The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is native to central Sub-Saharan Africa. Its venom can cause shock, loss of consciousness, or death in humans. Authorities intercepted the package containing the vipers to minimize the risk of a bite or escape.
Additionally, Rance acknowledged that he possessed a Bushmaster Carbine .223 caliber rifle and Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun in his Valdosta residence that he was prohibited from owning as a convicted felon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement in Vero Beach, Florida, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducted the investigation as part of Operation Middleman. The operation focused on the trafficking of reptiles from the United States to China.
Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit for the Middle District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
Thomaston Man Faces Maximum 20 Years Imprisonment in Project Safe Childhood InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Thomaston, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material of infants and toddlers resulting from a Project Safe Childhood investigation.
John Wesley Mitchem, 31, of Thomaston, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 17. Mitchem faces a maximum 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Mitchem will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 3.
“Individuals who participate in the sexual exploitation of children will face significant time in federal prison for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office—working alongside federal, state and local authorities—will pursue justice for victims against any adults who sexually entice, abuse or harm a child.”
“Thankfully we were able to prevent this predator from victimizing another innocent child,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Every time one of these horrific images is viewed it forces the victims to relive the traumatic event all over again and HSI and its partners are diligently working to find and prosecute these offenders.”
According to court documents, the Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta, Child Exploitation Investigations Group (HSI-CEIG) received information from HSI Detroit that an individual employing Kik application username “bigchevyguy0” was in contact with an undercover HSI agent and had sent the undercover agent three images that contained child pornography. Mitchem was identified as “bigchevyguy0,” 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-CEIG Atlanta.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
Southwest Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Store TheftsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident has admitted that he broke into two Cordele, Georgia, gun stores, stealing multiple firearms and weapons, then selling or distributing the firearms in the community.
Demetri Lott, 44, of Ashburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Feb.17. Lott faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine as well as the possibility of restitution to the victim. Sentencing will occur within 90 days.
“Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, law enforcement across the Middle District of Georgia is working collectively to prevent the trafficking of firearms within our communities and hold accountable those who steal and possess guns illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Reducing violent crime is a top priority for the entire Middle Georgia community, and one part of this strategy is to prevent firearms from getting into the hands of criminals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to maximize every resource at our disposal to achieve this common goal.”
“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 Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason Stricklin. “FFL burglaries are a top priority for ATF and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the theft and diversion of firearms.”
“I am grateful for the cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies and the citizens of Crisp County. The anonymous tip we received was crucial in locating Lott and taking him into custody. I encourage all citizens, if they see something, to say something. We all play a role in keeping our community safe,” said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.
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 is prosecuting the case.
Macon Firearms Trafficker Convicted in ATF’s Operation United FrontRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Three individuals have pleaded guilty to various federal charges resulting from Operation United Front, an ongoing ATF-led investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution centered in the Macon, Georgia, community.
Chadrick Purnell, 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 16. Purnell faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 3. Co-defendant Jermaine White, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts use of a communication facility on Feb. 15. White faces a maximum four years of imprisonment for each count to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 3. Co-defendant Jasper Blackshear, 57, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base on Dec. 16, 2021. Blackshear faces a maximum twenty years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 6.
“These cases were made possible by investigative leads generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN. The use of this system allows law enforcement to strategically focus their efforts to areas with the greatest density of shootings,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Reducing violent crime is a top priority for the entire Middle Georgia community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to maximize every resource at our disposal to achieve this common goal.”
“NIBIN is proven technology that is an important tool in linking the criminal use of firearms with the actual trigger puller,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason Stricklin. “In this case, NIBIN allowed us to work with our local partners to identify and take these violent offenders off the street.”
“These arrests and convictions show what technology, teamwork and street level investigations can accomplish. The partnership between ATF agents and Bibb investigators as well as the NIBIN technology has been essential in bringing these gunslingers to justice,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. 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. 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.
Career Offender Sentenced to 200 Months Imprisonment in SWGA Illegal Drug Market CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final defendant involved in a high-volume drug trafficking operation was sentenced to federal prison for his crime.
Eddie Houston, 43, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced as a career offender to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Nov. 15, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Career criminal offenders will face the possibility of federal prosecution and lengthy prison sentences for choosing to repeatedly break the law and diminish the well-being and safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will hold repeat offenders accountable for their crimes.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our partners to end an epidemic that is killing our citizens and making our communities more dangerous,” said Phillip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The fact that Houston received such a lengthy sentence is an example of how serious this crime is and serves as a warning to anyone who is involved in drug trafficking that they will be brought to justice for their crimes.”
“These sentences are a direct result of the dedicated efforts of the DEA and its law enforcement partners,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The distribution of methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities across the country. Southwest Georgia and elsewhere are much safer because these drug traffickers have been removed from the streets.”
“This investigation illustrates that 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.
“The efforts of the local, state and federal agencies involved are evident of the commitment to addressing crime in our neighborhoods. We will continue to use all resources available to remove
those persons and groups intent on enabling the drug culture to exist and flourish within our community,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley.
According to court documents, Houston’s convicted co-defendants Sherrod Winchester and James Malone, 52, both of Albany, regularly obtained and distributed large quantities of a variety of controlled substances for distribution in Albany and Panama City, Florida, since May 2018. Under surveillance, GBI agents observed Houston and convicted co-defendant Shannon Mason, 41, of Leesburg, Georgia, who regularly acted as an illegal drug courier for Winchester and Malone, conducting an exchange with a man at a drug store parking lot in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in February 2020. Officers stopped and arrested Houston and Mason in possession of 1,106 grams of cocaine and 990 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Winchester, Malone, and Mason—along with other co-defendants—were convicted and sentenced earlier this year for their roles in operating a high-volume drug trafficking operation in Albany. Winchester was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances; Malone was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine; and, Mason was sentenced to serve 75 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. To learn more about this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/southwest-georgian-sentenced-25-years-prison-operating-high-volume-open-air-illegal
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, GBI and the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Former Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Preston, Georgia, resident and former pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography in a case involving thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
William Clinton Storey, 42, of Preston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after he previously pleaded guilty to one count distribution of child pornography. In addition, Land ordered that Storey pay $67,000 in restitution to victims. Storey will register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison under the Sex Offender Registration Act. There is no parole in the federal system.
“As a pediatric nurse practitioner, William Storey was charged with promoting the health and welfare of children. Instead, he chose to prey upon our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Holding child predators accountable is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will use every resource available to bring justice to those who make, distribute and view child pornography.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims of online exploitation. We are grateful for the partnerships we maintain with our local and federal agencies to bring these predators to justice,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents, the multimedia messaging app Snapchat detected that user clint31824 had uploaded five files of suspected child pornography while using their platform on November 21, 2019. GBI investigated the cybertip and traced the IP used by user clint31824 to the defendant, William Storey. At the time, Storey was employed as a certified family nurse practitioner. Agents executed search warrants at Storey’s home and business on February 18, 2020, seizing seven devices belonging to Storey. A forensic examination of the electronic media seized during the search warrant discovered approximately 6,000 videos and 24,000 images of suspected child pornography. The files contained depictions of babies, small toddlers, minors engaged in bondage, and male and female prepubescent children being sexually abused by adult males.
The case was investigated by the GBI with assistance from the FBI and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case.
Major Columbus Area Methamphetamine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A known methamphetamine trafficker considered a major drug distributor in the Columbus community has pleaded guilty to his crimes in federal court.
Brandon Juwan Jones, 37, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine before U.S. District Clay Land on Feb. 10. Jones faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 10.
“The arrest and conviction of Brandon Jones takes a major supplier of some of the most addictive and deadly illicit drugs to the Columbus community off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the dedicated men and women at the DEA, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for their ceaseless commitment to making Middle Georgia a safer place.”
“This criminal network posed a clear and present danger to the Columbus area,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The removal of their ‘ringleader’ makes these communities much safer. This guilty plea illustrate how success can be achieved through spirited law enforcement efforts.”
“The takedown of this organized criminal drug enterprise and the federal prosecution of the leader of this organization is a prime example of our current strategy to identify, target and remove impact offenders responsible for the violence and the demise of the quality of life within Muscogee County,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “By taking a one neighborhood at a time approach, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners in the relentless pursuit of every gang member that engages in gang-related violence and organized crime. On behalf of the citizens of Muscogee County, I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the deputies from the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Sheriff’s Office for their work on such a successful operation.”
“With this guilty plea and sentencing of Brandon Jones by the U.S. Middle District Federal Court, a major drug player is taken off the streets of our Chattahoochee area,” said Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley. “This shows how local and federal law enforcement agencies can work together to accomplish the mission of drug enforcement. As Sheriff of Harris County, I know this is just a small step on the ‘old war against drugs’; however, every step counts and we cannot give up the fight.”
According to court documents, Jones was identified by multiple Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sources in 2019 as a major methamphetamine distributor in the Columbus community. In the ensuing months, agents conducted surveillance and other investigative actions, including an undercover controlled buy operation with Jones. Law enforcement executed multiple search warrants on various properties associated with Jones’ drug trafficking network in Jan. 2020. Agents discovered more than four kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as heroin, cash and multiple firearms and ammunition. Jones was taken into custody and admitted to agents that the drugs belonged to him and that he felt that his arrest was imminent after being advised he had been under investigation for several months. Jones has multiple prior felony convictions, including felony convictions for trafficking methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during a crime, theft by receiving stolen property and bribery of a government officer.
This case was investigated by DEA, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Gang Member on All Counts in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident and gang member with an extensive criminal history was found guilty on all counts by a federal jury following a four-day trial in Valdosta federal court.
Quinton Jarod Simmons, 30, of Adel, Georgia, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on Thursday, Feb. 10, following a trial that began on Monday, Feb. 7, before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. Simmons faces a maximum term of life imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
“A gang member with a lengthy criminal history, Simmons must now pay the price for continually breaking the law and harming the community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “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 Philip Wislar, Acting 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.
17-Count Indictment Unsealed, 22 Defendants in Custody Resulting from Middle GA to Metro Atlanta Meth InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Arrest warrants were executed today and 22 individuals are facing federal charges resulting from an ongoing methamphetamine trafficking investigation in Milledgeville, Georgia, with ties to metro Atlanta. 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 unsealed this morning charging the following individuals:
- Jarvis Havior aka J Bo, 30, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, six counts distribution of methamphetamine, two counts possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts possession of cocaine or cocaine base with intent to distribute, two counts possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count maintaining a drug-involved premises;
- Paris Binion, 28, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts possession of cocaine or cocaine base with intent to distribute, one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count maintaining a drug-involved premises;
- Maegan Simmons, 24, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Dwight Turner aka Wight, 56, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts distribution of methamphetamine;
- Bruce Harrison, 39, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Ronald Brewer, 58, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Matthew Cameron, 47, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Annie Collins, 20, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Anrico Taylor aka Rico, 33, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Noe Canela, 32, of Lilburn, Georgia, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Nicholas Cuevas-Flores, 36, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Tyrone Hitchcock aka T Y, 47, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Macarthur Reeves aka Mac, 66, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Perry Miller, 26, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Arturo Marshall aka Turo, 40, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Paul Bentley aka Old School 56, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Alicia Nugent, 37, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Dawn Carey, 46, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Paul Collins, 59, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Amber Vanclief, 31, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Ryan Rickard, 48, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and,
- Lamont Jackson, 47, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum life imprisonment, the charge of distribution of methamphetamine carries a maximum life imprisonment, the charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute carries a maximum life imprisonment, the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum life imprisonment, the charge of possession of cocaine or cocaine base with intent to distribute carries a maximum 20 years in prison, the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum ten years in prison and the charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a maximum ten years in prison.
Initial appearances for the defendants will occur before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10.
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.
This case is being investigated by DEA, FBI, GBI, Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, Milledgeville Community Supervision Office, Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Atlanta-Carolina’s HIDTA Office and Gwinnett Metro Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
- Jarvis Havior aka J Bo, 30, of Milledgeville, is charged with one count conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, six counts distribution of methamphetamine, two counts possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts possession of cocaine or cocaine base with intent to distribute, two counts possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count maintaining a drug-involved premises;
Middle Georgian Convicted in Meth Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 420 Months in Federal Prison After Jury Trial ConvictionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident convicted in August 2021 for his role in a substantial methamphetamine trafficking network was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison for his crimes.
Roderick Chester, 34, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release on Thursday, Feb. 2, by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell, after he was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm on Wednesday, Aug. 25, following a three-day trial. Chester was one of a total of 19 defendants indicted after an investigation centered on drug trafficking in and around motels located in the Eisenhower Parkway corridor. All 19 defendants were convicted in federal court.
“The FBI and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office worked seamlessly to unravel a substantial methamphetamine trafficking ring involving many individuals with violent criminal backgrounds who were providing large amounts of poison to communities in Middle Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to their efforts, this meth network is shattered, and the participants have been brought to justice.”
“Chester is one of the final defendants, part of a major drug trafficking organization, to be sentenced for plaguing the streets of our communities with drugs and crime,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This significant sentence is the result of the hard work and coordination of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners efforts to bring the opioid epidemic in Georgia to an end.”
“It is good that justice has been served concerning the illegal deeds of Roderick Chester,” said Bibb Sheriff David Davis. “His prosecution was a result of Operation Extended Stay by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. This conviction will assure that Mr. Chester will now see an extended stay in a federal prison.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Chester was a methamphetamine supplier in Macon. Agents observed Chester supplying methamphetamine to co-defendant Carlos Brown, who ultimately sold the methamphetamine to a confidential source during three controlled buys. Agents intercepted Chester’s phone calls and text messages by wiretap which revealed further methamphetamine distribution activities by Chester. At the time of his arrest, Chester had $15,000 cash and a firearm in his possession. Chester had previously been convicted of aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. During the course of the investigation, the methamphetamine organization distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of “ice” methamphetamine.
The following co-defendants are awaiting sentencing:
Tamara Fryer, 34, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and is facing a maximum of four years in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled; and,
Milton Hill, 38, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and is facing a maximum of four years in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
The following co-defendants have been sentenced for their crimes:
Robert Lee Whisby, Jr. aka Lil Pumpkin, 46, of Macon and Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Rodney Morris, Sr., 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release;
Cartney Pitts aka Blue, 37, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Joshua Barham aka Gambino, 32, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Carlos Brown aka Lo, 33, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 150 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Shauna Bush aka Brittany, 26, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Keyundre Stafford aka Dre, 26, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
Stephanie Davis, 32, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Kyra Williams aka K-Boo, 29, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Morley Culver, 44, of Macon, pleaded guilty to two counts use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and was sentenced to 96 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release;
Troy Faulks, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 87 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Lori Harrell, 34, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to run consecutively to sentences imposed in Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Albruce Green aka B, 41, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve to 60 months imprisonment to run consecutively to a sentence imposed in an unrelated case to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Ray Kendrick aka Unk, 63, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release;
Theon Robinson, 40, of Macon and Sarasota, Florida, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the controlled substances act and was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release; and,
Melvin Cason, 32, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve three years of probation.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shanelle Booker, Beth Howard and Will Keyes are prosecuting the case.
Former Georgia Pastor Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting a Ugandan Minor on Missionary TripRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former pastor from Georgia who was conducting missionary work in Uganda when he sexually assaulted a girl under the care of his church has pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court today.
Eric Tuininga, 44, of Milledgeville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Upon entry of his guilty plea, Tuininga was taken into custody pending his sentencing. Tuininga faces a maximum 30 years in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release up to life and a maximum $250,000 fine. In addition, Tuininga will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 3, 2022.
“Eric Tuininga used his trusted position as a pastor to sexually assault a young Ugandan girl in his care. This was a challenging case, but law enforcement worked diligently to ensure that Tuininga did not escape justice for his crime overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our national and international law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to catch child predators and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
“Tuininga was supposed to be someone that could be trusted, but instead he abused that trust and victimized a child,” 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 utilize every resource available to identify, arrest and prosecute those who prey upon children.”
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, was having sex with Ugandan female minors as young as 14-years-old who were under the care of the organization. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS) agents in Kampala, Uganda, opened an investigation into the allegations. Finding Tuininga had already returned 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 14-years-old in March 2019 when Tuininga had sex with her as he was working as a pastor with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). Tuininga now admits that he came to know the victim in his capacity as a religious leader and that the victim would often visit the OPC church, including a religious compound, overseen by Tuininga. Tuininga also now admits 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 are prosecuting the case.
Repeat Offender Arrested with 14 Firearms Sentenced in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history who was found illegally in possession of 14 firearms and ammunition was sentenced to prison for his crime.
Devon Antonio Futrell, 28, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 46 months imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III presided over the sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat felons have no business illegally possessing one gun, let alone fourteen,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office—alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement—is working to enforce federal law and hold repeat offenders guilty of illegally possessing guns accountable.”
According to court documents, Futrell was stopped by a Georgia State Patrol trooper for running a red light and failing to maintain his lane on Feb. 21, 2021, in Macon. Futrell was carrying a handgun and told the Trooper that he had it “for a while.” Law enforcement did not realize that Futrell was a convicted felon at that time, and he was released with the gun and traffic citations. The incident was reported to ATF, who determined that Futrell had four felony convictions in North Carolina, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, altering or removing a serial number from a gun, malicious conduct by a prisoner and breaking and entering an aircraft or trailer. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. ATF agents executed a search warrant on Futrell’s residence and found 14 firearms, including a .556 caliber semi-automatic rifle, as well as ammunition.
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 Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Georgia Men Sentenced to Prison for Dog-Fighting and Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Georgia residents convicted on dog-fighting and drug distribution charges resulting from an investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking ring were sentenced to prison today.
Jarvis Lockett, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and cocaine distribution. Co-defendant Christopher Raines, 51, of Talbotton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 135 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and pay a fine of $10,000, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III presided over both hearings. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Lockett and Raines were conspirators in a criminal enterprise that profited from the suffering of both animal and human victims,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Dog-fighting is closely associated with other serious crimes, and today’s sentences show that those who engage in this cruel and inhumane practice face significant prison time.”
“This multi-state investigation began with Jarvis Lockett, who was an active and aggressive participant in the dog-fighting world,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary of the Middle District of Georgia. “Federal, state and local law enforcement meticulously followed every lead, and their unwavering commitment to justice has put an end to a complex and deadly dog-fighting and drug distribution network. Violent dog-fighting circles are proven breeding grounds for a wide-range of criminal activities that harm the well-being of our communities and will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“We have investigated animal cruelty cases in the past, so initially when this information came in we thought that it would involve a handful of local people fighting dogs for sport” said Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese. “What started out as a local investigation soon turned into a complex investigation that included people from multiple states and all walks of life. It is impossible to comprehend just how cruel these dogs were being treated for the purpose of training them to kill. Our team rescued 168 pit bulls during the execution of the search warrants and not the first dog acted aggressively toward the officers. The dogs just wanted attention and love. Organized dog-fighting is a dark, sick and disgusting culture that has no place in our society.”
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 February 2020. In February 2020, law enforcement executed 15 residential search warrants and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for organized dog-fighting.
During this time period, Lockett attended and had his dogs participate in dog fights in Melrose, Florida and Macon, Georgia, where he also acted as a referee. In addition, he attended, participated and/or attempted to participate in dog fights in Taylor County, Georgia, Eastman, Georgia, and Shiloh, Georgia, where Lockett received $16,000 for his winning dog. Text messages obtained from a search warrant executed on Lockett’s cell phone detailed his dog-fighting ventures, including communications between Lockett and multiple defendants on subjects such as killing an unaggressive dog, planning a dog fight and soliciting a female dog for fighting for $10,000. Additional text messages discussed the purchases of large quantities of cocaine and spending $250,000 on narcotics from co-defendant Derrick Owens. A confidential informant (CI) purchased cocaine from Lockett at a Roberta, Georgia, family home on July 10, 2019 and Sept. 12, 2019.
On Feb. 26, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Roberta residence recovering cash, cocaine and evidence of dog fighting activities to include veterinary penicillin, break sticks, photos of fighting dogs, a dog weight training vest, a dog fighting pit, a dog treadmill, and blood-stained carpet and walls. 14 dogs were recovered. The dogs had scarring consistent with dogs being used for dog fighting activities. On the same day, investigators executed a search warrant at a Warner Robins property Lockett owned, where they found a pit bull terrier dog that was extremely injured and lethargic. The injuries had been stapled shut. The dog died two days later of his injuries. Agents found other evidence of dog fighting activity including medicine and supplies to treat animals for injuries sustained from dog fighting activities, a notepad containing dog names and dollar amounts, a 50-pound digital scale, paperwork from a veterinary clinic, a blender with dog food and medicine, dog breeding registration certificates and several bags of cash.
Co-defendant Raines’ drug distribution and dog-fighting activities were uncovered during the course of the investigation. Law enforcement executed a search warrant of Raines’ Talbotton property on Feb. 26, recovering 41 dogs used in dog-fighting. The dogs were malnourished with scars, hair loss and spliced ears. Agents seized many items used in dog-fighting including a skin stapler, IV kits, veterinary medical supplies and dog breeding certificates. In his plea agreement, Raines admitted that he was a manager or supervisor in the criminal organization and was responsible for drug transactions ranging from a quarter to 1.5 kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Byron Police Department and the Fort Valley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
Former Muscogee County Deputy Clerk Convicted in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud, Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Related ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – The former Deputy Clerk of Muscogee County Court pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion charges in a scheme that cost the county millions of dollars.
Willie Demps, 64, of Phenix City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts tax evasion before U.S. District Judge Clay Land today. Demps faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment for the conspiracy charge to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Demps faces a maximum five years imprisonment for each tax evasion charge to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. Demps will also pay restitution in an amount ordered by the Court at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
“Rather than serve the people of Muscogee County, Willie Demps served only himself. Over the course of many years, Demps used his position of trust to steal millions of dollars from Muscogee County taxpayers to fund his gambling habit and pay for a variety of personal expenses,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend the investigators with the FBI, IRS and Columbus Police Department for their meticulous and relentless effort to seek justice in this case.”
“Demps’s plea is the result of the hard work and determination of investigators and prosecutors who aggressively pursue allegations of bank fraud,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is determined to pursue anyone who would choose to take advantage of their trusted position of employment for their own personal greed, especially at the expense of honest tax paying citizens.”
“Willie Demps’ actions were egregious in nature,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “In addition to abusing his position of trust, Mr. Demps perpetrated multiple schemes over a long period of time to steal from the public and evade payment of taxes. IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners use our enforcement of the tax law and financial expertise to hold such individuals accountable for their actions.”
“I am pleased with the outcome of this case,” said Columbus Police Department Chief Freddie Blackmon. “Also, I am appreciative of hard work that our investigators and our federal partners put into this case. If anyone commits illegal acts, we are certainly going after them for an arrest and conviction.”
The following co-defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and will be subject to a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; in addition, each defendant will pay restitution in the amount of the checks cashed:
Curtis Porch, 48, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Dereen Porch, 43, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Terry McBride, 43, of Smiths Station, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022;
Samuel Cole, 72, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022; and,
George Cook, 33, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Sept. 21, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
The following co-defendant pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and faces a maximum three years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine:
Lamarcus Palmer, 34, of Smiths Station, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2021, and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2022.
The following co-defendant has not pled guilty. Her trial is currently scheduled for February 28, 2022:
Rosalee Bassi is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. A criminal indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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, IRS and the Columbus Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Helmick is prosecuting the case. Retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Hyde initiated the prosecution of this case.
Former AgGeorgia Loan Officer, Co-Conspirators, Plead Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud two agriculture-based financial institutions orchestrated by a former loan officer have pleaded guilty to their crimes.
Johnnie Farrow, 66, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud a financial institution today. Previously, co-defendants William Spigener, III, 33, of Columbus, Eary Fuller, 57, of Macon and Demetria Bell, 50, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud a financial institution. The defendants each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III is presiding over the case. Spigener’s sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2022. Fuller’s sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2022. Bell’s sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2022. Farrow’s sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2022.
“William Spigener recruited willing participants in a scheme to defraud two banks focused on supporting farmers and the agricultural industry, causing significant financial losses and harm,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will not hesitate to seek federal prosecution against fraudsters who take part in scams that hurt our local businesses, workers and consumers.”
“Spigener violated the trust placed in him by the bank he worked for and now will pay a significant price for his actions, with the potential of many years behind bars,” said Phillip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will do everything in our power to get justice for companies that have been defrauded by corrupt individuals.”
According to court documents, Spigener orchestrated a scheme to defraud AgSouth Farm Credit and AgGeorgia Farm Credit in Perry, Georgia, where he was employed as a loan officer from Feb. 2012 until his resignation in Feb. 2019. During this time, Spigener recruited co-defendants Farrow, Fuller and Bell to pretend to be borrowers with both institutions. In exchange for using their personal information and appearing at the loan closings, Spigener provided Farrow, Fuller and Bell approximately 10% of the loan proceeds. Spigener would create documentation to ensure the loan applications were approved, even though Farrow, Fuller and Bell were not engaged in farming activity, nor did they have the collateral to back up the loans. Spigener made some repayments on the loans but was unable to repay the vast majority of the loans, and both financial institutions suffered losses. Spigener admits the intended loss amount was more than $550,000 but less than $1.5 million.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case.
High-Speed Motorcycle Chase on I-75 that Resulted in Two Injured Deputies Leads to Pair Pleading Guilty to Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Co-defendants who led law enforcement on a motorcycle chase on I-75 at speeds of up to 150 mph, resulting in two deputies being struck and injured by a passing car during the pair’s arrest, have pleaded guilty to distributing nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine.
John Terrell Johnson, 34, of Jackson, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine on Monday, Jan. 10 and Tosha Danielle Kidd, 31, of Conyers, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Tuesday, Jan. 18, before U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum 40 years in prison to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a maximum $5,000,000 fine. Kidd faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Johnson and Kidd are scheduled for sentencing on April 5, 2022. There is no parole in the federal system.
“John Johnson’s poor decision to lead officers on a perilous chase, coupled with Tosha Kidd’s choice to flee on foot after two deputies were injured in the line of duty, endangered the public and easily could have cost lives, including their own,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to the bravery displayed by the Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and a concerned citizen, Johnson and Kidd were caught and will face the consequences of their decision to distribute methamphetamine in Middle Georgia.”
“We appreciate the strong relationship we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as we work together to make our community safer,” said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman.
According to court documents, on Dec. 12, 2020, at nearly 9:00 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies noticed a motorcycle speeding southbound on I-75 near Forsyth. The motorcycle was driven by Johnson, with Kidd riding as the passenger and carrying a camouflage backpack. The pair fled when officers attempted to pull them over, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph while weaving through traffic and using the emergency shoulder to pass other motorists. Eventually, with the help of a civilian motorist, law enforcement blocked Johnson’s motorcycle and brought it to a halt on the side of I-75. Two of the deputies, focused on subduing Johnson, were injured when a passing motorist accidentally struck their patrol vehicles. Kidd seized the opportunity for escape and fled on foot. As she ran, she dumped the camouflage backpack. She was eventually taken into custody near the site where Johnson’s motorcycle had been stopped, and the backpack was recovered. The backpack contained nearly three kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine, or 2,935 grams. Johnson, a convicted felon, was illegally carrying a stolen handgun in his pocket and $1,075 in cash. The deputies struck by a car in the line of duty sustained physical injuries requiring treatment at the hospital.
A few months prior to this incident, Johnson was arrested under similar circumstances. On Sept. 29, 2020, Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies spotted Johnson speeding on a motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop; Johnson fled from officers. Deputies were able to bring Johnson to a stop and found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol secured to his shoulder holster plus 11.944 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and two smoking devices in a bag clipped to the motorcycle’s handlebars. Johnson told officers he was a convicted felon who had been selling drugs for a long period of time and had bought numerous guns during that time. Johnson also admitted that fleeing from pursuing officers is “just what you do” when possessing drugs. Johnson has two prior felony convictions in Newton County and Butts County, Georgia.
The case was investigated by DEA with the assistance of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Cane Valley Kennels Dog-Fighting Trainer and Breeder Sentenced to Five Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A well-known dog-fighting trainer and breeder, who owned Cane Valley Kennels, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of five years in prison resulting from an investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and cocaine trafficking ring.
Vernon Vegas, 49, of Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Tuesday, Jan. 18, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture. Additionally, pursuant to his plea agreement, Vegas agreed to forfeit $116,819 in cash seized during the investigation.
“Vernon Vegas has received the maximum prison sentence for training others in the brutal and bloody business of dog fighting, a world that fosters a multitude of other dangerous criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office, working alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement, will hold individuals and groups that participate in illegal dog-fighting accountable for their crimes.”
“Vernon Vegas is being held accountable for his violent, illegal and inhumane actions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This case illustrates that dog-fighting is intimately connected with the underworld of drugs and organized crime, and that the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.”
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.
Between Oct. 1996 and Feb. 2020, Vegas, the owner of Cane Valley Kennels, bred, trained, sold and transported dogs for the purpose of the dog fighting, including Grand Champion “Baby Gracie,” Champion “Son of Sam 2XBis,” Champion “Spider,” Champion “Bucky Mike,” Champion “Bear,” Champion “Kocky Mike,” Champion “Fantasmin,” Champion “Julie the Great,” and one-time winner, “Brenda.” As part of his business, Vegas designed and offered a seven-week “keep” where he trained dogs for animal fighting ventures, prepared on-line pedigrees for the fighting dogs bred and trained at Cane Valley Kennels, provided advice to his co-conspirators on how to train dogs for purposes of engaging in animal fighting ventures, and kept a multitude of training and conditioning equipment including slat mills, chains, a staple gun, hanging weight scales, break sticks, flirt poles and various medicines to treat injuries or disease sustained by dogs made to fight. Between Jan. 2017 and Feb. 2020, Vegas attended dog fights with co-conspirators Derrick Owens and Christopher Raines at locations in the Middle District of Georgia and advised Owens on various matters related to preparing dogs for animal fighting.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), U.S. Marshals Service, The Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Merriweather County Sheriff’s Office, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Byron Police Department and the Fort Valley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Banu Rangarajan with the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
Fort Stewart Solider Faces Minimum 15 Years Imprisonment for Child Pornography ProductionRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A solider stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography in a Project Safe Childhoods investigation involving a 13-year-old victim.
Aaron D. Sutherland, 28, of Fort Stewart, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Jan. 13. Sutherland faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to a maximum 30 years in prison to be followed by at least five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Sutherland will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 28.
“Parents must remain vigilant and monitor whom their children are communicating with on their cell phones and on social media because online predators are lurking,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office—working alongside federal, state and local authorities—will pursue significant penalties for any adults who sexually entice, abuse or harm a minor.”
“Stopping predators that produce and distribute the disturbing images of children being exploited is of critical importance,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Unfortunately, we cannot protect all children by ourselves and need your help to monitor who your children interact with and report anything that doesn’t seem right.”
“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, Georgia 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 and Criminal Chief Michael Solis are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon, Caught in Possession of a Stolen Semi-Automatic Rifle, Pleads Guilty in Albany PSN CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with a prior felony conviction found in illegal possession of a stolen loaded semi-automatic weapon during a car wreck investigation has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.
Willie Frank Lewis, 28, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Lewis is facing a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons found in possession of stolen firearms are breaking federal law and face the possibility of prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Central to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods’ program is focusing enforcement efforts on repeat felons. Our office is working close with local law enforcement to prosecute violent offenders and bring them to justice.”
According to court documents, Albany Police Department officers were investigating a car accident on Oct. 9, 2020. Lewis was a passenger in an involved vehicle and was sitting alone in the back seat with a rifle in plain view near his legs. The gun, an American Tactical 5.56mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was later determined to have been stolen in a local residential burglary. Lewis admitted to officers that he was convicted of trafficking amphetamine in Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess 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 the Albany Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case for the Government.