Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Macon Regional Crimestoppers Announce Top 15 Most Wanted FugitivesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and local law enforcement leaders are requesting citizens to report the whereabouts of the most wanted fugitives identified by Macon Regional Crimestoppers (MRCS).
The fugitives are wanted for charges ranging from malice murder, aggravated assault, rape, armed robbery, trafficking an elder person and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in seven Middle Georgia counties. To view the list of wanted persons, please visit crimestop.us/top-most-wanted/. Citizens can safely and anonymously report tips at 1-877-68CRIME. Crimestoppers provides automatic rewards of $1,000 minimum payout on the Top 15 Fugitive List and up to $2,000 for tips leading to the arrest of wanted fugitives. Since 2000, MRCS has issued $1,034,973 in rewards to tipsters, leading to 10,192 criminal cases cleared.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Macon Regional Crimestoppers offers a safe way for citizens to help reduce violent crime by reporting the whereabouts of the most wanted fugitives,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “It’s a simple and rewarding way for people to make our region safer. I want to thank the community volunteers and participating law enforcement agencies involved with Macon Regional Crimestoppers for their ongoing support.”
“2022 marks Macon Regional Crimestoppers fourth year publicizing the Top 15 Most Wanted fugitives. This program has a tremendous success rate of about 88% fugitives captured--a testament to the community’s support of this program and its unified desire to see violent crime cease. As we move forward in the new year, we will continue to rely on the public’s help with locating these violent offenders,” said Warren Selby, Chairman of Macon Regional Crimestoppers. “We are thankful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement serving our area as we all work together to make our community safer.”
Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a local non-profit dedicated to increasing the safety of citizens, serving Bibb, Baldwin, Houston, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe and Peach counties. The organization partners with law enforcement agencies and community groups to provide anonymous rewards for tips that lead to criminal arrests. To learn more about Macon Regional Crimestoppers, please visit www.crimestop.us.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnership with Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty in Macon PSN CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident with prior felony convictions who was found in possession of a firearm during the course of an investigation into a check cashing scheme has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge.
Jesse Seabolt, 42, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Thursday, Jan. 6. Seabolt 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 6. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Individuals with prior felonies are breaking federal law when they are arrested in possession of a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Convicted felons face the possibility of federal prosecution when they make the choice to illegally carry a weapon.”
According to court documents, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was investigating Seabolt for an alleged fraudulent check cashing scheme that occurred in June 2020. During the course of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and officers executed the search warrant at Seabolt’s home on Aug. 28, 2020. In plain view, next to Seabolt’s mobile phone, was a 9mm pistol. Seabolt was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses including escape, forgery, unlawful possession of another’s identification documents, and unlawful acquisition, possession or transfer of a financial transaction card in Weber County, Utah. 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 Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon, Wanted on Aggravated Assault Charge, Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident with a prior felony found in illegal possession of multiple weapons on two separate occasions—at one time while wanted for aggravated assault in Monroe County, Georgia—pleaded guilty to a firearms charge.
Scott Rusmisel, 28, of Juliette, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today. Rusmisel 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 6. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat felons with violent criminal histories have no business carrying weapons—it is a federal offense for convicted felons to possess firearms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute repeat offenders who violate this federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I commend the law enforcement teams across the Middle District of Georgia for their daily persistence in helping us hold violent offenders accountable for their crimes and working to make our region a safer place.”
“ATF is always there to assist our local partners by providing federal resources when needed,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stricklin. “We are pleased that ATF was able to assist the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in removing a repeat armed offender from the streets of our community.”
According to court documents, Rusmisel’s vehicle was stopped for a tag violation by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Aug. 14, 2019. Rusmisel, the driver, was wearing a large knife and there was a black handgun in plain view. Rusmisel was later found to be carrying a second knife in his pocket. A search of the vehicle discovered a total of four firearms: a .357 magnum caliber revolver, two 12-gauge shotguns and a 7.62 mm rifle. Rusmisel admitted that all of the firearms belonged to him.
On Nov. 20, 2020, Rusmisel was detained on a warrant for aggravated assault by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Rusmisel was carrying a .380 caliber pistol in his back pocket at the time of arrest. ATF examined each of the five weapons seized from Rusmisel and determined that two of his weapons were required to be registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). One 12-gauge shotgun had a shortened barrel measuring just 11 1/8 inches and the second 12-gauge shotgun had a shortened barrel measuring just 12 inches. Neither gun was registered in the NFRTR to Rusmisel. Rusmisel was previously convicted in Circuit Court of Bay County, Michigan, for second degree home invasion. 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 the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
262 Month Prison Sentence for Repeat Felon Convicted in Meth Case, Apprehended Following Helicopter, K-9 SearchRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia armed robbery parolee with fourteen prior felony convictions was sentenced in federal court for distributing methamphetamine in a case involving a multi-agency search for the escaped defendant, including the use of a helicopter and K-9 unit.
Monterrius Digby 36, of Fort Valley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 262 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self on Thursday, Jan. 6, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Digby’s flight after his initial apprehension made a bad situation worse. Thanks to the collective and rapid response by law enforcement in the region, Digby was safely apprehended within a short time, without harm to citizens, officers or himself,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Convicted felons who chose to continually create havoc and break the laws governing our community will face the possibility of federal prosecution for their crimes.”
“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case and thankful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and every agency involved in helping bring Monterrius Digby to justice. Digby is a dangerous felon and can’t expect to commit violent crimes and get away with it,” said Wilcox County Sheriff Robert Rodgers. “Wilcox County is proud of the work done in this case. Digby deserves to be held accountable for his crimes.”
According to court documents, law enforcement received a 911 call on Feb. 12, 2019, detailing that a man driving a particular car and tag number on Ga. Highway 215 was carrying methamphetamine and a firearm. Law enforcement spotted the matching vehicle and tag number and conducted a stop on Ga. Highway 215 near Rochelle, Georgia. Digby was driving the car and told the officer that he was on parole for armed robbery. Digby was driving without a license. Digby ran off while his vehicle was being searched but was later apprehended with the assistance of a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) helicopter and troopers, K9 units and the U.S. Marshals.
Law enforcement found a bag under the driver’s seat with ten individually wrapped bags of methamphetamine weighing 18.141 grams, empty baggies, a set of digital scales and two firearms. One firearm was a stolen semi-automatic pistol and the other firearm was a 9x19mm Glock. Law enforcement also found a box of ammunition in the front passenger seat which contained 32 rounds of 9mm and 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Digby later told agents he purchased both firearms for $200.
Digby has five prior burglary convictions, two aggravated assault convictions, an armed robbery conviction, a theft by taking conviction and a conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Troup County, Georgia. Additionally, he has been convicted of obstruction or hindering of a law enforcement officer, criminal attempt to escape, and theft by receiving stolen property in Meriwether County, Georgia, along with theft by receiving stolen property in Bibb County, Georgia.
The case was investigated by the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from GSP Aviation, Abbeville Police Department’s K-9 Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
$2.2+ Million in DOJ Grants Awarded in the Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded grants totaling $2,265,281 to support local programs addressing a range of community safety and criminal justice issues across the Middle District of Georgia.
“These grants are substantial investments toward both necessary and innovative solutions for a wide-ranging set of criminal justice issues effecting communities across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “As the new year dawns, our office reaffirms our total commitment to our region’s shared goal of reducing violence and ensuring fair and equal justice in each community we serve.”
The following jurisdictions and agencies applied for and received grants through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for FY 2021, awarded in Dec. 2021:
1. The Beekeeper Reentry Program – An Innovative Approach to Reducing Recidivism
$900,000 BJA FY 2021 Second Chance Act Grant awarded to the Family Wellness Outreach Center of Georgia, Inc. in Albany, Georgia, with a goal to reduce recidivism rates by at least 25% for 102 reentering adults at highest risk for reoffending in 14 Southwest Georgia counties. Georgia's recidivism rate among individuals released from prison is around 30%.
2. Implementing Standards, Protecting Inmates – Stronger, Better Locks
$250,000 BJA FY 2021 Implementing the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Standards, Protecting Inmates, and Safeguarding Communities Grant awarded to the Muscogee County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office to replace cell locks in the jail to both keep the facility in compliance and greatly enhance the safety and security of both inmates, staff and visitors.
3. Fort Valley Police Community Policing Initiative – Combat Rising Violent Crime Issues
$150,000 BJA FY 2021 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law Enforcement Agencies Grant awarded to the City of Fort Valley, Georgia, Police Department to create a stronger relationship between community and police, offer individual officer training and increase focused patrols in high crime areas while partnering with community members and apartment management in those areas.
4. South Georgia Circuit Rural Crime Reduction Initiative Project
$141,687 BJA FY 2021 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law Enforcement Agencies Grant awarded to the Decatur County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners for purposes focused on reducing violent crime in rural areas served by the South Georgia Judicial Circuit.
The following non-profit organization applied for and received a grant through OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for FY 2021, awarded in Oct. 2021:
5. Mentoring for Youth Affected by the Opioid Crisis and Drug Addiction
$622,903 Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) FY 2021 Grant awarded to Beginning New Outreach, Inc. in Columbus, Georgia to provide ongoing mentoring for youth who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs, youth at risk for abusing and youth with family members who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs.
The following jurisdictions applied for and received OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for FY 2021, awarded in Oct. 2021:
6. Funding Assistance for Local Law Enforcement, Columbus Consolidated Government
$104,731 BJA FY 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to support criminal justice initiatives to include law enforcement, drug and gang task forces, enhancing public and officer safety, courts, corrections, education, treatment, technology improvement, crime victim support, mental health and other programs aimed at reducing crime and improving safety.
7. Less than Lethal Program, City of Americus, Georgia
$12,155 BJA FY 21 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to support criminal justice initiatives to include law enforcement, drug and gang task forces, enhancing public and officer safety, courts, corrections, education, treatment, technology improvement, crime victim support, mental health and other programs aimed at reducing crime and improving safety.
8. Law Enforcement Operational Enhancement Project, City of Albany
$83,805 BJA FY 21 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to support criminal justice initiatives to include law enforcement, drug and gang task forces, enhancing public and officer safety, courts, corrections, education, treatment, technology improvement, crime victim support, mental health and other programs aimed at reducing crime and improving safety.
Once the awards are made, information about the grantees selected under each solicitation can be found online at the OJP Grant Awards Page.
OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Fort Valley State Awarded Nearly $2 Million STOP School Violence GrantRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Department of Justice today announced nearly $126 million in funding to advance school safety under the STOP School Violence Act. The grants, awarded by the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), will help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts, provide training to school personnel and students and implement evidence-based threat assessments.
Fort Valley State University, in Fort Valley, Georgia, was awarded $1,999,997—among the largest single grants awarded—and the United Way of Southwest Georgia in Albany, Georgia, received $991,110 in FY2021 STOP School Violence Act grants. The full list of STOP awards can be viewed here.
“The Justice Department has no greater responsibility than protecting Americans from harm,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Schools must be safe places to learn, and today’s investment of more than $125 million under the STOP School Violence Act will help ensure that they are.”
“Fort Valley State University will receive one of the largest single grants awarded under this year’s STOP School Violence Act, money that will be used to bolster the safety of students and staff at one of our key educational institutions in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The United Way of Southwest Georgia’s nearly $1 million grant is earmarked for school safety measures where it is most needed in the communities it serves. We are thankful that the Justice Department has invested heavily in strengthening the safety of our region as our office continues to work closely with our law enforcement and community partners to do everything in our power to decrease violence across the Middle District of Georgia.”
The Students, Teachers and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (the “STOP School Violence Act”) gives the Justice Department the authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs. It also provides grants to ensure a positive school climate by helping students and teachers recognize, respond quickly to and help prevent acts of violence.
The 78 BJA annual awards, totaling almost $74 million, are intended to support training and education for school personnel and students on preventing violence against others and themselves, including anti-bullying training and specialized training for school officials to respond to mental health crises. Funds also help develop and implement multidisciplinary threat assessment or intervention teams and design technology solutions such as anonymous reporting systems, hotlines and websites.
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) provides up to 75% of the funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools. The 153 SVPP awards, totaling almost $52 million, are statutorily obligated to be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; locks, lighting and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security.
The full list of SVPP awards can be found here.
A list of BJA awards, as they are made, can be found on the OJP Grant Awards page.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to agency for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Columbus Woman Guilty of Wire Fraud, Stole $240k from Non-ProfitsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident and teacher who volunteered for two local non-profit organizations pleaded guilty to wire fraud resulting from an FDIC-led investigation.
Trenna Denise Trice, 59, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Clay Land on Monday, Dec. 20. Trice is facing a maximum twenty years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2022.
“Trenna Trice abused the trust of two non-profits, a small business and many individual citizens when she choose to steal money intended for others to fund her gambling addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I commend the FDIC-OIG investigators who unraveled her web of lies through their extensive investigation. Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to bring fraudsters to justice.”
“The criminal conduct in this case is even more egregious because Ms. Trice is a public servant, occupied a position of trust in charitable organizations, and stole from those organizations – all while pocketing the funds for her personal use,” said FDIC OIG Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles. “The FDIC Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate matters of fraud which impact both 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 while the larger contribution checks from bigger sponsorship companies had made their way to UNCF, 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. Trice said she was always careful to conceal her actions by using only outside ATMs to deposit checks with fraudulent endorsements and by changing the settings in the Square App to disguise that she was the actual recipient of a donation intended for others. 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 is prosecuting the case
Southwest Georgia Armed Career Criminal Sentenced in Federal Gun CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with several prior felony convictions was sentenced as an armed career criminal this week for a federal firearms violation resulting from a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) investigation.
Lenwood Thomas, 40, of Albany, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. On Thursday, Dec. 16, U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner sentenced him on each conviction to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, both sentences to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed career criminals face steep federal penalties when they choose to repeatedly break the law while possessing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, our office is aligning with locals in the communities we serve and our law enforcement partners at every level to make strategic decisions aimed at decreasing violent crime across Southwest Georgia and the entire Middle District of Georgia.”
According to court documents, Thomas was on parole when officers with the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) and Dougherty County Police Department conducted a search of his home on Feb. 28, 2020, based on evidence that Thomas was conducting illegal drug sales. Officers found a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the home, along with illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. At the time the firearm was found in his possession, Thomas had numerous felony convictions. Following that incident, Thomas was arrested on an unrelated matter on June 14, 2021. At the time, Thomas had outstanding arrest warrants and was spotted by an investigator with the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit. During the attempted stop, Thomas drove away from the officers, committing numerous traffic violations in an attempt to escape but eventually lost control of his vehicle. When his vehicle came to rest in a ditch, Thomas ran away from the scene and was chased by an officer. During the foot chase, Thomas threw items of out a bag he was carrying, including illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and a BMW key fob. When he was in custody at the Dougherty County Jail, Thomas was recorded telling a family member that he had “5 ½ outfits” in the trunk of his BMW and asked the family member to get in touch with someone who would know what to do with them. Officers sought and obtained a search warrant for the BMW, finding 167.4 grams of cocaine in the trunk and a 9mm pistol.
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 Department of Community Supervision, Dougherty County Police Department and Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Macon Probationer with Violent Criminal Record, Girlfriend Plead Guilty in “Lying and Buying” Gun CaseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon man who was arrested with a loaded firearm purchased for him by his girlfriend soon after he was released from prison for aggravated assault pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge today.
Logan Riley Nettles aka Carrot Top, 23, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person under a felony indictment before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Thursday, Dec. 16. Nettles faces a maximum ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2022. Co-defendant Ansley Nicole Hunt, 22, of Savannah, Georgia, pleaded guilty to making false statements on Nov. 4, and is facing a maximum five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Hunt’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2022. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Individuals with violent criminal histories who con their way into illegal possession of firearms face the possibility of federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Furthermore, lying in order to buy a firearm for a prohibited prison is a federal offense that carries serious penalties.”
According to court documents, ATF was conducting undercover surveillance in Macon in May as part of Operation United Front when they spotted Nettles, who had been released from prison on March 8 and was serving probation. Nettles, who was wearing a blue backpack, got into Hunt’s car. 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. Although Nettles told officers Hunt had “nothing to do with it,” Hunt asserted that the weapon was hers. 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.
Columbus Man Convicted of Tampering with a Witness in a Federal Gun CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to prison after he orchestrated others from jail to compel a witness in a separate federal case against him to make false statements.
Aubrey Crittenden aka Frog, 36, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 56 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Clay Land on Tuesday, Dec. 14, after he previously pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It’s a highly serious criminal offense to attempt to interfere with the administration of justice by tampering with a witness,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will not hesitate to pursue lawful prosecution against those who threaten, coerce or otherwise wrongfully influence or tamper with a witness.”
According to court documents, Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers were patrolling the area of Pecan Street and Benner Avenue in Columbus, looking for Crittenden, who was a wanted person. A witness called 911 to alert CPD that Crittenden was on Pecan Street with a gun. Officers spotted Crittenden exiting from and standing by a car and after a brief foot chase, he was taken into custody. Crittenden had a loaded 9mm pistol in the car. Crittenden was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 12, 2020 of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was detained pre-trial at the Lee County, Alabama, jail. While incarcerated, Crittenden made multiple jail calls, including between May 20, 2021 and June 9, 2021, coordinating with and directing individuals to draft an affidavit containing false statements and to pressure the witness who reported his whereabouts to police to sign it. The affidavit signed by the witness under duress was delivered to Crittenden’s attorney, and a trial was scheduled. Crittenden has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for terroristic threats and theft by taking in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Guilty on Gun Charge, Captured by K-9 Following PursuitRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Middle Georgia resident with a violent criminal history of illegally possessing a firearm after he was captured following a high-speed and foot chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, helicopter support and a K-9 unit.
Angel D. Feliciano, 36, of Warner Robins, was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon late this afternoon following a two-day trial that began on Monday, Dec. 13. Feliciano is facing a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on March 8. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Feliciano endangered innocent lives when he chose to flee law enforcement in a stolen vehicle, driving wildly in a Macon residential area while striking several cars before taking off on foot,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Due to his long and violent criminal history, Feliciano is now facing a lengthy prison sentence for illegally possessing a dangerous weapon. Our office will seek federal prosecution for repeat and violent offenders with guns. I want to thank the law enforcement teams that worked this case, especially those who helped to safely capture 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 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 the 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 are prosecuting the case.
Nine Federally Charged, Arrested in Middle GA Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Nine individuals were taken into custody today and are facing federal charges from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into a group of alleged drug traffickers in Houston and Bibb Counties. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal arrest warrants were executed in Warner Robins, Georgia, and elsewhere, today resulting from a federal indictment returned on Nov. 16, charging the following individuals:
- Antoine Riley, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute;
- Antonio Raines, 37, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Latanya Williams, 39, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute;
- Brittany Smith, 28, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Emanuel Ivey, 35, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute;
- Armard Davis, 42, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Joseph Day, 48, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base;
- Desmond Griffin, 29, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base; and,
- Obie Wright, 66, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of cocaine base.
The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum life sentence and a $250,000 fine;
The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine;
The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of methamphetamine each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a maximum life sentence and a $10,000,000 fine;
The charge of distribution of cocaine base carries a maximum sentence of twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine; and,
The charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
Initial appearances for the defendants occurred today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle.
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 an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sherriff’s Office, and the Warner Robins Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim is prosecuting the case.
- Antoine Riley, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute;
U.S. Justice Department awards more than $17.5 million to support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON: The U.S Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. In the State of Georgia, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council was awarded funding totaling $532,348.
Of that funding, the Southern District of Georgia will receive $105,172. The Northern District will receive $297,151, and the Middle District will receive $130,025.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods program plays a vital role in the Southern District as we collaborate with our law enforcement partners to fight violent crime and take firearms away from criminals,” said Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. “The funding from this PSN grant will assist our largest cities with strategies and equipment for making their communities safer.”
“These awards represent a significant commitment in the fight against violent crime and recognition of the hard work being done by law enforcement and community partners to combat gun violence,” said Kurt R. Erskine, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “The Northern District of Georgia’s Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy focuses on prosecuting repeat violent offenders as well as supporting evidence-based programs that curb recidivism among adult and youthful offenders.”
“These grants are one element of a multi-prong approach to address violence in communities in Georgia,” said Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “By offering financial support for innovative crime solutions, Project Safe Neighborhoods puts the power in the hands of local communities to fight violent crime.”
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
For a list of all grantees, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Dept. Awards $17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. In the State of Georgia, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council was awarded funding totaling $532,348, which will be administered to the Districts.
The Middle District of Georgia will receive $130,025, directed toward evidence-based programs focused on violent crime reduction, youth outreach and gang investigations. The Northern District of Georgia will receive $297,151 and the Southern District of Georgia will receive $105,172.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“These grants are one element of a multi-prong approach to address violence in communities in Georgia,” said Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “By offering financial support for innovative crime solutions, Project Safe Neighborhoods puts the power in the hands of local communities to fight violent crime.”
“These awards represent a significant commitment in the fight against violent crime and recognition of the hard work being done by law enforcement and community partners to combat gun violence,” said Kurt R. Erskine, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “The Northern District of Georgia’s Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy focuses on prosecuting repeat violent offenders as well as supporting evidence-based programs that curb recidivism among adult and youthful offenders.”
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods program plays a vital role in the Southern District as we collaborate with our law enforcement partners to fight violent crime and take firearms away from criminals,” said Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. “The funding from this PSN grant will assist our largest cities with strategies and equipment for making their communities safer.”
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
For a list of all grantees, please visit:
https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Convicted Repeat Felon Sentenced to Prison in Valdosta Shooting CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta resident with a lengthy violent criminal history, convicted of illegally possessing a firearm, was sentenced to serve ten years in prison for his crime in a case involving the shooting of a homeless man protecting his animal from dog-fighting.
Aaron Lewis Green, Jr., 39, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison, the statutory maximum, to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Dec. 8, after he was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day trial in June. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Violent offenders in illegal possession of guns who terrorize our communities will face federal prosecution and lengthy prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level across the Middle District of Georgia are working together to hold repeat violent offenders accountable when they break the law.”
“Green’s lengthy violent criminal record and his complete disregard for not only the lives of innocent animals, but the lives of his fellow human beings landed him where he belongs, in federal prison,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the help from our partners at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office we were able to remove Green from the streets before he could terrorize anyone else, and now he has received a significant prison sentence where he will no longer be a threat in our community.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning of April 29, 2018, several concerned citizens called 911 to report gunshots coming from Green’s residence on Sandy Run Drive. Green had earlier invited a homeless couple living in their truck with their Rottweiler to park at his home. When the couple came to his residence, Green made several requests to the man to allow the dogs to fight. At one point, Green directed his wife to let the couple’s Rottweiler out of the homeless couple’s vehicle. A heated argument ensued around 4:25 a.m. when the man refused Green’s insistence that the dogs fight. Green pulled a loaded pistol from his waistband and fired several shots at the man, striking him multiple times in his upper torso. Green threatened the victim’s girlfriend as she attempted to load the victim into their vehicle. Once the couple arrived at the hospital, the victim was rushed into surgery and treated for gunshot wounds. Officers arrested Green outside of a Valdosta church, where he was found lying on the ground. At the time of his arrest, Green was armed with a knife and a semi-automatic pistol with a round in the chamber. Green admitted that the weapon was the firearm he used to shoot the homeless man.
Green is currently facing a state aggravated assault charge for the attack; his charge is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Green has multiple prior felony convictions in the Superior Court of Lowndes County, Georgia, including two aggravated assault convictions, a conviction for sale of cocaine and a conviction for terroristic threats.
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 Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon with Violent Criminal History Sentenced in PSN InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident with prior felonies taken into custody on state warrants while in illegal possession of a gun was sentenced to prison this week for violating federal gun law.
Craig R. Harpe, 40, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. (Tripp) Self, III on Dec. 7, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals with a history of violent criminal activity accountable for illegal gun possession,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Convicted felons arrested in illegal possession of firearms will face the possibility of federal prosecution for their crime”
“The conviction of Craig Harpe illustrates what can happen when a convicted felon travels on city streets with a gun in their possession. A stop by an alert deputy for a minor traffic violation has resulted in a potentially dangerous individual with a gun being removed from our community,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
According to court documents, Harpe was stopped for a traffic violation in Macon on Oct. 5, 2020. Harpe was wearing an empty gun holster and officers discovered he was wanted on state warrants and was a convicted felon. Officers found a loaded .380 semiautomatic handgun in Harpe’s car. Harpe was previously convicted on two felony armed robbery charges in the Superior Court of Dekalb County, Georgia and served ten years for his crimes. 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 Bibb 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.
Repeat Violent Offender Caught Trespassing with a Weapon Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to serve more than six years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers caught him trespassing on private property with a loaded gun near a national refuge.
Brandon Lee Hall, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 82 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Marc Treadwell on Nov. 30, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of ammunition by a felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat, violent felons caught illegally possessing a firearm will face serious consequences, including the possibility of lengthy prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “It is illegal for a convicted felon to have a firearm. I want to thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bibb County Sheriff’s officers for responding quickly to citizen complaints and working to keep the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge a safe place for all to visit.”
"National Wildlife Refuges are places for people and communities to connect with America’s wildlife,” said Cynthia Martinez, Chief, USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System. “Providing for the safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority, and we are grateful for the support and professionalism of the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Attorney's Office for helping us keep our National Wildlife Refuge and the public safe.”
“It is good that this repeat offender will be off the streets for several years to come. This sends a clear message that convicted felons with guns can face long jail time,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis. “The fact that this case was adjudicated both on the state level and the federal level shows the commitment by everyone in the criminal justice system to make sure offenses involving firearms are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
According to court documents and evidence, a federal wildlife officer patrolling the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Macon on June 14, 2019, received complaints from landowners about a man riding on a golf cart and fishing on their property without permission. Trail photos pulled by the officer and sent by a complainant showed Hall. A posted sign states that no ATVs, UTVs, golf carts of other off-road vehicles are allowed. While the officer was meeting with a complainant, they spotted Hall driving the golf cart. The officer stopped him and explained that he had stopped him due to him driving the golf cart on the wildlife refuge and people’s property
without permission. The officer noticed Hall had an empty pistol holster clipped to his belt. Hall said he was on probation and was a convicted felon. The officer discovered Hall had an active warrant for a parole violation out of Atlanta, and he was detained. Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and found 9mm rounds on Hall. Thirty feet away, the officers found Hall’s 9mm, semi-automatic pistol. Hall admitted the weapon was his. Hall has prior convictions for aggravated assault, terroristic threats or acts and obstruction of an officer in Houston County, Georgia, Superior Court. 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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Macon Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Meth at Local MotelsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon man convicted of distributing methamphetamine at Macon motels was sentenced to prison this week as part of a larger investigation into drug trafficking along the Eisenhower Parkway corridor.
Carlos Brown aka Lo, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Tuesday, Nov. 30, after he previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This criminal organization is responsible for distributing more than 4.5 kilos of methamphetamine at local hotels in a short period of time, damaging lives while creating a breeding ground for additional crime and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office, working alongside federal and local authorities, will not tolerate this activity; we will pursue federal prosecution when warranted.”
“The sentencing of Brown and his many co-defendants demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.
“We are grateful to see Carlos Brown and his cohorts receive proper justice for their evil deeds. This is one group of individuals who have been stopped from spreading dangerous drugs in our community. Our citizens can appreciate the clear results from the partnership between the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
According to court documents, FBI and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office agents began investigating Brown for distributing methamphetamine at various hotels around the Eisenhower Parkway corridor in Macon in June 2019. As part of the investigation, agents utilized a confidential source (CS) to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine between July and Sept. 2019. A wiretap investigation began in Sept. 2019 and, along with surveillance, confirmed Brown was distributing various quantities of methamphetamine to numerous individuals in the Macon area. The interceptions also revealed that Brown had several sources of methamphetamine supply. 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:
Roderick Chester, 34, of Macon, was convicted by a federal jury following a three-day trial on Wednesday, Aug. 25, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chester is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2022;
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;
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.
High-Volume Heroin Supplier to Middle Georgia Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The primary supplier of a heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon, which funneled up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region in three months, was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for his crime.
Michael Duffy, 43, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Tuesday, Nov. 30, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Michael Duffy richly profited from supplying large quantities of heroin as untold lives in Middle Georgia were ruined by the opioid addiction he was feeding,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “High-volume opioid suppliers and repeat offenders will face the possibility of federal prosecution for their crimes as we work alongside law enforcement to maintain the safety and health of the communities we serve.”
“The significant sentence Duffy received reflects the seriousness associated with distributing heroin throughout our communities in Georgia,” said Alex Santiago, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will spare no resource when it comes to identifying and prosecuting individuals that fuel the opioid epidemic by distributing poison and causing great damage to our citizens.”
The following co-defendants have been sentenced for their crimes:
Chad Bresach, 38, of Eatonton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. Bresach was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in Peach County, Jones County, Putnam County and Houston County Superior Courts to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 3;
Reginald Summerford, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Summerford was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 3;
Terrence Jackson, 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Jackson was sentenced to 52 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 10;
Arthur Anderson, 57, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Anderson was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on June 15;
Courtney Dews, 36, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Dews was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on March 3;
Patrick Dews, 34, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Dews was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on March 3; and,
Kathy Black, 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Black was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on March 3.
According to court documents, federal and local law enforcement began investigating heroin distribution by co-defendant Summerford in Dec. 2017, following the arrest of a heroin dealer in Macon. The wiretap investigation ultimately led to the discovery of Duffy being the source of heroin supply. On a number of occasions, co-defendants Summerford, Black and Patrick Dews would travel to metro-Atlanta to purchase heroin from Duffy, generally 142 grams on each trip – enough heroin to provide more than 1,000 doses. During Dec. 2018 and Jan. 2019, Duffy sold heroin from a “trap house” located in an Atlanta apartment. In early Feb. 2019, Duffy moved into a house in Sandy Springs, and used that residence to sell heroin.
From Dec. 2018 to Feb. 2019, Summerford generally went to Duffy to resupply heroin approximately every four to five days and usually purchased approximately 142 grams on each trip. Those trips were confirmed using interceptions and/or surveillance. On the way back from purchasing heroin from Duffy on Feb. 20, 2019, Summerford’s van was stopped and the heroin was seized. The heroin that was seized at that time was tested at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and was positively identified as heroin weighing 98.47 grams. On Feb. 22, 2019, pursuant to a valid federal search warrant, law enforcement searched Duffy’s Sandy Springs home. During the search, a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol, 9mm and .40 caliber ammunition, a bag containing small drug baggies and a quantity of suspected narcotics were seized. Duffy admitted that he conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute between one and three kilograms of heroin, or enough heroin to provide more than 10,000-30,000 doses, from Dec. 2018 to Feb. 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case.
Macon Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children He Met OnlineRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident convicted of child sexual exploitation for coercing multiple juveniles to send him sexually explicit and pornographic images and videos of themselves was sentenced to serve 18 years in prison for his crimes.
Deon M. Moore, 37, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 216 months in prison to be followed by life on supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today after he previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. In addition, Moore was ordered to pay restitution to one of the victims in the amount of $2,000 and he will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“Deon Moore initiated conversation threads with more than 1,300 Facebook users in an aggressive effort that ultimately led to the sexual exploitation of minors as young as 10-years-old,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to do everything in our power to protect young people from child predators by tracking them down and holding them accountable for their crimes.”
“Moore thought he could hide behind a computer to con and exploit underage girls, but that will not stop the FBI and our partners from pursuing and putting away child predators like him,” said Alex Santiago, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Online predators are unfortunately all too common, and we want to remind the public to be vigilant about who they are interacting with online and encourage children to use privacy settings that restrict access to their online profiles.”
According to court documents, the investigation was begun by the Fairborn, Ohio, Police Department (FOPD) on May 21, 2017, after the agency was contacted by the mother of a 12-year-old female victim, who had been communicating with Moore on Facebook and by text messages. Moore sent nude photos and requested to meet with the victim. Investigators discovered that Moore had changed his Facebook name to “Nathaniel Ellis,” and that he had numerous Facebook friends who appeared to be teenage females. The FBI and FOPD detectives determined that Moore used Facebook to find victims, using the false identities of Sharod King, Nathaniel Ellis, Jazmine Ellis and Sharde Carter. He sometimes represented himself to be a female and between the ages of teens to 30s, depending on the targeted victim. Moore was seeking young, black female girls, and Facebook transcripts indicate that he would ask them their ages. His victims ranged in age from 10 to 16, and he knew they were minors. Moore’s victims were from multiple states, and he would discuss sex in explicit terms with his victims and would request that they send him nude pictures of their breasts and genitalia. To coerce and induce victims to send sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves, Moore would send them explicit pictures and videos.
Investigators discovered that a 10-year-old girl in the fourth grade began communicating with Moore on Facebook in May 2018. Moore represented himself to be a 14-year-old female living in Atlanta, and sent fictitious photos of himself, posing as female. He asked the 10-year-old victim to send pictures, which she did. Moore then asked the child victim for an explicit video, and he sent her a video to demonstrate what he was looking for her to send. The 10-year-old victim then sent him three explicit videos of herself.
During the time and scope of this investigation, Moore began conversation threads with a total of 1,306 individuals on Facebook, engaging 80 people in sustained conversations, 30 of which were juveniles. Four of these juveniles sent child pornography to Moore, and others sent explicit photographs of themselves, such as pictures of their breasts. Almost all of these victims received explicit sexual material from Moore, which he sent to induce, coerce and “educate” them.
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 and the Fairborn, Ohio, Police Department (FOPD).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon prosecuted the case.
Reptile Dealer Pleads Guilty to Illegally Trafficking Vipers, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Florida reptile dealer pleaded guilty to 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.
Ashtyn Michael Rance, 35, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count Lacey Act Trafficking and one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Thursday, Nov. 18. The maximum sentence under the Lacey Act and illegal possession of a firearm charges are five and 10 years of imprisonment, respectively, and a $250,000 fine for each charge. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2022, in Valdosta.
“Trafficking venomous or endangered wildlife through the mail clearly puts the delivery couriers and the public at risk and can harm the boxed animals. Our office will enforce Lacey Act law put in place to protect the public and our nation’s wildlife,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Law enforcement agencies working on Operation Middleman are successfully preventing the illegal smuggling of wildlife out of the United States and protecting our citizens.”
According to court documents, Rance agreed to ship three eastern box turtles and 16 spotted turtles to a customer in Florida from his Valdosta residence, knowing that the ultimate destination was China. Rance received a $3,300 payment for the turtles. On Feb. 22, 2018, Rance shipped the 19 turtles, knowing it was illegal to do so, in a box labeled as “Live Tropical Fish.” Again, on May 10, 2018, Rance agreed to send a package to Florida from Valdosta with a label stating that it contained harmless reptiles and ball pythons when, in reality, Rance shipped 15 Gaboon vipers, which are venomous snakes. The vipers’ ultimate destination was China. On May 11, 2018, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at Rance’s Valdosta home, where they recovered a Bushmaster Carbine .223 caliber rifle and a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. It is illegal for Rance, a convicted felon, to possess a firearm.
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. Rance acknowledged that he possessed and sold the reptiles in violation of Georgia laws. It also is 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. The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is native to central Sub-Saharan Africa. Its venom can cause shock, loss of consciousness or death in humans.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of Operation Middleman.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit of the Middle District of Georgia and U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Ryan Conners of the Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
Indictments Unsealed in Athens-Atlanta FBI Safe Streets InvestigationRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – 13 individuals are federally charged resulting from an ongoing FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation into an organization of alleged drug traffickers and violent offenders in Athens-Clarke County with ties to metro Atlanta. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal search warrants were executed in Athens on Thursday, Nov. 18, resulting from federal indictments unsealed yesterday charging the following individuals:
- Reginald Battle, Sr., 46, of Statham, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Quintavious Clark aka Tre Clark, 28, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and four counts of distribution of cocaine base and cocaine;
- TaMichael Darden aka T-Mike, 40, of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, three counts of distribution of cocaine base and one count of distribution of cocaine;
- Mohamed Elnour, 33, of Atlanta, is charged with one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
- Daquan Faust aka Cocaine, 29, of Athens, is charged with one count each of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of possession of a stolen firearm;
- Marqueze Johnson, 25, of Athens, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base;
- Tevondous Kinney, 29, of Athens, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of cocaine base;
- Corey Mitchell aka Murda, 37, of Athens, is charged with one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine;
- Hendrex Nicely aka Hen, 32, of Athens, is charged with two counts of distribution of heroin;
- Danny Sims aka Danny Boy, 57, of Hull, Georgia, is charged with one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base;
- Miller Sutton, 64, of Winder, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Darren Thrasher, 45, of Athens, is charged with three counts of distribution of cocaine base; and,
- Gregory Wade, Sr., 53, of Athens, is charged with one count of distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine.
Initial appearances for the defendants occurred on Thursday, Nov. 18., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. Their detention hearings were continued until Monday, Nov. 22, in Macon, Georgia, federal court.
Four firearms, 6.9 pounds of marijuana, three ounces of cocaine, 2.3 ounces of heroin and $6,491 were seized during yesterday’s operation in Athens, bringing the total amount of items seized during the course of the investigation in Athens and metro Atlanta to the following (street value estimates of illegal drugs listed):
- 60 firearms
- $1,036,172
- a land mine
- 13.22 kilograms of powder cocaine (Street Value: $412,000)
- 1.32 kilograms of fentanyl (Street Value: $150,000)
- 12.57 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine (Street Value: $84,000)
- 1.39 kilos of crack cocaine (Street Value: $71,750)
- 25.35 lbs. of marijuana (Street Value: $62,500)
- 11.25 ounces of heroin (Street Value: $28,125)
- 198 dosages of controlled pharmaceuticals (Street Value: ($2,970)
- 113 THC cartridges (Street Value: $2,260)
- 81 packets of THC edibles (Street Value: $405)
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 the FBI’s Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, comprised of members from the FBI, the GBI Gang Unit, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) in partnership with the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force, the ACCPD Gang Unit, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (GDOC) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. In addition, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Revenue, the Atlanta Police Department, the Brookhaven Police Department, the DeKalb County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Henry County Police Department, the South Fulton Police Department, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office and the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office are assisting in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
- Reginald Battle, Sr., 46, of Statham, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
Jury Convicts Two-Time Bank RobberRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Lizella, Georgia, resident for bank robbery a week after being released from federal prison for previously robbing a bank.
Wesley Sorrow, 50, of Lizella, Georgia, was convicted of bank robbery following a three-day trial that began on Monday, Nov. 15. Sorrow is facing a maximum 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 1. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Bank robbery is a federal crime that carries serious consequences, of which Wesley Sorrow is well aware,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Repeat offenders and individuals who choose to commit crimes that terrify and destabilize our community will be held accountable.”
“Being in federal prison was apparently not enough of a punishment for Sorrow to learn his lesson because within a week of being released he went right back to his criminal tendencies,” said Chris Macrae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the assistance of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he will receive more time in federal prison where he will be off the streets and unable to terrorize our community.”
“Wesley Sorrow is yet another criminal who will soon learn the certain and lengthy penalties for violating federal level crimes. We can hope the penalty for this conviction will effectively end his 30-year crime career,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
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 June 2009 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, including bank robbery, robbery and forgery.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joy Odom and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.
Georgia Resident Convicted for Distributing Drugs Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Nashville, Georgia, resident today for attempting to distribute methamphetamine through the U.S. Mail.
Darren J. McCormick, 33, was found guilty of one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a three-day trial that began on Monday, Nov. 15, before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. McCormick faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled.
“Darren McCormick’s attempt to receive a significant quantity of methamphetamine through the mail and distribute it into a South Georgia community has been prevented thanks to the efforts of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Repeat drug traffickers who push the deadliest narcotics will be held accountable in the Middle District of Georgia.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a confidential informant (CI) notified law enforcement in early 2020 that McCormick was selling illegal drugs in Berrien County and that he regularly received controlled substances via U.S. Mail with the assistance of other individuals. Under surveillance, the CI picked up a package with suspected controlled substances at a post office and then picked up McCormick on May 7, 2020. McCormick was arrested in possession of 217 grams of methamphetamine discovered in the mailed package. McCormick has a prior federal drug conviction in the Middle District of Georgia.
The case was investigated by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Final Defendant from “Open-Air” Illegal Drug Market Case Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final defendant involved in a high-volume drug trafficking operation pleaded guilty to his crime.
Eddie Houston, 43, of McDonough, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Nov. 15. Houston faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a maximum term of life in prison to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for X. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This conviction ends a lengthy multi-agency investigation which successfully ended a brazen and dangerous stop and shop selling high volumes of the deadliest drugs out in the open,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold the most egregious drug traffickers accountable for their crimes.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our partners to end an epidemic in our society that is killing our citizens,” said Chris Macrae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The fact that this defendant faces a potential life sentence is an example how serious this crime is and a warning to anyone else who is involved in drug trafficking that we will find and prosecute you.”
“These guilty pleas 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.
Middle District of Georgia Public Service Campaign Earns International Recognition for Social ImpactRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Local honorees of an international media award—including a U.S. District Judge, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Executive Director of the Public Defender’s Office serving the Middle District of Georgia—were given the statuettes at a gathering held on Oct. 26 at the U.S. Courthouse in Macon.
“Armed with Knowledge” (AWK), a locally-produced video project aimed at educating young people on the consequences of illegally possessing a gun, was the recipient of two 2021 Telly Awards. Presented by the Peyton Anderson Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia, Inc., AWK earned a Silver for Social Impact and a Bronze for Social Issues. The Telly Awards is a prestigious video and film industry event that recognizes excellence in video and television storytelling. This year, the organization received over 12,000 entries from 50 states and five countries. To learn more about the Telly Awards, please visit tellyawards.com.
“More than 4,800 middle school-aged children in Macon have experienced ‘Armed with Knowledge’ and our hope is that this powerful video and complementary facilitator’s guide will be presented to kids across the Middle District of Georgia and beyond,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Reducing violent crime cannot be achieved by prosecution alone. As a community, we must help young people learn about the real consequences of choosing to pick up a gun so that we can stop violence from happening before it occurs. We are grateful for the support this public service project has received from the Bibb County School System and other youth-based organizations and churches. We are hopeful that more people will come to the table and take advantage of this free program for youth.”
“Armed with Knowledge’s message is not only impacting our local youth audience but is now recognized nationally for its powerful and purposeful message,” said Karen Lambert, president of the Peyton Anderson Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia, Inc., the Bibb County Public Schools and the Macon-Bibb Sheriff’s Office on this imperative social awareness and impact campaign.”
Researched, written and produced locally, AWK addresses the consequences of criminal activity. The video depicts the story of Noah, a preteen youth facing life-altering decisions that lead to illegal possession of a firearm, a federal crime that carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years. Throughout the video, Noah learns hard truths and irreversible consequences through personal points of view from the perpetrator, the victim’s family and the federal court system.
“Representing the indigent accused for more than three decades has given me a front row seat to the devastating consequences young people—especially young men of color—endure when they make what might seem like a small mistake at the time,” said Federal Defender Tina Hunt, Executive Director of Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia, Inc. “My hope is that young people who view ‘Armed with Knowledge’ will make the same courageous choices Noah makes, and that we can even reach young people who have already made bad choices before they make more and suffer the life-long consequences.”
Since the video's debut in 2020, it has been shown to thousands of Georgia youth, including 4,886 middle school students in Bibb County Public Schools. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia implemented AWK as part of its own Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters (S.T.Y.L.E.) youth outreach program and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has committed to utilize the program in its own youth outreach efforts.
The educational video and accompanying facilitator guide—created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the assistance of Georgia teachers and counselors—is suitable for middle school-aged viewers and older, although educators can choose to present the video to older elementary school-aged children, as deemed appropriate.
The video is the brainchild of Peyton Anderson Foundation Trustee Marc Treadwell. Judge Treadwell is a U.S. District Judge, serving in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia since 2010. Filmed entirely in Central Georgia by Big Hair Productions, the video features local actors, as well as Judge Treadwell, Middle District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit and Christina “Tina” Hunt, Executive Director of the Middle District of Georgia Federal Defenders, Inc. It also features a powerful scene with Tonora Jones, the mother of Ta’Shuntis “Tootie” Roberts, who was lost to gun violence in Macon in 2015.
“Credit for these awards belongs to Ms. Jones’ and Tabitha Walker and her production team at Big Hair Productions. It is because of them that young people find Noah’s journey so compelling,” said U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell.
To watch the video, access the printable facilitator’s guide and learn more about the program, please visit ArmedWithKnowledge.org
AWK is the product 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.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to CARES Act PPP FraudRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Georgia man pleaded guilty to money laundering after he filed for PPP loans amounting to more than $2.6 million under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Anthony J. Boncimino, 47, of Sycamore, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands in Valdosta on Nov.8. Boncimino faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2022. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Those who fraudulently capitalized during the global pandemic will be brought to justice for their crimes,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Investigators are working to hold CARES Act fraudsters accountable; our office will pursue federal prosecution when warranted.”
“Greed has no place in SBA’s programs that are intended to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “Fraudsters attempting to gain access to economic stimulus funds will be met with justice. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
"The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the CARES Act," said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. "We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort."
“While businesses were suffering and trying their best to make it through the pandemic, others chose greed. IRS-CI will continue to use its financial expertise to track and recommend prosecution of criminals taking advantage of a crisis,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge IRS-Criminal Investigation.
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 Jim Crane is prosecuting the case.
Violent Career Offender Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A career offender with a violent criminal history was sentenced to serve more than 12 years in federal prison resulting from his arrest for distributing illegal narcotics while carrying a loaded semi-automatic weapon in Macon.
Joseph Ballard, 47, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self on Nov. 4, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. There is no parole in the federal system. Ballard has prior felony convictions for voluntary manslaughter, aggravated stalking, terroristic threats and drug distribution in Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court.
“Ballard has a long and violent criminal history in the Macon community. He is now being held accountable for choosing to illegally carry a loaded semi-automatic weapon while pushing the deadliest narcotics into our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who work around-the-clock with us to ensure the most violent, repeat offenders in the Middle District of Georgia are held responsible for their continued criminal activity.”
According to court documents, Ballard was pulled over for a seatbelt violation while driving in Macon on March 1, 2018 by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). The troopers saw drugs by Ballard’s feet and during a search, found a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition under the driver’s seat, as well as quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, a variety of illegal drugs that Ballard admitted he was going to sell, along with drug paraphernalia and cash.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Georgia Bookkeeper Guilty of Defrauding Small Business Clients of $650k+Read the Press Release
Athens, Ga. – A Bogart, Georgia, bookkeeper pleaded guilty to wire fraud after FBI investigators discovered she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars of her clients’ money to pay for her living expenses and luxury items.
Suzanne Brooks, 42, of Bogart, Georgia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. Brooks faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled.
“These small business owners believed their family companies to be less lucrative, when in fact their trusted bookkeeper was skimming off some of the profit to pay for her lifestyle,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Fraud has a negative ripple effect which too often results in the downfall of a small business, leaving people unemployed and destroying years of effort and hard work. Our office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes and the harm they cause.”
“Brooks violated the trust placed in her by her clients and will now have to pay the price for those actions,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is dedicated to protecting our citizens and will pursue anyone who defrauds innocent victims for their own personal greed.”
According to court documents, Brooks was a bookkeeper from 2013 to 2018 for two individuals who both owned real estate companies in Georgia. Brooks was entrusted with access to paper checks and online banking logon credentials for their businesses at multiple FDIC-insured institutions. Brooks ultimately used business bank accounts to make multiple payments towards personal credit card balances for her and her husband with various credit card companies, without authorization from the victims. Brooks used the money to pay for her living expenses, including utilities for her home, insurance payments, restaurants, first-class travel, online shopping, retail purchases, fine jewelry and to purchase inventory for her side business selling clothing with a multi-level marketing company. When her personal credit cards developed balances, Brooks repeatedly used the victims’ funds to pay off those balances at her discretion and without their authorization. Brooks concealed her theft by falsifying Profit & Loss statements and other files in the accounting software used by the businesses, resulting in both victims believing their businesses to be less profitable than they actually were. Brooks also altered bank statement records and wrote dozens of unauthorized checks to herself. In total, Brooks caused at least $659,106.38 of intended losses to the victims.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman prosecuted the case.
Convicted Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident with a lengthy criminal history, who was convicted by a federal jury this summer of multiple gun and drug distribution charges, was sentenced to prison for his crimes.
Kelvin Henry, 56, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman (Tripp) Self on Nov. 2. Henry was tried and convicted by a federal jury on Aug. 10 of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count possession with intent to distribute Tramadol, one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Kelvin Henry is an armed career criminal who made the choice to perpetuate violence in our community each time he picked up a gun and trafficked narcotics. He is now being held accountable for his continued criminal activities,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Reducing crime and violence in Macon and across the Middle District of Georgia is an on-going, community-wide effort of highest importance. This office will do our part by bringing repeat offenders to justice.”
“This menacing poly-drug trafficker, who happens to be a career criminal, was nabbed because of the great working relationship that DEA has with its federal, state and local counterparts and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Mr. Henry will now spend well-deserved time in prison for the crimes he committed and his apprehension makes our communities a safer place today.”
“We are grateful that a career of criminal behavior spanning over thirty years has culminated in this significant prison sentence. This sends a message that engaging in long-term malicious criminal activity has its consequences. Thanks to the investigators and prosecutors who worked tirelessly as a team to remove Kelvin Henry and his dangerous ways from our community for a long time to come,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a confidential source (CS) informed agents in Jan. 2019 that Henry was selling crystal methamphetamine, heroin and other illegal drugs for the past eight years from his Macon residence. Following an investigation, a search warrant was issued, and law enforcement searched Henry’s property on March 7, 2019, recovering a semi-automatic pistol, bundles of cash, and more than a kilogram of drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin and Tramadol. Henry is considered an armed career criminal due to his lengthy criminal record, which includes seven felony convictions, among them convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Peach County.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Keyes and Paul McCommon prosecuted the case.
Indiana Man Sentenced for Trafficking 1,436 Grams of Meth, Arrested During I-75 Traffic StopRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – An Indiana man was sentenced to federal prison after Butts County, Georgia, deputies arrested him transporting bundles of methamphetamine northbound from Florida.
Ryan Tracey Yates, 46, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self today after previously entering a guilty plea for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Those caught moving large quantities of methamphetamine through Georgia are committing a federal crime that will be prosecuted in the Middle District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The good work by the Butts County deputies and K-9 unit prevented a large quantity of methamphetamine from entering the Indianapolis community, likely saving lives.”
“I want to commend my deputies on a job well done and also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI and GBI for their assistance in this case. I hope this sentence sends a strong message to all drug traffickers that our citizens and law enforcement do not want your poison in our community and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate it—you will be held accountable,” said Butts County Sheriff Gary Long.
According to court documents, a Butts County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a vehicle traveling northbound on I-75 driven by Yates for erratic driving. The deputy detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside the car. The deputy’s K-9 gave a positive alert to the vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered a UPS bag containing three large bundles of methamphetamine, totaling 1436.81 grams. Yates admitted that he was transporting methamphetamine from Florida to Indianapolis.
The Butts County Sheriff’s Office, GBI and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim prosecuted the case.
Infectious Disease Clinic Agrees to Pay $325k to Resolve Fraud ClaimsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A civil settlement has been reached with Infectious Disease Consultants of Georgia (IDC), an infusion clinic with six out-patient locations in the greater Atlanta area.
IDC agreed to pay $325,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting bills to the Medicare program for infusion services provided by unlicensed or otherwise unapproved individuals. The settlement marks the end of a years-long investigation into IDC’s billing practices that began with a qui tam case filed in the Middle District of Georgia.
“We are committed to protecting the public trust and will carefully investigate allegations of fraud in pursuit of this mission,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their work investigating these allegations, and also want to thank IDC for cooperating fully during the investigation and resolution of these claims.”
“To ensure patients receive quality care and taxpayer-funded federal healthcare programs are properly billed, Medicare only pays for medical services provided by licensed, credentialed and approved professionals. Therefore, we will continue to investigate allegations of unapproved providers billing federal healthcare programs,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We are proud to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office staff to investigate this case and also acknowledge IDC for fully cooperating during the investigation and resolution of this matter.”
Federal health care programs, such as Medicare, allow infusion services to be provided and billed only when they are provided by certain licensed and approved providers. The alleged scheme in this case concerned IDC’s submission of claims to Medicare for infusion services improperly rendered by unlicensed or otherwise unapproved individuals. IDC fully cooperated during the investigation, after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations described herein. The claims covered by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Shawn McAleer of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General and Investigator Shaketia Morgan, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The Government’s civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bowen Reichert Shoemaker.
Georgia Couple Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Georgia couple has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.
Jayson E. Wright, 35, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Louis S. Sands on Oct. 28. Co-defendant Kara Wright, 32, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty before Judge Sands to one count of production of child pornography on June 10. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years up to a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment to be followed by no less than five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on each count. In addition, both defendants will have to register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24.
“Jayson Wright and his wife committed heinous and unthinkable acts upon innocent children and did so repeatedly over a number of years. We will seek a sentence commensurate with the egregious conduct involved in this case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold Jayson and Kara Wright--along with all child predators--fully accountable for exploiting and victimizing the most vulnerable.”
“Wright will now answer for his years-long pattern of abuse and exploitation thanks to great work by HSI and its law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama.
“This case is another example demonstrating the success of the close working relationship between the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the federal agencies that allow us to take really bad people off the streets. To the victims in this case—I hope that knowing that people do care and will work for justice will help bring them some peace of mind,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
According to court documents, Jayson and Kara Wright exploited and manipulated children to engage in sexually explicit acts which were filmed or photographed. Information gathered during the investigation uncovered that Jayson Wright was involved in the Valdosta area Boy Scouts of America from Aug. 2015 until Aug. 2020. Parents and guardians of children whose children may have come into contact with Jayson or Kara Wright are encouraged to contact the following hotlines to share any concerns related to this investigation:
Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Investigations Division: (229) 671-2950
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 (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales is prosecuting the case with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim.
Seven Defendants Sentenced Resulting from Drug and Firearm Trafficking Investigation at MotelsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Seven defendants guilty of various crimes related to a multi-agency drug and firearms investigation at several Southwest Georgia motels were sentenced for their crimes this week in federal court.
The following defendants were sentenced today:
Robert Scott Kennedy aka Robbie, 37, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he was convicted by a federal jury on June 30, of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Emanuel Cobb aka Fresh, 37, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 140 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine; and,
Joshua Walls, 36, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a machine gun.
The following defendants were sentenced on Wed., Oct. 27:
Donald Hammock, 57, of Shellman, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 182 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Daniel Landon Knight, 30, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and attempt to escape from custody;
Haley Roberts, 33, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 77 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and,
Cody Harman, 36, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
All sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner in Albany, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The people involved in this crime ring are now held accountable for trafficking very dangerous weapons and illegal drugs into our region,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local law enforcement officers successfully ended this criminal organization and are continuing the work daily to curb violence and crime in Southwest Georgia and across the Middle District of Georgia.”
“These sentences wrap up a combined effort by local, state and federal law enforcement partners to remove a double-edged threat of drugs and guns circulating in the Albany community,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The results of this diligent investigation send a message to criminals that their life choices have very serious consequences.”
“Illegal guns and drugs have no place in Georgia. They are a danger to the community and breed fear amongst hardworking citizens. We value our partnership with federal and local agencies to work these cases that lead to successful prosecutions,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents, from Jan. 2020 through Aug. 2020, law enforcement agents investigated methamphetamine and heroin distribution activities of the defendants at six motels in Albany. In the course of this investigation, agents learned that not only were the members of the group regularly dealing in controlled substances but were also often in possession of or selling firearms. Further, they learned that some of the firearms were fully automatic and in the process of being converted to fully automatic or otherwise altered.
Harman, Walls and Cobb admitted their involvement in drug sales and Walls admitted that he sold a rifle equipped with a bump stock and a 30-round magazine, which falls under the category of machine gun under federal law. Such firearms allow a shooter to initiate a continuous firing cycle with a single pull of the trigger.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies took Knight into custody on a state probation warrant violation on July 15, 2020. Knight was previously convicted in Lee County Superior Court in April 2014 of a four-count felony and sentenced to serve 12 years in jail; he was on probation at the time of his arrest. From jail, Knight was recorded giving Roberts instructions to relocate “bangers” which agents believed to be code for firearms. On July 20, 2020, law enforcement officers arrested Roberts on a state probation warrant violation. Roberts was previously convicted in Lee County Superior Court in April 2017 of a three-count felony violation and was on probation at the time of her arrest. During a search of a motel room she was staying in, officers found 12 firearms, including five AK-15 style rifles without any visible make, model or serial number markings. Further investigation revealed that Walls had assisted Roberts in moving the firearms from Florida to Albany.
On July 25, 2020, a Randolph County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on routine patrol and observed a vehicle driven by Hammock crossing the center line and entering the oncoming lane of traffic. During the stop for suspected DUI, the deputy found quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, pills, stolen property and two firearms including a loaded handgun and a shortened barrel shotgun. Hammock admitted that he was a felon and knew that he could not have guns. He said he had purchased the firearms from Walls.
Kennedy was taken into custody on Aug. 21, 2020, for multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Kennedy was found in possession of a .40 caliber Glock 23 pistol and a distribution amount of heroin. Kennedy also swallowed a quantity of heroin and required medical attention at the scene. Kennedy has a significant criminal history including felony convictions for burglary, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and obstruction of an officer.
This case was 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 FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, GBI, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Randolph County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Bibb County to Receive Ballistics Tank to Test Fire Guns Recovered from Crime ScenesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has been approved to purchase a ballistics tank using money from a Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhood’s (PSN) grant.
Ballistics tanks are specially designed tanks into which law enforcement can test fire guns recovered from crime scenes. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) will use a $84,640 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant to purchase a ballistics tank, provide training, purchase supplies and other related needs. Currently, investigators send evidence to an off-site and remote location to test weapons. The addition of the ballistics tank will allow investigators to fire high powered rifle rounds at a secure local police facility. The ballistics tank will also integrate into local law enforcement’s usage of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
“Having strong evidence is critical to ensuring that justice is served fairly and effectively. I am confident that adding the ballistics tank will help investigators and prosecutors as they work to solve some of the most violent gun crimes in our region,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Enhancing the tools and technology used to combat violent crime is a critical component of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program.”
“This ballistics tank will be a significant addition to our evidence gathering abilities. It will be an essential tool to our NIBIN investigators in gathering ballistic evidence to link firearms to violent incidents in our area. We are very grateful to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program for providing funding for this important evidence gathering tool,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
BCSO is part of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). The ballistics technology necessary for BCSO to join NIBIN was funded with a $200,000 PSN grant in 2017. NIBIN, run by the ATF, is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in the United States, making it possible for local law enforcement to search against evidence from across the country, improving the outcomes of criminal investigations. The NIBIN technology is considered a valuable tool by law enforcement in the effort to reduce gun crimes across the Middle District.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
Southwest Georgian Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Operating High-Volume Open Air Illegal Drug “Market”Read the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The leader of a high-volume illegal drug trafficking operation located in a southwest Georgia city was sentenced to federal prison.
Sherrod Winchester, 39, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Wednesday, October 20, by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Sherrod Winchester’s sentencing concludes a lengthy investigation into a stop and shop serving dozens of addicts daily who could easily access methamphetamine, heroin and diverted pharmaceuticals. Winchester’s prolific operation caused community-wide harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local investigators successfully held Winchester and his co-defendants accountable for their brazen crime and prevented further harm to a neighborhood, users and their families.”
“Because of the results of this case the communities in southwest Georgia will be significantly safer," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The lengthy sentence received by Winchester serves as an example of the FBI and our law enforcement partners commitment to end the opioid crisis and severely punish anyone involved in contributing to it."
“Drug traffickers are a menace to society, which holds true for a prolific poly-drug trafficker like Mr. Winchester,” said DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy. “He attempted to elude justice, but because of the perseverance and tenacity of all law enforcement agencies involved, he was ultimately apprehended. He, and his co-defendants, will now spend well-deserved time in prison.”
“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.
“Here is another example of how we can utilize local, state and federal resources to address the challenges of drug dealing within our community. These persons continued to disregard the quality of life in their neighborhood by breaking laws meant to protect people from hurt, harm and danger. The victims of these crimes need comprehensive substance abuse treatment and a long-term recovery program. More people may look for a profitable return on drug dealing, but we want them to understand the consequences that come with it,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley.
The following co-defendants have been sentenced:
James Malone, 51, of Albany, 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;
Laura Ann Dungee-Ali, 49, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises;
William Raymond Cook, 46, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone;
Shannon Marie Mason, 39, of Leesburg, Georgia, 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;
Anthony Dewayne Pearson, 42, of Sylvester, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone; and,
Patricia Odom, 50, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in 2019, Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit (ADDU) detectives identified defendants Malone and Winchester as significant distributors of methamphetamine and heroin. As a result, GBI, DEA and FBI initiated a joint investigation into the distribution of controlled substances at 520 9th Avenue, Albany, Georgia. The location was an open-air drug market run by Malone and Winchester, dispensing diverted pharmaceutical medications, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances. On a daily basis, the location maintained a large volume of foot and vehicle traffic, approximately twenty cars or more, with the visits lasting no more than a few minutes. Customers would approach a covered shelter to acquire illegal drugs, in a manner similar to a drive-thru window at a fast-food restaurant. Confidential sources were recorded making purchases of these illegal drugs from several of the co-defendants. Co-defendant Mason admitted to transporting large quantities of illegal substances at the behest of Winchester. Mason was taken into custody with more than a kilo of cocaine and more than a kilo of crystal methamphetamine in her vehicle. More than $40,000 in drug proceeds were seized from Malone’s residence. The drug house operated almost continuously from 2015 until late 2020 or early 2021.
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, GBI and the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to Statutory Maximum Resulting from PSN InvestigationRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, the statutory maximum under federal sentencing guidelines.
Charleston Magee, aka Chopp, 33, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Oct. 20, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons caught illegally possessing a firearm will face serious consequences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Repeat offenders who continually break the law will be held accountable for their crimes. I want to thank the Columbus Police Department and the ATF for their work on this case.”
“Convicted felons have no business possessing firearms,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “The citizens of Columbus are safer now that Mr. Magee will spend the next ten years of his life in federal prison.”
“I am pleased with the outcome of this case and I am thankful for our partnership with the ATF. We will continue to work together to make gun cases on those who possess them illegally. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in Columbus, Georgia,” said Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon.
According to court documents, the Special Operations Unit of the Columbus Police Department (CPD) met with a confidential informant (CI) in August 2019 about an individual known as “Chopp” who was distributing illegal drugs in the community. Under surveillance, the CI purchased illegal drugs from Magee in August and September 2019. Officers executing a search warrant at Magee’s residence on September 16, 2019, found quantities of methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine in baggies, a Glock 19 handgun with a large-capacity extended magazine containing six rounds of live ammunition, a .22 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, an extended pistol magazine and $3,000 in cash. Magee was previously convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court. 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 Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Air Force Airman Pleads Guilty to Impersonating FBI, OSI AgentsRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former Air Force Airman pleaded guilty to two counts of impersonating an officer after he pretended to be a federal agent at various times, including making a traffic stop, offering to solve a crime, and appearing at crime scene investigations armed while claiming to be an agent.
Marlon De’Adrain Priest, 23, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty to two counts impersonating an officer and an employee of the United States before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, October 19. Priest faces a maximum three years in prison to be followed by one years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine per count. Sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2022.
“Marlon Priest created a false appearance of authority and power to scam and intimidate his victims. Impersonating a federal agent is a serious crime that will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend the real investigators who brought Priest to justice and who work hard every day to make Middle Georgia a safer place.”
“Impersonating a federal officer for any reason puts the public and law enforcement officers at risk, especially when a firearm is used,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is committed to keeping the public safe from scam artists like Priest, who undermine legitimate police encounters that happen every day.”
According to court documents, an agent with Moody Air Force Base (MAFB) Office of Special Investigations (OSI) contacted the FBI in September 2020 regarding Priest, a former Air Force Airman, who was impersonating an OSI Agent in the Valdosta area. The Remerton Police Department (RPD) had reported to MAFB OSI that Priest had appeared at crime scenes on multiple occasions representing himself as an OSI agent and even arrived at one crime scene carrying an AR-15 rifle and wearing a bullet proof vest. The white sedan Priest was driving had police lights. RPD had recordings of Priest at crime scenes impersonating a federal officer. Priest had been discharged from the Air Force in Feb. 2019, for misuse of a military credit card.
In addition, Priest made a traffic stop on April 9, 2020, identifying himself as an undercover federal agent at Moody Air Force Base. The victim driving the car told authorities that Priest was armed, was wearing a bullet proof vest and that Priest’s vehicle had police lights with a public announcement (PA) system to give the victim orders during the incident. Priest called the stop in to 911, reporting himself as an undercover MAFB agent. Bodycam footage from the scene showed Priest was armed.
In October 2020, Priest impersonated an FBI agent, telling a fraud victim that Priest was an FBI agent who could help her start a case if she paid him $85. The victim gave him $85 and days later Priest accused the victim of lying to him about the case and threatened to press charges against her for her “criminal intent and fraudulent misconduct.” Priest told the victim that she had made false statements, and that he put his name on the line and gave her a discount with the courts to open the case. Priest then told the victim he had to pay a $150 fine and threatened the victim that warrants were going to be taken out for her. The victim paid Priest the $150 demand.
This case was investigated by FBI, Lowndes County Sherriff’s Office and Remerton Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case.
Disbarred Columbus Lawyer Sentenced to Prison, Ordered to Pay $1.6 Million in Restitution in Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A former Columbus-based attorney was sentenced to federal prison and was ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution for mail fraud after a U.S. Secret Service investigation revealed he had stolen a settlement fee from two clients in a personal injury case.
George W. Snipes, 68, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Clay Land after he previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud. In addition, Judge Land ordered Snipes to pay $1,638,000 in restitution to the victims. There is no parole in the federal system.
“George Snipes violated his sworn oath as a lawyer and committed a federal crime when he made the choice to divert money intended for his injured clients into his own pocket,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will hold individuals who lie and defraud people accountable for their crimes.”
“The United States Secret Service along with its law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively investigative those responsible for defrauding victims the way Snipes did. Not only did he violate the trust of his clients but the oath he swore to uphold as an attorney,” said Clint Bush, United States Secret Service, Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia, Resident Office.
According to court documents, Snipes was a licensed attorney in Georgia, representing clients in personal injury cases. Two clients, injured in an automobile accident in August 2017, retained Snipes to represent them on a contingency fee basis in connection with their injuries and wages lost as a result of the accident. In September 2017, without the clients’ authorization or knowledge, Snipes settled the case with an insurance company for $48,000, and the settlement checks were sent to Snipes per his request. Snipes used the money for his own personal benefit. Snipes now admits he willfully participated in a scheme to defraud and obtain money by materially false pretenses by placing in an authorized depository for mail a request for funds for the payment of the two clients’ medical expenses and lost wages, knowing that the expenses would not be paid to the intended recipients.
In addition, records obtained from Snipes’ Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (“IOLTA”) from the same general period show a pattern of illegal distributions to Snipes. Essentially, all attorneys are required to maintain IOLTA accounts that accumulate interest until such time as distributions are made to clients or otherwise authorized recipients. Attorneys are not permitted to withdraw funds from these accounts without consulting with and gaining permission from their clients. From at least January 2017 to January 2018, there were numerous unauthorized distributions from this IOLTA account, including personal distributions to Snipes, payments to a rental company he owned, distributions to Parent-Teacher Associations and storage facilities. During this same time period, withdrawals from the IOLTA account made to “cash” totaled $468,750. There were also numerous checks written to Snipes totaling $167,600.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin Hyde prosecuted the case.
Columbus Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum in Stolen Gun CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident who nearly ran over arresting police officers, leading them on a short chase before crashing his car into a tree, was sentenced to federal prison for possessing a stolen firearm.
Brian Doswell, 26, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after he pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant put himself, police officers and bystanders in significant danger when he attempted to outrun law enforcement—notwithstanding the fact that he was a wanted person in possession of an illegal semi-automatic weapon,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold criminals accountable and do what we can to decrease instances of violent crime and havoc in Columbus.”
“Project Safe Neighborhoods continues to be a cornerstone of ATF’s strategy to fight violent crime,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “By partnering with local law enforcement, we can remove violent criminals who have no respect for the law and support the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives daily to keep our community safe.”
“I am pleased with the successful prosecution of this case, and I really appreciate the dedicated work of our officers and the ATF. We will continue our partnership as we work to make Columbus a safe place,” said Chief Freddie Blackmon, Columbus Police Department.
According to court documents, Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers were patrolling the area of River Rd. and 50th St. in Columbus on Aug. 11, 2020, when they observed a vehicle driven by Doswell make an improper left turn. Officers were aware that Doswell had fled from police the day before and was involved in drug trafficking. Given the flight risk, an officer activated emergency lights and positioned his patrol car in front of the car driven by Doswell to prevent Doswell from fleeing. Additional CPD officers then approached the car. Doswell rolled up his window, drove his car forward almost striking the officers, then reversed his vehicle striking the car behind him. He then fled, and a car chase ensued. A short while later, Doswell lost control and crashed into a tree. Doswell was taken into custody. Officers spotted a 9mm pistol on the driver's side floorboard in plain view and a clear bag containing suspected drugs. A search of the vehicle uncovered a semi-automatic pistol in the arm rest and a semi-automatic rifle in the back seat. In addition, quantities of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia including a digital scale and clear baggies were found. Doswell knew that the semi-automatic pistol in his possession was stolen.
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) and the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government
Former Georgia Middle School Teacher Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A former Oconee County, Georgia, middle school teacher was sentenced to federal prison today after he pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
Ira New, III, 56, of Watkinsville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal after previously pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. In addition, New will have to register for life as a sex offender upon release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Ira New was entrusted with the care and safety of middle school students at a time when he was actively victimizing children by possessing pornography of kids in the same age group. Every time an image of child pornography is viewed, the demented business of sexually exploiting innocent children only grows stronger. New—and predators like him—will be held accountable for their crimes against children in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Protecting children is among the highest priorities for our office and our law enforcement partners.”
“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 Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) received a cyber tip from Yahoo investigators in Aug. 2019 regarding approximately 27 images of children at nudist colonies. Yahoo determined that the account belonged to New, who was an eighth-grade teacher at the time, and the cyber tip was escalated to the GBI. GBI discovered New taught at Malcolm Bridge Middle School in Watkinsville and had recently self-reported to the school administration for displaying an image of a topless female to his class. Subsequently, New resigned from his teaching position at Oconee County Schools and consented to a Professional Standards Commission sanction of reprimand regarding his teaching certificate.
The GBI conducted a knock and talk at his home on Sept. 5, 2019. New consented to allow forensic agents to view his phone, and they found it contained child pornography. A supplemental forensic review revealed New’s phone contained approximately 94 images of child pornography, including images of 12 to 14-year-old girls. When asked when he started to take an interest in children, New responded that it had been in the “past couple of years.” New also stated that he never sent the photographs to anyone, but he emailed the photographs to himself.
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 Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case.
Georgian Pleads Guilty to Child Porn DistributionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former truck driver and Georgia resident has pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography.
Stanley Joseph Weaver, 60, formerly of McDonough (Henry County), Georgia, and currently of Jackson (Butts County), Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on Oct. 6. Weaver faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, no less than five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and registration as a sex offender upon release from prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022.
“Stanley Weaver distributed hundreds of thousands of images of child pornography, fully immersed in an online world which feeds off the pain and suffering of innocent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold Weaver, and other child predators, accountable for their criminal roles exploiting and victimizing children.”
"A child is victimized every single time pornographic images of that child are shared, and in this case, it was hundreds of thousands of times," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "That's why the FBI makes it a high priority to remove predators like Weaver from our everyday society, unable to inflict any more pain and suffering on innocent children."
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. Weaver shared a total of 342,756 files (524.8 GB) of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, sadomasochism, infants and toddlers 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 are prosecuting the case.
45-Count Indictment Unsealed Charging 18 Individuals with Drug, Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia has brought federal charges against 18 individuals as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) on-going investigation into alleged drug trafficking in Southwest Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
A federal grand jury returned a sealed, 45-count indictment on Sept. 16 alleging violations of drug conspiracy, drug distribution, drug possession with the intent to distribute, firearm possession by convicted felons and firearm possession during the commission of drug crimes. The indictment was unsealed on Monday, Oct. 4.
Juanjava Boggerty, 47, of Tifton, Georgia, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Five counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Bradrick Boston, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Two counts of distribution of cocaine base. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- Two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Rafon Carithers, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- Two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release for each count.
Jehmeil Carmichael, 34, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Clenton Davis, 32, of Ashburn, Georgia is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
Keilaysha Dixon, 22, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
Vontesha Dixon, 30, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Brian Foster, 29, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm made in violation of the national firearms act. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Dante Hille, 27, of Ashburn, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Darrell Mack, 32, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
McKevor Mulkey, 31, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- Six counts of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Dmya Norris, 24, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
Tevin Parker, 27, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Rishaun Richardson, 25, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a fine of $2 million, or both, and at least six years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a fine of $2 million, or both, and at least six years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Courtney Taylor, 38, of Tifton, Georgia is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20 million, or both, and at least ten years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release.
Jala Taylor, 23, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment, a fine of $5 million, or both, and at least four years of supervised release.
Keyuntran Taylor, 21, of Ashburn, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
Damarius Williams, 24, of Tifton, is charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10 million, or both, and at least five years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1 million, or both, and at least three years of supervised release.
- One count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to five years of supervised release.
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 an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Tifton Police Department, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Leah McEwen are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Felon Pleads Guilty for Violating Federal Firearm Law, Second PSN ConvictionRead the Press Release
Felon Pleads Guilty for Violating Federal Firearm Law, Second PSN Conviction
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm for the second time.
Jovan Floyd, 39, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Floyd faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 8, 2022. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a gun, let alone after previously being convicted of the same crime, like Jovan Floyd,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Repeat and violent offenders will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“Denying criminals access to firearms is one of ATF’s top priorities” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin P. Gibbons. “This investigation and conviction is the result of our partnership with the Columbus Police Department and should serve as a warning that the criminal possession and use of firearms will not be tolerated.”
According to court documents, a Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer responded to a report on March 13, 2021, alleging assault at an apartment located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The victim told officers she and Floyd had been fighting all day. The victim and Floyd both stated they did not want to press charges and both signed waivers of prosecution. Officers left the scene but were called back one hour later in reference to a man with a weapon. Officers found Floyd sitting inside a vehicle and in plain view on the front passenger seat was a 12-gauge shotgun. At the time of his arrest, Floyd was serving federal supervised release for a prior conviction for illegally possessing a firearm in the Middle District of Georgia. Floyd has numerous prior convictions.
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) and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Co-defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison Resulting from Eisenhower Parkway Corridor Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Four co-defendants found guilty on various methamphetamine distribution charges were sentenced to prison this week as a result of an investigation centered on drug trafficking in and around motels located in the Eisenhower Parkway corridor of Macon, Georgia. As a result of the full investigation into this methamphetamine trafficking organization, agents seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Cartney Pitts aka Blue, 37, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Shauna Bush aka Brittany, 26, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine; Stephanie Davis, 32, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and Lori Harrell, 34, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison to run consecutively to sentences imposed in two Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court cases plus three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The federal penalty is steep for individuals—especially repeat offenders—who traffic large quantities of methamphetamine in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Preventing the flow of methamphetamine into our region and holding high-volume drug traffickers accountable for their crimes is a priority for our law enforcement partners, who are working around the clock to protect citizens.”
“The sentencing of these four co-defendants removes them from the streets of the Macon community thereby reducing the threat of violence and destruction their drug trafficking posed,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to protect our citizens from such predators.”
The following co-defendants been convicted and have been sentenced for their crimes or are awaiting sentencing in this case:
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;
Rodney Morris, Sr., 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison;
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;
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;
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 the sentence imposed in an unrelated case;
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;
Melvin Cason, 32, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve three years of probation;
Roderick Chester, 34, of Macon, was convicted by a federal jury following a three-day trial on Wednesday, Aug. 25, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chester is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 30;
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 for the gun charge is facing a minimum of five years, up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence and a maximum of four years in prison for the use of communication facility charge. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3;
Troy Faulks, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 30;
Carlos Brown aka Lo, 32, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 30;
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 is facing a maximum four years in prison per count. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3;
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. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3;
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; and,
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 is facing a maximum of four years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the sentencing hearings.
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.
Cattle Broker Sentenced to Prison for Wire Fraud, Ordered to Pay $2.1 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Georgia cattle broker was sentenced to prison and was ordered to pay millions in restitution after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a scheme defrauding an investor of $2.1 million.
Collis Robert Todd, aka C. Robert Todd, aka Collis Todd, aka Robert Todd, aka Robert C. Todd, 65, of Jesup, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Wednesday, Sept. 29, after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud. In addition, Todd was ordered to pay $2,137,000 in restitution to the victim. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will always seek to hold investment predators accountable for their criminal actions, ” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing everything in our power to protect individuals and businesses from fraud and harm.”
“Todd is paying the price for deceiving an investor into believing his money would make legitimate profits instead of going directly into Todd’s pockets,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It is a warning to investors to be very careful where they entrust their money and a warning to investment predators that the FBI is committed to uncovering fraud no matter how clever they think their schemes are.”
Todd worked as a cattle and corn broker from 2008 through 2017. During that time, Todd entered into an agreement with an investor who supplied the money used to execute deals negotiated and conducted by Todd. The general understanding was that profits would be split evenly. Todd did not invest the money as promised in certain deals, instead using it for his own purposes. Todd sometimes sent money back to the investor representing the amount to be profit, which was not true. This was done to disguise Todd’s theft and to keep the investor investing in current and future deals. Todd’s deceit continued when he made a phone call on Nov. 6, 2016, to the investor’s business manager, claiming he would sell cows and calves he previously purchased on behalf of the investor, with the investor’s money, as part of the “Big Cow” deal and transmit the proceeds to the investor. In fact, the cows and calves did not exist. The investor lost $2,137,000 in the scheme.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon prosecuted the case.
Convicted Dog-Fighter, Co-Defendants, Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violations of the Animal Welfare ActRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The last four of 12 defendants convicted on federal dog fighting charges were sentenced to federal prison on Friday.
Leslie Meyers aka Les, 45, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to serve a total of 123 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act and unlawful possession of a handgun by a person with a prior felony conviction. Kizzy Solomon aka Kizzy Andrews, 44, of Camilla, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison after a federal jury convicted her on Tuesday, June 22, of 15-counts of aiding and abetting the possession and training of dogs for purposes of an animal fighting venture. Orlando Johnson aka OJ and Juiceman, 35, of Americus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act. Kevin Charles aka Trinidad, 45, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act.
The following co-defendants were sentenced to prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act:
Kentre Gibson aka Gipp, 40, of Douglas, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on July 21;
Terry Driggers, 71, of Hoboken, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 17 months in prison to be followed by two years of probation on July 22;
Maurice Glover, 48, of Douglas, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on July 22;
Starlin Morgan, 39, of Plains, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 11 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on July 21; and,
Timothy White, 51, of Patterson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 11 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on July 21.
The following co-defendants were sentenced after pleading guilty to attending an animal fighting venture (misdemeanor):
Germany Brockington aka Rat and Gator, 34, of Ambrose, Georgia, was sentenced to serve seven months in prison consecutive to his current prison sentence on Aug. 17;
Alonza Jordan, 48, of Americus, Georgia was sentenced to serve three months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on July 21; and,
Shadon Johnson, 37, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, was sentenced to serve two years of probation on July 21.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner presided over the sentencing hearings. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, this case was based largely on a “two-card” dog fight in Sumter County, Georgia, that was disrupted by law enforcement while in progress on Jan. 21, 2017. According to court documents, Defendant Meyers traveled to the event from Florida with a dog, which he pitted in a fight against a dog handled by Defendant White. Meyers was in illegal possession of a pistol at the time of the fight.
Meyers’s dog was declared the winner of the dog fight but refused to complete a “courtesy scratch” – a macabre dog fighting ritual in which a dog who has already won is taken back to a corner of the ring and released one final time to attack the losing dog (or its dead body). The dog’s continuing “gameness” or willingness to attack garners extra prestige for the handler. After Meyers’s dog refused to complete the courtesy scratch, Meyers suffocated the dog to death by hanging him from a tree branch. Law enforcement found this dog’s body under the bumper of Meyers’s car. Authorities also came upon two other live dogs in the middle of a fight, one of which had extensive injuries and had to be euthanized. After most participants fled the scene, agents recovered several firearms and approximately $18,000 in U.S. currency.
Search warrants executed later at the residences of some of the defendants revealed dozens of pit bull-type dogs housed in conditions consistent with dog fighting. Many of these dogs were emaciated and/or had scarring or injuries. Authorities also seized dog fighting equipment, including injectable veterinary steroids and a dog treadmill on which various dogs’ fighting histories, including whether they had perished during dog fights, was printed.
“Dog-fighting is vicious and illegal; it is also a breeding ground for other dangerous criminal activity that undermines the safety of our communities. Our office will not tolerate dog-fighting; we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable with federal prosecution,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
“The injuries that dogs suffer in fights are horrible enough, but this case shows how the cruelty of the dog fighting industry goes far beyond the fighting pit,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who engage in these crimes.”
“The cruelty exhibited by these individuals has left a stain on the human psyche of our civilization,” said Jason Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. “This collaborative effort with our local and federal partners demonstrates that wherever you are, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Decatur County Animal Control.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy prosecuted the case.
Macon Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation in Social Media Child Pornography InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident has pleaded guilty to child sexual exploitation after investigators discovered multiple juvenile victims across the country ranging in age from 10-years-old to 16-years-old who he contacted on social media, coercing them to send him sexually explicit and pornographic images and videos.
Deon M. Moore, 37, of Macon, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Moore is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by not less than five years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. In addition, Moore will have to pay restitution ordered by the Court to any victim listed in the indictment and to a list of 14 additional victims to be filed under seal with the court. Moore will also register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
“Deon Moore aggressively sought young victims online, intent on manipulating and deceiving them to fulfill his sick desires,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “A dangerous child predator is no longer able to harm the children he was targeting on social media thanks to the investigators who unraveled his web of lies. Our office will pursue the full measure of justice against adults who seek to harm the most vulnerable people in our society.”
“Predators like Moore are another example for parents to keep a close eye on their children’s activity on-line and on their phones,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to one mother who called police, a vast web of child exploitation was uncovered and now Moore will be held accountable for his abhorrent behavior.”
According to court documents, the investigation was begun by the Fairborn, Ohio, Police Department (FOPD) on May 21, 2017, after the agency was contacted by the mother of a 12-year-old female victim, who had been communicating with Moore on Facebook and by text messages. Moore sent nude photos and requested to meet with the victim. Investigators discovered that Moore had changed his Facebook name to “Nathaniel Ellis,” and that he had numerous Facebook friends who appeared to be teenage females. The FBI and FOPD detectives determined that Moore used Facebook to find victims, using the false identities of Sharod King, Nathaniel Ellis, Jazmine Ellis and Sharde Carter. He sometimes represented himself to be a female and between the ages of teens to 30s, depending on the targeted victim. Moore was seeking young, black female girls, and Facebook transcripts indicate that he would ask them their ages. His victims ranged in age from 10 to 16, and he knew they were minors. Moore’s victims were from multiple states, and he would discuss sex in explicit terms with his victims and would request that they send him nude pictures of their breasts and genitalia. To coerce and induce victims to send sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves, Moore would send them explicit pictures and videos.
Investigators discovered that a 10-year-old girl in the fourth grade began communicating with Moore on Facebook in May 2018. Moore represented himself to be a 14-year-old female living in Atlanta, and sent fictitious photos of himself, posing as female. He asked the 10-year-old victim to send pictures, which she did. Moore then asked the child victim for an explicit video, and he sent her a video to demonstrate what he was looking for her to send. The 10-year-old victim then sent him three explicit videos of herself.
During the time and scope of this investigation, Moore began conversation threads with a total of 1,306 individuals on Facebook, engaging 80 people in sustained conversations, 30 of which were juveniles. Four of these juveniles sent child pornography to Moore, and others sent explicit photographs of themselves, such as pictures of their breasts. Almost all of these victim received explicit sexual material from Moore, which he sent to induce, coerce and “educate” them.
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 and the Fairborn, Ohio, Police Department (FOPD).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon is prosecuting the case.
“Trainer to the Trainers” Pleads Guilty as a Result of Multi-State Dog Fighting, Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A well-known dog-fighting trainer and breeder has pleaded guilty to a federal animal fighting charge as the result of an ongoing investigation into a significant multi-state dog fighting and drug trafficking ring.
Vernon Vegas, 49, of Suwanee, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Vegas faces a maximum five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2021.
“Vernon Vegas was the trainer to the trainers—he taught individuals about the bloody and brutal business of dog-fighting and worked to ensure it was thriving,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Dog fighting ventures are magnets for a multitude of dangerous criminal activity. Our office and law enforcement will not tolerate animal fighting or the crimes surrounding it; we will seek federal prosecution when warranted.”
“This case illustrates the connection between the underworld of drugs, organized crime and dog-fighting,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Vernon Vegas profited from these dogs’ pain and will rightly be held to account.”
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.
Between October 1996 and February 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 January 2017 and February 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 are prosecuting the case.
Farm Equipment CEO Sentenced to Prison, Order to Pay $6.3 Million RestitutionRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia businessman and owner of a tractor supply company who pleaded guilty to orchestrating a complicated fraud involving millions of dollars of loans by multiple creditors was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victims for his crime.
Rickey Carter, 60, of Nashville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on Wednesday, September 15, after he pleaded guilty to bank fraud. The court also sentenced Carter to pay more than $6.3 million in monetary restitution to the banks and creditors who were defrauded, as well as to the U.S. Small Business Administration. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Defrauding banks by lying to obtaining millions of dollars in loans undercuts the integrity of the banking system and puts businesses--and the people they employ--in jeopardy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and law enforcement will work to hold fraudsters accountable and protect citizens from fraud.”
“This sentencing recognizes the importance of holding the defendant accountable for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to obtain millions of dollars in loans from these banks,” said Special Agent in Charge, Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG). “The FDIC-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate financial crimes that threaten the integrity of the banking sector.”
“No matter how elaborate or complicated the fraud scheme, the FBI and our federal partners will uncover and unravel it to protect American citizens and businesses from further damage and work to recoup their losses,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Carter will be held accountable for the damage he has done, sending a message that fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences.”
Carter was the President and CEO of Nashville Tractor (NTI), a business that sold and leased agricultural and construction equipment, attachments and parts. In 2016, he obtained a United States Small Business Administration (SBA) loan with Farmers and Merchants Bank (FMB) in the principal amount of $5,000,000. At the same time, NTI obtained a new line of credit and signed a credit agreement with FMB in the amount of $625,000.
In 2010, Carter had entered into an ongoing Wholesale Financing and Security Agreement with CNH Industrial Capital America, LLC, (CNH) to finance NTI’s purchases of inventory for retail sale or lease. He also entered into a Retail Financing Agreement (RFA) with CNH under which CNH would purchase NTI’s interest in retail installment contracts for the purchase of agricultural and construction equipment with retail customers. The CNH agreement was a primary source of farm and construction equipment inventory for NTI.
Carter was able to continue operations of NTI and other loan arrangements were made with a number of other banks and financing entities. In each instance of a loan with the banks, Carter was required to provide true and complete financial information to the banks and was to provide continuing information for line of credit draws. However, during 2015, NTI began having financial and cash flow issues which made it difficult to make payments due on the loans and to make payroll. During that time, Carter began a practice of selling equipment which it held in trust but not paying the cash over to CNH and other creditors as required. Carter sold at least 88 pieces of equipment valued at more than $1.5 million subject to the security interest of CNH and sold other pieces of equipment securing financing from Kubota Credit Corporation, Ameris Bank, Bank of Alapaha and Diversified Financial Services. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Carter falsified NTI’s financial records in order to inflate the company’s net worth. As a part of falsifying records, on occasion Carter directed NTI employees to generate payments checks on accounts payable but not send the checks, thereby reducing accounts payable but not deducting the checks from NTI’s accounts. In 2016, Carter falsified documents provided to FMB to secure the SBA loan and line of credit.
Carter also created fraudulent retail installment contracts for the sale or lease of numerous items of equipment with CNH using the names of real people whose information was available to Carter. Those fraudulent contracts generated more than $1.2 million in payments to NTI.
Carter continued through the SBA loan period to provide false and fraudulent information. In total, Carter admitted to being accountable for an intended fraud loss totaling more than $3.5 million but not more than $9.5 million. Carter is responsible for restitution for actual monetary losses caused by the fraud to FMB ($1,227,319.66), SBA ($1,500,000), Ameris Bank ($321,934.50), Bank of Alapaha ($150,000), CNH ($2,782,959.99), KCC ($185,993.32) and Diversified Financial Services ($228,399.92).
The case was investigated by the FBI and FDIC-OIG.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case.