Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Valdosta Man Indicted on Child Pornography Production Charges, Information Sought by Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Valdosta, Georgia, resident with several child pornography production charges in an ongoing investigation.
Henry Theodore Salmons aka Ted, 48, of Valdosta, is charged with three counts of production of child pornography. If convicted, Salmons faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. 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.
The indictment alleges that the defendant enticed at least two minor children to engage in sexually explicit acts which were filmed or photographed. Parents and guardians of children who may have been in contact with Salmons are encouraged to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office to share any concerns related to this investigation by calling 229-671-2900.
“It is imperative that parents and guardians of children who may have been in contact with Henry Salmons reach out to investigators at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office with any concerns,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are thankful for the strong partnership we have with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office as we all work relentlessly to protect children across the Middle District of Georgia.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case is being investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn Semales and Alex Kalim are prosecuting the case for the Government.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison Resulting from Family Pet Finding Meth BagRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Thomas County, Georgia, dog found a bag containing a large quantity of methamphetamine, sparking a chain of events resulting in a Southwest Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history being sentenced to prison after admitting the methamphetamine belonged to him and that he intended to distribute the drug.
Timothy Bernard Reese, 44, of Meigs, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 75 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson after Reese pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The unusual facts in this case do not diminish the serious consequences repeat offenders face when caught trafficking methamphetamine in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will work to bring to justice those who repeatedly break the law and endanger citizens by their criminal actions.”
According to facts admitted by Reese in open court, a resident of Ochlocknee (Thomas County), Georgia, called authorities on December 13, 2019, regarding a suspicious brown satchel found by his dog. The dog’s owner reported that his dog had come home that day carrying the bag. When the owner opened the bag to check for identification, he found what appeared to be large quantities of illegal narcotics and immediately called the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. The contents tested positive for 154.78 grams of methamphetamine. Lottery tickets were also found inside of the bag.
Thomas County-Thomasville Narcotics/Vice agents were able to pinpoint the exact location and time that the lottery tickets had been purchased. Pulling surveillance video from the Susie Q's Foods in Meigs, officers observed Reese purchasing the lottery tickets; on December 16, 2019, the police obtained an arrest warrant for Reese. The next day, a woman filed a report with the Cairo Police Department alleging that on December 13, 2019, Reese came into her room at the Grady Lodge and punched her in the face, fracturing her eye socket, and demanded to know where his methamphetamine was located. Reese was taken into custody on December 19, 2019, and he subsequently admitted that the brown bag belonged to him, and he planned to distribute the methamphetamine.
Reese has prior felony convictions for burglary and possession of firearm by a convicted felon, both in the Superior Court of Tift County.
The case was investigated by the Thomas County-Thomasville Narcotics & Vice Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case.
U.S. Justice Department announces investigation into conditions in Georgia prisonsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON: The U.S. Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into conditions of confinement of prisoners held in Georgia’s prisons.
The investigation will examine whether Georgia provides prisoners reasonable protection from physical harm at the hands of other prisoners. The department also will continue its existing investigation into whether Georgia provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex prisoners reasonable protection from sexual abuse by other prisoners and by staff.
“This investigation is an example of our office’s commitment to stamping out violence in our district, no matter where it is found, no matter who the victim is,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes for the Southern District of Georgia. “We look forward to working with the State of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and our counterparts in the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia to further our shared mission to keep correctional facilities safe for the sake of our community, the prisoners housed there, and the dedicated staff who work there.”
“Ensuring the inherent human dignity and worth of everyone, including people who are incarcerated inside our nation’s jails and prisons, is a top priority,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department’s investigations into prison conditions have been successful at identifying systemic constitutional violations and their causes, fixing those causes and stopping the violations. We are investigating prison violence and abuse in Georgia’s prisons to determine whether Constitutional violations exist, and if so, how to stop them.”
“Individuals sentenced to prison in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities deserve to be treated humanely,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine for the Northern District of Georgia. “Our office is committed to ensuring state prisoners are safe while serving their sentences. We look forward to working cooperatively with the Georgia Department of Corrections to ensure the safety of all individuals in its prisons.”
“Prison conditions that enable inmates to engage in dangerous and even deadly activity are an injustice, jeopardizing the lives of detainees, staff members and other corrections personnel,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our local law enforcement and corrections partners, with whom we work with closely each and every day, are indispensable to our united goal of achieving a safer Georgia for all. Under the leadership of the department’s Civil Rights Division, we look forward to collaborating with our state partners to address our mutual concern for safety in the corrections system.”
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the department has the authority to investigate whether any violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia. Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Civil Division Chief Bradford C. Patrick is coordinating the investigation in the Southern District of Georgia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of Justice via phone at (844) 401-3736 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s CRIPA investigations related to prisons and jails can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-confined-jails-and-prisons.
Justice Department Announces Investigation into Conditions in Georgia PrisonsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into conditions of confinement of prisoners held in Georgia’s prisons.
The investigation will examine whether Georgia provides prisoners reasonable protection from physical harm at the hands of other prisoners. The Department also will continue its existing investigation into whether Georgia provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) prisoners reasonable protection from physical and sexual harm by other prisoners and by staff.
“Ensuring the inherent human dignity and worth of everyone, including people who are incarcerated inside our nation’s jails and prisons, is a top priority,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department’s investigations into prison conditions have been successful at identifying systemic constitutional violations and their causes, fixing those causes and stopping the violations. We are investigating prison violence and abuse in Georgia’s prisons to determine whether Constitutional violations exist, and if so, how to stop them.”
“Prison conditions that enable inmates to engage in dangerous and even deadly activity are an injustice, jeopardizing the lives of detainees, staff members and other corrections personnel,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our local law enforcement and corrections partners, with whom we work with closely each and every day, are indispensable to our united goal of achieving a safer Georgia for all. Under the leadership of the Department’s Civil Rights Division, we look forward to collaborating with our state partners to address our mutual concern for safety in the corrections system.”
“Individuals sentenced to prison in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities deserve to be treated humanely,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine for the Northern District of Georgia. “Our office is committed to ensuring state prisoners are safe while serving their sentences. We look forward to working cooperatively with the Georgia Department of Corrections to ensure the safety of all individuals in its prisons.”
“This investigation is an example of our office’s commitment to stamping out violence in our district, no matter where it is found, no matter who the victim is,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes for the Southern District of Georgia. “We look forward to working with the State of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and our counterparts in the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia to further our shared mission to keep correctional facilities safe for the sake of our community, the prisoners housed there, and the dedicated staff who work there.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia encompasses 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties and covers over 25,000 square miles. As it relates to this investigation, the Middle District of Georgia is home to 15 close- and medium-security Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC) prisons. The 15 located in the Middle District of Georgia are:
Autry State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, Calhoun State Prison, Central State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, Hancock State Prison, Lee State Prison, Macon State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, Riverbend Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (The GEO Group), Rutledge State Prison, Valdosta State Prison and Valdosta Annex, Whitworth Women’s Facility and Wilcox State Prison.
The Department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate whether any violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The Department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Simon is conducting the investigation on behalf of the Middle District of Georgia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (844) 401-3736 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s CRIPA investigations related to prisons and jails can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-confined-jails-and-prisons
South Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Kilo of MethRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A South Carolina resident was sentenced to federal prison for attempting to distribute one kilogram of methamphetamine.
Jack Shuttleworth, 55, of North Augusta, South Carolina, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens federal court on Thursday, September 9, after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Individuals caught trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and similar deadly, illegal narcotics face the possibility of federal prosecution and lengthy federal prison sentences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and DEA for their efforts to shut down methamphetamine distribution in our communities.”
“Methamphetamine is not only toxic, but it destroy families, communities and lives,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Because of spirited law enforcement cooperation, Mr. Shuttleworth will no longer be able to distribute this poison and will spend well-deserved time in prison.”
According to court documents, a Greene County, Georgia, Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a truck driven by Shuttleworth for a seatbelt violation on September 10, 2020. Shuttleworth was found to be driving on a suspended license. A K-9 alerted on Shuttleworth’s truck, and a subsequent search of the vehicle located 1,003.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine, in addition to clear plastic baggies and a digital scale. Co-defendant Shyanne Harden, 25, of North Augusta, South Carolina, was seated in the front seat and has since pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Harden was sentenced to serve 55 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Judge Royal on July 15, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon with Violent Criminal History Sentenced to Prison in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a violent criminal history was sentenced to federal prison after admitting he was in illegal possession of a stolen firearm in a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation.
Nitgel Williams, 27, of Commerce, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 68 months in prison to run consecutive to the state sentence he is currently serving by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal this morning. In addition, Judge Royal ordered that Williams serve three years of supervised release. Williams previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Violent criminals found in illegal possession of firearms will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with our law enforcement partners under Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will do everything within our power to reduce violent crime in Athens and across the Middle District of Georgia by holding repeat, violent offenders accountable for continually disregarding the law.”
According to court documents, Williams was pulled over by an Athens-Clarke County Police Department Officer the night of February 12, 2020, for failing to maintain lane and driving 5-10 mph under the speed limit--both indicators that the driver was impaired. The officer observed Williams attempting to hide a cut straw, which is commonly used to ingest illegal narcotics, inside the vehicle. During a legal search of William’s vehicle, the officer located cocaine, heroin and a stolen .45 caliber pistol. Williams was previously convicted of aggravated assault in the Superior Court of Clarke County, Georgia. 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 Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Atlanta Man Arrested During Capture of Macon Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Possessing an Unregistered Sawed-off RifleRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – An Atlanta resident who was found in possession of an unregistered sawed-off rifle and a loaded revolver as officers arrested a wanted individual pleaded guilty in federal court.
Johnny Paul Grilliot, 46, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Grilliot faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7.
“This encounter had the potential to become violent as the defendant was in possession of loaded weapons—including a sawed-off rifle—as officers worked to take a wanted person into custody safely,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend the U.S. Marshals Service, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF for their work on this case and their work every day to reduce violence in Middle Georgia.”
“ATF’s involvement in securing this plea is a prime example of the successful use of federal laws to confront, engage and eliminate the possession of illegal firearms. Individuals must understand that there are serious repercussions for the possession of illegal firearms, especially with sawed-off barrels and an unregistered silencer,” said John Schmidt, ATF Atlanta Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
According to court documents, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office learned that a wanted individual, Tyrone Briscoe, was in an SUV in the vicinity of Riverside Drive in Macon. Deputy U.S. Marshals and Bibb County deputies responded, located the vehicle at a restaurant on Riverside Drive, and found Grilliot and Briscoe inside the SUV. As officers approached the vehicle, Grilliot exited the SUV and appeared to pull something from his shorts. Grilliot was detained, and officers found a loaded .38 caliber revolver in his shorts. Inside the vehicle, officers found a .22 caliber rifle with an inserted magazine and a homemade silencer affixed to a sawed-off barrel. Grilliot subsequently admitted the firearms belonged to him, he knew the rifle’s barrel had been shortened and he had fired the sawed-off rifle recently to confirm it still worked.
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 ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
SWGA Pair Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking a Runaway TeenRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two defendants guilty of trafficking a runaway Middle Georgia teen, forcing the victim to engage in sexual acts for food and shelter, have been sentenced to federal prison for their crimes.
Demetrius Hunter aka Red, 39, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to sex trafficking of children and co-defendant Tamara Taylor aka Coco, 30, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce to transmit information about a minor. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Hunter and Taylor’s shocking manipulation of this runaway child—forcing her to perform sex acts in exchange for food and shelter—is pure evil. Our office will pursue justice for those who sexually traffic and abuse children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our law enforcement community stands strongly united in doing everything in our power to protect children from sexual predators and seeking justice for those who choose to harm children.”
“Instead of trying to help a young child in need of assistance, these two adults instead took advantage of her desperate situation and traumatized her further,” said Phil Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully this sentencing in some way helps this innocent victim in her recovery from the serious emotional scars they left her with.”
On October 5, 2016, Taylor came across the victim, a 15-year-old female, at the Bridgeview hotel in Macon, Georgia. The day prior, the victim had run away from a group foster home and was at the hotel looking for her sister. The victim did not find her sister and had been abandoned by her ride. The victim informed Taylor of her age and that she had run away from a group home. Taylor invited the victim to her room where Taylor introduced the victim to Hunter, who knew her age and that she had run away. Hunter told the victim that they were traveling the world and invited her to stay with them but told her that she would have to make money. The victim did not understand at that time how she would be expected to make money.
After staying one night at the Bridgeview, Hunter and Taylor took the victim to another hotel in Warner Robins, Georgia. The victim’s profile was placed on Backpage, a website commonly used for online advertisements for commercial sex acts. Records from Backpage verify that the victim’s profile had been posted by Taylor on Backpage. The advertisements included photographs of the victim in underwear and included a cell phone number to call that was provided by Hunter and Taylor. Hunter explained the victim would have to do “tricks” to get money and forced the victim to perform sex acts on him. The victim remained with Hunter and Taylor until October 18, 2016, when they were encountered by law enforcement, and the victim was returned to her group foster home. As a result of the advertisements posted on Backpage, the victim had to engage in two to five commercial sex acts. During her time with Hunter and Taylor, the victim relied on them for her shelter and food. She stated in her interview with law enforcement that when having to engage in one commercial sex act, she told herself “you gotta do this, you gotta get the money, that’s how you eat.”
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Beth Howard prosecuted the case.
SWGA Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Whole Life Policy SchemeRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Norman Park, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding a life insurance settlement company after falsely claiming herself as the recipient of a large policy on an individual who was in fact alive at the time of the fraud.
Brandi L. Browning, 35, of Norman Park, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, August 31. Browning faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, as well as mandatory restitution to the victim of the fraud. A sentencing date has been scheduled for December 9, 2021, in Albany, Georgia.
“Stealing from companies is not a victimless crime; it directly impacts people’s livelihoods by harming businesses that employ them. The ripple effect of this type of theft can be far-reaching,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, our office will hold fraudsters accountable.”
“To falsify the death of a person to commit insurance and wire fraud is truly reprehensible,” said Clint Bush, United States Secret Service, Resident Agent in Charge. “The United States Secret Service, along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who choose to commit this and other types of fraud in our community and around the nation.”
“When an individual commits fraud against a company, it affects hardworking citizens doing the right thing. This interstate case is an example of agencies working together across state lines to hold lawbreakers accountable,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents, Browning contacted a Kansas City financial company in late 2017, expressing a desire to sell a pending life insurance claim. Browning told the company that a friend had died in a car accident, and under the friend’s life insurance policy, Browning was entitled to receive $250,000. Browning further told the Kansas City financial company that she was willing to sell her right to the $250,000 policy in exchange for $217,500. While the person Browning named did in fact have such a life insurance policy, Browning was not the named beneficiary of that policy, nor had the insured person died in an accident.
To further her fraud, Browning provided falsified documents and other fraudulent information to the Kansas City financial company, including an agreement with a fictitious attorney which claimed Browning was a party to a wrongful death lawsuit arising from the made-up car accident. As a result of the fraud, on January 5, 2018, the company wired $217,500 to a bank account that belonged to Browning’s mother-in-law, who was unaware of the fraud. Browning told her mother-in-law that the money was an inheritance her husband had received, and that same day checks were written to purchase two vehicles for Browning and her husband, as well as a $128,329 manufactured home in Browning’s name. Within weeks, all of the $217,500 had been spent.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Sedgewick County, Kansas, District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with several prior felony convictions pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm resulting from a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) investigation.
Lenwood Thomas, 40, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Wednesday, August 25. As an armed career criminal, Thomas faces a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by a maximum of five years of supervised release. Sentencing has not been scheduled, but will occur within 90 days. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed career criminals like Lenwood Thomas who repeatedly break the law while in possession of guns will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with the local community and our state and federal partners, we will hold repeat offenders accountable for their crimes and do everything in our power to decrease violent crime across Southwest 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 February 28, 2020, based on evidence that Thomas was conducting illegal drug sales, in violation of the law and of his parole conditions. 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. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. 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 “Trell” as he 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.
Operation Washout River City Announced, Federal Charges Pending in Project Safe Neighborhoods OperationRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – The results from a four-day multi-agency operation to curb violent crime in Columbus, Georgia, were announced at a press conference held today, with dozens of repeat violent offenders and gang members taken into custody, along with firearms and drugs.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Peter D. Leary joined with Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman and Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon to announce the results of “Operation Washout River City,” a Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service-Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (USMS SERFTF), FBI, ATF, DEA, GBI, Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), Georgia State Patrol (GPS), Organized Crime and Gang Unit-Atlanta (OCAG), Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, more than 50 investigators executed search warrants resulting in 57 arrests between August 9-12, clearing a total of 128 active warrants. The individuals taken into custody as part of the operation are gang members and/or repeat violent offenders, with criminal state charges including homicide, kidnapping, rape, possession of illegal firearms and aggravated assault, among others. During the operation, law enforcement seized 27 firearms and 1.885 kilograms of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine. These cases are currently under federal investigation and no federal charges have been filed at this time.
“Reducing violent crime in Columbus and in every city across the Middle District of Georgia is the highest priority; there is nothing more important than the safety of our citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to direct our federal resources toward the most significant drivers of violent crime in each community, working directly with community stakeholders to strategically identify the most pressing criminal issues and take action.”
“The violent crime initiative held between August 9 – 12 certainly disrupted criminal activity in the Columbus area for that week, but I hope that the impact of the operation is to deter crime for many weeks to come,” said U.S. Marshal John Cary Bittick. “Columbus is a beautiful city and the people who live and work here deserve a community that they can be proud to call home. I am committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to support Project Safe Neighborhoods and I will support any initiative that targets violent crime in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Law enforcement operations such as this promotes inter-agency cooperation and networking, acts as force multipliers, extends our reach beyond the borders of Muscogee County and enhances the overall effectiveness of our daily operations. This particular operation gave the ability to remove violent offenders from our community and bring those responsible for their respective crimes before the courts, so that victims and family members can see justice served by the courts on their behalf,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “Although we recognize that we cannot arrest our way out of current circumstances, we also recognize that we cannot sit idly by and allow for lawlessness to maintain a foothold within Muscogee County either. Those that contribute to the demise of neighborhoods by engaging in violence and illicit activity can count on similar visits during future operations of this sort”.
“Operation Washout River City was utilized to target gang members and other violent criminal offenders. In order to maintain a safe city, we will continue to target gang members and those who commit violent criminal offenses. This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon.
Operation Washout River City was conducted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
In addition, Operation Washout River City is a response to The Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts.
Criminal charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jury Convicts Macon Man on Meth, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Macon man with a violent criminal history on drug and firearms charges this week.
Roderick Chester, 34, of Macon, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm on Wednesday, August 25, following a three-day trial that began on Monday, August 23. Chester is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Chester was the last of a total of 19 defendants indicted after an investigation centered on drug trafficking in and around motels located in the Eisenhower Parkway corridor. All 19 were convicted in federal court.
“This week’s guilty verdict concludes an investigation into drug trafficking involving individuals with lengthy criminal records,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, are working with us to ensure that repeat, violent felons like Roderick Chester will be held accountable for their continued criminal activities that diminish our neighborhoods and harm our citizens.”
“The jury has spoken and now Chester will be held accountable for plaguing the streets of the Macon community with drugs and their resulting violence and destruction,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The citizens of those communities are safer because they are rid of him and his co-defendants, thanks to the cooperation between the FBI and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Chester was a methamphetamine supplier in Macon. During the investigation agents observed Chester supplying methamphetamine to co-defendant Carlos Brown, who ultimately sold the methamphetamine to a confidential source during three controlled buys. Agents intercepted Chester’s phone calls and text messages by wiretap which revealed further methamphetamine distribution activities by Chester. At the time of his arrest, Chester had $15,000 cash and a firearm in his possession. Chester had previously been convicted of aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. As a result of the full investigation into this methamphetamine trafficking organization, agents seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The following co-defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced for their crimes or are awaiting sentencing:
Albruce Green aka B, 41, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison, with 180 months to run concurrently and 60 months to run consecutively to a prior federal case in which he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison, for a total sentence of 300 months;
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;
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;
Cartney Pitts aka Blue, 37, of Macon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29;
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 charge. Sentencing is scheduled for November 3;
Stephanie Davis, 32, 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 September 29;
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 set for September 29;
Lori Harrell, 34, 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 September 29;
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 November 3;
Shauna Bush aka “Brittany, 26, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29;
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 November 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 November 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 November 3.
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.
Georgia Man Guilty of Operating High-Volume Drug “Market” sentenced to 20 Years in Prison, Additional Co-Defendants Sentenced this WeekRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Multiple co-defendants involved in a high-volume drug trafficking operation located in a southwest Georgia city were sentenced to federal prison for their crimes this week.
On Thursday, August 19, 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. The following co-defendants were sentenced to prison this week:
Laura Ann Dungee-Ali, 49, of Albany, as 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.
Sherrod Winchester, 39, of Albany, is scheduled for sentencing the week of September 13, after he pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner is presiding over this case.
“In the light of day, these defendants operated a quick-serve market for some of the deadliest illegal drugs available. Malone and Winchester directed this operation with a shocking brazenness, causing grave harm to drug users and damaging a neighborhood,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Investigators with the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, GBI, DEA and FBI successfully stopped a pit-stop of poison from continuing to destroy lives and a community.”
“DEA eradicated a methamphetamine distribution network that pushed poison throughout the Albany community. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting these communities,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Today is not only a victory for law enforcement, but also for the Albany community that was directly impacted by this organization. Everyone can sleep better at night now knowing that these defendants have been sentenced.”
“These defendants were so brazen they barely tried to hide their stop and shop operation that perpetuated crime throughout the community,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Through our strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, we were able close down their business and make sure they could cause no more harm to the citizens of the communities they plagued.”
“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.
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 is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Macon Meth Distribution Ring with Ties to Georgia Prison System Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon man with a prior federal conviction for distributing methamphetamine was sentenced to serve more than 18 years in federal prison for his role directing a drug trafficking ring with ties to the Georgia prison system responsible for pushing large quantities of “ice” methamphetamine into Middle Georgia.
Richard Charles Allen, aka Chucky, 44, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 220 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Wednesday, August 18, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Chucky Allen was obtaining large amounts of ‘ice’ methamphetamine from prisoners and then distributing this deadly drug in Middle Georgia. The DEA and our local law enforcement teams stopped a major source of methamphetamine from flowing into our communities, preventing further harm and death,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Allen is yet another repeat offender who is now facing federal consequences for choosing to commit crime. Our office will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against repeat felons engaging in the most egregious crimes.”
“DEA is fully committed to tirelessly pursuing criminals who sell drugs, whether they’re selling them on the streets or from inside a prison,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Strong law enforcement partnerships which led to the dismantlement of this once-thriving ‘meth’ ring underscores the power of combined forces and strategic partnerships. These components are vital in the war against ‘meth’ and other dangerous drugs.”
DEA agents began investigating Allen’s illegal narcotics distribution activities in the Middle Georgia region in April 2019. DEA conducted a series of controlled purchases from Allen using a confidential informant (CI) but were unable to identify Allen’s source of methamphetamine supply. As a result, agents sought and obtained a wiretap order on Allen’s phone number from a federal judge. Allen was recorded negotiating the purchase of a total of three kilograms of methamphetamine from an unknown source incarcerated in the Georgia prison system and one kilogram of methamphetamine from co-defendant, Cristian Estrada-Santa Maria, aka Strada, 35, who was also incarcerated in the Georgia prison system. Allen’s courier, co-defendant Joshua Noojin, 40, of Macon, was directed by Allen to retrieve the kilo of methamphetamine sourced by Estrada-Santa Maria. Noojin was taken into custody on September 7, 2019, after obtaining what amounted to be 990 grams of methamphetamine. Noojin was sentenced to serve 130 months in federal prison on July 13, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Estrada-Santa Maria was sentenced serve 240 months in federal prison on May 18, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In all, Allen is responsible for distributing 1231.462 grams of d-Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, also known as “ice.” Allen has a previous federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by DEA, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office and the Marietta Police Department.
Criminal Chief and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Solis prosecuted the case.
Georgia Man Convicted of Filing $165 Million in Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Lilburn, Georgia, man of filing fraudulent tax returns amounting to nearly $165 million in the name of several fake trusts.
Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox, AKA Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox El, AKA Marquet Burgess Mattox, AKA Asim Ashunta El, AKA Asim El Bey, 49, was found guilty of nine counts of wire fraud, ten counts of false claims against the U.S. Government and one count of theft of government funds by a federal jury on Wednesday, August 18, following a three-day trial that began on Monday, August 16. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal presided over the trial and will sentence Mattox at a later date. Mattox is in custody. Mattox faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud counts, five years on the false claims counts and ten years on the theft of government funds count. Mattox also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties and forfeiture. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Mattox brazenly filed enormous fraudulent tax returns on made-up trusts—a criminal act that ultimately amounts to attempted theft, pure and simple,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to the efforts of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Mattox will now be held accountable for his scheme.”
“Mattox intentionally manipulated the tax system for personal benefit,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “The charges and prosecution shows that we do not tolerate those who seek an unfair advantage over hard-working taxpaying citizens. If you come across such tax schemes, including individuals luring others to commit 1099-OID schemes, please help us fight this inequity by reporting it to IRS Criminal Investigation.”
“TIGTA’s statutory mission includes investigating individuals who interfere with the lawful collection of taxes,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “Attempts to interfere with IRS employees engaged in the performance of their official duties will be aggressively pursued. We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation in working with TIGTA to protect the integrity of Federal tax administration.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2018, Mattox filed at least 30 fraudulent federal income tax returns in the name of at least 11 different trusts. Those returns falsely represented that the trusts had earned interest income and that federal income taxes had been withheld and paid to the IRS. Mattox then fraudulently requested refunds on behalf of the purported trusts totaling nearly $165 million. The IRS paid approximately $5 million of the requested refunds, which Mattox used to purchase a house, expensive furniture and a luxury automobile.
The case was investigated by IRS-CI’s Atlanta Division and Office of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie M. Freeman and Trial Attorney Jessica A. Kraft of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Federal indictment unsealed alleging massive Muscogee County, Georgia fraud; former county clerk charged and in custodyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging eight people, including the former Deputy Clerk of Muscogee County Court, with various criminal charges including bank fraud, wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property amounting to an alleged loss of nearly $500,000 to Muscogee County during an 11-month period in 2019.
Willie Demps, 63, of Phenix City, Alabama, is charged with one count conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 35 counts of wire fraud and 34 counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, Demps faces a maximum sentence of 30 years on the conspiracy charge, a maximum sentence of 20 years on each of the wire fraud charges and a maximum sentence of ten years on each of the interstate transportation charges. Each count of conviction also carries a maximum of three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Demps’ initial appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, at 11 a.m. in Columbus federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Hyles.
Curtis Porch, 48, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, Porch faces the same potential penalties as co-defendant Demps.
Dereen Porch, 43, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If convicted, Porch faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine.
Terry McBride, 43, of Smiths Station, Alabama, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 31 counts of wire fraud and 31 counts of transportation of stolen property. If convicted, McBride faces the same potential penalties as co-defendant Demps.
Samuel Cole, 72, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts wire fraud, two counts transportation of stolen property and false statements. If convicted, Cole faces the same potential penalties as co-defendant Demps, plus a maximum of five years, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the false statements charge.
Rosalee Bassi, 65, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is charged with one count conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If convicted, Bassi faces the same potential penalties as co-defendant Dereen Porch.
Lamarcus Palmer, 34, of Smiths Station, Alabama, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted, Palmer faces a maximum of 30 years on the conspiracy charge, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. If convicted of wire fraud, he faces a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
George Cook, 33, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If convicted, he faces the same potential penalties as co-defendant Dereen Porch.
According to the now unsealed indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, August 11, and unsealed on Wednesday, August 18, Demps, who worked for the Muscogee County Clerk for approximately 30 years, supervised money deposits received by the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office received money from fines and condemnations, and payments were frequently made in cash. Most of the cash was given to Demps, who had the responsibility of depositing Muscogee County funds. Demps is accused of making Clerk of Superior Court checks payable to various co-defendants in dollar amounts he filled in and endorsed. Demps would allegedly meet various co-defendants in locations away from his place of business at the Clerk’s Office to give the illicit checks to them to be cashed at banks in Columbus and in nearby Alabama. The co-defendants are accused of cashing the checks and returning the money to Demps, who would allegedly give the participating co-defendant a portion of the money. It is alleged that during the time period between January 2019 to November 2019, Demps and his co-defendants cashed at least $467,331 in checks stolen from the Muscogee County Clerk’s Office.
FBI, IRS and the Columbus Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Hyde is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Savannah felon convicted for illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A U.S. District Court jury found a previously convicted felon guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after just 15 minutes of deliberation.
Matthew Kearse, 30, of Savannah, now awaits sentencing after his conviction for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The statutory penalty for the crime is up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“To prevent violent crime and keep our neighborhoods safe, it is absolutely essential that we keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “That requires the coordination of everyone in the community, including citizens and law enforcement, in identifying and removing those who are prohibited from possessing firearms.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Kearse is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. He was on parole after a previous prison sentence when his aunt confronted him Nov. 1, 2018, about a pistol she found in her back yard. Her surveillance system captured Kearse in the area where the gun was found.
Investigators from the Savannah Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), took custody of the pistol. DNA testing, as introduced in court, demonstrated definitively that Kearse had possessed the weapon. The jury deliberated just 15 minutes before finding Kearse guilty, and he was remanded to custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to await sentencing.
“This defendant had no business carrying a firearm, given his previous criminal conduct,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “This case demonstrates the cooperation that exists between the Savannah Police Department and ATF.”
In the past three years, nearly 700 defendants have been federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for possessing a firearm after conviction on a previous felony.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua S. Bearden and Marcela C. Mateo.
Convicted Felon and Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Firearm CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A validated gang member and convicted felon was sentenced to prison today for illegal possession of a firearm.
Jermichael Bellamy, 28, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 90 months to be followed by three years of supervised release before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Jermichael Bellamy—a gang member and repeat felon—is now off the streets of Columbus due to his continued criminal activity. Repeat violent offenders will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are actively working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to identify the most egregious criminals operating in Columbus and bring them to justice.”
"Bellamy refused to learn from his past mistakes and continued to possess firearms and put our citizens in danger, and now he will serve time for it," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The FBI will continue to work diligently with our state and local partners to make sure criminals like him get the stiffest sentences possible."
“I am thankful for the successful prosecution of this case,” said Chief Freddie Blackmon, Columbus Police Department. “Our police department will continue to partner with federal agencies to arrest and convict individuals who commit violent criminal acts.”
According to court documents, Bellamy was arrested on outstanding warrants on October 15, 2020. Inside Bellamy’s vehicle, law enforcement located a loaded pistol and four loaded magazines, as well as cocaine and a digital scale. Investigators also found poster boards with “ABG,” “852” and gorilla images drawn on them. Bellamy was also wearing a “852” necklace and an “852” tattoo. Bellamy is a member of local hybrid gangs Alleyboy Gang and 852. Bellamy is also a validated member of the Gangster Disciples. Bellamy has prior convictions for aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and a gang act violation, all in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case.
Macon Jury Convicts Armed Career Criminal on Gun, Heroin, Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Macon resident with a lengthy criminal history of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and Tramadol, as well as illegally possessing a firearm and possessing a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking this afternoon.
Kelvin Henry, 56, of Macon, was found guilty 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 following a two-day trial that began on Monday, August 9 in Macon federal court. Henry is facing a mandatory minimum of fifteen years up to a maximum of life in prison plus a maximum $10,000,000 fine for his crimes. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Tilman (Tripp) Self is scheduled for November 2, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do everything in our power to reduce violence and crime in the Middle District of Georgia, and armed career criminals who deal drugs and tote guns will be held accountable,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I want to commend the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and DEA for their work investigating this case and helping us bring the defendant to justice.”
“The conviction of the armed repeat offender in this case exemplifies the clear and present danger of drugs like ‘meth,’ heroin, and prescription pills such as tramadol, poses to our communities,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Because of the collective efforts between DEA and its law enforcement partners, this defendant will spend well-deserved time in prison when sentenced.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a confidential source (CS) informed agents in January 2019 that Henry was selling crystal methamphetamine, heroin and other illegal drugs from his Macon residence for the past eight years. 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. Attorney William Keyes and Paul McCommon are prosecuting the case.
Career Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison after Violating Supervised Release, Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Perry, Georgia, resident and career offender was sentenced to federal prison for distributing methamphetamine after he was arrested in violation of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
Tony Jermaine Neely, 38, of Perry, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Wednesday, August 4, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Career offenders who repeatedly break the laws—and in this particular case, violate the conditions of supervised release—will face serious consequences for their brazen criminal behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners across the Middle District to identify and prosecute the most hardened repeat criminals.”
According to court documents, Neely was pulled over during a traffic stop by a Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputy on October 18, 2019. Neely’s license was suspended, and he was detained. Neely was carrying 30 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket and a K9 unit, called to the scene, alerted to Neely’s vehicle. Officers found a semi-automatic pistol with ten rounds of ammunition. Evidence collected from Neely’s cell phone showed multiple text messages with individuals discussing the prices and quantities of drugs. Neely, a career offender, has prior felony convictions, including drug distribution and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia. Neely admitted that he knowingly violated the terms of his supervised release by distributing methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes.
Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing Firearms in PSN InvestigationRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with several prior felony convictions pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm resulting from a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) investigation.
Charleston Magee, aka Chopp, 33, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Tuesday, August 3. Magee faces a maximum prison sentence of ten years to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 20. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms. Repeat offenders caught with illegal weapons in Columbus will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Columbus Police Department is working closely with ATF and our federal and state law enforcement partners to hold repeat offenders accountable for their continued criminal actions, working toward a safer community.”
"Our communities deserve to be safe from violent criminals. Project Safe Neighborhoods allows ATF and our federal, state and local partners to focus on the individuals who choose to utilize firearms to commit their heinous crimes and terrorize our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “ATF will continue to participate in and support this very important initiative. Anyone who possesses a gun in the commission of a crime is a danger to everyone, and it is crucial that we continue to focus our efforts on identifying, investigating and removing these individuals from our streets."
“I am pleased with the outcome of this case and I am thankful for our partnership with our federal partners. We will continue to work together to make cases to keep our community safe from criminal offenders. This type behavior will not be tolerated in Columbus, Georgia,” said Chief Freddie Blackmon, Columbus Police Department.
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 Georgia deputy sentenced to prison for possessing unregistered firearms resulting from FBI-led violent extremist group investigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to prison for possessing unregistered firearms resulting from an FBI-led investigation into a violent extremist group.
Cody Richard Griggers, 28, of Montrose, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 44 months in federal prison to be followed by one year of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement officers should be above reproach, and the vast majority of them are. Cody Griggers disgraced that trust by espousing violent extremism and possessing a cache of unregistered weapons while on duty, including a machine gun with a silencer and obliterated serial number,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Officers are never above the laws they swear to uphold, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us hold this disgraced former deputy accountable.”
“This former law enforcement officer violated his oath of office in many ways, the most egregious was by threatening the very citizens he was sworn to protect with his words of racially motivated violence,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Now he is being held accountable by serving time in prison and never being able to wear the blue again.”
“Investigating and prosecuting the illegal possession of unregistered machineguns is a key part of ATF’s mission to protect communities from the illegal use of such firearms,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt, ATF Atlanta Field Division. “This successful prosecution is the culmination of the joint investigation by ATF, the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office and FBI and restores the public’s confidence in those who are entrusted to serve and protect our communities.”
According to court documents, FBI agents discovered a group text with Griggers, who was a Deputy with the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, as part of a California investigation into a man making violent political statements on social media. In the group text, Griggers made statements that he was manufacturing and acquiring illegal firearms, explosives and suppressors. He also expressed viewpoints consistent with racially motivated violent extremism, including the use of racial slurs, slurs against homosexuals and making frequent positive references to the Nazi holocaust.
On November 19, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at Griggers’ residence and searched his Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office duty vehicle. Inside his duty vehicle, officers found multiple firearms, including a machinegun with an obliterated serial number. The machinegun was not issued to the defendant, and he was not allowed to have the weapon in his law enforcement car. An unregistered short barrel shotgun was found in his home. In all, between the defendant’s residence and duty vehicle, officers found 11 illegal firearms.
The case was investigated by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Repeat offender sentenced to prison in Columbus gun trafficking caseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history in the Columbus, Georgia, community was sentenced to federal prison today after an ATF-led investigation into gun trafficking.
Maurice Toney, 47, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat criminal offenders caught in illegal possession of firearms in Columbus will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute the most violent and habitual felons that continually disregard the law and disrupt the community.”
“Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are a danger to our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt, ATF Atlanta Field Division. “We will always work with our partners to identify and prosecute these types of people to make our citizens safer."
According to court documents, ATF conducted a gun trafficking investigation in the Columbus area in August and September 2020. Toney was under surveillance for suspected firearms and methamphetamine trafficking. A confidential informant (CI) purchased 46 grams of methamphetamine from Toney at a Columbus food mart. On the same day, the CI traveled with Toney to a Columbus residence to purchase a 20-gauge, pump-action shotgun and a .38SPL revolver from Toney. Then, the CI went with Toney to another Columbus residence to purchase a semi-automatic rifle with one magazine and 15 rounds of .22LR ammunition from Toney. Toney has a lengthy criminal history to include convictions for theft by taking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and habitual violator in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia. It is illegal for convicted felons 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government.
50-year prison sentence for Valdosta man guilty of producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two Valdosta residents were sentenced to federal prison today for producing child pornography.
Robert Abacan, 44, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 50 years in prison (30 years for count one and 20 years for count two to run consecutively) to be followed by 25 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson after pleading guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. Co-defendant Frances Abacan, 43, of Valdosta, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count production of child pornography. They will have to register as sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act upon release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The Abacan’s actions were monstrous, but today justice has been served. This fifty-year sentence guarantees that Robert Abacan will never again be able to harm children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I am thankful to our local and federal law enforcement partners for helping us hold the Abacans accountable for their despicable crimes against children.”
“The FBI is extremely grateful to our law enforcement partners for bringing this case to our attention so that we could hold this couple accountable to the greatest extent of the law,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The children involved in this horrendous abuse will be scarred for life, but hopefully, because of this sentence, the Abacans won’t be able to hurt any more children.”
“This is one of the worst cases of child pornography and exploitation I have encountered during my decades in law enforcement. Putting these people behind bars wouldn’t have happened without the close cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and all of the federal agencies that worked to bring the Abacans to justice,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
In 2018, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office received information which ultimately revealed that Abacan had sexually molested three minor victims. Some of this sexual abuse was recorded on video, and a copy was transported from the state of California to Valdosta.
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.
FBI and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn Semales and Alex Kalim prosecuted the case for the Government, with assistance from Victim Assistance Specialist Marsha Vera.
Athens, Georgia Resident Sentenced to Prison in Elder Fraud InvestigationRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – An Athens, Georgia, resident was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution and a fine for illegally operating an unlicensed money transmitting business targeting elderly victims.
Colin Moore, 24, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, $65,450 in restitution and a $95,000 fine by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Thursday, July 15, after Moore previously pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Consumers must remain vigilant when it comes to solicitations for money in exchange for the illusion of a grand prize,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will protect the consumer and prosecute those who concoct schemes that illegally prey on the false hope of vulnerable people.”
“This defendant took advantage of our elderly population who are the most susceptible victims of financial fraud exploitation,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors will continue to protect the nation’s mail system and the American public from individuals who commit crimes against the U.S. Postal Service for illicit financial gain.”
“Criminals like Moore help fraudsters systematically target the elderly and vulnerable offering various services and opportunities for prizes,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “We all have a shared responsibility to protect and safeguard the elderly and vulnerable among us from individuals like Moore and his co-conspirators. The Special Agents of IRS-CI are proud of the work we have done in this investigation and will continue our efforts toward maintaining the integrity of the country’s financial markets, while also protecting our elderly.”
According to court documents, Moore was operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, having never registered such a business with either the State of Georgia or U.S. Government. Moore was under investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for multiple offenses related to a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme. The investigation revealed that unidentified co-conspirators contacted victims and directed the victims to send money to Moore. Moore would purchase money orders with the victims’ money, buy bitcoin and sell bitcoin to a third party, thereby operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Moore received approximately $65,450 from seven elderly victims in seven different states. The total amount that unidentified co-conspirators received from the scheme was $545,050. The victims did not have knowledge of bitcoin and did not send money to Moore or another third party for any bitcoin transaction. The IRS discovered Moore used 14 different accounts with six different financial institutions to receive large sums of cash and money orders from victims that he used to purchase virtual currency.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the Government.
12+ Years Prison Sentence for Middle Georgia Man Guilty in International Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Fortson, Georgia man was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor as a result of an international child exploitation investigation.
Brandon Bywater, 27, of Fortson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land after previously pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition, Bywater will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Kids need to know that hidden predators lurk on social media. In this case, the child victim did not know she was interacting with an adult male who collected child pornography of prepubescent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against child predators. The success of this case demonstrates the excellent interagency work between those investigators here at home and abroad who are committed to protecting children.”
“It’s unfortunate that there are predators like Bywater lurking in the shadows online waiting for their next victim. We all have to make sure we are monitoring our children’s online activities to protect them from danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Fortunately, he will not be able to post or share these disturbing images and is being held accountable for his crimes against innocent children.”
According to court documents, on June 26, 2018, a Kik social media app user “drawingkid500” uploaded child pornography. This was detected by Kik and forwarded to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. The case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after the RCMP geo-located the IP address of the Kik user to the United States. HSI’s investigation led to a search warrant of Bywater’s residence. Bywater admitted to being Kik user “drawingkid500” and that he sent, received and downloaded images of child pornography, including images of toddlers and infants. Agents discovered 27 images of child exploitation on Bywater’s phone, with 14 involving child pornography of prepubescent children. During a forensic examination of a device seized from the defendant, it was discovered that Bywater had texted with a 13-year-old 7th grader more than 400 times. In these texts, Bywater initially pretended to be a high school sophomore named “Jack” and enticed the victim to send nude photos of herself. In addition to receiving nude photos of the victim, Bywater sent nude photos of himself to the girl.
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 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Southwest Georgia Resident Criminally Charged with CARES Act PPP FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A federal grand jury has returned a 12-count indictment charging a Sycamore, Georgia, resident with bank fraud, money laundering and making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Anthony C. Boncimino, 46, of Sycamore, was indicted on July 8, 2021 with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of money laundering and four counts of making false statements. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for bank fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for money laundering and a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for making false statements. The defendant was released on bond.
According to the filed indictment, Boncimino allegedly submitted at least four fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and third-party banks for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of shell companies, although these companies suffered no losses. The Government alleges that these businesses either did not exist, did not conduct business or only existed on paper. As a result of the fraud, Boncimino obtained approximately $2,600,000 in PPP loans, conducting numerous transactions with the money. This indictment is merely an allegation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“Fraudsters who attempt to capitalize during a global pandemic will face the possibility of federal prosecution for their crimes,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Federal investigators will persist in unraveling the often-complex CARES Act fraud schemes and bring criminals to justice.”
“Lying to gain access to economic stimulus funds for personal gain will be met with justice,” SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “SBA OIG, in coordination with its law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its leadership and dedication to pursuing 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,” stated James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge IRS-Criminal Investigation.
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 are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eight Defendants Sentenced in Counterfeit Check CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Eight defendants who pleaded guilty for their role in an elaborate counterfeit check cashing scheme have been sentenced by a federal judge for their crimes.
According to court documents, Fredner “Fresh” Reserve was the ringleader of a small organization of individuals who deposited counterfeit checks provided by Reserve into various banks between August and September 2019, sometimes immediately withdrawing cash. The checks were often deposited via ATM. The scheme was discovered when the vice president of Southwest Georgia Bank (SWGB) contacted the U.S. Secret Service on September 6, 2019, regarding fraudulent checks that were being deposited at SWGB. That same day, the investigating Secret Service Special Agent met with a Moultrie Police Department (PD) investigator to discuss whether a similar investigation involving Ameris Bank was part of the same conspiracy.
On September 19, 2019, another SWGB bank employee contacted the Moultrie PD after seeing a customer, co-defendant Khadijah Bailey, who had deposited fraudulent checks into her account at the bank attempting to withdraw cash. The responding officers were able to apprehend Bailey, Reserve and co-defendant Deborah Johnson, who was working with Reserve in the scheme. A search of Johnson’s car revealed additional fraudulent checks and other evidence of the scheme. Co-defendant Erica Langley had earlier been arrested after depositing a fraudulent check and withdrawing money from her SWGB account but could only identify Reserve who had recruited her to participate in the scheme by the name “Fresh.” Working with local law enforcement, Secret Service agents tied the fraud scheme to SWGB and Ameris branches in several South Georgia cities. The investigation uncovered that co-defendants Bailey, Langley, Demetrius Collins, Jerry Lynn King, Jerra Carter and Frank Thomas, as well as other uncharged individuals, would either open or use existing bank accounts to deposit fraudulent checks provided by Reserve and Johnson. Reserve admitted that he conspired with others to devise and execute a scheme to defraud financial institutions using fraudulent checks for a fraud loss between $40,000 and $95,000.
“The loss to these community banks would have been much greater if not for responsive bank employees who reported the crime and the quick investigative work by the U.S. Secret Service and the Moultrie Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Committing fraud against small businesses is not a victimless crime. People’s livelihoods can be severely damaged, and the harmed businesses can fail to recover. Our office will not hesitate to prosecute individuals caught deceiving people for profit.”
“This case is another example that clearly shows criminals are continuously looking for ways to steal from financial institutions. In this case, the community banks were violated when the fraudsters opened bank accounts for the sole purpose of committing fraud. The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit this and other types of financial fraud in our community and around the nation,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany, Georgia Resident Office.
“This particular check cashing scheme is an unusual case for Moultrie. This investigation exemplifies the outstanding cooperation that exists between our community and law enforcement that we are able to rapidly track, identify and shut this crime down, preventing even greater harm to our local banks and ultimately our community,” said Investigator Frank Newton, Moultrie Police Department.
Reserve and co-defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands to the following terms of imprisonment and ordered to collectively repay almost $20,000 in loses to the banks (their individual judgements are based on the attempted amount of theft):
Fredner “Fresh” Reserve, 34, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve 31 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 25, 2021;
Deborah Johnson, 29, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on October 15, 2020;
Jerry Lynn King, 53, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on January 28, 2021;
Frank Thomas, 24, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on July 8, 2021;
Demetrius Collins, 48, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on January 28, 2021;
Jerra Carter, 22, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 24, 2021;
Erica Langley, 37, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on February 25, 2021; and,
Khadijah Bailey, 26, of Moultrie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to serve six months in prison, 90 days of which is home confinement, to be followed by three years of supervised release on July 8, 2021.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Robbing Traveler at I-75 Rest AreaRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Florida man arrested following a high-speed chase along I-75 after he robbed a traveler at gunpoint was sentenced to federal prison for his crime.
James Clemente Holloway, 43, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced to serve 80 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Holloway robbed a traveler at gunpoint at the southbound rest area at exit 79 on I-75 in Turner County, Georgia, on March 12, 2019. A BOLO was issued, and Valdosta Sheriff’s deputies pursued Holloway at speeds of 110 mph. Holloway changed lanes multiple times and deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, which caused Holloway’s tires to blow. Holloway was arrested without injury and found in possession of a Taurus .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and the stolen cash. Holloway has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for felony grand theft auto, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, felony burglary, felony breaking and entering and felony probation violation.
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 Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.
Six Individuals Charged Federally in Operation United FrontRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia has brought federal charges against six individuals taken into custody during Operation United Front, 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) to plot shooting incidents and determine the areas with the highest number of shootings.
A federal grand jury returned the indictments charging the following six individuals on June 10, 2021:
Jasper Blackshear, 56, of Macon, is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Blackshear faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment;
Devon Futrell, 27, of Macon, is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Futrell faces up to ten years’ imprisonment on each count;
Deonta Lowe, 32, of Macon, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, Lowe faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment;
Logan Nettles, 23, of Macon, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Nettles faces up to ten years’ imprisonment;
Chadrick Purnell, 42, of Macon, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Purnell faces up ten years’ imprisonment; and,
Jermaine White, 32, of Warner Robins, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. If convicted, White faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment.
These cases were made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). 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.
In Operation United Front, 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.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Keyes and Joy Odom are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Documented Macon Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A documented gang member with a violent criminal history pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement arrested him with a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
Derrick Murphy, 28, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today and remains in custody. Murphy faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for September 8, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Murphy was taken into custody on March 5, 2020, following a traffic stop by a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper on Pio Nono Avenue in Macon. The trooper on patrol observed the vehicle Murphy was driving make multiple traffic violations and then turn into a fast-food restaurant’s drive-thru. Murphy was in the drive-thru line when the trooper pulled into the parking lot. Murphy then drove away without picking up any items in the drive-thru window and backed his car into some bushes. Someone got out of the right rear passenger door and ran. Murphy drove towards the trooper’s vehicle and the trooper turned on his take down lights in order to initiate a traffic stop.
The trooper approached the vehicle and could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. Murphy, who was in the driver’s seat, claimed that he did not know who ran from the vehicle, and he and the passenger did not have identification. Murphy gave a false name and date of birth. An infant was in the back seat of the vehicle and the trooper noticed that the child was not properly restrained in the child safety seat. In the vehicle, the trooper located several sandwich bags which contained methamphetamine along with a digital scale. A firearm was also visible. The firearm was a 9-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with four rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Murphy, who was driving with a suspended license for DUI drugs and was wanted on a parole violation warrant, was taken into custody and admitted that he had been incarcerated for five years for criminal street gang activity and that he had purchased the firearm for $150 approximately two weeks prior to his arrest. Murphy has prior convictions in the Superior Court of Bibb County, Georgia, for violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, obstruction of an officer and aggravated assault.
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 was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Keyes is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Career Criminal on Gun, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A federal jury convicted an Albany, Georgia, resident with a lengthy criminal history on various gun and drug charges this afternoon.
Robert Scott Kennedy, 37, of Albany, was found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a three-day trial that began on Monday, June 28 in Albany federal court. Kennedy is facing a mandatory minimum five years up to life imprisonment for his crimes. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed criminals who continually disregard the law and disrupt the safety and peace of our communities will face the possibility of federal prosecution,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat criminals accountable and bring them to justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kennedy was taken into custody on August 21, 2020, on 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.
The case was investigated by FBI, GBI, DEA and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Camilla, Georgia, Resident on Dog Fighting ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Camilla, Georgia, resident on federal charges stemming from violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Kizzy Solomon, a/k/a Kizzy Andrews, 44, of Camilla, was found guilty on Tuesday, June 22 of 15 counts of aiding and abetting the possession and training of dogs for purposes of an animal fighting venture following a two-day trial that began on Monday, June 21 in Albany federal court. Solomon is facing a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count, and three years of supervised release. Eleven co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas to various offenses related to their participation in an animal fighting venture:
Leslie Meyers aka Les Meyers, 44, of Tallahassee, Florida;
Alonza Jordan, 48, of Americus, Georgia;
Germany Brockington aka Rat and Gator, 34, of Ambrose, Georgia;
Kevin Charles aka Trinidad, 45, of Jackson, Georgia;
Maurice Glover, 48, of Douglas, Georgia;
Orlando Johnson aka OJ and Juiceman, 35, of Americus, Georgia;
Shadon Johnson, 37, of Fitzgerald, Georgia;
Terry Driggers, 71, of Hoboken, Georgia;
Starlin Morgan, 39, of Plains, Georgia;
Kentre Gibson aka Gipp, 40, of Douglas, Georgia; and,
Timothy White, 51, of Patterson, Georgia.
Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of one to five years in prison and fines of $100,000 to $250,000, or both. Sentencing for certain defendants is scheduled for July 21-22, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Dog fighting is an atrocious crime that often serves as a breeding ground for other illegal behavior. Our office will vigorously prosecute individuals found abusing and using animals for illegal fighting and gambling,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I want to thank the law enforcement agencies involved at the local and federal level for helping us obtain justice in this case, sending a message that dog fighting will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“The successful conclusion of this case highlights the Division’s efforts to combat animal cruelty since we took responsibility for combating this vicious and cruel crime in 2014,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will continue to prosecute significant and major offenders to maximize the impact of these cases on this illegal industry.”
“Individuals who support and facilitate the cold-hearted practice of dog fighting will face the fullest extent of criminal sanctions for their actions,” said Jason Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. “We appreciate the commitment of our law enforcement partners to investigate and assist in the criminal prosecution of those who support the appalling abuse of these animals.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, federal agents executed a search warrant at Solomon’s Camilla property on September 12, 2018, seizing twenty-seven pit bull-type dogs housed on chains, in poor living conditions. All but the puppies had scarring and injuries consistent with use in dog fighting. Agents also seized a large amount of dog fighting equipment in plain view throughout the primary living spaces of the house. Most notably, there was a large dog treadmill on which various dogs’ fighting histories, including whether they had perished during the fights, was written in print.
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 are prosecuting the case.
Disbarred Columbus Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A former Columbus-based attorney has pleaded guilty to 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, pleaded guilty to one count mail fraud before U.S. District Clay Land. Snipes faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 19, 2021.
“Lawyers are bound by a sworn oath to act with utmost integrity for the good of their clients and the legal profession itself. Snipes not only violated his oath, he acted in a criminal manner by diverting funds intended for his injured clients for his own personal use,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Attorneys—and all business professionals—who lie and scheme their way to a profit while harming trusting citizens will be held accountable by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners.”
“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 is prosecuting the case.
Middle Georgia Doctor Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Prescribing OpioidsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Hours before his federal trial on charges that he had illegally dispensed prescription opioids was scheduled to begin, Dr. Thomas Sachy admitted his guilt and was taken into federal custody.
Dr. Thomas H. Sachy, 57, of Gray, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count unlawful dispensation and distribution of controlled substances, specifically lisdexamfetamine and oxycodone, before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on Monday, June 21. According to the terms of his plea agreement, Sachy faces up to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by a minimum of three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition, Sachy agreed to forfeit approximately $833,000 in currency and real property, to include his medical office building. Furthermore, Sachy agreed that while serving his federal sentence, to include supervised release, he would not: (1) engage in the medical practice of pain management; (2) treat anyone for pain; or (3) seek to reinstate his DEA license to prescribe controlled substances.
Following the entry of his guilty plea, Sachy was taken into federal custody pending his sentencing. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 7.
According to court documents, Sachy now admits he did knowingly and intentionally dispense and distribute, and cause to be dispensed and distributed, lisdexamfetamine and oxycodone, Schedule II controlled substances, by issuing prescriptions not for a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice.
This case is part of a National Health Care Fraud and Opioid Takedown announced by the Department of Justice on June 28, 2018.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Tactical Diversion Squad-Atlanta Division Office, with assistance from the DEA Macon Regional Office, Department of Justice’s Document and Media Exploitation Program, Georgia Bureau of Investigation-Division of Forensic Services, Georgia Drug and Narcotic Agency and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shanelle Booker and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon with Violent Criminal History Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with two prior aggravated assault convictions was sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
Carlos Alexander aka Carlos Malone, 39, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Tuesday, June 15, by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after pleading guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This sentence reflects the violent criminal history Carlos Alexander has racked up in Columbus. Violent felons caught illegally possessing guns in Columbus and in other cities across the Middle District of Georgia will face the possibility of federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to decreasing violent crime in Columbus and across Middle Georgia.”
“As a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, Carlos Alexander presented a real danger to the community and to law enforcement,” said John Schmidt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Atlanta Field Division. “Despite being prohibited from possessing a firearm, he was armed when encountered by officers. The federal prosecution of this crime demonstrates ATF’s dedication to working alongside our local, state and federal partners, in this case the Columbus Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to ensure violent individuals like Alexander are deprived of the ability to continue terrorizing our community.”
“I am pleased with the outcome of this case. Also, I am thankful for our partnership with our federal partners. We will continue to work together to make cases on violent criminals. This type behavior will not be tolerated in Columbus, Georgia,” said Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon.
According to court records, Alexander was taken into custody by Columbus Police Department officers on October 14, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m., matching the description of a suspect in an attempted armed robbery in the city that same day. Alexander was wearing body armor. Inside his vehicle, officers found a black ski mask in the front passenger's seat and a semi-automatic pistol with magazine and five unspent .25 caliber cartridges in the center console. At the time of the possession of the firearm, Alexander knew he was a convicted felon and that it was illegal for him to be in possession of a firearm. He has previously been convicted of aggravated assault twice as well as attempted armed robbery and possession of a firearm in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia.
ATF and the Columbus Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Repeat Felon on Illegal Gun Possession in Valdosta ShootingRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Valdosta resident with a lengthy violent criminal history today on a federal firearms charge.
Aaron Lewis Green, Jr., 39, of Valdosta, was found guilty of one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day trial that began on Monday, June 14 in Valdosta federal court. The Government contends that his lengthy, violent criminal history and qualifying prior convictions under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) will expose Green to a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as well as a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 21 at 9:30 a.m. in Valdosta before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Green is a violent criminal with pending state charges alleging that he shot a homeless man multiple times for refusing to allow his dog to engage in illegal and vicious dog fighting. Our office had jurisdiction to federally prosecute this armed career criminal for illegally possessing a firearm, and we embraced that responsibility. A citizen jury has now ensured a measure of justice for the victim and that a dangerous repeat felon will be off the streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.
“The dangerous threat that Green poses to the community is documented by his lengthy violent criminal record and his complete disregard for not only the lives of innocent animals, but the lives of his fellow human beings,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Now that a jury has passed judgement, our citizens will be safer while he spends significant time in prison.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning of April 29, 2018, several concerned citizens called 9-1-1 to report the sound of gunshots coming from Green’s residence on Sandy Run Drive. Green had earlier invited a homeless couple living with their Rottweiler dog out of their truck 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 found the hospital the homeless man 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. Twelve days after his arrest, Green was Mirandized and admitted that the weapon that was found and recovered from his waistband was the firearm he used to shoot the homeless man.
Green is currently facing a state aggravated assault charge for the April 29, 2018 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.
The case was investigated by FBI and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case.
SunTrust Bank Robber with Multiple Prior Felonies Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident pleaded guilty to a bank robbery in which he said he had a gun and demanded cash from a SunTrust Bank teller.
Dontrell Scott, 28, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count bank robbery before U.S. District Judge Clay Land today. Scott faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on August 31.
“Federal and local law enforcement worked quickly, detaining Scott within hours after he robbed the bank, terrifying the teller, other employees and customers who witnessed his crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals who choose to terrorize peaceful places of business will be caught and will face justice in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Thanks to the quick reaction of our local law enforcement partners, this suspect was arrested and unable to threaten any more innocent victims,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Scott now faces serious prison time on federal charges with no opportunity for parole.”
According to facts admitted to in court, Scott walked undisguised into a SunTrust Bank branch on 1st Avenue in Columbus on November 5, 2019, holding a bottle of Powerade and carrying a camouflage bag. Scott approached a teller at her workstation, told her he had a gun and demanded money. Scott put the money in his bag, left his Powerade on the counter and exited the building.
Columbus Police Department and FBI responded to the scene and quickly distributed high quality still photographs from the surveillance video to other law enforcement agencies and the public. Scott was immediately identified, and later that same afternoon the Phenix City Police Department received a tip that a suspect matching the bank robber’s description had been spotted at a local used car lot. Shortly thereafter, officers detained Scott, who was also wanted on outstanding warrants. When arrested, Scott was wearing the same clothes seen in the bank surveillance footage. A subsequent search of Scott’s hotel room located the camouflage bag from the bank robbery and a notebook where someone had written: “I have a gun this is a robbery quickly # go dawgs!” In addition, Scott’s DNA was found on the lid of the Powerade left behind at the scene. Scott has prior felony convictions in Muscogee County Superior Court, to include Robbery, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime and Theft By Receiving Stolen Property.
FBI, Columbus Police Department and Phenix City Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case.
Columbus Couple in Custody, Charged with CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Two Columbus residents were taken into custody today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging them both with wire fraud and theft of government property related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Curtis Porch, 48, and Dereen Porch, 43, both of Columbus, GA, were taken into custody earlier today by federal agents after a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment on Wednesday, June 9, charging them with three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government property. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire theft and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for theft of government property. An indictment is an allegation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendants appeared in federal court this morning.
According to the filed indictment, the defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) in June and July 2020, seeking CARES Act money for shell companies that suffered no losses as a result of harm related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government alleges that companies either did not exist, did not conduct business or only existed on paper. As a result of the fraud, the defendants are accused of stealing or converting $364,200 from SBA.
FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigations are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin Hyde is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 200 Months in Prison for Dealing up to Ten Kilos of HeroinRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A repeat offender arrested during an investigation into the distribution of heroin in Middle Georgia was sentenced to serve a total of 200 months in prison for his crimes.
Kenneth Bernard Miles, 59, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 200 months in prison, to include 30 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Thursday, June 10, after previously pleading guilty to one count distribution of heroin. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Miles chose to distribute a substantial amount of heroin into our Middle Georgia communities,—undoubtedly causing death and despair for users and their families—even after he served time in federal prison for trafficking drugs in Florida. Miles is now being held accountable for his continued criminal actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will work together to root out the most egregious repeat offenders who continually violate the law.”
On June 20, 2020, a confidential source (CS) contacted Miles about obtaining heroin. They agreed to meet off Exit 205 on I-75 in Butts County, Georgia. Prior to meeting with Miles, the CS was searched by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and provided with an audio/video recording device. The two met, and Miles provided a bag of what was later confirmed to be 27.47 grams of heroin. As part of his plea, Miles admitted that the amount of heroin attributable to him in the investigation was more than 3 kilograms, but less than 10 kilograms.
Miles was previously convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in the Northern District of Florida. In that case, Miles was sentenced to a total of 135 months imprisonment and ten years of supervised release on April 12, 2006. When Miles entered his guilty plea in the Middle District of Georgia, he admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release from his prior Northern District of Florida conviction.
This case was investigated by the DEA, GBI, Butts County Sheriff’s Office and Byron Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.
Defendants Plead Guilty in Drug Distribution Investigation at Albany Hotels, 20 Firearms Seized Including MachinegunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Six defendants entered guilty pleas in federal court in a drug and firearms case involving a cache of illegally possessed weapons, including a fully automatic rifle and sawed-off shotgun.
On Friday, June 4, Daniel Landon Knight, 30, of Leesburg, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count attempt to escape from custody. For the firearms charge, Knight faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. For the escape charge, Knight faces five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Co-defendant Haley Roberts, 33, of Lee County, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for which she faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Co-defendant Donald Hammock, 57, of Shellman, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hammock likely faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years up to a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine.
On Thursday, June 3, co-defendant Emanuel Cobb, 36, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Joshua Walls, 34, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine and one count possession of a machinegun. For the distribution of methamphetamine charge, Walls faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison and a maximum $10,000,000 fine, and as a result of the possession of a machinegun charge, he faces a maximum of ten years in prison and maximum fine of $250,000.
On May 13, Cody Harman, 35, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine. Harman faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of ten years up to a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment as well as a fine of up to $10,000,000.
All pleas were offered before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner in Albany, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement agents prevented a group of convicted felons in possession of dangerous weapons – including a machinegun – from continuing to circulate drugs and guns into our community. These defendants will now face federal consequences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to take all necessary steps to curb violence in our region.”
“Due to the diligence of our local, state and federal partners, these lifelong criminals are unable to continue threatening the safety of our citizens,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These repeat offenders have another chance to learn 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 January 2020 through August 2020, law enforcement agents investigated Wall, Cobb and Harman’s methamphetamine and heroin distribution activities at local 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.
Investigations and arrests in this case took place at Knights Inn, Araamda Hotel, Budget Inn, Motel 6, Merry Acres Inn and Red Roof Inn in Albany. Specifically, Harman, Walls and Cobb admitted their involvement in drug sales inside the Knights Inn, and Walls also admitted that in the parking lot of a hotel he sold a rifle equipped with a bump stock and a 30-round magazine, which falls under the category of machinegun under federal law. Such firearms allow a shooter to initiate a continuous firing cycle with a single pull of the trigger.
Additionally, Lee County Sheriff 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 on 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 at the Merry Acres Inn, Albany, on a state probation warrant violation. Roberts was previously convicted in Lee County Superior Court in April 2017 on a three-count felony violation and was on probation at the time of her arrest. During a search of the hotel 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 the Merry Acres Inn.
Finally, 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 Wall.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, GBI, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Randolph County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Farm equipment CEO pleads guilty in multi-million dollar bank fraudRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia businessman and owner of a tractor supply company has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a complicated fraud involving millions of dollars of loans by multiple creditors.
Rickey Carter, 60, of Nashville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count bank fraud on Tuesday, June 8, before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Carter faces a maximum 30 years in prison to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Rickey Carter’s decision to concoct various illegal schemes to keep his failing business afloat has damaged small businesses, community banks and defrauded the federal government. Carter’s criminal actions will ultimately land him in federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI and FDIC agents successfully unraveled Carter’s complicated fraud, preventing him from further harming small businesses and bringing him to justice.”
“Carter thought he was smart enough to swindle millions of dollars from these banks, but he wasn’t smart enough to avoid being caught and punished,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “He will be held accountable for the damage he has done, sending a strong message to anyone considering such fraud that it is a serious crime with serious consequences.”
“Rickey Carter’s guilty plea holds him responsible for his actions in fraudulently obtaining 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). “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who threaten the integrity of the banking system.”
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 is prosecuting the case.
Former Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Preston, Georgia resident and former pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) has pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography in a case involving thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
William Clinton Storey, 41, of Preston, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Clay Land today. Storey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least five years up to a lifetime of supervision. Storey will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Storey’s sentencing is scheduled for August 17. There is no parole in the federal system.
“William Storey will spend a significant period of time in prison for his role in distributing large amounts of the most depraved depictions of child sexual abuse online—a criminal act made even more disturbing knowing he was a pediatric nurse practitioner at the time of his crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “GBI and FBI agents are to be commended for their urgent and precise investigation into Storey’s activities as a child predator, removing him from his role working with children and helping us obtain justice.”
“Children portrayed in child pornography images are victimized every time those images are distributed or viewed, and this case is exceptionally disturbing because the suspect was a nurse and a family pediatric practitioner,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will use every resource available, including the partnerships with our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to uncover child pornography and those who create, distribute and possess it.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims of online exploitation. In this instance the offender was a healthcare provider. We are grateful for the relationships we maintain with our federal partner agencies to bring these predators to justice,” said Vic Reynolds, GBI Director.
According to court documents, the multimedia messaging app Snapchat detected that user clint31824 had uploaded five files of suspected child pornography while using their platform on November 21, 2019. GBI investigated the cybertip and traced the IP used by user clint31824 to the defendant, William Storey. At the time, Storey was employed as a certified family nurse practitioner. Agents executed search warrants at Storey’s home and business on February 18, 2020, seizing seven devices belonging to Storey. A forensic examination of the electronic media seized during the search warrant discovered approximately 6,000 videos and 24,000 images of suspected child pornography. The files contained depictions of babies, small toddlers, minors engaged in bondage, and male and female prepubescent children being sexually abused by adult males.
The case was investigated by the GBI and FBI with assistance from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case.
Sandy Springs Heroin Supplier Pleads Guilty in Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking CaseRead 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 over a three month span, pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court.
Michael Duffy, 43, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin on Thursday, May 20. Duffy faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine.
The following co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their crimes in federal court and have been sentenced for their crimes:
Chad Bresach, 38, of Eatonton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count 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, 2021;
Reginald Summerford, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count 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, 2021;
Courtney Dews, 36, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count 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, 2021;
Patrick Dews, 34, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count 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, 2021; and
Kathy Black, 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count 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, 2021.
The following co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their crimes in federal court and are awaiting sentencing:
Terrance Jackson, 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Jackson faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; and
Arthur Anderson, 57, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Anderson faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the hearings. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement successfully stopped what was a steady flow of heroin from an Atlanta-based supplier into the Macon community, undoubtedly saving lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals will face the possibility of federal prosecution when found trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs into the Middle District of Georgia.”
“With the arrest of Duffy, the head of the snake was cut off of this major heroin pipeline that ran from Atlanta to Middle Georgia,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As the source of the operation, Duffy fueled an epidemic and wreaked havoc in many communities. Now he faces many years in prison for the damage he has caused.”
In December 2017, following the arrest of a heroin dealer in Macon, federal and local law enforcement began investigating heroin distribution by co-defendant Summerford. 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 December 2018 and January 2019, Duffy sold heroin from a “trap house” located in an Atlanta apartment. In early February 2019, Duffy moved into a house in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and used that residence to sell heroin.
From December 2018 to February 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 that were confirmed using interceptions and/or surveillance. On the way back from purchasing heroin from Duffy on February 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 February 22, 2019, pursuant to a valid federal search warrant, law enforcement searched Duffy’s narcotics sales location at his 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 December 2018 to February 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegal Possession of Multiple Guns in First Criminal Jury Trial in the Middle District of Georgia Since Lifting of Jury Trial MoratoriumRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga.– A federal jury returned a guilty verdict this afternoon, convicting an Albany man for illegal possession of firearms by a prohibited person in the first criminal jury trial conducted in the Middle District of Georgia since the COVID-19 pandemic jury trial restrictions lifted in May 2021.
“It is significant that a jury trial for a criminal case was successfully and safely accomplished in the Middle District of Georgia as the legal community works to return to pre-COVID, in-person gatherings. I want to commend everyone involved in the trial for helping to ensure that justice was fairly and safely delivered,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Eric Tollefson, 63, was wanted by authorities in Virginia in 2018 pursuant to an indictment returned against him in a narcotics case. Law enforcement agents traveled to his Albany home to arrest him on November 2, 2018. Upon entering the residence, agents observed a number of firearms in plain view. Tollefson was in illegal possession of a total of eleven firearms: nine rifles, a pistol and a shotgun. At the time he possessed the 11 guns, Tollefson was a multiple-time convicted felon, to include a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Tollefson faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2021. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner is presiding over the case.
FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Albany Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – An Albany, Georgia resident has pleaded guilty to federal child sex trafficking in a case involving a run-away teenage victim.
Demetrius Hunter aka Red, pleaded guilty to one count sex trafficking of children before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Thursday, May 20. Hunter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least five years up to a lifetime of supervision. Hunter’s sentencing is scheduled for August 18. Co-defendant Tamara Taylor aka Coco, 30, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce to transmit information about a minor on May 4. Taylor faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least five years up to the possibility of a lifetime of supervision. Taylor’s sentencing is scheduled for July 28. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Demetrius Hunter and Tamara Taylor will spend well deserved time in federal prison for the cruelty, manipulation and sexual abuse they inflicted on a runaway foster child in need. Our office will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served to predators who exploit and harm children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I am thankful to the FBI and local law enforcement for finding the victim and returning her to safety, as well as removing these child predators from our streets.”
“When most adults would have felt a responsibility to try to help a lost and helpless young child, Hunter and Taylor ruthlessly took advantage of her, selling her for sex,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Now they will spend time in prison while their innocent victim begins to recover from the emotional scars they left her with.”
On October 5, 2016, Taylor came across the victim, a 15-year-old female, at the Bridgeview hotel in Macon, Georgia. The day prior, the victim had run away from a group foster home and was at the hotel looking for her sister. The victim did not find her sister and had been abandoned by her ride. The victim informed Taylor of her age and that she had run away from a group home. Taylor invited the victim to her room where Taylor introduced the victim to Hunter, who knew her age and that she had run away. Hunter told the victim that they were traveling the world and invited her to stay with them, but told her that she would have to make money. The victim did not understand at that time how she would be expected to make money.
After staying one night at the Bridgeview, Hunter and Taylor took the victim to another hotel in Warner Robins, Georgia. The victim’s profile was placed on Backpage, a website commonly used for online advertisements for commercial sex acts. Records from Backpage verify that the victim’s profile had been posted by Taylor on Backpage. The advertisements included photographs of the victim in underwear and included a cell phone number to call that was provided by Hunter and Taylor. Hunter explained the victim would have to do “tricks” to get money and forced the victim to perform sex acts on him. The victim remained with Hunter and Taylor until October 18, 2016, when they were encountered by law enforcement, and the victim was returned to her group foster home. As a result of the advertisements posted on Backpage, the victim had to engage in two to five commercial sex acts. During her time with Hunter and Taylor, the victim relied on them for her shelter and food. She stated in her interview with law enforcement that when having to engage in one commercial sex act, she told herself “you gotta do this, you gotta get the money, that’s how you eat.”
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Beth Howard are prosecuting the case.
Co-Defendants Plead Guilty in Southwest Georgia Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Multiple co-defendants involved in a high-volume drug trafficking operation located in a southwest Georgia city have pleaded guilty to their crimes in federal court this week.
On Thursday, May 13, James Malone, 51, of Albany, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Malone faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Laura Ann Dungee-Ali, 49, of Albany, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises. Dungee-Ali faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. William Cook, 46, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone. Cook faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
On Wednesday, May 12, Patricia Odom, 50, of Albany, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Odom faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
On Tuesday, May 11, Sherrod Winchester, 39, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Winchester faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a maximum $10,000,000 fine.
Previously, Shannon Marie Mason, 39, of Leesburg, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, Mason faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Anthony Dewayne Pearson, 42, of Sylvester, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone. Pearson faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The hearings were presided over by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner.
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 case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, GBI and the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Former UGA Professor Ordered to Prison, Must Register as Lifetime Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A former University of Georgia (UGA) professor who admitted to authorities that he possessed hundreds of images of child pornography was sentenced to federal prison and will have to register as a sex offender for life.
James Edward Monogan, III, 39, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 90 months in a federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and more than $40,000 in fines by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Tuesday, May 10. In addition, Monogan will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Monogan previously pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Monogan, a former professor, will serve more than seven years behind federal prison bars for his crimes against children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Viewing child pornography is a direct assault against the very children who are being exploited on film. We will prosecute individuals engaging in this deviant criminal behavior, and we thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and vigilance.”
“Taking Monogan off the streets means that his victims can start to heal, and he can no longer hurt our children or share those dreadful images and details with others,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Catching and prosecuting predators is always a victory for the community, but when that predator is in a position of trust and responsibility that victory is even greater. We are thankful for the hard work our law enforcement put into this case.”
“This investigation demonstrates that no matter who you are, you will be held accountable for preying on children. We value our law enforcement partnerships to be able to work together in these type investigations to catch and punish criminals who seek to exploit one of our most vulnerable populations,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to the plea agreement, Homeland Security Investigation’s Atlanta Office (HSI-Atlanta) received information in 2019 that KIK user “utbballplaya03” had distributed child pornography to another KIK user in February 2019. KIK, formally known as Kik Messenger, is an internet based instant messaging mobile application. HSI also received a second child pornography distribution complaint for KIK user “texan21225053.” Both KIK usernames belonged to Monogan. On September 5, 2019, HSI, the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Athens, seizing several electronic devices. Monogan’s UGA office was also searched. A forensic review of the defendant’s electronics located 452 images of child pornography and eight videos depicting child sexual exploitation material on his UGA laptop, as well as an additional 119 images of child sexual exploitation material on his cell phone. Some of these images involved minors under the age of 12.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case.
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.
Farm Broker Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Stole Millions from InvestorRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A farm broker has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a scheme to defraud an investor of up to $2.1 million.
Collis Robert Todd, aka C. Robert Todd, aka Collis Todd, aka Robert Todd, aka Robert C. Todd, 64, of Jesup, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Todd faces a maximum twenty years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is August 18. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Those who lie their way to an illegal profit can expect to be prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Defrauding people and small businesses out of their hard-earned money with deceit and manipulation is a criminal offense. I want to thank the FBI for unraveling this scheme and bringing the defendant to justice.”
“Todd deceived an investor into believing the investor’s money would make legitimate gains only to find out the money was going into Todd’s pockets,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It is a stark reminder to investors to be very careful where they entrust their money. The FBI is committed to find investment predators 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 November 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 was schemed out of an amount not to exceed $2,137,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon is prosecuting the case.
Former Middle School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – An Oconee County, Georgia, resident and former eighth grade teacher has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
Ira New, III, 56, of Watkinsville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Wednesday, May 5. New faces a maximum twenty years of imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime. Child victims are manipulated and harmed each time the images are viewed,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend both GBI and Yahoo investigators who teamed up to quickly stop a child predator who, as a teacher, had easy access to children.”
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims. No child should be subject to online exploitation. As we work with internet service providers and other law enforcement agency partners, we are ensuring that predators like this defendant are held accountable,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds
On August 7, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) received a cyber tip from Yahoo investigators 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.
On September 5, 2019, the GBI conducted a knock and talk at his home. 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.
The case was investigated by the GBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case.