Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Middle Georgia PT Provider Agrees to Pay $500k+ to Resolve Fraud ClaimsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A civil settlement has been reached with former Warner Robins-based physical therapy provider McLeod-Hughes and Associates, LLC, and its owner Barry McLeod-Hughes, to resolve allegations of fraud, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
McLeod-Hughes agreed to pay $506,811.18 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting bills to the Medicare and TRICARE programs for physical therapy services provided by unlicensed, uncredentialed or otherwise unapproved individuals. Additionally, McLeod-Hughes has voluntarily agreed to be excluded as a provider from Medicare and other federal health care programs.
The settlement marks the end of a years-long investigation into McLeod-Hughes’s billing practices that began with a referral from the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Health Agency. Federal health care programs, such as Medicare and TRICARE, allow services to be provided and billed only by certain licensed and approved providers and only under certain circumstances. The alleged scheme resolved by the settlement concerned McLeod-Hughes’s submission of claims to Medicare and TRICARE for physical therapy services purportedly provided by approved providers when, in fact, athletic trainers and other unlicensed, uncredentialed, or otherwise unapproved individuals furnished the physical therapy services. McLeod-Hughes fully cooperated in the investigation, after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations described herein. The claims covered by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
“We are committed to protecting the public trust and will carefully investigate allegations of fraud in pursuit of this mission,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services for their work investigating these allegations.”
“Our warfighters and their families deserve the best medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce of DOD’s Defense Criminal Investigation Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office. “The DCIS and partnering investigative agencies will thoroughly investigate and bring to justice those who sacrifice the integrity of our military healthcare system.”
“Medicare pays only for medical services administered by licensed, credentialed and approved professionals. These criteria help to uphold the quality and integrity of federal health care programs,” said Derrick L. Jackson. Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Therefore, we continue to investigate and resolve situations in which unapproved providers are billing Medicare and other federal health care programs, as shown in this case.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Lam Hoang of the Department of Defense--Office of Inspector General, Shawn McAleer of the Department of Health & Human Services--Office of Inspector General, and Investigators Shaketia Morgan and Enedelia Bostrup of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The Government’s civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Taylor McNeill. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former UGA Professor Pleads Guilty in Project Safe Childhood InvestigationRead 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 enetered a guilty plea in federal court today for his crime, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
James Edward Monogan, III, 39, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. Monogan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by a maximum lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Monogan will also have to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
“Monogan actively participated in the evil world of child pornography and brazenly engaged in his criminal behavior using a computer belonging to his employer. He will spend many years inside a federal prison for his crime, ” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for tirelessly working to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and holding child sex offenders accountable.”
“Today’s plea is the result of the strong partnership that Homeland Security Investigations has with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department,” said Katrina W. Berger, special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta. “By working together to leverage our respective resources and expertise, we have removed a dangerous child predator from the community.”
“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.
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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Peter D. Leary Named Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle DistrictRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Peter D. Leary has been named as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Acting U.S. Attorney Leary previously served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Leary has served the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia as a prosecutor since 2012. Since joining the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), he has worked as the office’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) coordinator, its Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) prosecutor and as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. In 2019, he received the Anti-Defamation League’s SHIELD award with FBI and Department of Justice partners, and he shared the 2018 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Thomson Reuters Award for Excellence in Criminal Investigation with the FBI and GBI.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia in this new role,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I pledge to continue the great legacy of this office by working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served with integrity and a steadfast dedication to upholding the rule of law.”
As Acting U.S. Attorney, Mr. Leary is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which covers 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties, includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta, and has a population of approximately 2,045,000 people. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms, illegal gangs and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Raised in Watkinsville, Georgia, Mr. Leary received his B.A. and J.D. from University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar. After law school, Mr. Leary clerked for U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Following his clerkship, Mr. Leary joined the Federal Programs Branch of the DOJ through its Honors Program, where he worked extensively with the Intelligence Community. In addition to his work at the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Leary serves as adjunct faculty at Mercer University, teaching Criminal Justice.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Two Georgia Correctional Officers Indicted for Civil Rights and Related Offenses for Assaulting InmatesRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Macon, Georgia, returned a 4-count indictment against former supervisory correctional officer Sergeant Patrick Sharpe, 29, and former correctional officer Jamal Scott, 33, of the Valdosta State Prison (VSP) for their roles in using excessive force against inmates incarcerated at the facility.
The indictment charges Sharpe and Scott with conspiring to assault, and aiding and abetting one another in the assault of, inmate F.G., in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 (conspiracy against rights) and 18 U.S.C. § 242 (deprivation of rights under color of law). Specifically, the indictment charges that on Dec. 29, 2018, Sharpe instructed Scott and another correctional officer named Brian Ford to assault inmate F.G., despite the fact that F.G. was handcuffed and compliant. In response, Scott and Ford struck F.G. multiple times in the body, resulting in bodily injury to F.G. Brian Ford previously pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, 2020, to depriving F.G. of his civil rights.
The indictment also charges that on Sept. 24, 2018, Sharpe assaulted inmate M.B. by striking M.B. in the face and head with handcuffs wrapped around his fist, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, and then making false statements to Special Agents with the FBI about his conduct, in violation of 18. U.S.C. § 1001.
The maximum penalty for the deprivation-of-rights and conspiracy offenses is 10 years of imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for the false statements offense is five years of imprisonment.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Criminal Chief Michael Solis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Macon Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to Serve 16+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon was sentenced to serve more than 16 years in a federal prison today, the result of a lengthy investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office into illegal firearms trafficking in the Macon area, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Keon Hendley, 35, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 200 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after previously pleading guilty to one count possession of a firearm and one count possession of cocaine. In addition, Hendley was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.p
ATF agents, working with a confidential informant (CI), negotiated the purchase of large amounts of firearms from Hendley, a convicted felon, on four separate occasions in 2019 at various locations across Macon. In total, 23 firearms were obtained from Hendley during this operation, along with methamphetamine and cocaine. Five of those firearms were confirmed stolen by the ATF.
“Shutting down this prolific illegal arms dealer in the Macon community has undoubtedly prevented additional crimes and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with our law enforcement partners in the quest to curb gun violence and crime, and we will hold those breaking the law accountable. I want to thank ATF and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for their excellent work investigating this case.”
“We must do all we can to take illegal guns off our streets,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Atlanta. “ Firearm traffickers like Keon Hendley put guns in the hands of criminals which leads to violence, destruction and heartache for so many of our communities. The Bibb County Sheriff is committed to reducing gun violence in Macon and throughout Bibb County and ATF will continue to do all we can to identify, investigate and arrest anyone who sells guns illegally and threatens the safety of our neighborhoods.”
“We can all be proud of the efforts of the Bibb Sheriff’s investigators and ATF agents to bring this gun peddling career criminal to justice. This case is a fine example of the success achieved by our local and federal law enforcement partnerships,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
The investigation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Criminal Division Chief Michael Solis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Calhoun prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Charlie Peeler Announces Resignation as U.S. Attorney for the Middle DistrictRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, is resigning as U.S. Attorney effective 11:59 p.m., December 11, 2020. Following his resignation, he plans on reentering private practice with a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Serving as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career. I thank the President for the trust he placed in me, and I thank Attorney General Barr and former Attorney General Sessions for their leadership and support. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the talented men and women in the United States Attorney’s Office and our brave and dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement to protect our citizens and make the Middle District of Georgia a better place,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler.
“I want to thank U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler for his dedicated service to the people of Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Working together, we cracked down on gang violence and made incredible progress in our fight to end human trafficking in Georgia. On behalf of all Georgians, Marty and I are grateful for Charlie’s steadfast commitment to the Peach State, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
“Charlie Peeler has served the state of Georgia with honor and integrity as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “As a long-time friend, I had the pleasure of speaking at USA Peeler’s swearing-in ceremony to kick off his tenure, and every day since, we have been partnering to combat gang violence, eradicate human trafficking, curb opioid abuse, crack down on Medicaid fraud and more. USA Peeler will leave the Middle District in a safer and more prosperous state, and he will be missed as he returns to private practice. We thank him greatly for his service these past three years.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Charlie Peeler over the last three years. Charlie has been a good friend to law enforcement throughout the state of Georgia,” said U.S. Marshal John Cary Bittick. “In my opinion, Charlie has been a great United States Attorney and a great representative of the Middle District of Georgia.”
“It has been an honor working side-by-side with Charlie Peeler. He has done a great job as the U.S. Attorney and we will miss him,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“The citizens of this state and this country should be grateful for the commitment, dedication and accomplishments that U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler has achieved over the past three years,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI could not be more appreciative of the partnership we have developed with him and his office in our effort to protect our citizens and uphold our Constitution. All of us at the FBI Atlanta field office and resident agencies in the Middle District of Georgia wish this great public servant as much success in private practice.”
“The citizens of the Middle District of Georgia were well served by U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division. “It was refreshing to work with a man whose guiding principles were doing what was right and making the community a safer place. Charlie worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement on a daily basis to make sure we were bringing to justice those who preyed on our community. I wish Charlie well in his future endeavors. Hopefully, Charlie will have an opportunity to serve our country again.”
“U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler understands the needs of each community he has served,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Atlanta. “As the U.S. Attorney, Charlie Peeler has served with distinction and honor. He has inspired us to seek justice for those who cannot do it on their own. He has provided an example of courage for us to emulate and even though he holds a high position, he is a friend to each one of us. The Atlanta Field Division extends profound gratitude to U.S. Attorney Peeler for his service to the Nation and to our Georgia communities.”
“The United States Secret Service and the US Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia, have always been strong partners. United States Attorney Charlie Peeler made that relationship even better throughout his tenure,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany Georgia Resident Office. “United States Attorney Peeler maintained an unwavering dedication to ensure those who sought to commit financial fraud against the United States of America and the citizens of Georgia would be held accountable. His professional contributions to safeguard our financial system and communities have greatly benefited us all and for that we are very grateful.”
U.S. Attorney Peeler, a graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Georgia School of Law, has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia since 2017. During his tenure, U.S. Attorney Peeler implemented an effective and sustainable strategy to combat violent crime in all five divisions in the Middle District of Georgia. He also created a Complex Fraud Unit in the Office to detect, investigate and eliminate fraud by maximizing parallel civil and criminal divisions’ resources. During his three-years as U.S. Attorney, the Office grew to its highest number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and prosecuted more criminal defendants than any other three-year period in the Office’s recorded history. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also began reentry forums, pairing recently released inmates with non-profits to assist them in obtaining jobs, housing and education. Under U.S. Attorney Peeler’s leadership, the office partnered with the Peyton Anderson Foundation, the Federal Defender’s Office and the U.S. District Court to create and distribute “Armed With Knowledge,” an educational program centered on a short film warning children and teenagers of the life-altering consequences of unlawful firearm possession.
U.S. Attorney Peeler served on the Attorney General’s Subcommittee for Cybercrime and Intellectual Property and the Subcommittee for Service Members and Veterans Rights. U.S. Attorney Peeler also chaired the Department of Justice’s Investment Review Board, which is responsible for vetting and recommending technology purchases for the Department of Justice.
The Middle District of Georgia covers 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties and includes Albany, Valdosta, Columbus, Macon and Athens. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms, illegal gangs and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases, pursues civil fraud matters on behalf of the United States and collects debts owed to the United States. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Black Disciples Gang Member Guilty of Illegally Possessing Guns in ColumbusRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon, who is also a member of the Black Disciples street gang, is facing a maximum 20 years in a federal prison after being arrested twice this year for illegally possessing firearms, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Roderick Phillips, 27, of Columbus, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Clay Land to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Each count carries a maximum ten years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
Phillips was arrested on two separate occasions in 2020 by the Columbus Police Department in illegal possession of a firearm. The first occurred on April 13, after police officers were dispatched to The Fort Church regarding a suspicious person; they had been dispatched there several times before for the same reason. Officers found Phillips standing in the breezeway of The Fort Church with a pistol; they were able to safely secure Phillips and take him into custody. Phillips was arrested a second time on October 13, during a routine traffic stop in Columbus. Officers discovered the driver had active warrants, and when they were removing the driver from the vehicle, noticed rifle ammunition and found a stolen gun under the driver’s seat. Phillips was attempting to conceal another stolen firearm, a pistol, and was taken into custody. Phillips is a member of the Black Disciples street gang and is a convicted felon. Phillips was convicted of and sentenced for aggravated assault on February 21, 2019 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on August 12, 2015 in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia; Phillips was convicted of and sentenced for assault in the second degree in the Superior Court of Elmore County, Alabama on April 3, 2013.
“Phillips, a gang member and a convicted felon, will spend many years in a federal prison and off the streets of Columbus. Repeat, violent offenders caught illegally possessing guns in the Middle District of Georgia will face federal prosecution and federal prison, where there is no parole,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “It is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest and prosecute the most violent offenders. I want to thank the Columbus Police Department and the ATF for their good work in this case and for their tireless commitment to making our communities safer.”
“Organized criminal groups, like the one Mr. Phillips belongs to, use guns to intimidate and harm members of our communities,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Atlanta. “In this case, Mr. Phillips was not deterred by his April 13, 2020, arrest and he was not deterred by his 2019 conviction for possession of a firearm. It is because of the efforts of our law enforcement organizations and the support of our Columbus communities that we can identify threats and stop them before any innocent person is harmed. ATF will continue to partner with the Columbus Police Department and work to make Columbus and our surrounding communities safer.”
“I am thankful for the successful prosecution of this case and I really appreciate the work of our officers and our federal partners. Also, I look forward to even more successful prosecutions as we continue to collaborate with our federal partners,” said Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon.
The investigation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Nine Offenders Arrested During GBI-Led Roundup in Albany, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A multi-agency press conference held today at the Law Enforcement Center in downtown Albany announced a GBI-led arrest operation in the Albany-area last month had led to the capture of nine offenders, several of whom were charged with violent crimes.
The arrest operation focused on Violent Repeat Offenders (VROs) with outstanding arrest warrants in the Albany-Dougherty County area and was conducted on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, resulting in a total of nine arrests. Led by the GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the arrest operation included members of the Albany Police Department, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Community Supervision-Albany, Poulan Police Department, DEA Columbus Field Office, FBI Albany Field Office, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and ATF Macon Field Office. The operation was also supported by the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The operation is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. In addition to the arrest of individuals charged with violent crimes, other non-violent suspects with outstanding arrest warrants in the Albany area were taken into custody.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The following individuals were arrested during the operation and are facing state charges:
Mareo Jackson, 20, of Albany is charged with murder;
Russell Roberts, 30, of Albany is charged with two counts of aggravated assault;
Terry Burnette, 58, of Albany is charged with probation violation for manufacturing methamphetamine;
Jerrell Leconte Stroud, 26, of Albany is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, gang participation and violation of probation;
Jovonta Frazier, 27, of Albany is charged with failure to appear for court;
Johnnie Fletcher, 64, of Albany is charged with shoplifting;
Corey Jenkins, 33, of Albany is charged with probation violation.
During the search for other suspects, an apparent indoor marijuana growing operation was discovered at 504 Johnson Road, Albany. A search warrant was obtained for the residence resulting in the recovery of several suspected marijuana plants and seven firearms (one shotgun, two rifles and four handguns). This investigation is ongoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Agents arrested the following two individuals at the residence, both charged with state crimes:
Willie Ernest Robinson, 26, of Albany, is charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony;
Pamela Rose Lucy Verney, 24, of Albany is charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (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 GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office is in Albany and services 42 counties in Southwest Georgia. The office is the collaborative effort between the GBI, Albany Police Department, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County Police Department, Americus Police Department, Worth County Sheriff’s Office and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office. The Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office is partially funded with Byrne/JAG grant funds.
Crime tips can be submitted directly to the GBI by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Augusta Man Pleads Guilty in Columbus Child Sexual Abuse CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – An Augusta man is facing a maximum life imprisonment after pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of two Columbus minors today, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Todd Matthew Jones, 27, of Augusta, Georgia pleaded guilty to two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a term of supervised release of not less than five years up to lifetime supervision. Jones will be sentenced on February 24, 2021 at noon. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the plea agreement, Jones, pretending to be a teenager, met a 13-year-old middle school male, “John Doe,” on the social media app Snapchat. Jones proceeded to send the victim sexually explicit photos of himself and encouraged John Doe to do the same, which he did. Following a series of additional Snapchat conversations, the defendant traveled to Columbus to meet John Doe. The victim told investigators he was hoping Jones would purchase a vaping kit for him, but instead sexually abused him. John Doe’s mother discovered the relationship and Jones was taken into custody on December 1, 2018. John Doe told investigators that the defendant told him he sold “boy porn” online. During the investigation, agents found a second victim, a 16-year-old female minor, “Jane Doe,” who also said she met the defendant on Snapchat and would sneak out of her home to meet the defendant. The female victim was encouraged to, and did, send sexually explicit photos of herself to the defendant.
“Jones is a manipulative child predator who has gravely harmed vulnerable youth. He will face the consequences for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I hope this case reinforces the importance for all parents to remain vigilant about the dangers on social media, and how quickly and easily young people can be tricked and enticed into an abusive, destructive relationship. I encourage all citizens to report suspicious online activity to the authorities. I want to thank the Columbus Police Department and the FBI for their work in this case.”
“The facts of this case are disturbing and demonstrate how a sexual predator can easily use social media apps to victimize innocent children,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will always make it a top priority to hold child predators accountable for their heinous crimes and educate the community about the dangers of communicating with strangers on the internet.”
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Robbers Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Violent Albany Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final defendant involved in a string of violent convenience store robberies in Albany in 2016, shooting and injuring two clerks, was sentenced to prison for his crime today, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Anthony Parks, 28, of Albany, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner to a total of 240 months in prison, 120 months per count, after pleading guilty to two counts of possession and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. In June, co-defendant Javarius Mallory, 26, of Albany, was sentenced by Judge Gardner to the same term of imprisonment, after pleading guilty to two counts of possession and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“One cashier was shot while he was face-down, another shot in the leg. Parks and Mallory, always armed and often masked, did not hesitate to unload rounds of ammunition while demanding cash from terrified, hard-working employees of these businesses. This kind of violence will not be tolerated in Albany or elsewhere in the Middle District of Georgia, and we will seek severe prison sentences for violent criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the good work of the Albany Police Department and FBI who teamed up to track these defendants down and bring them to justice.
“To the victims of these robberies, including two injured by gun shots, not even this sentence will justify the pain you have gone through,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “You feared for your lives and may never fully recover emotionally from that terror. But, hopefully knowing no one else will be threatened by them will bring some comfort to you.”
“This is another example of the collaboration that the Albany Police Department has with state and federal resources in addressing criminal acts in our community. Let this be a message to those who are intent on causing chaos and disorder, that the consequences of your decisions will have lasting effects on your life,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department. “Our community has many challenges, and I am asking for community members to get involved and help our youth avoid situations like this. Many thanks to the men and women of the police department and FBI who worked tirelessly to bring these subjects to justice. There is more work to be done, but together we can continue to keep the good in the Good Life City.”
The defendants were involved in a violent robbery spree across Albany during 2016, both admitting guilt in a total of four of the seven robberies charged in the indictment. Parks and Mallory, armed and masked, robbed the Neighborhood Grocery on West Gordon Avenue close to midnight on September 9, 2016. During the robbery, Parks fired three shots into a locked office door, stealing a total of $8,702. A little more than two weeks later, on September 23, 2016, Mallory admitted he held up the same Neighborhood Grocery Store on West Gordon Avenue, armed with a loaded 9mm pistol. Every time Mallory demanded more money from the store clerk, he would discharge his weapon into the ceiling. Five spent 9mm shell casings were found inside the store, and Mallory ran off with $3,923. The defendants held up the BP store on Dawson Road in the early morning hours of October 6, 2016 with two clerks inside. One clerk, who got on the floor when the pair walked in, armed and masked, was shot by Parks in the buttocks. The other clerk chased the defendants after they ran off on foot with cash stolen from the store, and fired his own gun at them, shattering the back windshield of a customer’s vehicle. Both Parks and Mallory, armed with handguns and wearing ski masks to cover their faces, robbed the Dawson Food Mart on Dawson Road on November 3, 2016. Mallory shot the clerk in his leg.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Albany Police Department. U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler and Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Michael Solis prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Unemployment Insurance Task Force Targets Fraud During COVID PandemicRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A new state-wide, interagency task force focused on combatting unemployment insurance (UI) benefit fraud in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is supporting investigating agencies and encouraging citizens to report suspected UI fraud.
The Georgia Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud Task Force’s mission is to combat fraud schemes targeting the UI benefits program, which is funded by both the federal and the state governments and is administered by the Georgia Department of Labor. In response to the devastating negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law in March 2020. Among many benefits for citizens and businesses, the CARES Act includes a provision of temporary benefits for individuals who have exhausted their entitlement to regular unemployment compensation, as well as coverage for individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation, are self-employed or have limited recent work history.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters have been perpetrating numerous lucrative UI fraud schemes at a significant rate. State and local law enforcement agencies are at the forefront in uncovering these schemes. The Georgia UI Fraud Task Force supports these agencies by providing assistance with evidence collection, offering guidance investigating complex fraud schemes, and referring cases for federal prosecution, among other needs. Representatives from agencies including the Georgia Department of Labor, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General, FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS--Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration--Office of the Inspector General and all three of Georgia’s U.S. Attorney’s Offices serve on Georgia’s UI Fraud Task Force.
“The sole purpose for unemployment insurance is to support people suffering during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. It is unconscionable that individuals are corrupting the unemployment insurance system by essentially stealing benefits from our neighbors who are most in need at this time,” said Charlie Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “My hope is that this task force will support law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to quickly identify scammers and bring them to justice, while protecting the integrity of the unemployment benefit system.”
“Every dime of taxpayer money diverted into the pockets of scam artists is less money available to help citizens who truly need assistance during difficult times,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We’re confident that with the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, we will identify and shut down those who would steal from these programs.”
“Unemployment insurance provides a lifeline to many Americans facing economic hardships and job losses,” said Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “This type of fraud victimizes not only the intended recipients, but also the employers who pay into the program. Through our partnerships, these criminals will be extradited and prosecuted.”
“We place a huge emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the unemployment insurance program and welcome the support of law enforcement agencies across the state to assist in identifying and prosecuting those committing fraud,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “These criminals are not only harming those they are taking benefits from but are also slowing down the process for the many Georgians depending on payments to make ends meet during this pandemic.”
“At a time when many American citizens have lost their jobs, or are temporarily out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is disheartening to think that anyone would fraudulently take advantage of the government funds they deserve,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will fight this criminal behavior, along with our many partners in law enforcement, to stop anyone who attempts to profit off the backs of those in need.”
“So many Georgians have suffered hardships due to unemployment since the start of the pandemic. The CARES Act was passed to provide relief; however, fraudsters have used this opportunity to steal from the government. The GBI is a proud member of this Task Force and will work diligently to ensure that those who choose to abuse these benefits are investigated and prosecuted,” said Vic Reynolds, GBI Director.
“The Secret Service is proud to partner with so many agencies who are committed to eliminating these fraud and identity theft schemes,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office. “This task force is particularly important during these unprecedented times when those stolen funds should have been used to help unsuspected victims when they need it most.”
“This taskforce will truly prove that crime doesn’t pay,” said Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI Atlanta and its partners are committed to hunting down these criminals that are stealing the resources and benefits that have been set aside to help people in our communities.”
Georgians are encouraged to be vigilant, as fraudsters often make use of unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts and logins to funnel illegally obtained unemployment payments. The Georgia UI Fraud Task Force advises the public to exercise caution when receiving emails promising “easy money” or unsolicited online requests to open personal bank accounts and share those account numbers online. Elders and prior victims of identity theft or email compromise are especially vulnerable targets of these schemes.
People can report UI abuse with the Georgia Department of Labor by visiting https://www.dol.state.ga.us/public/uiben/fraud/reportType. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report potential scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling 866-720-5721 or by visiting https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former Oconee HR Director, Guilty of Aggravated Identity Theft in Public Corruption Scheme, is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – The former Oconee County human resources director, who admitted to stealing taxpayer money in a complicated paycheck scheme, has been sentenced to prison for her crime and will have to pay restitution, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Sherry Turner-Seila, 52, of Panama City Beach, Florida, formerly of Watkinsville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal to 24 months in prison after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition, Turner-Seila was ordered to pay $118,451.80 in restitution to Oconee County. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Turner-Selia is paying a serious penalty for abusing the public’s trust by stealing taxpayer money,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Investigating and prosecuting public corruption is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Public officials found abusing their power will be held accountable. I want to thank the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for investigating this case.”
"Turner-Seila's choice to abuse her position of trust not only hurt taxpayers and co-workers, it eroded the public's trust in government," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Now she must pay a serious penalty, which hopefully sends a message to the public that her actions will not be tolerated or go unpunished."
“Our partnership with the FBI and federal prosecutors brought this case to a quick resolution. We are very pleased with their hard work and resolve to bring this felon to justice,” said Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry.
Turner-Seila was employed as the Human Resources Director for Oconee County. As such, she was one of the few employees with access to the County’s payroll system, which transferred funds directly from the county bank account to the bank accounts of county employees. From July 6, 2016 to July 5, 2019, Turner-Seila concocted a scheme where she would use that access to temporarily change a former employee’s direct deposit information to her own personal bank account’s direct deposit information. In all, Turner-Seila stole $118,451.80 from Oconee County taxpayers.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
VA Meth Trafficker, Purchasing Drugs in GA, Sentenced to 12+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Virginia man, tied to the purchase of approximately three kilos of methamphetamine in Georgia, has been sentenced to serve more than 12 years in a federal prison, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Joseph Williams, aka Lex Willie, 38, of Staunton, Virginia was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Marc T. Treadwell on Tuesday, November 10 to 151 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
Williams admitted to agents that between October 7, 2018 and October 9, 2018, he directed an individual to pick up two kilograms of methamphetamine in middle Georgia. After that person was arrested with $15,800 that was to be used to purchase the two kilograms of methamphetamine, Williams himself traveled to Georgia to pick up one kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigating agents then conducted a surveillance of Williams purchasing approximately one kilo of methamphetamine from a supplier at a Byron, Georgia hotel parking lot on October 9, 2018.
“The penalty is steep for those caught trafficking methamphetamine—federal prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the many law enforcement agencies involved in shutting down this methamphetamine supply chain.”
The case was investigated by the Byron Police Department, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Milledgeville Probationer Sentenced to Prison for Crack Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Milledgeville, Georgia probationer who admitted possessing 445 grams of crack cocaine and cocaine was sentenced to federal prison for distributing the illegal drugs, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Yves Blake, 37, of Milledgeville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. (Tripp) Self on Thursday, November 12 to 125 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 19, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant for a suspect at 150 North Jackson Street in Milledgeville, the suspect’s last known address. Blake, the caretaker of the home, consented to a search for the individual and agents saw, in plain view, illegal drugs, including crack cocaine. Blake was arrested and agents found more crack cocaine on his person. Blake told agents he had a significant amount of crack cocaine that he obtained from a source in Atlanta. Agents also found a stolen firearm, which Blake admitted he had obtained in Atlanta. According to the DEA crime lab, Blake possessed approximately 360 grams of crack cocaine and 85.65 grams of cocaine, which Blake admitted was his and that he intended to distribute. Blake was previously convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was on probation when he was arrested.
“Repeat offenders face significant federal prison sentences, without parole, for choosing to continue their criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force and our local and federal partners for their work in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with at least two previous felony convictions was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine out of his home, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Derry Marquez Brooks, 42, of Albany, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Tuesday, November 10 to 235 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 13, 2018, a cooperating source (CS) placed a recorded phone call to Brooks to order two ounces of methamphetamine. The CS met with Brooks at the defendant’s home and acquired the methamphetamine. While there, the CS observed numerous firearms, and Brooks quoted a price for the sale of a rifle. The CS later returned to purchase a semi-automatic rifle from Brooks. Brooks has been previously convicted of aggravated assault and possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the Superior Court of Dougherty County, Georgia.
“Selling drugs and illegal firearms is a dangerous business that breeds crime and violence in our communities. We will not tolerate it. We are working closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to crack down on this illicit activity across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the many cooperating agencies involved in bringing Brooks to justice and working to make our communities safer.”
The case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former Pelham, Georgia Resident Sentenced to 15+ Years Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A former Pelham, Georgia resident, caught by Homeland Security Investigations distributing large amounts of child pornography on social media while he was attempting to foster a child, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for his crimes today, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Michael King, 42, of Little Falls, New York, formerly of Pelham, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner to 188 months in prison, the top of the federal guideline sentencing recommendations, to be followed by ten years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography. King will have to register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
HSI agents determined that Kik app user “Silent Dream 78” had posted images of child pornography to a Kik messenger chat group from July to August 2018, and the user was likely King. A search warrant was executed at King’s Pelham home on January 17, 2019, where agents found seven computer media items that contained child pornography. King admitted that his Kik user names were “Silent Dream 78” and “SilentDream1977” and that he had been downloading and viewing child pornography “for forever.” On five occasions, King used the Kik chat messenger app to share child pornography, including images involving very young children. During sentencing, the Court noted that King engaged in highly detailed ideation in the form of online text messages with another online collector of child pornography about having sex with a foster or adopted child and allowing another sex offender to have sex with the child when the child arrived. King claimed that the text messages were fantasy. However, the Court noted that the defendant and his wife were well along in the foster/adoption process. The defendant has been in custody since the execution of the search warrant at his home in January 2019.
“It is deeply disturbing that King was attempting to foster a child, while at the same time fantasizing about sexually harming a foster child and allowing another sexual predator to do the same. HSI agents stopped a child predator from doing irreparable harm to an innocent child. We must continue to bring the full force of the law against child sexual predators. Those individuals caught distributing child pornography will be prosecuted and will face federal prison, without parole,” and said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “We will not stop working alongside our federal, state and local partners to protect Georgia’s children and bring child predators to justice.”
“No sentence will ever bring back the innocence that this monster has stolen from countless helpless children,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to victimize our most vulnerable members of society and prosecute those predators to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by the Pelham Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Georgia Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offense for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
Brian Ford, 23, a correctional officer at the Valdosta State Prison (VSP) in Valdosta, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to one count of using excessive force against an inmate housed at the facility.
According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, on Dec. 29, 2018, Ford, while on duty as a correctional officer at VSP, struck an inmate with his fist multiple times while the inmate was handcuffed and lying on the ground. Specifically, Ford and other prison officials escorted the handcuffed inmate to an outdoor area on the grounds of the prison for the purpose of assaulting the inmate in retaliation for a previous altercation between the inmate and a female officer. Ford and another officer, carrying out a directive from a supervisor, took the inmate to the ground and struck him multiple times in the body. The inmate was handcuffed and compliant at the time of the assault.
“These acts are egregious for any person to commit, let alone a member of our law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “It is the duty of law enforcement to uphold the law and protect others, not dole out punishment as they see fit. The Department of Justice takes these acts seriously and works tirelessly to ensure that officers who violate the civil rights of others are held accountable.”
“The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers make daily sacrifices upholding their oath to serve and protect,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “When one officer breaches that oath, it diminishes the good work of so many. By choosing to violate the civil rights of an inmate in his charge, this defendant has done a grave disservice to the many women and men who serve honorably as correctional officers in our prison system. I want to commend the Civil Rights Division for bringing justice in this case, and for their work protecting the rights of all Americans.”
“Every law enforcement officer who takes an oath knows it is never appropriate to take the law into his or her own hands,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “There are many legitimate ways to hand out punishment to inmates who misbehave, but assaulting a handcuffed inmate is not one of them. We will never accept criminal conduct on the part of our law enforcement officers.”
Ford faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Solis of the Middle District of Georgia.
Judge Hands Down Max Prison Sentence to Illegal Firearms TraffickerRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. - A known firearms trafficker, arrested during an ATF undercover operation into illegal gun trafficking in Macon, was sentenced to federal prison, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Darrius R. Allen, 32, of Macon, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Tripp Self on Thursday, November 5, after pleading guilty to one count possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, the maximum prison sentence under federal guidelines. There is no parole in the federal system.
Allen become the subject of an ATF investigation into the illegal possession and sale of firearms in Macon beginning in late September 2019. During the course of the months-long investigation, Allen sold a multitude of firearms and methamphetamine to a confidential informant. A few of these firearms included a loaded Zastava semi-automatic pistol with a large capacity magazine and a Ruger semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number. The final purchase occurred on November 14, 2019, when ATF agents arrested Allen, seizing four firearms and what turned out to be two inert hand grenades.
“Gun trafficking is a deadly business that feeds violence and criminal activities across the Middle District of Georgia. We will pursue the maximum punishment allowed under law for those found trafficking illegal firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “ATF is relentless in their efforts to crack down on illegal firearms trading. I want to thank these agents for their work making our communities safer.”
“Among ATF’s top priorities is ensuring that firearms traffickers are aggressively investigated and swiftly brought to justice. This is an excellent example of such an investigation,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, ATF Atlanta.
The investigation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Milledgeville Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Meth PossessionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon who admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the lethal drug was sentenced to federal prison today, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Anthony Hitchcock, 29, of Milledgeville, Georgia was sentenced to 188 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after previously pleading guilty to one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
After midnight, on June 2, 2018, a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over Hitchcock for several traffic violations. The deputy, smelling marijuana from the car, called for back-up due to the defendant’s behavior and remote location. When back-up arrived, the deputies conducted a legal search of the vehicle, finding drugs. Hitchcock took off on foot, tripped on a railroad tie and was safely taken into custody. Deputies located a large amount of cash, three loaded firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition and 32.997 grams of methamphetamine in Hitchcock’s car. Hitchcock, who has two previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Baldwin County, Georgia, Superior Court in 2009 and 2010, admitted he intended to distribute methamphetamine.
“Guns, drugs, fleeing police and prior convictions is the perfect recipe for years in federal prison without parole. Law enforcement in Middle Georgia is committed to finding, arresting and prosecuting criminals who push deadly methamphetamine into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank ATF and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating this case.”
The case was investigated by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced for Smuggling Contraband into PrisonRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former Valdosta State Prison corrections officer was sentenced to federal prison today after being caught smuggling contraband cell phones and methamphetamine into the prison, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Melissa Crawford, 53, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands after previously pleading guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 8, 2019, Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) investigators received information that Crawford, a corrections officer at Valdosta State Prison, would be smuggling contraband into the prison the following day. On January 9, Crawford and another corrections officer chosen at random were informed that their vehicles were to be searched. Crawford attempted to leave the premises in her car, nearly hitting another officer, but was stopped. Crawford admitted she attempted to leave because there were narcotics in her car. A search of the car revealed 27.53 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of marijuana and four cell phones packaged in Ziplock bags. Crawford admitted to DEA agents that she smuggled in contraband on at least four prior occasions and was paid via Green Dot cards for her deliveries of contraband to an inmate.
“Smuggling contraband cell phones and drugs into prisons endangers prisoners, prison staff and the public. The fact that the contraband in this case was being smuggled in by a corrections officer, whose duty it was to protect our citizens, makes this crime even more egregious, and does a disservice to all the honorable women and men who work in the prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “We will prosecute those caught smuggling contraband into prison to the fullest extent of the law, and, those caught with contraband in prison will also face serious punishment. I want to thank the DEA and Georgia’s Department of Corrections for their work investigating this case.”
“The public places trust in law enforcement officers and expects them to protect and serve,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “When an officer violates this oath, that public trust is eroded. The defendant in this case does not reflect the honest and hardworking men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve. This case is a reminder that no officer is above the law, and the officer in this case will spend well-deserved time in prison. This case is a shining example of what can be achieved when DEA works hand-in-hand with its law enforcement partners.”
“The GDC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. We appreciate the support of our federal partners in our efforts to see that justice is served on this former officer,” said GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “The actions of this individual do not reflect the hundreds of officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities.”
The case was investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former Soldier Pleads Guilty in Child Sexual Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A former U.S. Army Specialist has pleaded guilty in a child exploitation case, after sneaking a Florida teen on base and taking more than 100 photos and films of her in the nude, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Samuel Ray Robinson, 23, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, October 27, to one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity before U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land. Robinson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of life. Defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system. His sentencing hearing is set for December 17, 2020.
According to the stipulation of fact entered in court, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Fort Benning CID Office was contacted on June 14, by the Walton County, Florida Sheriff's Office (WCSO) regarding a 13 year old female runaway (Victim 1), who left her Santa Rosa Beach, Florida residence on or about May 27. On June 2, Victim 1 contacted her mother via cellphone and provided her with a “pin” of her location at a Columbus motel. Local Columbus authorities were dispatched to the hotel, and Victim 1 was transported back to Florida.
A forensic examination of the phone revealed Victim 1’s phone “pinged” on Fort Benning between May 27 and June 2, and she had been communicating with Robinson. During an interview with agents, Robinson admitted he met Victim 1 online and picked her up at a gas station in Destin, Florida. Robinson also admitted he knew the victim was a minor when he picked her up, thinking her to be 15 years old. Robinson snuck Victim 1 onto Fort Benning, where she stayed for six nights, engaging in sexual intercourse. Victim 1 was also filmed and photographed in the nude by Robinson more than 100 times.
“Robinson targeted a vulnerable minor online, took her hours away from home, and kept her hidden, abusing her repeatedly. He will pay a steep penalty for his egregious crime—federal prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank Fort Benning CID, the Columbus authorities and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office for investigating this case and bringing the victim safely home.”
“Robinson’s behavior is not tolerated in the U.S. Army and hopefully this will be of some solace to his victim and prevent him from targeting other such vulnerable people,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Micah Rush. “I want to thank all of the investigative and legal efforts made by the Special Agents of the Fort Benning CID Office, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Fort Benning CID Office (CID) and Walton County, Florida Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) with assistance from the Columbus Police Department (CPD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Former Office Manager Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Warner Robins Business of Nearly $1.4 MillionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. - The former office manager of a computer services company in Warner Robins, Georgia was sentenced to federal prison today for embezzling nearly $1.4 million from the business, forging 419 checks during the nine year scheme, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Sheila Bowden, 52, of Macon, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by U.S. District Judge C. Tripp Self after previously pleading guilty to one count mail fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bowden was the office manager for Micro Technology Consultants, Inc. (MTC), a computer services business in Warner Robins. Beginning about March 26, 2009, and continuing through about January 18, 2018, Bowden used her position to embezzle $1,393,869.74 from MTC. She prepared unauthorized checks drawn on MTC’s business account, forging the signature of MTC’s owner on the checks, and making the checks payable to “Petty Cash - Office.” She would then cash two checks at a time payable to “Petty Cash - Office” at a bank branch in Warner Robins. She always came to the bank alone when cashing the checks and would usually receive $50 and $100 bills. She would then use the cash for her own purposes. During the scheme, Bowden forged a total of 419 checks amounting to nearly $1.4 million.
“Over a period of nearly nine years, the defendant, pretending to be a trusted employee, covertly stole nearly $1.4 million from the owners of a successful small business in Warner Robins. This kind of theft is crippling for hard-working, law-abiding citizens, and will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank FBI and Warner Robins Police for their work investigating this case.”
“Bowden was elevated to a position of leadership by the company that hired and chose to throw her lucrative career away,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners, she will spend time in prison for choosing her own self-interest and greed over her former company’s trust.”
“Ms. Bowden played on the goodwill of her employer who entrusted her to do the right thing with the company money. Ms. Bowden’s greed and corruption, although seemingly small at the time, resulted in tremendous losses for her employer, employees, bank and those who do business with the company. White-collar crime is not victimless. Warner Robins Police are appreciative of the assistance from FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of Ms. Bowden,” said Warner Robins Police Chief John Wagner.
The case was investigated by FBI, Macon Resident Agency and by the Warner Robins Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Lilburn Man Charged with Filing $165 Million in Fake Tax Returns, Collecting Millions in Undeserved RefundsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Lilburn, Georgia resident currently in custody was charged in a 20-count indictment for allegedly filing false tax returns totaling $165,212,271, collecting at least $2,897,192.74 in undeserved tax refunds, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney of the Middle District of Georgia.
Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox, AKA Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox El, AKA Marquet Burgess Mattox, AKA Asim Ashunta El, AKA Asim El Bey, 48, of Lilburn, Georgia was charged by a federal grand jury on September 17 with nine counts of wire fraud, ten counts of false claims against the U.S. Government and one count of theft of government funds. The indictment was unsealed on October 16. Following a hearing on Friday, October 23, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle ordered Mattox remain in custody. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the indictment, Mattox is accused of filing fraudulent Form 1041 U.S. Income Tax Returns with the IRS for tax years 2015 through 2017 for at least twelve different trusts. The IRS relied upon information from submitted Forms 1041 in determining and issuing refunds. The indictment alleges that Mattox knew at the time he submitted the tax forms that none of the trusts had any business activities, that the trusts had not earned the income as claimed and that the withholding payments had in fact not been made to the IRS as claimed. Mattox is accused of falsely claiming tax refunds for these purported trusts in the amount of approximately $165,212,271. The IRS issued approximately $2,897,192.74 in federal income tax refunds from one of the alleged fraudulent trusts which the defendant was not entitled to receive.
IRS-CI’s Atlanta Division and Office of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie M. Freeman of the Middle District of Georgia’s Complex Frauds Unit is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Op End Game Defendants Sentenced for Seeking Sex with Minors OnlineRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga.– Two defendants arrested during “Operation End Game,” a multi-agency effort targeting and arresting adult perpetrators in the Athens-area seeking sex with children, were sentenced to prison, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
On Thursday, October 22, U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced Michael Turner, 48, of Columbus, Mississippi, to 46 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce to transmit information about a minor. Morgan Kelby Andrews, 28, of Maxeys, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce to transmit information about a minor. Following their prison terms, both defendants will have to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
“We will never cease working to protect the welfare of Georgia’s children, and we will continue to bring the full force of the law against sexual predators,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Operation End Game is one of many investigations here in Georgia tracking down online predators and bringing them to justice. I want to thank our law enforcement partners both for their work in this operation and for their unyielding efforts to safeguard Georgia’s children.”
“Operation End Game” was a three-day proactive effort centered in Athens, Georgia in July 2019 to arrest adults communicating with children on-line and then traveling to meet them for the purpose of having sex. The cases were investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC), the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the FBI and the Athens-Clarke County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at https://www.justice.gov/history.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Is SaturdayRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 at locations across the country, including several within the Middle District of Georgia, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. People can find a collection site by visiting www.deatakeback.com and searching under their zip code or city. According to the website, several communities currently have collection locations in the Middle District of Georgia, including those operated by Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Camilla Police Department, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Police Department, Perry Police Department, Royston Police Department and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. New collection sites are being added daily.
“DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers citizens a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted medicines and prevent those drugs from being stolen and abused. Prescription drug abuse is a blight on our country. We can all do our part to curtail this epidemic by simply cleaning out our medicine cabinets and securely disposing of prescription drugs at a take-back location this Saturday, no questions asked,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank the many law enforcement agencies in the Middle District of Georgia for participating in DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It’s a great service to our state.”
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
“Even in the midst of the pandemic, DEA’s nineteenth take-back event will allow Americans to safely and properly dispose of their unwanted/unused prescription medications,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. DEA will work hand-in-hand with a number of law enforcement, Tribal and community partners, all in effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse.”
Georgians participating in the DEA’s last (18th) take back event, which was held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 turned in 5,900 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. During this year’s event, given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit www.deatakeback.com and click on “”Year-Round Drug Disposal” to locate disposal sites. DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Guilty Verdict in First MDGA Jury Trial Since COVID-19 Precautions BeganRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict in the first convened jury trial in the Middle District of Georgia since COVID-19 precautions took effect, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Ernesto Rivera-Rodriguez, 55, of Cataula, Harris County, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. His trial, which began on Monday, October 19 before U.S. District Judge Clay Land, concluded with a guilty verdict today. Rivera-Rodriguez faces a maximum five years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. There is no parole in the federal system.
As the trial was to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court developed a plan to protect USAO personnel, defense counsel, the defendant, witnesses, jurors and court personnel by requiring the use of masks, spreading individuals out within the courtroom and diligently sanitizing all areas. In addition, witnesses wore clear masks and plexiglass barriers were used. Jurors were seated in the gallery in order to remain at safe distances, and witnesses sat socially distanced in the jury box. Jury selection was conducted in two groups, as opposed to the usual one gathering, to ensure people were socially distanced and safe.
“There were many precautions put in place to ensure that both a safe and a fair trial was conducted here in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “This guilty verdict holds the defendant accountable for terrorizing the hard-working employees of the timeshare company and the hard-working men and women of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Our office will vigorously prosecute those who choose to threaten others while hiding behind a telephone or a computer. I want to thank all involved for ensuring justice was served today.”
According to facts entered into court, Rivera-Rodriguez was vacationing at a timeshare property he owned in Orlando, Florida in November 2017, when he was arrested by Polk County, Florida deputies for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, to which he pled guilty. Rivera-Rodriguez, a former Marine, then threatened to kill the police officers involved in his arrest. Shortly after his arrest, Rivera-Rodriguez became involved in a dispute with the timeshare company and again made multiple threats, including stating that he would take an AR-15 to the timeshare and kill employees if he was not refunded $75,000. In one of multiple, legally recorded threats, Rivera-Rodriguez told a timeshare employee, “Please don’t make me go over there and start spilling blood over there in Orlando, because I will take it out on the people over there.” Rivera-Rodriguez added, “I will go to Florida and take it out on someone over there, and if that cop shows up, I’m taking his (profanity) head off, too.” The FBI spoke with Rivera-Rodriguez on numerous occasions, but he refused to stop making the threats. Ultimately, Rivera-Rodriguez was indicted and detained. According to a family member, Rivera-Rodriguez had a concealed weapon permit and “was always armed.”
The case was investigated by FBI and the Polk County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Hyde is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Meth Dealer, Caught with 80+ Kilos of 100% Pure “Ice” During I-75 Traffic Stop, Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A man arrested during a routine traffic stop on I-75 carrying more than 80 kilos of “ice” methamphetamine has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Miguel Angel Sanchez Alvarez, 24, of Ceres, California, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Mark Treadwell. Sanchez Alvarez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Sanchez Alvarez will be sentenced at 10:00 a.m. on January 13, 2021.
According to the facts the Government entered in federal court, on January 31, 2019, a Lamar County deputy pulled Sanchez Alvarez over on I-75 for a traffic violation. The deputy immediately smelled marijuana emanating from the defendant’s vehicle. A legal search was conducted, and the deputy located a suitcase containing a substantial amount of methamphetamine. The deputy found more methamphetamine under the driver and passenger seats and inside of the vehicle’s trunk. In total, law enforcement recovered 86,903 grams of 100% pure d-Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, also known as “ice.”
“The defendant was pushing a massive amount of deadly ice methamphetamine into our communities, and he will soon face severe consequences for his decision—federal prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their efforts in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.Six Defendants Charged in Scheme to Defraud Student Loan ProgramsRead the Press Release
Six former administrators from the Columbus, Georgia, campus of the Apex School of Theology were charged in an indictment unsealed Monday for their alleged participation in a scheme to defraud student loan programs.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia, Special Agent in Charge J.C. Hacker of the FBI’s Atlanta Division, Special Agent in Charge Neil Sanchez of the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Atlanta Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Erica Montgomery, 47, of Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Sandra Anderson, 61, of Columbus, Georgia, Leo Frank Thomas, 54, of Columbus, Georgia, Yolanda Thomas, 50, of Columbus, Georgia, Dorothy Webb, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kristina Parker, 33, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, were charged by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia with one count of conspiracy, five counts of mail fraud, and five counts of financial aid fraud. Anderson and Montgomery were also charged with money laundering.
The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to operate an off-site learning center in Columbus, Georgia, on behalf of Apex, a now-defunct school offering programs in theology and other subjects. As part of the scheme, the defendants allegedly recruited individuals with offers of “free money” to act as fake “students” and fraudulently apply for federal financial aid. The indictment alleges that these “students” were told that they did not have to do any work or attend classes, but they would have to split their financial aid with the defendants, who used federal financial aid funds to personally enrich themselves.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants submitted plagiarized work for the “students,” took their tests, and logged on to the school’s web site as if they were the “students” to deceive the DOE into believing they were real students making adequate academic progress. The defendants falsified admission packets and applied for federal financial aid in the names of the students, falsely certifying that they were the student and that the financial aid would be used for educational purposes. Instead, the financial aid was used to enrich the recruited “students” and the defendants.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI’s Atlanta Division, DOE-OIG, and IRS-CI’s Atlanta Division investigated this matter. Senior Litigation Counsel David A. Bybee of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals of the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Middle District of Georgia Election Officers Named, Election Fraud Complaint Phone Numbers OpenRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of Georgia have been named as election officers for the district, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Will Keyes and Todd Swanson will lead efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Keyes and Swanson have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEOs Keyes and Swanson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public by calling 478-621-2685.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public by calling 770-216-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.Lee County Probationer Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Lee County, Georgia woman caught by agents with nearly 200 grams of pure methamphetamine while on probation was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison for her crime, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Amanda Smith, 38, of Leesburg, Georgia was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Monday, October 19, after previously pleading guilty to one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendant Daniel Calhoun, 39, of Leesburg, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance and was sentenced to three years of probation by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner March 11, 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The consequence for repeat offenders pushing methamphetamine into our communities is federal prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the combined efforts of federal and local law enforcement agents for shutting down a known meth dealer pushing poison into Lee County and surrounding communities.”
“As with all drug traffickers, this ‘repeat offender’ methamphetamine distributor was driven by greed and power,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “As a result of this sentence, she will spend well-deserved time in prison.”
“We work closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest dangerous people and put them behind bars so they can no longer be a menace to our community. I appreciate that we work well with these agencies. Together, we can accomplish more to protect the hardworking citizens of Lee County,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.
According to her signed plea agreement, Smith was under surveillance by agents based on information from a confidential informant regarding her activities. Smith was previously convicted of a felony offense in the Superior Court of Lee County and was on probation. Agents conducted a traffic stop in Lee County near New York Road in October 2017 to execute a probation search. The vehicle was driven by Calhoun. Inside, agents found approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine. Agents later discovered 137 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 100% at Smith’s home. Agents also found three shotguns, a rifle, $3,000 in cash, plastic bags and a digital scale inside Smith’s residence.
The case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty After Robbing Traveler Inside 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, has pleaded guilty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
James Clemente Holloway, 43, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Wednesday, October 14 before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. Holloway, a convicted felon, faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to the facts the Government entered in federal court, Holloway robbed a traveler at gunpoint at the southbound rest area at exit 79 on I-75 in Turner County, Georgia on the morning of March 12, 2019, holding a gun to the man, demanding money. Holloway took off with the cash. A BOLO was issued, and Valdosta Sheriff’s deputies spotted Holloway, pursuing him 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, a small quantity of marijuana 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.
“Holloway caused a tremendous amount of terror in a short time, robbing a traveler at gunpoint and creating havoc along a busy highway. I want to commend the Turner County and Lowndes County deputies who responded quickly and bravely to a dangerous situation, ultimately bringing the defendant into custody and restoring peace to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “The penalty is federal prison time for convicted felons caught with firearms, where there is no parole. We will pursue federal prosecutions for convicted felons violating gun laws in this country.”
The case was investigated by the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Sonja Profit are prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.Alabama Cattle Broker Guilty of Livestock Theft, Loss to Farmers exceeds $400kRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – An Alabama livestock broker admitted he conducted cattle deals but never paid farmers money they were due, instead diverting the profits for his personal use, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Tommy W. Baxley, 72, of Slocumb, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, October 14 to one count theft of livestock before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Baxley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
Baxley was a registered livestock dealer doing business as Tri State Cattle Marketing. From September 2017 to February 2018, he brokered five separate feeder cattle deals with farmers in North Carolina, Mississippi and Moultrie, Georgia. Baxley never paid the farmers who sold him the cattle, stealing $414,265.45. Baxley admitted to investigators that he failed to pay the farmers for the cattle, and instead used the money in the hopes of making more money so he might ultimately pay for the cattle.
“Cattle rustlers and others who steal from our hardworking farmers and ranchers will face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, the Colquitt County Sherriff’s Office, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their combined investigative work in this case.”
“Mr. Baxley violated the trust of livestock farmers throughout the Southeastern United Sates. Mr. Baxley knowingly brokered livestock transactions without having any intentions of paying the farmers for their cattle. The actions by Mr. Baxley caused emotional and financial hardships to the innocent livestock farmers that cannot be repaired,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany, Georgia Resident Office. “The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit this and other types of fraud in our community and around the nation.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Fair Trade Practices Program, Packers and Stockyards Division (USDA PSD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
DOJ Charges 14,200+ Defendants with Firearms-related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“If you illegally carry a gun, there will be severe consequences in the Middle District of Georgia. It is illegal for a prohibited person to carry firearms, and it is illegal to purchase a firearm for a prohibited person. These are crimes punishable by federal prison, without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the outstanding work demonstrated daily by our ATF partners, who are committed to protecting people from gun crimes and making our communities safer.”
In FY2020 (data through the end of September 2020), 165 defendants were charged with federal gun crimes in the Middle District of Georgia, an increase of 37.2% over the prior four-year average (FY2016-FY2019). Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
U.S. Attorney, Crimestoppers Announce the Top 15 Most Wanted FugitivesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, is urging citizens to report the whereabouts of fifteen of the most wanted fugitives to authorities.
U.S. Attorney Peeler, together with Macon Regional Crimestoppers (MRCS) and its law enforcement partners, announced the new list of the Top 15 Most Wanted Fugitives in Middle Georgia during a press conference in Macon today. The fugitives are wanted for charges ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. To view the list of wanted persons, please visit www.crimestop.us. Citizens can safely and anonymously report tips at 1-877-68CRIME. Crimestoppers provides automatic rewards of $1,000 minimum payout on the Top 15 Fugitive List and up to $2,000 for tips leading to the arrest of wanted fugitives.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“It takes law abiding citizens willing to team up with law enforcement to collectively make our communities safer places to live, work and raise our families. Crimestoppers plays an important role in helping bring our community members together, focused on a shared goal—safer neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the outstanding efforts of Crimestoppers, our law enforcement partners and the public for the continued commitment to curbing violence and building safer communities for us all.”
In addition to today’s announcement of the new Top 15 Most Wanted Fugitives in Middle Georgia, MRCS is launching new social media platforms via TikTok and Instagram, adding to its online network on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and the MRCS website at crimestop.us. MRCS will begin running announcements on these social media websites with photos and videos of wanted fugitives and information for the public to quickly and safely report a fugitive’s whereabouts. To find MRCS on social media, please visit https://crimestop.us/about/social-media/ for links to our social media channels.
“Thanks to a 2019 grant from the Peyton Anderson Foundation, Macon Regional Crimestoppers is able to publish our Top 15 Most Wanted Fugitives List to a broader audience, and we are able to create new social media platforms. These new tools will better involve the public in helping law enforcement capture wanted fugitives and make our communities safer, which is the goal of Crimestoppers,” said Warren Selby, Chairman of Macon Regional Crimestoppers. “I want to thank the Peyton Anderson Foundation for making these advancements possible and our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary support of our mission to increase the safety of citizens.”
In February 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office made a public commitment with MRCS to release a quarterly list throughout 2019 of the Most Wanted violent offenders. 41 of the 45 Top 15 Most Wanted fugitives in 2019 were captured. Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a local non-profit dedicated to increasing the safety of citizens, serving Bibb, Baldwin, Houston, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe and Peach counties. The organization partners with law enforcement agencies and community groups to provide anonymous rewards for tips that lead to criminal arrests. To learn more about Macon Regional Crimestoppers, please visit www.crimestop.us.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnership with Macon Regional Crimestoppers is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works 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 partnership is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Judge Hands Down Prison Sentences for Co-Conspirators Involved in Two Major Drug Trafficking Cases in Middle GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Three defendants guilty of trafficking illegal drugs in middle Georgia were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their crimes, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell sentenced Tony Collins, 58, of Milledgeville, Georgia, to serve 54 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Collins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sabrina Raiford, 51, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Lizericka Woolfolk, 29, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement is actively using of variety of investigative techniques to detect drug dealers in Middle Georgia. When caught, drug traffickers face steep federal prison sentences, without parole, for distributing their poison in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the DEA for their role in investigating these cases, with the help of our local law enforcement partners.”
Collins is a co-conspirator in the Albruce Green drug distribution case. Between January 2017 and August 2018, law enforcement began investigating the drug distribution activities of Green. As part of the investigation, law enforcement intercepted Green's phone conversations and text messages in order to identify Green's source of supply and co-conspirators. Agents intercepted several text messages between Green and Collins, in which Collins requested to buy methamphetamine from Green. Collins admitted he intended to distribute methamphetamine he purchased from Green. Green is currently awaiting sentencing; other co-conspirators have been sentenced.
Raiford and Woolfolk are co-conspirators in the Robert Law drug distribution case. Law is serving a 188-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) agents received information from confidential informants that Law and co-conspirators Raiford and Woolfolk were trafficking illegal drugs, including cocaine, in Warner Robins.
The Collins case was investigated by DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun. The Raiford and Woolfolk case was investigated by DEA and Warner Robins PD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Calhoun and Steven Ouzts prosecuted the case. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
20-year Prison Sentence for Defendant Involved in Major SWGA Meth Distribution RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Additional defendants linked to a major methamphetamine ring based out of southwest Georgia and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across the southeast have been sentenced to prison for their crimes, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Willie Clayton, aka Pimp, aka Pootsie, of Moultrie, Georgia, was sentenced on Wednesday, October 7 by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. Clayton previously pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kurt Jones, of Moultrie, was sentenced on September 30 by Judge Gardner to 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Keyerra Green, of Moultrie, was sentenced on October 2 by Judge Gardner to five years of probation after pleading guilty to one count use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. All three defendants are co-conspirators in the 2016 Borris Fuller methamphetamine distribution case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“I can’t underscore enough the impressive coordination demonstrated by numerous law enforcement partners engaged in investigating and ultimately bringing down a major methamphetamine distribution ring which was trafficking massive amounts of this deadly drug across Georgia and the southeast,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Our office stands with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in our unified work to dismantle meth distribution efforts and bring offenders to justice.”
Between May 17, 2016 and August 2, 2016, state and federal search warrants were obtained authorizing investigators to obtain text messages and other electronic content from relevant cell phones. A review of these communications revealed that the known leader of the methamphetamine distribution ring, Borris Fuller, 42, of Moultrie, and his co-conspirators were distributing approximately four pounds of methamphetamine a week to customers in Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina. These communications further showed that Fuller controlled a network of couriers that were traveling to Atlanta to acquire bulk quantities of methamphetamine. For his crime, Fuller was sentenced to serve 30 years in a federal prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release on October 26, 2018 by Judge Gardner after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Authorities estimate that an organization of 35 individuals regulated by Fuller was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine in and around Moultrie from May until November 2016. The names of the additional defendants previously sentenced to prison for their involvement in the Fuller methamphetamine distribution case are listed in earlier press releases on the USAO Middle District of Georgia website. You can find them by visiting www.justice.gov/usao-mdga.
The case was investigated by the DEA, GBI, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Florida Bureau of Investigation and Moultrie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
DOJ Charges 500+ Domestic Violence Related Firearm Cases in FY20Read the Press Release
MACON, Ga – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”
“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”
“Just last month, a case that began with Bibb County authorities responding to a domestic violence call ended with a convicted felon with a violent criminal history pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm. He is facing a maximum ten years in a federal prison for his crime,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our office remains committed to improving the safety and security of our citizens by removing firearms from the hands of violent offenders, convicted felons and those with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Those caught with guns will face federal prosecution and the possibility of federal prison without parole.”
On Tuesday, September 15, Freddie Slaughter, Jr., 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Tripp Self. Judge Self scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2020. According to the stipulation of fact, law enforcement was dispatched to a Macon residence on June 9, 2019, in reference to an alleged domestic disturbance involving Slaughter. When officers arrived at the scene and told the defendant they were responding to a possible domestic violence incident, Slaughter ran. Officers detained Slaughter, and a loaded semiautomatic pistol fell out of his pocket. Slaughter has several prior felony convictions, including robbery by sudden snatching in the Superior Court of Bibb County, Georgia on June 27, 2005. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. You can read the complete press release by visiting this website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/slaughter-caught-gun-during-domestic-violence-call-pleads-guilty
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Domestic Violence Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence)
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order
Based on the Domestic Violence Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Three Operation Wu Block Methamphetamine Dealers SentencedRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga – Three defendants guilty of distributing methamphetamine in the northeast Georgia region, arrested during the on-going large-scale “Operation Wu Block” investigation, were sentenced to federal prison today, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced three Operation Wu Block defendants this morning, all guilty of one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: April Wolford, 29, of Athens-Clarke County was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release; Daniel Keith McCullough, 27, of Hart County, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release; and, Austin Nathaniel Pineda, 23, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“A strong northeast Georgia law enforcement network is unified in our goal to rid our streets of methamphetamine, and remove criminals caught pushing this deadly, highly addictive illegal drug from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “The work to eliminate methamphetamine distribution across the Middle District of Georgia is on-going and non-stop. I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners for the tremendous bravery they demonstrate daily in their work to rid our communities of methamphetamine.”
“These defendant’s methamphetamine trafficking activities posed a significant threat to the quality of life in northeast Georgia,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “All participating agencies played a crucial role in the eradication of this criminal network and the dismantling of this once-thriving organization makes our community safer.”
Operation Wu Block is a multi-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Macon Resident Office, FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections and Northeast Regional Drug Task Force in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. Operation Wu Block has resulted in the seizure of more than 58 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than two kilograms of heroin, 31 firearms and $56,000. To date, federal grand juries in the Middle District of Georgia have returned indictments charging a total of 82 defendants, up from the original 68 reported at the announcement of this ongoing operation in May. Operation Wu Block is part of the larger “Operation Crystal Shield,” a national DEA operation first announced in February during a press conference in Atlanta. The investigation is focused on eight main methamphetamine trafficking transportation hubs across the nation, including Atlanta. Both are on-going operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting cases arising from this investigation for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Albany, Ga. – A convicted felon with a violent criminal past was sentenced to 84 months in prison after a federal jury found him guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
David Earl Butler, 30, of Valdosta was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands in Albany federal court on Wednesday, October 1 to 84 months in prison followed by three years supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Butler stood trial in Valdosta federal court in November 2019. The jury took less than an hour to return the guilty verdict. There is no parole in the federal system.
“A violent convicted felon terrorizing the Valdosta community will spend the next seven years in a federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. We are working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify similar cases that belong in a federal court, where convicted felons caught brandishing guns will face prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the FBI for their work in this case.”
Defendant Butler was taken into custody by Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputies on April 3, 2018, arrested on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During a lawful search of the residence where Defendant Butler was taken into custody, deputies found a loaded .40 caliber Desert Eagle handgun and a box of .40 caliber ammunition. Defendant Butler was previously convicted of aggravated assault and terroristic threats in the Superior Court of Lowndes County, Georgia. The Defendant is currently on felony probation in Lowndes County. It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Bowen and Michael Solis prosecuted the case for Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Running Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
A Georgia man has been sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for running a Ponzi scheme that ensnared over a hundred victims, and induced college students and others to part with money for his own personal benefit.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Chris Hacker of the FBI’s Athens Field Office made the announcement.
Syed Arham Arbab, 23, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal of the Middle District of Georgia. Judge Royal also ordered the defendant to pay $509,032.12 in restitution to his victims. Arbab pleaded guilty in October 2019 to one count of securities fraud.
As part of his guilty plea, Arbab admitted that from May 2018 through May 2019, while enrolled at the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia, he solicited investors, many of whom were his fellow students, to invest in his entities, Artis Proficio Capital Management and Artis Proficio Capital Investments (collectively, APC), which he told investors were “hedge funds.” Arbab admitted that he convinced approximately 117 investors in Georgia and other states to invest funds with him and APC, and that he made material misrepresentations to those investors in order to induce them to invest and maintain their investments with him.
Arbab admitted that he made a number of misrepresentations in order to persuade victims to invest with him, including misrepresenting the funds’ returns, the number of investors, the total funds invested and the nature of the investment plays being made. He also admitted fabricating account statements. Victims invested approximately $1 million with Arbab in the course of his scheme, with Arbab falsely promising rates of returns as high as 22 percent or 56 percent, when his overall returns were nowhere near these amounts. Arbab offered some investors a seemingly risk-free “guarantee” on the first $15,000 invested, and the majority of investors, especially those who were students or younger professionals, invested less than this amount, believing that even if Arbab’s investment choices proved unsound or the market behaved unpredictably, they would still be paid back their entire principal investment.
Arbab admitted that knew he did not have the liquid capital to make good on these guarantees when he made them, but he did not disclose this to his investors. Further, when Arbab learned that some prospective investors were UGA football fans, he told them that a famous NFL player and UGA alumnus was an investor in the fund, when in fact the football player had never invested with APC. Arbab also misrepresented that he was an MBA candidate at UGA’s Terry College of Business. In fact, ARBAB had applied to and been rejected by UGA’s MBA program and was operating the fund primarily from his fraternity house as an undergraduate.
Arbab further admitted that he spent investor funds on personal expenses, including clothing, shoes, retail purchases, fine dining, alcoholic beverages, adult entertainment and interstate travel, including spending thousands of dollars gambling during three trips to Las Vegas in 2018 and 2019.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman of the Middle District of Georgia’s Complex Frauds Unit are prosecuting the case. The Department of Justice appreciates the substantial assistance of the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information here: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former UGA Student Sentenced to Maximum Prison Term for Running A Ponzi Scheme from His Fraternity HouseRead the Press Release
Macon, GA -- A former University of Georgia undergraduate student who operated a Ponzi scheme which collected approximately $1 million in investments and defrauded 117 investors, including fellow students and their families, was sentenced to 60 months in prison this morning, the maximum prison sentence allowed under the law, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Syed Arham Arbab, 23, of Atlanta, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge C. Ashley Royal. In addition, Arbab was ordered to pay $509,032.12 in restitution. Arbab pleaded guilty on October 11, 2019 to a one-count information charging him with securities fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Scammers who choose to operate in the Middle District of Georgia will be caught and prosecuted. Arbab preyed on unexperienced investors, including his own fellow students, by weaving a despicable web of lies to steal from people who trusted him. Arbab lied about pursuing a MBA, lied about having the support of a famous UGA grad, lied about the amount of capital he raised and lied about what he was doing with investors’ money. Arbab is not some sloppy bookkeeper. He never had the capital to back up the phony returns he promised investors. Arbab took other people’s money and spent it on lavish trips to Las Vegas, expensive clothing, fine dining, adult entertainment and luxuries for himself. His criminal actions have landed him in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the FBI and the SEC for their help investigating this classic Ponzi scheme, and bringing a measure of justice to the 117 victims.”
"Arbab's lies and deceit to profit personally from the hard-earned money of investors, many of them fellow students, were unconscionable," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The victims will never recover their losses. It is a stark reminder to investors to be extremely careful where they entrust their money and be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true."
Arbab admitted he spent investor funds on personal expenses, including clothing, shoes, retail purchases, fine dining, alcoholic beverages, adult entertainment and interstate travel, including spending thousands of dollars gambling during three trips to Las Vegas in 2018. Arbab’s illegal activities occurred between May 2018 through May 2019, while he was enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia. Arbab solicited investors, many of whom were his fellow students, to invest in his entities, Artis Proficio Capital Management and Artis Proficio Capital Investments (collectively “APC”), which he told investors were “hedge funds.” Arbab admitted that he convinced approximately 117 investors in Georgia and other states to invest funds with him and APC.
Arbab made several misrepresentations in order to persuade victims to invest with him. The defendant fabricated account statements, misrepresenting the fund’s returns, the number of investors, and the total funds invested as well as the nature of the investment plays being made. Victims invested approximately $1 million with Arbab during his scheme, with Arbab falsely promising rates of returns as high as 22% or 56%, when his overall returns were nowhere near these amounts. Arbab offered some investors a seemingly risk-free “guarantee” on the first $15,000 invested, and the majority of investors, especially those who were students or younger professionals, invested less than this amount, believing that even if Arbab’s investment choices proved unsound or the market behaved unpredictably, they would still be paid back their entire principal investment. Arbab admitted that knew he did not have the liquid capital to make good on these guarantees when he made them, but he did not disclose this to his investors.
Arbab continued to deceive victims after he learned that some prospective investors were UGA football fans, telling them a famous NFL player and UGA alumnus was an investor in the fund, when in fact the football player had never invested with APC. Arbab also misrepresented that he was an MBA candidate at UGA’s Terry College of Business; in fact, he had applied to and been rejected by UGA’s MBA program and was operating the fund primarily from his fraternity house as an undergraduate.
Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman of the Middle District of Georgia prosecuted the case for the Government. The criminal investigation was conducted by the FBI. The Department of Justice appreciates the substantial assistance of the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer for the Middle District of Georgia, at (478) 621-2603, or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Op End Game Defendant Sentenced for Seeking Sex with A Minor OnlineRead the Press Release
MACON – A defendant arrested during “Operation End Game,” a multi-agency effort targeting and arresting adult perpetrators in the Athens-area seeking sex with children, was sentenced to prison Wednesday, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced John Wesley Ambrose, 36, from Watkinsville, Georgia to 46 months in prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce to transmit information about a minor. Following his prison term, Ambrose will have to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
“We will prosecute those caught seeking to sexually exploit and abuse children to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “We are fortunate in Georgia to have a strong law enforcement network tracking down online predators and bringing them into custody. I want to thank our partner agencies for their work in Operation End Game.”
“Operation End Game” was a three-day proactive effort centered in Athens, Georgia in July 2019 to arrest adults communicating with children on-line and then traveling to meet them for the purpose of having sex. The cases were investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC), the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the FBI and the Athens-Clarke County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Op Wu Block Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON – Three defendants guilty of distributing methamphetamine in the Northeast Georgia region, arrested during the large-scale “Operation Wu Block” investigation, were sentenced to federal prison Tuesday, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced Jennifer Gee, 33, of Athens-Clarke County to 120 months in prison and three years of supervised release; Latasha Bishop, 33, of Athens-Clarke County to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release; and Angela Fain, 48, of Franklin County, Georgia to 24 months of prison and three years supervised release. All three defendants previously entered guilty pleas in separate cases to one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Criminals caught pushing methamphetamine in our communities are facing the possibility of federal prosecution and federal prison, where there is no parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend our law enforcement partners who make up the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force for working relentlessly to unravel meth distribution enterprises in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Operation Wu Block” is a multi-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Macon Resident Office, FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections and Northeast Regional Drug Task Force in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. “Operation Wu Block” resulted in the seizure of more than 58 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than two kilograms of heroin, 31 firearms and $56,000.
“Operation Wu Block” is part of the larger “Operation Crystal Shield,” a national DEA operation first announced on February 20, 2020 during a press conference in Atlanta. The investigation is focused on eight main methamphetamine trafficking transportation hubs across the nation, including Atlanta. Both are on-going operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting cases arising from this investigation for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Valdosta Couple Indicted on Child Pornography Production Charges, Law Enforcement Open Hotlines for Concerned CitizensRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – Law enforcement agencies investigating a Valdosta couple criminally indicted this week for a multitude of child pornography production charges have opened two hotlines for concerned citizens to report potential crimes, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jayson E. Wright, 34, and Kara E. Wright, 31, both of Valdosta, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Macon on Wednesday, September 16. Jayson Wright is charged with six counts of production of child pornography; Kara Wright is charged with three counts of production of child pornography. The defendants were originally arrested on state warrants from Lowndes County, Georgia, followed by a federal criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of Georgia. They are in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, and were arraigned before the Honorable Jason B. Libby in the Southern District of Texas on September 17, 2020, case number 720-cr-33(WLS). The defendants waived their identity hearing and reserved their detention hearing upon their return to Georgia. The defendants remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, and it is unknown at this time when they will be transferred to Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment alleges that the defendants enticed four minor children to engage in sexually explicit acts which were filmed or photographed. Information gathered during the investigation alleges that both defendants were possibly involved in the Valdosta-area Boy Scouts of America from August 2015 until the present time. Additional information gathered during the investigation alleges that Kara Wright was possibly an Assistant Scout Master. Parents and guardians of children involved in Scouts under the alleged leadership of the Wrights, or whose children otherwise may have come into contact with Wrights, are encouraged to contact the following hotlines to share any concerns related to this investigation:
Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Investigations Division: (229) 671-2950
“It is imperative that parents and guardians of children who may have been in contact with these individuals speak to their children, and reach out to investigators at Homeland Security or Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office with any concerns,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “We are thankful for the strong partnership we have with HSI and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office as we all work relentlessly to protect the safety of the children in the Middle District of Georgia.”
The case is being investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Ellaville Defendant Pleads Guilty to Possessing A Stolen Gun Discovered During Perry PD Traffic StopRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – An Ellaville, Georgia man, found in possession of a stolen gun by Perry Police officers, pleaded guilty to his crime this week, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.p
Gary Michael Buck, 39, of Ellaville pleaded guilty to one count possession of a stolen firearm before U.S. District Judge Tripp Self on Tuesday, September 15. Buck faces a maximum ten years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2020.
“When we investigate violent crimes in the Middle District of Georgia we often find criminals in possession of stolen guns. We refuse to let stolen guns become the currency of criminals and will federally prosecute those who choose to possess a stolen firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank the Perry Police Department, FBI and ATF for their tireless efforts to make our communities safer by removing stolen guns from our streets.”
Perry Police Department officers discovered Buck with a stolen firearm on May 1, 2019, after an officer pulled him over for driving with an expired temporary tag and making an illegal traffic maneuver. Buck was recorded admitting the firearm was stolen and also spontaneously told a FBI officer on the way to his arraignment that he knew the gun he possessed was stolen. The stolen firearm was a Hi-Point, Model C-9, 9mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Perry Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Slaughter, Caught with a Gun During a Domestic Violence Call, Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon, caught with a loaded illegal weapon when law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm illegally, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Freddie Slaughter, Jr., 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Tripp Self today. Slaughter faces a maximum ten years in federal prison. Judge Self scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2020.
According to the stipulation of fact, law enforcement was dispatched to a Macon residence on June 9, 2019, in reference to an alleged domestic disturbance involving Slaughter. When officers arrived at the scene and told the defendant they were responding to a possible domestic violence incident, Slaughter ran. Officers detained Slaughter, and a loaded semiautomatic pistol fell out of his pocket. Slaughter has several prior felony convictions, including robbery by sudden snatching in the Superior Court of Bibb County, Georgia on June 27, 2005. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
“Convicted felons illegally possessing guns in the Middle District of Georgia face federal prosecution and federal prison, where there is no parole,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank the ATF and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for their work taking guns out of the hands of convicted felons in Middle Georgia.”
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
$1,000,000 in Federal School Safety Grants Awarded to City of Americus, Mitchell CountyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The City of Americus and the Mitchell County Board of Education received $500,000 each from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“This much-needed federal funding will bolster the safety of students, teachers and staff in Americus and Mitchell County. We are grateful two school systems here in the Middle District of Georgia are recipients of these generous school safety grants,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler.
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The two awards announced this week can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Jackson, Georgia Meth Dealer Enters Guilty Plea Following Undercover StingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia drug dealer, arrested following a two-month undercover operation in Butts County, has pleaded guilty for distribution of methamphetamine, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Darian Berry, 40, of Jackson, Georgia pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Tripp Self on Tuesday, September 8. Berry faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement stopped a well-known meth dealer in Butts County. The defendant is facing a steep prison sentence without parole for pushing this poison in Middle Georgia,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners with Butts County S.O. and DEA for their continued efforts to rid our communities of methamphetamine and the destruction it causes.”
“The success of this investigation speaks to the collaborative law enforcement efforts in targeting and dismantling this drug trafficker’s methamphetamine distribution ring” said the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “This defendant profited by spreading this toxic drug in Butts County, and DEA is committed to serving and protecting this community. Strong law enforcement partnerships underscore the power of combined forces and demonstrate the collective impact on the war against meth.”
“I want to commend my agents, DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office for bringing this dealer to justice. We will continue to pursue those spreading poison in our community until justice is served. This type of result is what happens when agencies work together,” said Butts County Sheriff Gary Long.
The defendant admitted to selling methamphetamine to a Confidential Informant (CI) on five separate occasions in Butts County between July and August 2018. Officers with the Butts County Sheriff’s Office conducted the controlled, recorded buys. Berry sold a total of 16.368 grams of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Butts County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing an Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon caught with an illegal firearm and ammunition during the execution of a state search warrant was sentenced to prison this week, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jonathan Duneil Blash, 29, of Macon was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tripp Self on Tuesday, September 8 to 27 months in prison followed by three years supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bibb County deputies executed a state search warrant for illegal drug activity at the defendant’s Macon apartment on February 10, 2019. Blash, who has multiple prior felony convictions, including theft by taking, was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver and ammunition. Deputies also recovered drugs during the legal search. Blash admitted that he purchased the gun from someone off the street.
“Law enforcement is working hard in Middle Georgia to shut down the underground gun market which feeds criminal activity. Convicted felons caught in possession of illegal firearms will be held accountable at the federal level and will face prison without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF for their work in this case.”
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Macon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Prison for Probationers Caught Breaking into Cars in a Macon NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two armed probationers caught breaking into multiple cars in a north Macon neighborhood have both been sentenced to federal prison, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Quenshon Travez Robinson, 23, of Macon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Tuesday, September 1 to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count conspiracy to receive and possess stolen firearms. Robinson’s federal prison sentence will run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in Houston County Superior Court and in Bibb County Superior Court for violation of probation. Co-defendant Deshae Amondai Floyd, 23, also of Macon, was sentenced by Judge Treadwell on August 6 to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count conspiracy to receive and possess stolen firearms. Floyd’s federal prison sentence will run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in Bibb County Superior Court Case for violation of probation.
“Stolen firearms lead to violence in our streets, and our office will aggressively prosecute those who choose to buy, sell or possess stolen guns. These two repeat criminal offenders will now have several years in federal prison to think about the dangers of stealing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Thanks to the rapid response of the Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies, these offenders were quickly captured, helping restore peace to the community.”
Robinson and Floyd admitted that they broke into multiple cars in residential areas during the morning hours of Saturday, February 16, 2019. Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a citizen’s call reporting a break-in, and the deputies arrested the defendants as they attempted to flee from the scene. The men were caught with two stolen pistols and ammunition. At the time, Robinson was serving five years’ probation for Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree under the First Offender Act and Floyd was serving ten years’ probation for Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree under the First Offender Act. As probationers under First Offender status, it is unlawful for them to possess firearms.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.