Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Store Owner, Customers Plead Guilty to Food Stamp Fraud in South GeorgiaRead the Press Release
Albany – The former co-owner of a Donalsonville, Georgia grocery store, along with ten other customers, have pled guilty to charges related to defrauding the federal food stamp program, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Garland Alford, 75, of Donalsonville, the former co-owner of Lake Flea Market & FDR Grocery, a convenience/grocery store located south of Donalsonville, pled guilty to two counts of acquiring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits (food stamp benefits) by fraud on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Mr. Alford’s plea subjects him to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and fines of $500,000. In addition, ten customers of the store, all of whom redeemed more than $5,000 in food stamp benefits, have each pled guilty to one count of unlawfully transferring food stamp benefits in violation of law. The customers are Jeanie Sheffield, 34, of Colquitt, GA, Kaneesha Wooten, 23, of Bainbridge, GA, Wendy Mitchell Prickett, 44, of Nashville, TN, and Antonio Gardner, 35, Victoria Henry, 47, Jennifer Johnson, 30, Renee Kimble, 41, Crystal Maxwell, 36, Rosanna Roupe, 33, and Kayla Wallace, 26, all of Donalsonville. Their pleas subject them to maximum sentences of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. All pleas were entered before the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams, United States District Judge in Albany. Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2019.
According to the plea agreements, law enforcement officials opened a criminal investigation after learning that Mr. Alford was giving cash for food stamp benefits and allowing SNAP recipients to purchase ineligible items with their benefits. Numerous undercover transactions confirmed the illegal transactions. The average food stamp transaction at Mr. Alford’s store was $56.13, while the average transaction at similar stores in Georgia was just $7.42. Mr. Alford’s store redeemed more than $437,000 in food stamp benefits during a five-year period. A search warrant executed at the store also revealed that many of the items on the store’s shelves and in the freezers were well past their “sell by” date.
“The purpose of the food stamp program is to feed low-income families, not enrich people,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “This office will vigorously prosecute both store owners and food stamp recipients who abuse the system, and attempt to defraud the government. I want to commend the efforts of the Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Human Resources and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in helping put an end to this illegal activity.”
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alan Dasher 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.
Dublin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Operating an Interstate Pimping Ring, Co-Defendant SentencedRead the Press Release
MACON— A Dublin, Georgia man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for spearheading an organized interstate pimping ring, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Jesse Lee Hall, Jr., 39 of Dublin, pled guilty in May to one (1) count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, five (5) counts of transportation for illegal sexual activity and one (1) count of inducement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity. The Honorable Marc T. Treadwell sentenced Mr. Hall, Jr. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 to a total of 240 months imprisonment and five (5) years of supervised release for his crimes. In addition, co-defendant Lantesia Lanier, 41, of Dublin, Georgia was sentenced to twelve (12) months in prison and one (1) year supervised release on a charge of misleading law enforcement about her knowledge of the enterprise.
According to the plea agreement, Mr. Hall, Jr., acted as a pimp for several victims. The first victim was identified by law enforcement at a Macon hotel in June 2016. The victim told authorities that Mr. Hall, Jr. was her pimp and that she met him through the internet, and her convinced her to move from Ohio to Georgia. The victim was forced by Mr. Hall, Jr. to perform commercial sex acts in hotels throughout central Georgia. During the investigation, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office received new information that Mr. Hall, Jr. was trafficking other women for sex. A second victim confirmed that Mr. Hall, Jr. was her pimp and that she had worked for him from approximately July 2013 until February 2016. Mr. Hall, Jr. advertised her services on the website Backpage.com and transported her to hotels inside and outside Georgia for commercial sex acts. A third victim was also identified and was required to perform commercial sex acts throughout central Georgia. All three victims detailed various threats from Mr. Hall, Jr. to force them to perform commercial sex acts. The victims told law enforcement that Ms. Lanier, along with co-defendants Curtis Hall and Jackie Fields, had knowledge of the operation and participated in it to varying degrees. Mr. Hall and Ms. Fields will be sentenced at a later date.
“This pimp will serve 20 years in prison for selling people for sex. Human trafficking is a deplorable offense, and its victims are usually the most vulnerable people in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Charles “Charlie” Peeler. “We will continue to make human trafficking a major priority for the Office, and appreciate the investigative work of the FBI, Bibb, Laurens, and Bleckley County Sheriff’s Offices in this case.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals 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.
Fitzgerald man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethRead the Press Release
Albany – A Fitzgerald man, just released from prison after serving ten years for manslaughter, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in Albany federal court Monday, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Billy Ray Stafford, 37, of Fitzgerald, Georgia entered a guilty plea before The Honorable Leslie J. Abrams on December 10, 2018. The offense carries a maximum possible sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. A sentencing date has not yet been set in the case.
According to the plea agreement, investigators with the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office received information from a Confidential Informant (CI) about Mr. Stafford selling methamphetamine and marijuana from The Garden Inn Motel in Fitzgerald. On February 9, 2018, the CI purchased $50 worth of methamphetamine from Mr. Stafford inside a Garden Inn motel room. Later that day, agents executed a search warrant for that same room. Mr. Stafford exited the room in possession of a bag he attempted to hide in some brush outside the motel, which was caught on motel surveillance video. Agents recovered the bag and found about $3300 cash, including money given to the CI for the earlier buy, and multiple bags of meth and marijuana. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation forensic chemist tested the meth to weigh 25.9 grams and contain 71.5% pure methamphetamine.
Later Mr. Stafford told investigators, in a video-recorded statement, that he had recently been released from prison after serving ten years on a manslaughter conviction. He said working conditions at his former employer were bad, and the pay was low, so he quit to make money selling meth.
“Our citizens expect people to make an honest living. Trying to make quick money selling meth on our streets goes against the values of our citizens,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “This kind of illegal drug trafficking is costing our communities too much, with people paying the ultimate price with their lives. We pledge to stand with our law enforcement colleagues within the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and across the state as we continue to fight illegal meth distribution.”
This case was investigated by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for 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.
Sentences Handed Down for Illegal Pill Mills Operating in Valdosta and ColumbusRead the Press Release
Macon – Seven defendants involved in two clinics which operated “pill mills”, where tens of thousands of prescriptions for highly addictive opioids were dispensed, were sentenced this week in federal court, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. On Wednesday, December 5, 2018, The Honorable Hugh Lawson sentenced Dr. William Bacon, 83, of St. Johns, FL to 72 months in prison and the forfeiture of over $95,000 and Dr. Donatus O. Mbanefo, 65, of Columbus, GA to 96 months in prison. A jury found both Dr. Bacon and Dr. Mbanefo guilty of conspiracy to dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of medical practice and a legitimate medical purpose at clinics in Valdosta, Georgia and Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Mbanefo was also convicted of two additional counts of unlawful dispensation of controlled substances during the jury trial from May 29 to June 13, 2018 in Valdosta federal court.
Five co-conspirators previously entered guilty pleas for their involvement in or knowledge and concealment of the conspiracy, and were sentenced in federal court Thursday, December 6, 2018.
On charges of Conspiracy:
1. Carol Neema Biggs a/k/a Carol Johnson, 33, of Hollywood, FL: 60 months imprisonment, plus 36 months consecutive in prison for a total of 96 months imprisonment
2. Junior Alexander Biggs, 40, of Hollywood, FL: 50 months imprisonment, plus 36 months consecutive in prison for a total of 86 months imprisonment
3. Nilaja C. Biggs, 36 of Hialeah, FL: 36 months imprisonment
On charges of Knowledge and Concealment of the Conspiracy:
4. Shavonta Devon Bright, 35 of Miami, FL: 3 years probation
5. Ionie Whorms, 55 of Goose Creek, SC: 3 years probation
Dr. Vinod Shah, 69 of Salisbury, NC previously entered a guilty plea to involvement in the pill mill conspiracy and will be sentenced at a later date. Dr. Shah saw patients at the Relief Institute of Columbus in 2012-2013 and issued prescriptions for more than 398,000 Oxycodone pills and more than 100,000 Xanax and Soma pills.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that co-conspirators Carol Biggs, Nilija Biggs and Junior Biggs formed the Wellness Center of Valdosta (WCV) in June 2011, located at 2016 E. Adair Street, to operate as a pain clinic. Dr. Bacon began working there in September 2011 and saw patients until the clinic closed. The clinic saw unrealistically large numbers of patients daily, including people from out of state, accepting no forms of insurance or government benefits but taking cash payments only. No diagnostic testing was offered, and no alternative treatments outside prescribing large quantities of a “cocktail” of pain medications and other controlled substances were offered to patients. The “cocktail” generally included such highly addictive controlled substances as Oxycodone and Xanax, but also included Hydromorphone, Hydrocodone, Soma, Valium and Ambien. During the approximately 27 months during which Dr. Bacon worked at the Wellness Center of Valdosta, he wrote more than 29,000 prescriptions for controlled substances.
In June 2012, Carol and Junior Biggs opened another pain clinic in Columbus known as the Relief Institute of Columbus. The Relief Institute of Columbus operated in the same fashion as the Wellness Center of Valdosta by unlawfully dispensing controlled substances. Dr. Mbanefo saw patients at the Relief Institute between mid-March 2013 and mid-June 2013. During that three month period of time, Dr. Mbanefo wrote more than 2,900 prescriptions for controlled substances, including prescribing large quantities of Oxycodone and Xanax to an undercover agent, who had no legitimate medical issues.
The doctors at both clinics were paid $1200 to $1400 per day to see patients, with a bonus for Dr. Bacon when he saw more than 40 in a single day. During the operation of the two clinics, patients made cash payments of more than $2 million to see the doctors for prescriptions.
“Opioid addiction is destroying lives in our communities at an ever-increasing rate,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District. “Doctors and medical professionals who profit from these illegal pill mills are doing serious harm to our society, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop these lethal operations.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert D. McCullers and K. Alan Dasher prosecuted the case for 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.
Former Bank Tellers Plead Guilty to Stealing $1.6 Million from the Peoples Bank in EatontonRead the Press Release
Macon – Two former bank tellers entered guilty pleas to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud a Financial Institution in federal court Tuesday, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Both Vicky Martin, 60, of Buckhead (Morgan County), and Brandy Mize, 42, of Eatonton, were employed as tellers by The Peoples Bank in Eatonton, Georgia, and used their positions to steal $1,663,205.25. Maximum penalties for the fraud charge are 30 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. The Honorable Tillman E. “Tripp” Self presided over Tuesday’s hearing, and sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, Ms. Mize was the Head Teller and Ms. Martin was employed as the Assistant Head Teller at The People’s Bank. In these positions, the defendants were responsible for correcting mistakes indicated by the Branch Capture Correction Account (BCCA), a quality control feature used by the bank to reveal one-sided transactions and prevent mistakes or fraud. On a daily basis, the defendants were tasked with insuring that the cash counts in the teller drawers and the bank vault balanced, and were not the objects of theft, and overseeing the operation of both the BCCA and Teller Plus system that checks the accuracy of these cash balances and records. The defendants also placed orders for cash from the Federal Reserve Bank.
The defendants used their positions of trust to embezzle and misapply bank money by transferring bank funds into their personal bank accounts or into the accounts of family members and associates. The defendants took cash from their teller drawers and, in Ms. Mize’s case, directly from the vault. The defendants also issued cashier’s checks for their benefit, all without valid checks or cash being deposited to the bank to support these transactions. To cover the thefts, the defendants corrected errors indicated in the BCCA, and hid losses by inflating the vault cash balance, as they were the employees responsible for counting the cash in the vault and ordering the cash to replenish the fault from the Federal Reserve Bank. The bank began their internal investigation in March 2016, following reports from colleagues regarding suspicious activity on the bank’s general ledger. The defendants were suspended on March 14, 2016. In a telephone conversation with the President of The Peoples Bank, Ms. Mize estimated she had been taking money from the bank for three to four years. A substantial increase in activity in the BCAA was noted in April 2014.
“From the front of the bank, the defendants created a complex scheme to defraud a community business out of well over a million dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “Thanks to the good investigative work by the FBI, along with our dedicated prosecution team, we were able to fully uncover this conspiracy. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously fight fraud and protect law-abiding citizens and businesses.”
The case was investigated by the Macon office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States 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.
A Former Synovus Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Bank, Not Paying Taxes on Illegal IncomeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS— A former commercial banker for Synovus entered a guilty plea to bank fraud and tax evasion charges in federal court Wednesday, said Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. John D. Evans, 47 of Columbus, Georgia, entered the plea before the Honorable Clay D. Land. Mr. Evans pled guilty to four counts of Bank Fraud and four counts of Tax Evasion on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. Evans will be sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Land at a time yet to be determined.
According to the plea agreement, Mr. Evans managed some of the largest clients for Synovus and diverted $1,046,602 in Synovus client funds into a personal account he opened at another bank. The fraud occurred between July 2, 2013 and May 24, 2017 while Mr. Evans worked as a commercial banker for Synovus. Financial records revealed that Evans used these funds to pay for a wide assortment of his personal expenses, including payments on vehicles, credit card bills, vacations, jewelry, and cash withdrawals. In addition, Mr. Evans failed to pay income taxes on the stolen money, amounting to $221,357.
“Fraud of this magnitude violates the public trust, and negatively impacts the financial system and the business community as a whole,” said Charles E. Peeler, U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank the combined investigative work of the FBI, IRS and the Office of Inspector General. I also want to thank Synovus for their total cooperation in this investigation, and helping bring this fraud to light.”
“We appreciate the efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia in bringing this matter to a conclusion, and we are pleased that no customer experienced a loss as result of Mr. Evans’ actions,” said Lee Underwood, Communications Director for Synovus.
“Evan’s plea is the result of the determination and hard work of federal investigators and prosecutors who aggressively pursue allegations of bank fraud,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is determined to pursue any allegations of persons who would choose to take advantage of their trusted positions of employment.”
“Even with substantial controls and banking regulations in place, people will find ways to embezzle from their employers. If you commit fraud, you will get caught and face the consequences," said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS- Criminal Investigation.
This case was investigated by agents with the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin Hyde is prosecuting the case for 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.
Leader of Macon-Based Sex Trafficking Operation Sentenced in Federal Court, Cohort Also SentencedRead the Press Release
MACON—The leader of a sex trafficking operation involving seven victims was sentenced to 174 months in prison, announced Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Najiy Williams, a/k/a “King”, age 36 of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced in federal court today by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell on the charge of Inducement to Travel to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity. The sentence includes a $250,000 fine and a term of lifetime supervised release. In addition, Hamza Abdul Vasser, a/k/a “Joseph” a/k/a “Joey,” age 29 of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment and a term of lifetime supervised release on the charge of Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity. Both defendants will be required to register as sex offenders upon release from prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) first received information that Mr. Williams was trafficking women and with assistance from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, identified seven adult women who said they were forced to have sex in hotel rooms in the Macon area, as well as cities across the southeast, including Charleston, South Carolina and Valdosta, Georgia, between September 2015 and February 2017. According to the plea agreement, one victim reported engaging in more than 550 sex acts. Several victims said they responded to advertisements for models and actors posted on various websites, including “Craigslist” and encountered Mr. Williams. One victim traveled by bus from as far away as Ohio to Macon, Georgia, in response to an online advertisement for a film audition. Mr. Vasser admitted to driving one female victim in August 2016 from South Carolina to Georgia for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
“There is no place for human sex trafficking in our community. It is degrading to the victims and is otherwise a blight on society,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I want to thank the great investigative work of the FBI, GBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to end this illegal sex trafficking operation, and helping release these victims from a hopeless trap.”
“These two defendants showed a complete disregard for the women they coerced into sex trafficking,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI thanks our state and local law enforcement partners for their assistance in taking these two predators off our streets and helping us rescue their victims.”
“We can all be thankful that the teamwork of all agencies involved resulted in these horrific criminals being taken off the street and put behind bars where they belong,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
Assistant United States Attorneys Julia C. Bowen and Shanelle C. Booker are prosecuting the case for 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.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 23 IndividualsRead the Press Release
MACON— A federal grand jury has returned indictments during the month of November. Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Wednesday, November 21, 2018 that the grand jury true billed indictments charging 23 new individuals. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The successful collaboration between law enforcement at every level helped bring these cases before a federal grand jury,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement for their dedication and hard work.”
Indictment #1
MILTON WRENN, age 58 of Hartsfield, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of Child Pornography
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Wrenn faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen.
Indictment #2
DERINIQUE MORROW, age 20 of Albany, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Interstate Communications with Intent to Extort
2) Interstate Stalking
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Morrow faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Morrow faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warminster, Pennsylvania Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Dasher.
Indictment #3
GEORGE RANDOLPH JEFFERY, age 58 of Monroe, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor
2) Possession of Child Pornography
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Jeffery faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a 10 year mandatory minimum term, a $250,000 fine and a maximum Supervised Release of life. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Jeffery faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a maximum Supervised Release of Life.
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman.
Indictment #4
ORIEST STANLEY, JR., age 50 of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Stanley faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a maximum Supervised Release of three (3) years.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshall Service and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Howard.
Indictment #5
MAURICE HANCOCK, a/k/a “FREAKY”, a/k/a “NBA PHIL”, age 44 of Statham, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1-19) Distribution of a Controlled Substance
If convicted on Counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, Mr. Hancock faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count. If convicted on Counts 2, 3, 7 and 8, Mr. Hancock faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, or both per count. If convicted on Counts 9 – 19, Mr. Hancock faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, per count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.
Indictment #6
HEATHER NICOLE GRAY, age 31 of Norman Park, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1-15) Bank Fraud
16-82) Counts of Wire Fraud
83) Count of Aggravated Identity Theft
If convicted on Counts 1-15, Ms. Gray faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both, per count. If convicted on Counts 16-82, Ms. Gray faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both, per count. If convicted on Count 83, Ms. Gray faces a mandatory two (2) years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Indictment #7
FRANK DOUGLAS, age 59 of North Augusta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1-2) Assault on a Federal Employee
If convicted on Counts 1-2, Mr. Douglas faces a maximum sentence of eight (8) years, a $250,000 fine or both, per count.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.
Indictment #8
MIGUEL AYALA, age 26 of Marietta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Ayala faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office and the Byron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts.
EDUARDO ONOFRE, age 24 of Powder Springs, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
If convicted Count 1, Mr. Onofre faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, and Byron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts.
Indictment #9
JUSTIN HUNT a/k/a “BIG BOY”, age 33 of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1-2) Distribution of Methamphetamine
If convicted on Counts 1-2, Mr. Hunt faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both, per count.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts.
VICTOR HENDERSON a/k/a “BLACK BOY”, age 39, of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:
3) Distribution of Methamphetamine
If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Henderson faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts.
Indictment #10
YESIKA DEL CARMEN VIVENES LINARES a/k/a ANA CARARINA GONCALVES ALVES, age 36 of Venezuela, is charged with the following:
1) Forgery and False Use of a Passport
If convicted on Count 1, Ms. Vivenes Linares faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service and the Valdosta Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Indictment #11
MARTIN SOSA-TORRES, age 24 of Mexico is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Torres faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
In addition to the above indictments, the following individuals were indicted for firearms offenses. All of these cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was launched in 2001 by the Office of the Attorney General.
Indictment #12
CECIL WAMPLER, age 33, of Bristol, Tennessee, is charged with the following:
1) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
2) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
3) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime
4) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Wampler faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Wampler faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Wampler faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. If convicted on Count 4, Mr. Wampler faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and the collaboration of District Attorney for the Western Judicial Circuit Ken Mauldin. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.
AMY LAURA LEONARD, age 49 of Johnson City, Tennessee, is charged with the following:
1) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
2) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
3) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime
If convicted on Count 1, Ms. Leonard faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both. If convicted on Count 2, Ms. Leonard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted on Count 3, Ms. Leonard faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000.00 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and the collaboration of Ken Mauldin, District Attorney for the Western Judicial Circuit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.
WILLIAM MATHEW HOWARD, aged 44, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
2) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
3) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Howard faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Howard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Howard faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000.00 or both.
The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and the collaboration of District Attorney for the Western Judicial Circuit Ken Mauldin. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.
Indictment #13
JAMES EARL BRIDGES, age 41, of Albany, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
2) Possession of a Firearm by a Controlled Substance User
3) Possession of Methamphetamine
If convicted on Counts 1-2, Mr. Bridges faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both, and a maximum Supervised Release of three (3) years, per count. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Bridges faces one (1) year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Dasher.
Indictment #14
JOSEPH FREDRICK KEGLER, age 45 of Columbus, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Felon in Possession of a Firearm
2) Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Kegler faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both and a maximum three (3) years of Supervised Release. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Kegler faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both and a maximum one (1) year of Supervised Release.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and ATF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #15
PAUL A. BRADFORD, age 47 of Lakeland, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Bradford faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lanier and Berrien County Sheriff’s Offices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Indictment #16
BRANDON RASHAD DOWDELL, age 24, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Dowdell faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Valdosta Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit.
Indictment #17
ANTHONY LEVETTE GRUBBS, age 31 of Jacksonville, Florida, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Grubbs faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit.
Indictment #18
WILLIAM HENRY PHILLIPS, JR., age 43, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Phillips faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Valdosta Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit.
Indictment #19
JAYLON WESLEY, age 21 of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Wesley faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbus Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams.
Questions concerning this release should 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 Sentence in Multi-Million Dollar Scheme Defrauding Bibb County Schools, TaxpayersRead the Press Release
MACON — Isaac J. Culver, III was sentenced today for his involvement in a complex, multi-million dollar computer purchasing scheme defrauding taxpayers and the Bibb County School District, announced United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. Following a nine day trial in July, Mr. Culver, age 48, of Lizella, Georgia, and his corporation, Progressive Consulting Technologies, Inc. (PCTI) were found guilty by a jury of his peers for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, ten (10) counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of unlawful activity. The Honorable Marc Treadwell sentenced Mr. Culver to 87 months in prison and three years supervised release with PCTI sentenced to five years probation and a $500,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The charges against Mr. Culver, President and Chief Executive Officer of PCTI, stem from the sale of 15,000 NComputing devices for $3.7 million to upgrade classroom technology for the Bibb County School District (BCSD) in 2012.
Mr. Culver helped to create a fraudulent invoice listing CompTech, a technology company from Dayton, Ohio, as the vendor. Instead, the true purchaser of the NComputing devices was PCTI. As delivered, the devices were useless. The devices did not contain the necessary equipment to be functional (i.e. mouse, keyboard, monitor, servers, etc.).
Mr. Culver led others to believe that the purchase of NComputing devices was made pursuant to the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule. CompTech understood this to be why PCTI asked them to participate in this transaction. The BCSD employees also believed that this was a GSA purchase, which meant that the transaction did not have to go through normal bidding procedures. In reality, this transaction was not made pursuant to the GSA.
After the December 2012 sale, Mr. Culver hid the fact that PCTI was the true purchaser of the NComputing devices and he did so by continuing to use CompTech to disguise his role. Mr. Culver did so, in part, because he and PCTI were able to net almost $2 million on the NComputing transaction alone. Based on other statements and actions taken by Mr. Culver, there was evidence that they planned to buy these other goods, again using CompTech as a pass through, to continue to profit secretly.
“Bibb County students are the ones who ultimately lost the most due to this multi-million dollar theft of taxpayer money. Instead of being used to enhance the education of Bibb County students, the Defendant used the money to enrich himself,” said Charles E. Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The sentence imposed against Mr. Culver sends a strong message that fraud against the government will not be tolerated in Bibb County. I would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Georgia Office of the Attorney General, and our trial team for their hard work in this matter.”
"The greed that drove Isaac Culver caused irreparable harm to the company he worked for, the citizens of Bibb County, and most importantly the students who were deprived of much needed tools to further their education," according to Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. "Now he will pay for that greed with this sentencing and hopefully be a lesson to others who may be tempted to take advantage of our citizens."
"Culver made a decision to focus on his personal financial gain by taking money from innocent school children in an effort to enrich himself," said James E. Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS - Criminal Investigation. "In choosing greed, Culver will spend time in jail for his unethical actions. IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in cleaning up this type of fraud and greed."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Howard and Danial Bennett are prosecuting the case for the Government with participation and cooperation of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David McLaughlin from the Georgia Office of the Attorney General.
Questions concerning this case 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.
Oconee County High School Janitor Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Recording Video of Minors in Locker RoomRead the Press Release
ATHENS-- Timothy Brian Burnette was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for his involvement in recording minors with a cell phone, announced United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. There is no parole in the federal system, and Mr. Burnette will also be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence for Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was handed down by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, U.S. District Judge.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Burnette, age 41, of Union Point, Georgia, admitted that while working as a custodian at Oconee County High School, he repeatedly used a cell phone to record video of minor students while they were changing in the locker room. Furthermore, a search warrant executed on Mr. Burnette’s cell phone revealed numerous photographs, internet searches and tabs that were pornographic in nature, including searches related to high school girls engaged in sexual activity and locker room pornography videos.
“Every child deserves a safe, secure place to attend school,” said Charles E. Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Mr. Burnette not only violated the sacredness of the school environment, but caused irreparable harm to the minors he filmed and their families. We will not tolerate crimes against children. I want to applaud the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for working quickly to put an end to this predatory behavior and protecting young people.”
“This sends a strong message that this type of recording and behavior won’t be tolerated,” said Sheriff Scott R. Berry, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
“Mr. Burnette’s actions are disturbing and unacceptable,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “This sentence removes a dangerous child predator from our community who was preying on the most vulnerable in our society, children.”
This case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided additional assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case 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.
Four More Sentenced in Extensive Moultrie Meth RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY— Four individuals associated with a massive Methamphetamine ring operating out of Moultrie, Georgia were sentenced Tuesday, November 13, 2018, announced United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams. There have been a total of 25 sentencings related to the same illegal drug distribution ring.
Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug. From May until November 2016, an organization of 30 individuals distributed Methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, Georgia. According to court evidence, some of these transactions also occurred in Atlanta, GA and parts of Florida, including at the Georgia-Florida line.
The individuals sentenced Tuesday, November 13, 2018 are as follows:
Brenda Trimble age 32 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty on February 14, 2018 to Distribution of Methamphetamine. Trimble was sentenced to 132 months to serve, 4 years supervised release.
Michael Stamper age 35 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty on April 25, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Stamper was sentenced to 180 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
Christin Johnson age 33 of Coolidge, GA, pled guilty on April 25, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Johnson was sentenced to 90 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
Will Barron age 30 of Monticello, FL, pled guilty on February 14, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances. Barron was sentenced to 96 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
“These individuals are part of a large, illegal operation distributing one of the most deadly drugs today,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Each had a role in moving Methamphetamine across Georgia, into our smaller communities and larger cities. Dismantling this ring makes our state safer, and I credit the tenacious efforts of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and our committed prosecutorial team that joined together to successfully end this meth operation.”
The following individuals were sentenced the week of October 22-26, 2018:
Borris Fuller age 41 of Moultrie, GA pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 360 months to serve, 10 years supervised release
Shundrez Fuller age 21 of Tallahassee, FL, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 144 months, 5 years supervised release
Walter Treanor age 36 of Pelham, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 228 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Rebecca Lawrence age 47 of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to120 months, 5 years supervised release
Leory Valdez age 33 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 10 years supervised release
Artaviouis Williams age 33, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Derrick Wright age 31, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 192 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Heather Crawford age 36, of Cecil, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Cedric Butts age 29, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 200 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Shaquese McIntyre age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2) and was sentenced to160 months to serve, 4 years supervised release
Marcus Andrews age 35, of Bristol, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to possess Meth with the Intent to Distribute and was sentenced to 145 months, 3 years supervised release
Sharon Blackwell age 46, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 100 months, 5 years supervised release
Samuel Butler age 56, of Crawford, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months, 5 years supervised release
Michael Dampier age 45, of Doerun, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 160 months to serve, 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment
Devin Dorminey age 23, of Lake City, FL, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User and was sentenced to 18 months, 3 years supervised release
Leroy Haynes age 41, of Norman Park, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
Michael Kulak age 45, of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises and was sentenced to 24 months, 3 years supervised release
Stephanie McMurphy age 39, of Adel, GA, pled guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 102 months to serve, 6 years supervised release
Avery Norman age 37, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Use of a Communication Device in Furtherance of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months, 1 year supervised release
Cambrick Taylor age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and was sentenced to 12 months and day to serve, 2 years supervised release
Melissa Valdez Williams age 30, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, 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 United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Monroe ManRead the Press Release
MACON— A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 charging George Randolph Jeffery, age 58, of Monroe, Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Indictment
George Randolph Jeffery, age 58, of Monroe, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor
2) Possession of Child Pornography
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Jeffery faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a maximum of life supervised release. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Jeffery faces a maximum 20 year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine and a maximum of life supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie Freeman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett.
Questions concerning this release should 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 (cell).
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District Salutes Military Veterans, Recognizes Service of USAO-GAM VetsRead the Press Release
Macon – In honor of Veterans Day, staff members with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia (USAO-GAM) heard a presentation from fellow employee, and veteran, Captain Will R. Keyes. Captain Keyes is a new Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Middle District of Georgia, and served in the United States Army in the JAG Corps. As a JAG, Captain Keyes deployed to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq (see photo). Captain Keyes joins other USAO-GAM veterans representing the Air Force, Navy and Army, including:
- Master Sergeant (Ret.) Gregory Armes, United States Air Force
- Lieutenant Danial E. Bennett, United States Navy
- Captain Lyndie Freeman, JAG Corps, United States Air Force
- Colonel Robert McCullers, United States Army, Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Air National Guard (see photo)
“I am incredibly proud to work beside these veterans who served our country with honor, and continue to serve and protect our great country honorably in their vocations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “It is important to always be mindful of the sacrifices veterans and their families make on our behalf, and to thank these brave men and women at every opportunity for the freedom we are fortunate to enjoy.”
Illustrating the military and civilian roles many Department of Justice employees play, in October, Col. Robert McCullers, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Middle District, was called to duty following Hurricane Michael. Col. McCullers was deployed to National Guard Headquarters in Marietta, serving in the Operations Center as more than 1,000 National Guard troops mobilized to provide assistance stabilizing southern Georgia in the wake of one of the state’s most crippling natural disasters. In addition to his civilian service, AUSA McCullers is a Colonel and a Staff Judge Advocate (Headquarters) for the Georgia Air National Guard. A JAG since 2003, Col. McCullers has been deployed to both Baghdad and Tallil Air Base, Iraq. He started work as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia in 2002.
“Robert’s deep sense of duty to our country is evident in his daily work protecting citizens as a federal prosecutor,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “We are proud to work alongside current and former members of our armed services.”
Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11, 2018. In honor of Veterans Day, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District will be closed Monday, November 12, 2018 for the federal holiday. 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.
Repeat Drug Felon Sentenced to 151 Months on Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
MACON -- United States Attorney for the Middle District, Charles E. Peeler, announced today that Nathaniel Gordy, 31 of Macon, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on October 30, 2018. U.S. District Court Judge Tilman E. Self, III handed down the sentence in Macon federal court.
Bibb County authorities conducted a traffic stop after Mr. Gordy ran a red light on July 14, 2017. Law enforcement smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and during a search, observed a loaded Taurus, 9mm semi-automatic pistol underneath the front passenger seat. They also discovered loose marijuana. In the trunk, officers located a sentry safe holding what was later tested and identified as 403.39 grams of methamphetamine. Marijuana found was tested and confirmed to be 6,133.4 grams or approximately thirteen pounds of marijuana. Mr. Gordy has two prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
“This is a significant sentence handed down by a federal judge this week,” said Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District. “Significant because it shows that repeat drug distributors will not be tolerated in Georgia. Methamphetamine is a drug that is ruining lives in our communities, every day, and its manufacture and distribution must be stopped. I want to thank the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF for their work.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or [email protected] or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contract), at (478) 765-2362 or [email protected].
Middle District Election Officer AppointedRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018 that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Todd P. Swanson will lead office efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018 general election. AUSA Swanson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses 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,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
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 on 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,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Peeler stated that AUSA/DEO Swanson will be on duty in the Middle District of Georgia while the polls are open. AUSA/DEO Swanson can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (478) 752-3511. This number is for reports of voting irregularities only. All press inquiries or requests for information should 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.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in field offices and resident agencies throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Albany FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 434-1489; the Athens FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 549-6477; the Columbus FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 596-9603; the Macon FBI resident agency can be reached at (478) 745-1271; and the Valdosta FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 247-2292.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“To ensure a free and fair election, it is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice,” said U. S. Attorney Peeler.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 6 IndividualsRead the Press Release
MACON— A grand jury has returned indictments during the month of October. Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018, that the grand jury true billed indictments charging 6 individuals. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The successful collaboration between law enforcement at every level helped bring these cases before a federal grand jury,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement for their dedication and hard work.”
Indictment #1
JONATHAN M. JENSEN, age 32, of Springfield, Minnesota, is charged with the following:
1) Coercion and Enticement
2) Travel with Intent to engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Jensen faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum life sentence in prison, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Jensen faces a maximum 30 year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany, Georgia, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.
Indictment #2
MIGUEL BALTAZAR-PABLO, age 25, of Mexico, is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted, Mr. Baltazar-Pablo faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #3
ANTONIO VEGA-HERNANDEZ, age 32, of Mexico, is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted, Mr. Vega-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
In addition, to the above indictments, the following individuals were indicted for firearms offenses. All of these cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Indictment #4
TRACY MITCHELL, JR., age 30, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted, Tracy Mitchell, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.
Indictment #5
ERIC DAMON GRIER, age 38, of Sparta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
If convicted, Eric Damon Grier faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.
Indictment #6
JOHNNY FARROW, aged 62, of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted, Mr. Farrow faces a maximum sentence of ten 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.
Questions concerning this release should 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.
Baldwin County Kingpin Sentenced to 145 Years in Federal Prison Without Parole, Fourteen Others SentencedRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announces that DELMA GODDARD, A/K/A “SHUG” AND “BIG HXMIE” age 38, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell to serve 145 years in federal prison in Macon today. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Goddard was found guilty by a jury of his peers of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute more than 280 Grams of Crack Cocaine, more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine, and more than 100 Grams of Heroin on July 30, 2018. The jury also convicted Mr. Goddard of four counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; six counts of Distribution of Crack Cocaine; five counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; five counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; one count of Distribution of Heroin; and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.
Mr. Goddard was the lead conspirator and is a member of the Nine-Deuce gang in Baldwin County. The Nine-Deuce gang is affiliated with the Bloods national street gang. During the period between 2013 and 2016, the Nine-Deuce gang was responsible for numerous gang-related assaults in Baldwin County, Georgia. The gang is identified by its use of the color red, as well as particular hand signs, and it is fueled by proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs in Milledgeville and the surrounding counties. Mr. Goddard was responsible for obtaining, manufacturing and distributing crack cocaine, and also for distributing methamphetamine and heroin.
As part of the investigation, agents from the DEA, FBI, ATF and Ocmulgee Drug Task Force were responsible for removing more than 10 ounces of crack cocaine, more than 10 ounces of methamphetamine, and more than 10 ounces of heroin from the streets of Milledgeville. In addition, 17 firearms, including two assault rifles, were purchased from Mr. Goddard and/or seized during a search warrant executed at his residence.
Evidence established during the trial proved that Mr. Goddard sold various quantities of crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin to government operatives. Mr. Goddard has a prior conviction for the Sale of Cocaine in 2000.
For their part in this case, fourteen other individuals, several of whom were Nine-Deuce gang members, were also sentenced:
- CHAD DELACY FREEMAN, A/K/A “BIG BONE” AND “BONE LOCO” (gang member), age 45, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison.
- ALONZO BUTTS, age 44, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
- DEMALE HAMPTON, A/K/A “RABBIT” AND “RAB”, age 41, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
- EDWARD ANTONIO BROWN, A/K/A “PLUG” (gang member), age 41, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.
- ISHMAWIYL ABDHAL DAVIS, A/K/A “NY” AND “NEW YORK” (gang member), age 35, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.
- DEMETRIUS JAMEL HARDEN, A/K/A “MEAT DAWG” & “MEAT DOG” (gang member), age 32, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
- MONTAVIOUS JERMELL BARNES, A/K/A “COOT” AND “KOOT” (gang member), age 23, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
- TRAVIS GLENN, A/K/A “T” AND “TG” (gang member), age 41, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison.
- DEMOND MONTERIO DENNIS, A/K/A “DOUBLE DEUCE” (gang member), age 34, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison.
- DERRICK MOSLEY, A/K/A “D MO” (gang member), age 38, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison.
- DESHAWN RANSOM, A/K/A “NEPHEW” (gang member), age 23, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
- ERIC DEMETRIUS VEAL, age 46, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.
- JEVON DESHAWN CLARK, A/K/A “DUB” AND “J DUB” (gang member), age 35, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
- CYNTHIA BOLSTON SMITH, A/K/A “CYNT,” age 70, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years of probation.
“These sentencings and the dismantling of this gang are the result of a true partnership between District Attorney Steve Bradley’s office, Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee’s office, the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, DEA, FBI, ATF, and the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “To those who choose to engage in drug trafficking, firearms trafficking and violent crime, take note: Federal and State law enforcement and prosecutors are teaming up to take you down. Providing the citizens of Middle Georgia with the safe neighborhoods and drug free communities they deserve is the top priority of this office. Thank you to the hard work of law enforcement in this matter.”
“Baldwin County residents can sleep better tonight knowing that this sentence has been returned against this violent crack, powder cocaine and methamphetamine trafficker,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office present a united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy gang-related drug trafficking organizations.”
“Nothing infects our communities more than the infiltration of drugs and guns onto our streets,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of FBI Atlanta. “Goddard’s conviction and sentencing are only the beginning of our efforts to protect the good citizens of Baldwin County from the menace this top level gangster and his fellow gang members posed.”
“Sheriff Bill Massee and I both appreciate the excellent coordination between our personnel and those in the Federal system. That partnership has led to a real, identifiable reduction in local gang and drug activity,” said Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Steve Bradley. “These were serious, historical offenders we took off the street, and Baldwin County is much safer as a result.”
The case was brought as part of OCDETF (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) programs. OCDETF and PSN are programs that have been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office; Ocmulgee Drug Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco’ Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Calhoun and Michael Solis are prosecuting the case for the Government with participation and cooperation of Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Steve Bradley.
Questions concerning this case 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 Man Convicted on Charge Related to Major Cocaine Ring, Hundreds of Kilograms Distributed Across RegionRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA-- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced that Henry Austin, II a/k/a “Poochie,” age 49, of Valdosta, Georgia was convicted Wednesday, October 24, 2018 of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Cocaine base following a three day jury trial before United States District Judge Hugh Lawson. Jurors took one hour to deliberate the charge. Austin’s sentencing will occur before Judge Lawson at a later date.
Jurors heard evidence collected by a half-dozen law enforcement agencies during a more than two-year investigation. Evidence revealed a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution circuit stretching from Atlanta to South Georgia, including Tifton, Valdosta, Omega, Hahira, Adel, Moultrie, Northern Florida, and other nearby communities. Austin and 18 co-conspirators, all who previously pled guilty and been sentenced, distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine sold as powder and also manufactured into crack cocaine. Mr. Austin’s drug dealing career dates back to the 1990s. When speaking of his crack cooking skills, witnesses widely described Mr. Austin as “one of best.”
“Another major illegal drug ring operating in Georgia has been smashed,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “This office and the law enforcement agencies we work with daily are committed to stopping these destructive drug operations flowing in our state. I applaud the courageous efforts put forth by our law enforcement agencies who are successfully ending illegal drug operations in their communities.”
This investigation and Mr. Austin’s conviction represent the hard work of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorneys Julia C. Bowen, Michael T. Solis and Leah E. McEwen are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case 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.
Leader of Massive Multi-State Moultrie Meth Ring Sentenced to 360 Months to Serve in A Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY-- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Friday that Borris Fuller, age 41 of Moultrie, GA and four individuals involved in a Methamphetamine distribution ring were sentenced by the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams on Friday, October 26 in U.S. Federal Court in Albany. There have been a total of 21 sentencings this week related to the same illegal drug distribution ring.
Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug. From May until November 2016, an organization of 30 individuals distributed Methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, Georgia. According to court evidence, some of these transactions also occurred in Atlanta, GA and parts of Florida, including at the Georgia-Florida line. Mr. Fuller’s sentencing is scheduled for Friday.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives. It destroys the life of the user, the lives of the family members and it taxes law enforcement and health care providers. It is a poison in our communities,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Since 2010, the number of meth overdose deaths has grown each and every year. Law enforcement is fighting as hard as they ever have. It is a fight worth fighting, and one we will win.”
“I salute the tireless efforts of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and our committed prosecutorial team that contributed to bringing this meth distribution ring down.”
The following individuals were sentenced Friday:
- Borris Fuller age 41 of Moultrie, GA pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 360 months to serve, 10 years supervised release
- Shundrez Fuller age 21 of Tallahassee, FL, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 144 months, 5 years supervised release
- Walter Treanor age 36 of Pelham, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 228 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
- Rebecca Lawrence age 47 of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to120 months, 5 years supervised release
- Leory Valdez age 33 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 10 years supervised release
The following individuals were sentenced Wednesday:
- Artaviouis Williams age 33, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
- Derrick Wright age 31, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 192 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
- Heather Crawford age 36, of Cecil, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
- Cedric Butts age 29, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 200 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
- Shaquese McIntyre age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2) and was sentenced to160 months to serve, 4 years supervised release
The following individuals were sentenced Monday and Tuesday:
- Marcus Andrews age 35, of Bristol, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to possess Meth with the Intent to Distribute and was sentenced to 145 months, 3 years supervised release
- Sharon Blackwell age 46, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 100 months, 5 years supervised release
- Samuel Butler age 56, of Crawford, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months, 5 years supervised release
- Michael Dampier age 45, of Doerun, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 160 months to serve, 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment
- Devin Dorminey age 23, of Lake City, FL, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User and was sentenced to 18 months, 3 years supervised release
- Leroy Haynes age 41, of Norman Park, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
- Michael Kulak age 45, of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises and was sentenced to 24 months, 3 years supervised release
- Stephanie McMurphy age 39, of Adel, GA, pled guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 102 months to serve, 6 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment
- Avery Norman, age 37, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Use of a Communication Device in Furtherance of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months, 1 year supervised release
- Cambrick Taylor, age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and was sentenced to 12 months and day to serve, 2 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment
- Melissa Valdez Williams, age 30, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, 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 United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Sentencings in Large Multi-State Moultrie Meth Ring Case, More Expected This WeekRead the Press Release
ALBANY-- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Tuesday that eleven of a total of 28 individuals involved in a massive Moultrie-based Methamphetamine distribution ring were sentenced by The Honorable Leslie J. Abrams on Monday, October 22, 2018 and Tuesday, October 23, 2018 in U.S. Federal Court in Albany. More sentencings in this crime ring are expected throughout the week.
Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug. From May until November 2016, an organization of 30 individuals distributed Methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, Georgia. According to court evidence, some of these transactions also occurred in Atlanta, GA and parts of Florida, including at the Georgia-Florida line.
“We must put a stop to the flow of methamphetamine in and through our state,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “This extensive meth crime ring operating out of a quiet community in Southwest Georgia is an example of just how pervasive these networks have become. I salute the tireless efforts of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and our committed prosecutorial team that contributed to bringing this meth distribution ring down.”
The following individuals were sentenced Monday:
- Marcus Andrews age 35 of Bristol, FL, plead guilty to Conspiracy to possess Meth with the Intent to Distribute, and was sentenced to 145 months and 3 years supervised release.
- Sharon Blackwell age 46 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 100 months and 5 years supervised release.
- Samuel Butler age 56 of Crawford, FL, plead guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances, and was sentenced to 96 months and 5 years supervised release.
- Michael Dampier age 45 of Doerun, GA, plead guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 160 months to serve, 5 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.
- Devin Dorminey age 23 of Lake City, FL, plead guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User, and was sentenced to 18 months and 3 years supervised release.
- Leroy Haynes age 41 of Norman Park, GA, plead guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 180 months and 5 years supervised release.
- Micahel Kulak age 45 of DeLeon Springs, FL, plead guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and was sentenced to 24 months and 3 years supervised release.
- Stephanie McMurphy age 39 of Adel, GA, plead guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 102 months to serve, 6 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.
- Avery Norman age 37 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty to Use of a Communication Device in Furtherance of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months and 1 year supervised release.
- Cambrick Taylor age 22 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and was sentenced to 12 months and day to serve, 2 years supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment.
- Melissa Valdez Williams age 30 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 180 months and 5 years supervised release.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, 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 United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
In the Aftermath of Hurricane Michael Department of Justice Reminds the Public to Be Aware of Fraud and Report It to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
“Following Hurricane Michael’s landfall and as recovery efforts continue, it is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes, impersonation of government officials and solicitations for fake charities,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. “The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
Since Hurricane Michael’s landfall, many people are left without food, water, or shelter, and are experiencing devastating damage to life and property. Unfortunately, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Numerous U.S. Attorney Offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
“The NCDF has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints after the recent hurricanes and help ensure that each report of fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director. “Raising public awareness is a great way for the NCDF to reach thousands of people who may one day be subjected to fraudulent schemes.”
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and exercise due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims. They should also exercise the same care before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims as well as being extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here. Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Federal Prosecutor Joined National Guard Assisting Storm Recovery Efforts in Southwest GeorgiaRead the Press Release
Macon – Colonel Robert McCullers, an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia and Colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard, took a brief leave of absence to join National Guard troops deployed following Hurricane Michael, a historic storm that damaged homes, farms and businesses across the Middle District of Georgia, and left tens of thousands without power and water. Col. McCullers was deployed to National Guard Headquarters located in Marietta on October 17, 2018. Hurricane Michael crossed Georgia during the time period of October 10-11, 2018.
Col. McCullers worked in the Operations Center as more than 1,000 National Guard troops provided assistance stabilizing Southwest Georgia following Hurricane Michael. Troops provided food, water, fuel and power at multiple Points of Distribution (PODs) and cleared blocked roadways. In addition to his civilian service, AUSA McCullers is also a Colonel and a Staff Judge Advocate (Headquarters) for the Georgia Air National Guard. A JAG since 2003, Colonel McCullers has been deployed to both Baghdad and Tallil Air Base, Iraq. He started work as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia in 2002.
“Robert’s deep sense of duty to our country is evident in his daily work protecting citizens as a federal prosecutor, and also in his work now, helping our community during this crisis,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “We are proud to work alongside service members like Robert McCullers, and I want to thank all of the National Guard troops who stepped away from their families and careers to come to the aid of Southwest Georgia.”
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.
Middle Georgia's U.S. Attorney Will Accompany Vice President Pence During Visit to Hurricane Damaged CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Albany, GA— The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles Peeler, will join Vice President Michael Pence during his visit to Southwest Georgia on Tuesday, October 16. The Vice President is traveling to Georgia following Hurricane Michael, a historic storm that swept across the region on October 10-11. This comes a day after President Donald Trump visited the Middle District after declaring a federal State of Emergency in Georgia on October 11, opening up direct federal aid for communities. Both Macon and Albany, home to several key United States Department of Justice offices and courthouses serving the Middle District of Georgia, sustained varying levels of storm damage. There remains power outages and water boil alerts in the Middle District, hundreds of homes and businesses have structural damage, and state agricultural leaders are reporting extensive crop loss.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those people affected by Hurricane Michael,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Southwest Georgia endured significant natural disasters in 2017, and it is another challenging road for us as we rebuild again. I am grateful to President Trump and Vice President Pence for supporting our recovery efforts quickly and decisively.”
“I want to applaud the efforts of our region’s first responders during this unprecedented hurricane. I also want to thank the line workers from various electric companies near and far that are restoring power, and a sense of normalcy, to our citizens. We are grateful,” said Peeler.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has staffed offices in Macon, Columbus and Albany. Following Hurricane Michael, all three offices were shut down for storm damage assessments and employee safety. The Macon and Columbus offices reopened Friday, October 12. The Albany office reopened Monday, October 15.
Questions regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office 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. All questions regarding Vice President Pence should be directed to the White House Press Office.
Macon Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MACON-- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Tuesday that 26-year-old Robert Murphy of Macon was sentenced by United States District Judge Marc T. Treadwell on October 15, 2018, to 36 months imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release and $3,000 restitution to three separate victims for possession of child pornography.
Law enforcement found 109 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Mr. Murphy’s computer, according to facts listed in the plea agreement. In April 2016, a federal law enforcement agent discovered child pornography files available for sharing through an internet connection associated with Mr. Murphy’s residence. Following a federal search warrant, Mr. Murphy was found at the residence and admitted to searching for and downloading child pornography using peer-to-peer programs. He also admitted to looking for child pornography, downloading, watching, and later deleting the files.
“Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime. When people download or view these horrific images of real children being subjected to unspeakable acts, those children are once again made victims and suffer real harm,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “My office will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.”
“We are grateful for the work of Homeland Security, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this case,” said Mr. Peeler.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case 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.
Middle Georgia's U.S. Attorney to Accompany President Donald Trump During Visit to Hurricane Ravaged GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON: The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles Peeler, will join President Donald Trump during the President’s visit to Georgia on Monday, October 15. The President is traveling to Georgia following Hurricane Michael, a historic storm that swept across the region on October 10-11. President Trump declared a federal State of Emergency in Georgia on Thursday, opening up direct federal aid for communities. Damage estimates in the Middle District are unknown, but reported to be in the billions of dollars, including massive crop damage. Both Macon and Albany, home to several key United States Department of Justice offices and federal courthouses serving the Middle District of Georgia, sustained varying levels of storm damage. Albany endured citywide and ongoing power outages and structural damage to homes and businesses.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those people affected by Hurricane Michael,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The recovery process will be arduous, and I am grateful that President Trump has heard and answered our call for help during this difficult time.”
“I want to applaud the efforts of our region’s first responders during this unprecedented hurricane. I also want to thank the line workers from various electric companies near and far that are restoring power, and a sense of normalcy, to our citizens. We are grateful.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has staffed offices in Macon, Columbus and Albany. Following Hurricane Michael, all three offices were shut down as storm damage assessments took place, and for the safety of employees. The Macon and Columbus offices reopened Friday, October 12. The Albany office reopened Monday, October 15.
For media inquiries regarding the U.S. Attorney’s office, please contact Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603. All questions regarding President Trump should be directed to the White House Press Office.
U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler Announces Progress in Making Georgia Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a common sense approach to reducing violent crime by forming partnerships between the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement and district attorneys to identify, arrest and prosecute the most violent individuals,” United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Charles E. Peeler said. “I want to thank law enforcement across our district for their assistance with this initiative. It is making a real impact. Our office looks forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement and community partners to further reduce violent crime in the Middle District of Georgia.”
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
Since the revitalization of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has partnered with federal, state and local law enforcement officials in creating PSN Task Forces in Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon, Americus and Valdosta. These task forces meet at least once a month to identify violent gun, gang and drug offenders for federal prosecution. Some examples include:
- In Albany, Georgia, the United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the United States Marshals Service, Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force, Albany Police Department, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County Police Department and Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office conducted Operation Arrowhead resulting in more than 50 arrests of violent drug, gun and gang offenders. https://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/law-enforcement-agencies-announce-joint-crackdown-on-crime/article_e3d7e5da-07d4-5285-986b-68559523f1c5.html
- In Milledgeville, Georgia, a Project Safe Neighborhoods prosecution led to the conviction of over 13 defendants including one defendant, Delma Goddard, who will be facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 125 years in federal prison. https://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article215849345.html
- In Macon, Georgia, in an effort to target violent offenders, the United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the United States Marshals Service, Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Bibb County District Attorney, FBI, ATF, and DEA launched Operation Shockwave which resulted in the arrest of 46 individuals, and removal of eight firearms and multiple pounds of ecstasy from the streets of Macon. https://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article217017325.html
- In Columbus, Georgia ten defendants were indicted and arrested on Federal Firearms and Narcotics violations in a sweep coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Marshals Service, Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force, Columbus Police Department, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department, Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA and ATF. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/ten-indicted-and-arrested-federal-firearms-and-narcotics-violations-sweep
Community Partnerships
Business leaders across the Middle District of Georgia assist PSN Task Forces by evaluating Project Safe Neighborhood grant requests to ensure that federal money is used where it can make the biggest impact reducing violent crime. Partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement, the private sector and community groups are instrumental to reducing violent crime across our district.
Improvements to Community Safety
- The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, after two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline. The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
- The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
- Since the formation of the PSN Task Forces in the Middle District of Georgia, the homicide rate in Albany, Georgia has dropped by 30% and in Columbus, Georgia by 10% during 2018.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
For further information, please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
U.S. Attorney Joins "Night to Unite" in Macon-Bibb County, Works with Local Law Enforcement to Distribute Hundreds of Free Gun Locks Across Macon, Albany and ColumbusRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that 500 firearm locking devices and firearm safety kits provided by the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia will be given out by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office as part of Bibb County’s first annual “Night to Unite” event Tuesday, October 9. Firearm locking devices and firearm safety kits will also be handed out in Albany and Columbus at later dates.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia received the firearm safety kits from Project ChildSafe, a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Working with local law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to distribute gunlocks in Macon, Columbus, and Albany. The program was designed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to promote firearm safety through the distribution of free firearm safety kits, each including a gun lock and educational material on safe handling and tips on secure storage. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office will hand out the firearm safety kits to gun owners in the Macon area.
“Respecting the Second Amendment goes hand-in-hand with responsible gun safety practices,” said Charles Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I am grateful for the close partnership we enjoy with our local law enforcement agencies that will be distributing hundreds of firearm locks directly into the hands of citizens. The practice of locking up a firearm can prevent a weapon from being improperly used, protecting children and making our communities safer.”
Citizens in Albany and Columbus will also be receiving firearm locking devices and firearm safety kits courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The firearm locking devices and firearm safety kits will be distributed to Albany gun owners by the Albany Police Department and to Columbus gun owners by the Columbus Police Department at each agency’s discretion. For more information on their distribution, please contact those agencies directly.
Since 1999, Project ChildSafe has partnered with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies to distribute more than 37 million firearm safety kits nationwide. You can learn more about Project ChildSafe and the National Shooting Sports Foundation by visiting www.projectchildsafe.org.
Night to Unite is an event focused on forging stronger connections between citizens and law enforcement, as well as strengthening community policing activities and sending a message to criminals that neighbors are united against crime. There are events all day Tuesday in Bibb County. To learn more, please contact Judy Gordon, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 745-5162 or (478) 447-9763.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Pelham Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison on Illegal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that on Thursday, October 4, 2018, United States District Court Judge Leslie Abrams sentenced 33-year-old Joshua Griffin of Pelham, Georgia, to a total of 120 months imprisonment for the offenses of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (120 months), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (120 months concurrent), and Possession of Cocaine (24 months concurrent). All sentences will run concurrently. Mr. Griffin received an enhanced sentence due to a previous conviction. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Griffin was found guilty on July 17, 2018, following a two-day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial showed that officers from the Pelham Police Department lawfully searched Mr. Griffin’s residence on January 11, 2017. Their search revealed marijuana in a plastic container, cocaine in a Crown Royal bag, methamphetamine, a digital scale, a razor blade with a white residue and plastic baggies.
“Our community is not turning a blind eye to the destruction caused by methamphetamine and other illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler. “Mr. Griffin’s jury trial and stiff sentencing sends a strong message that the illegal drug trade will not be tolerated. I want to thank the Pelham Police Department for their efforts investigating this case.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Pelham Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Pair Sentenced for Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Ronnie Jones a/k/a “Dank,” age 37, of Boston, Georgia and Gina Curry, age 35, of Pavo, Georgia, were sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Macon, Georgia on October 5, 2018. Mr. Jones was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison. Ms. Curry received a sentence of 40 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Jones and Ms. Curry were indicted on the charge on February 14, 2018, and each entered a separate guilty plea on July 12, 2018. At the change of plea hearings, the Government established that on calls monitored by a court-authorized wiretap on Mr. Jones’ phone, Thomas County Vice Squad agents heard information regarding Mr. Jones’ storing cocaine at Ms. Curry’s residence. On other monitored calls, agents heard information regarding Ms. Curry delivering drugs to Mr. Jones or to his customers. A subsequent search at Mr. Jones’ residence revealed $11,818.00, 51.5 grams of crack cocaine, 273.8 grams of powder cocaine, and items indicating that crack cocaine had been manufactured inside the residence and packaged for resale.
“Participating in the drug trade leads to federal prison, not riches,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I thank the Thomas County Vice Squad for its hard work in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Thomas County Vice Squad and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Cairo Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that 28-year-old Corey Jackie Smith of Cairo, Georgia was sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Mr. Smith was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
At his change of plea hearing, Mr. Smith admitted that officers attempted to arrest him on September 16, 2016, based on outstanding arrest warrants. When officers approached Mr. Smith, he walked into a Cairo business and was observed by officers throwing a golf-ball sized package into the corner of a storage room inside the business. Officers retrieved the bag and determined it was methamphetamine. Officers obtained surveillance video that depicted Mr. Smith walking into the storage room and discarding the bag of methamphetamine, which weighed approximately 29 grams after lab testing.
“Even our smaller towns are not immune to the sharp rise of the methamphetamine trade seen across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I applaud the good work of the Cairo Police Department, and our other local law enforcement agencies, who remain relentless in the fight against illegal drugs in our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Cairo Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Previously Deported Jamaican National, with Prior Murder Conviction, Sentenced in Albany on Illegal Drugs, Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Thursday that U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Abrams sentenced Michael O’Neal Walker, also known by the names Kevin Omar Foster, Kevin Nunyi Lewis, Mosiah Omar Wright and Nunyi Jacob Wright, age 41, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Mr. Walker entered a guilty plea to these charges on July 26, 2018 in federal court in Albany. The Government filed a sentence enhancement in Mr. Walker’s case because of his prior convictions. Judge Abrams sentenced Mr. Walker to 12 months imprisonment for the narcotics charge, and 60 months to be served consecutively in prison on the firearms charge. In addition, Judge Abrams revoked the term of supervised release for Mr. Walker’s 1999 murder conviction and sentenced him to an additional period of 46 months confinement, for a total of 118 months imprisonment. Judge Abrams ordered Mr. Walker to be delivered to immigration authorities for deportation proceedings following the conclusion of his federal prison sentence.
At the time he was discovered in possession of marijuana and firearms, Mr. Walker was subject to a term of supervised release imposed after his 1999 conviction in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine and Cocaine Base and Murder in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. On April 25, 2013, Mr. Walker was deported to Jamaica as a result of the 1999 conviction.
“Albany is a safer community following today’s stiff sentencing of Mr. Walker,” said U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to use every resource available to make sure career criminals like Mr. Walker are kept off the streets. I want to applaud the collective work of the Albany/Dougherty Drug Unit in the successful apprehension and investigation of Mr. Walker.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. “Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on October 3, 2018. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Albany/Dougherty Drug Unit and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Department of Justice Announces More Than $70 Million to Support School Safety and $64 Million to Improve State Criminal Record SystemsRead the Press Release
Includes $372,986 to fund the COPS School Violence Prevention Program in Ben Hill County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler joined the Department of Justice in announcing more than $70 million in grant funding to bolster school security, educate and train students and faculty, and support law enforcement officers and first responders who arrive on the scene of a school violence incident, including $372,986 for the 2018 COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
These grants are in addition to the funding to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), announced by Attorney General Sessions last week, to expand and update their curriculum to better support training programs. These grants combined will better protect students, teachers, faculty, and first responders across the United States. Additionally, the Department is awarding more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems, which will help law enforcement and increase the effectiveness of background checks.
“President Trump and his administration will ensure the safety of every American school,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Earlier this year he signed into law the STOP School Violence Act, which provides grant funding to develop anonymous school threat reporting systems, to implement school building security measures, and to train students, school personnel, and law enforcement on how to prevent school violence. I am announcing $70 million in these grants to hundreds of cities and states across America. These grants will go a long way toward giving young people and their families both safety and peace of mind.”
“Keeping our schools safe is a top priority in every community across our state, and I want to congratulate Ben Hill County leaders for securing these grant dollars to help better protect our most innocent citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler.
The Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) together are making more than 220 awards to jurisdictions across the country to help make schools more secure. The awards, granted through three funding streams, will provide new technology for reporting systems and other threat deterrent measures and create school safety training and education programs for school administrators, staff, students, and first responders. This includes the support for existing crisis intervention teams and the creation of new ones.
- BJA’s STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program will provide 68 awards valued at more than $19 million. This funding supports training to create and operate threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and to develop technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website.
- The STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, also managed by BJA, will provide training and education on preventing violence and effectively responding to related mental health crises. This program will fund 85 awards at nearly $28 million.
- The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) will provide nearly $25 million to 91 jurisdictions for school safety measures including coordination with law enforcement, training for law enforcement to prevent student violence against others and self, target hardening measures, and technology for expedited notification of law enforcement during an emergency.
The grants are authorized by the STOP School Violence Act, which are intended to improve school security by helping students and teachers reduce exposure to risks, prevent acts of violence, and quickly recognize and respond to violent attacks.
The Department also announced that it has awarded more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems. These grants are administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, part of OJP. Approximately $43 million in funding will be administered through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), and nearly $21 million will be awarded under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act Record Improvement Program. These grant programs help states automate and upgrade records accessed by the firearms background check system. This year, at the direction of the Attorney General, the Department prioritized funding for projects that improve accessibility of criminal history records, domestic violence convictions, and information on persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms for mental-health related reasons.
The Department is also investing over $1 million in research to better understand the factors behind mass shooting incidents. The grant awards, made by the Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of OJP, support scientific investigations that will examine factors that contribute to mass violence, identify any patterns in mass shootings, analyze psychological and social life histories of mass shooters and community-level predictors of mass violence, and will examine firearm purchasing patterns of known mass shooters in order to create a risk prediction tool.
For addition information on Tuesday’s grant announcements, you can visit the following websites at www.bja.gov or www.cops.usdoj.gov.
NOTE: The breakdown of the STOP School Violence Grants can be found here: STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program, STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, and COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Colquitt Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted Felon Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jarrod Sims, age 38, of Colquitt, Georgia, pled guilty today to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany.
Had the matter gone to trial, the Government expected the evidence to show that on May 8, 2018, officers with the Colquitt Police Department discovered a Hi-Point 9mm rifle in Mr. Sims’ vehicle during a lawful traffic stop for suspected impaired driving. Mr. Sims admitted to the officer that the firearm belonged to him and that he was a convicted felon. Mr. Sims was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a December 5, 2012 conviction for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Albany Division.
Sentencing for Mr. Sims will take place in approximately 90 days. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on the charge.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Social Circle Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing A Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
ATHENS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Mikail Anthony Walker, age 24, of Social Circle, Georgia, pled guilty on October 1, 2018 to Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number before U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Athens, Georgia.
In entering his plea, Mr. Walker admitted that officers with the Social Circle Police Department (SCPD) had conducted an investigation after complaints that drug sales were taking place at his home. Ultimately, the SCPD obtained a search warrant for Mr. Walker’s home and recovered a Taurus, 9mm Parabellum caliber semi-automatic pistol with the serial number scratched off, a loaded Taurus, .357 Magnum caliber revolver, marijuana, and digital scales.
Mr. Walker faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years’ imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Social Circle Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Jury Convicts Career Criminal on Drug, Firearm CountsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Rodney Burke, age 56, of Mauk, Georgia, was found guilty by a jury this afternoon of one count of Possession With Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Mr. Burke’s conviction after a two-day trial on both counts in his indictment follows a multi-agency undercover drug surveillance operation involving the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Dangerous career criminals will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “Mr. Burke has a lengthy criminal record, and his conviction proves that our citizen jurors also do not tolerate behavior that endangers the safety of our communities in Middle Georgia. Thanks to the dedicated work of our law enforcement agencies, an armed career criminal is off the streets tonight.”
For Count One, Mr. Burke faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $8 million, plus a supervised release of at least 8 years. Count One is enhanced because of Mr. Burke’s prior convictions for felony drug trafficking offenses. For Count Two, Mr. Burke faces a mandatory 15 years, up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release. Count Two is enhanced because Mr. Burke is considered an Armed Career Criminal due to a combination of at least three prior convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was investigated by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at
478-731-1824 or [email protected].Athens Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing A Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ATHENS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jamarcus Huff, age 29, of Athens, Georgia, pled guilty on October 2, 2018 to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime before U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Athens, Georgia.
In entering his plea, Mr. Huff admitted that officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) executed a search warrant at his house after a confidential informant had bought drugs there on multiple occasions. Inside the house, ACCPD officers found crack cocaine, and a loaded Ruger, 9mm handgun. Mr. Huff waived his Miranda rights and admitted to selling crack cocaine. He later admitted to possessing the handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Mr. Huff faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years and not more than life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Athens Resident Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ATHENS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Patrick O’Neal Kennedy, age 42, of Athens, Georgia, pled guilty on October 2, 2018 to Distribution of Cocaine Base before U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Athens, Georgia.
In entering his plea, Mr. Kennedy admitted that on March 23, 2018, he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department in exchange for $600. The sale of crack cocaine was recorded with an audio/video device worn by the confidential informant. Mr. Kennedy has prior felony convictions for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (2017), Possession of Cocaine (2014), and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (2006).
Mr. Kennedy faces a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, a $1,000,000 fine, or both, and at least three (3) years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Lumpkin Resident Pleads Guilty to at Least 15 Years in Federal Prison Without Parole Just Before Trial Is Set to BeginRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Marcus Crocker, age 44, of Lumpkin, Georgia, pled guilty on September 27, 2018 to Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia. A trial in the case was set to begin today.
In entering his plea, Mr. Crocker admitted that officers with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by members of the Lumpkin and Richland Police Departments, used a confidential reliable source to make two recorded, controlled purchases of cocaine base, aka crack cocaine, from him at his residence in Lumpkin on March 2, 2017 and March 3, 2017. At the time, Mr. Crocker was on probation for a previous drug offense. A subsequent search of Mr. Crocker’s home produced three firearms, ammunition, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and various items commonly associated with drug trafficking, such as baggies, vials, scales, and cash.
Mr. Crocker was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to seven prior felony convictions for various offenses.
On the narcotics charge, Mr. Crocker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum sentence of Life in Prison, and a maximum $8 million fine. On the firearms charge, Mr. Crocker faces a mandatory minimum five (5) years’ imprisonment, to be served consecutively, up to Life in Prison, and a maximum $250,000 fine.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin Police Department, Richland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Hospital Chain Will Pay over $260 Million to Resolve False Billing and Kickback Allegations; One Subsidiary Agrees to Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Health Management Associates, LLC (HMA), formerly a U.S. hospital chain headquartered in Naples, Florida, will pay over $260 million to resolve criminal charges and civil claims relating to a scheme to defraud the United States. The government alleged that HMA knowingly billed government health care programs for inpatient services that should have been billed as outpatient or observation services, paid remuneration to physicians in return for patient referrals, and submitted inflated claims for emergency department facility fees.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Joseph H. Hunt of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon for the District of South Carolina, Assistant Director Robert Johnson of FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Derrick L. Jackson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
HMA was acquired by Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS), a major U.S. hospital chain, in January 2014, after the alleged conduct at HMA occurred. Since July 2014, HMA has been operating under a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) between CHS and the HHS-OIG.
As part of the criminal resolution, HMA entered into a three-year Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section in connection with a corporate-driven scheme to defraud Federal health care programs by unlawfully pressuring and inducing physicians serving HMA hospitals to increase the number of emergency department patient admissions without regard to whether the admissions were medically necessary. The scheme involved HMA hospitals billing and obtaining reimbursement for higher-paying inpatient hospital care, as opposed to observation or outpatient care, from Federal health care programs, increasing HMA’s revenue. Under the terms of the NPA, HMA will pay a $35 million monetary penalty. Under the terms of the NPA, HMA and CHS, the current parent company, agreed to cooperate with the investigation, report allegations or evidence of violations of Federal health care offenses, and ensure that their compliance and ethics program satisfies the requirements of an amended and extended CIA between CHS and HHS-OIG.
In addition, an HMA subsidiary, Carlisle HMA, LLC, formerly doing business as Carlisle Regional Medical Center, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The plea agreement remains subject to acceptance by the court. Up until 2017, Carlisle HMA, LLC owned and operated Carlisle Regional Medical Center, an acute care hospital located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Carlisle HMA, LLC was charged in a criminal information filed today in the District of Columbia with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to admissions made in the resolution documents, HMA instituted a formal and aggressive plan to improperly increase overall emergency department inpatient admissions at all HMA hospitals, including at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. As part of the plan, HMA set mandatory company-wide admission rate benchmarks for patients presenting to HMA hospital emergency departments – a range of 15 to 20 percent for all patients presenting to the emergency department, depending on the HMA hospital, and 50 percent for patients 65 and older (i.e. Medicare beneficiaries) - solely to increase HMA revenue. HMA executives and HMA hospital administrators executed the scheme by pressuring, coercing and inducing physicians and medical directors to meet the mandatory admission rate benchmarks and admit patients who did not need impatient admission through a variety of means, including by threatening to fire physicians and medical directors if they did not increase the number of patients admitted.
“HMA pressured emergency room physicians, including through threats of termination, to increase the number of inpatient admissions from emergency departments—even when those admissions were medically unnecessary,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Hospital operators that improperly influence a physician’s medical decision-making in pursuit of profits do so at their own peril. Where we find such conduct, the Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit, together with our Civil Division and law enforcement colleagues, will aggressively prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
HMA also agreed to pay $216 million as part of a related civil settlement. The civil settlement resolves HMA’s liability for submitting false claims between 2008 and 2012 as part of its corporate-wide scheme to increase inpatient admissions of Medicare, Medicaid and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) TRICARE program beneficiaries over the age of 65. The government alleged that the inpatient admission of these beneficiaries was not medically necessary, and that the care needed by, and provided to, these beneficiaries should have been provided in a less costly outpatient or observation setting. HMA agreed to pay $62.5 million to resolve these allegations with $61,839,718 being paid to the United States and $706,084 being paid to participating States.
The civil settlement also resolves allegations that during the period from 2003 through 2011, two HMA hospitals in Florida, Charlotte Regional Medical Center and Peace River Medical Center, billed federal health care programs for services referred by physicians to whom HMA provided remuneration in return for patient referrals. To induce patient referrals, Charlotte Regional provided a local physician group with free office space and staff, as well as direct payments, which purportedly covered overhead and administrative costs incurred by the group for its management of a Charlotte Regional physician. HMA also provided another local physician with free rent and upgrades to his office space. HMA agreed to pay $93.5 million to resolve these civil allegations, with the United States receiving $87.96 million, and the State of Florida receiving $5.54 million.
Additional allegations that are resolved by the civil settlement are that between 2009 and 2012, two former HMA hospitals, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Heart of Lancaster Medical Center in Pennsylvania, billed federal health care programs for services referred by physicians with whom the facilities had improper financial relationships. These relationships stemmed from HMA’s excessive payments to (1) a large physician group in return for two businesses owned by the group and for services allegedly performed by the group, and (2) a local surgeon that exceeded the value of the services provided. The government alleged that these arrangements were structured in this manner to disguise payments intended to induce the referral of patients. HMA agreed to pay $55 million to the United States to resolve these civil allegations.
Finally, the civil settlement will also resolve claims that Crossgates Hospital, an HMA facility in Brandon, Mississippi, leased space to a local physician from Jan. 15, 2005 through Jan. 14, 2007, but required the physician to pay rent for only half of the space he was actually occupying, in return for patient referrals to Crossgates Hospital. HMA agreed to pay $425,000 to the United States to resolve these civil allegations.
Federal law, including the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law, prohibits hospitals from providing financial inducements to physicians for referrals. These provisions are designed to ensure that physician decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives.
“Billing for unnecessary hospital stays wastes federal dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Hunt. “In addition, offering financial incentives to physicians in return for patient referrals undermines the integrity of our health care system. Patients deserve the unfettered, independent judgment of their health care professionals.”
“The payment of kickbacks in exchange for medical referrals undermines the integrity of our healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Today’s resolution should remind healthcare providers of their duty to comply with the law, and the heavy price to be paid for corrupt practices committed by their executives. Our Civil Division will continue to invest itself in the pursuit of health care providers who violate the law for personal gain.”
“Our office will continue to enforce prohibitions on improper financial relationships between health care providers and their referral sources, as these relationships can serve to corrupt physician judgment about a patient’s true health needs,” said U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “We will devote all necessary resources to ensure that those rendering medical care do so for the sole benefit of the patient and in compliance with the law.”
“By manipulating patient status, HMA increased Medicare costs and pocketed taxpayer funds to which it was not entitled,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “Our Medicare patients and our taxpayers deserve better, and I am proud that justice has been done. Nonetheless, we will continue to pursue those hospitals in our district that would seek to take advantage of the Medicare Program.”
“Government healthcare programs are vital to the welfare of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray for the Western District of North Carolina, where two HMA hospitals were located. “We will aggressively pursue providers that fraudulently inflate charges to government programs and divert scarce resources from those in need into their own pockets.”
“Our resolution of this matter and the significant recovery we have obtained show once again that no matter how complex the scheme is, we will find it, stop it, and punish it,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “HMA covered up kickbacks for patient referrals with sham joint venture agreements, lease payments, and management agreements. These sorts of improper physician inducements are a form of ‘pay to play’ business practices that will not be tolerated. Healthcare institutions cannot pad their bottom line at the expense of the American taxpayers. And most importantly, this conduct must be rooted out because it gets in the way of providing top-notch patient care to American citizens.”
“It is critically important to all of us that the patients’ interest drive the physicians’ decisions on care,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Unnecessary hospital admissions not only drive up costs but can cause damage to patients and cannot be tolerated.”
The government further alleged that from September 2009 through December 2011, certain HMA hospitals submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid seeking reimbursement for falsely inflated emergency department facility charges. HMA agreed to pay $12 million to resolve these civil allegations, with $11.028 million being paid to the United States and $972,000 being paid to participating States.
“Compliance with government healthcare rules requires that patients only receive treatment they actually need,” said HHS-OIG Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jackson. “Then government programs must be billed just for those services. No more, no less. Let there be no doubt, we will continue to protect federal healthcare programs and beneficiaries by holding provider organizations fully accountable.”
“This settlement is a result of the FBI’s hard work and dedication to hold companies accountable for their role in healthcare fraud and abuse,” said FBI Assistant Director Johnson. “The FBI will not stand by when there are allegations that a company operates a corporate wide scheme to increase their financial gain at the expense of the U.S. government. We appreciate those who come forward with allegations of criminal misconduct and recognize the importance of the public’s assistance in our work.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in eight lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The eight qui tam cases, which were filed in various districts and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as part of a multi-district litigation presided over by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, are captioned: United States ex rel. Brummer v. HMA, Inc., 3-09-cv-135 (CDL) (M.D. Ga.); United States ex rel. Williams v. HMA, Inc., 3:09-cv-130 (M.D. Ga.); United States ex rel. Plantz v. HMA, Inc., 13-CV-1212 (N.D. Ill.); United States ex rel. Miller v. HMA, Inc., 10-3007 (E.D. Pa.); United States ex rel. Mason & Folstad v. HMA, Inc., 3:10-CV-472-GCM (W.D.N.C.); United States ex rel. Nurkin v. HMA, Inc., 2:11-cv-14-FtM-29DNF (M.D. Fla.); United States ex rel. Jacqueline Meyer & Cowling v. HMA, Inc., 0:11-cv-01713-JFA (D.S.C.); and United States ex rel. Paul Meyer v. HMA, Inc., 11-62445 cv-Williams (S.D. Fla.).
The whistleblower in United States ex rel. Nurkin will receive approximately $15 million as a share of the recovery, and the whistleblowers in United States ex rel. Miller will receive approximately $12.4 million as their share of the recovery. The whistleblower shares to be awarded in the remaining cases have not yet been determined.
These matters were investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch; the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, Northern District of Illinois, Western District of North Carolina, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of South Carolina, the FBI Healthcare Fraud Unit Major Provider Response Team, HHS-OIG and Defense Health Agency Program Integrity. On behalf of the States, an investigative/settlement team with members from North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington, and Florida assisted with the investigation and resolution of these matters.
The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, a partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to focus efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Except for those facts admitted to in the guilty plea and in the Non-Prosecution Agreement, the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please call (888) 549-3945.
Milledgeville Felon Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Gun Possession Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Arthur Lee Bennett, age 45, of Milledgeville, Georgia was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for Possession of a Stolen Firearm before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia on September 19, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Bennett admitted that the Georgia State Patrol stopped him for speeding on August 12, 2017. While waiting for confirmation that Mr. Bennett had an outstanding probation violation warrant, a Trooper attempted to detain him, but Mr. Bennett fled on foot. An inventory of Mr. Bennett’s car revealed a loaded .380 caliber pistol which had been reported as stolen from an evidence locker at the Milledgeville Police Department. Mr. Bennett was subsequently arrested, and the police confirmed he had felony convictions for Burglary, Possession of Cocaine, Armed Robbery and Interference with Government Property.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
“Felons with stolen guns are headed to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the ATF and Georgia State Patrol for bringing Mr. Bennett to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling is prosecuting the case.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or [email protected]
Byron Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Charlie Lee Harvey, Jr., age 45, of Byron, Georgia was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia on September 19, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Harvey admitted to being a passenger in a truck that was stopped for a window tint violation on July 15, 2016. A drug detection dog alerted on the truck, and a search revealed a gallon-size Ziploc bag containing suspected methamphetamine in the center console. Mr. Harvey told the police that the driver knew nothing about the drugs. A subsequent search of Mr. Harvey’s residence revealed $2,700 (all in one hundred dollar bills), two sets of digital scales, two boxes of plastic heat seal food bags, and one vacuum food sealer. Lab test results from the DEA confirmed the drugs were 986.2 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride (“Ice”) with an 89% purity. Mr. Harvey waived his Miranda rights and confessed to possessing the methamphetamine and intending to sell it. Mr. Harvey has previous felony convictions for Sale of Cocaine, Trafficking in Cocaine, and Criminal Attempt to Commit Trafficking in Cocaine.
“Methamphetamine is pure poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the DEA, the Georgia State Patrol, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and the Fort Valley Police Department for their investigation and efforts to bring Mr. Harvey to justice and to get this poison off our streets.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia State Patrol, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and the Fort Valley Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling is prosecuting the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Six Prosecuted for Illegal Reentry in AugustRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that six (6) individuals were prosecuted in August by his office for illegal reentry into the country after having been deported and removed. All defendants convicted of Illegal Reentry are subject to deportation proceedings following their sentences.
Two (2) individuals were indicted by a Grand Jury on August 15, 2018 for Illegal Reentry. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Those indicted were:
FEISAR NAJERA-FLORES, age 40, a citizen of Honduras, is charged with Illegal Reentry after being deported and removed from the United States on August 8, 2011 and February 16, 2012, and returning without the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. Mr. Najera-Flores was found unlawfully in Tift County on June 24, 2018. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit.
OTILO PEREZ-ESCOBAR, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry after being deported and removed from the United States on November 30, 2012 and returning without the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. Mr. Perez-Escobar was found unlawfully in Sumter County on June 21, 2018. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.
Four (4) individuals pled guilty to the charge of Illegal Reentry in August. Those who pled guilty are:
JOSE FELIPE CERVANTES-MONDRAGON, a citizen of Mexico, entered a guilty plea to Illegal Reentry on August 8, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal. Mr. Cervantes-Mondragon was indicted on the charge on June 12, 2018, after being removed and deported from the United States on December 13, 2011 and December 4, 2014, and returning without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. He was found in Morgan County unlawfully on March 29, 2018. Sentencing is set for October 3, 2018. Mr. Cervantes-Mondragon faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
This case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.
JOSE SERRANO-HERNANDEZ a citizen of Mexico, entered a guilty plea to Illegal Reentry on August 8, 2018 before Senior U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal. Mr. Serrano Hernandez was indicted on the charge on June 12, 2018, after being removed and deported from the United States on January 22, 2009 and March 31, 2015, and returning without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. He was found in Athens-Clarke County unlawfully on May 3, 2018. Sentencing is set for October 3, 2018. Mr. Serrano-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
This case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.
BALDEMAR LOPEZ AGUILON, aka ELIAS LOPEZ-GOMEZ, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a plea of guilty on August 28, 2018 to a Superseding Information charging him with Illegal Reentry after being removed and deported from the United States on July 30, 2003 and July 18, 2012 and returning without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. He was found in Butts County unlawfully on June 8, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2018. He faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. McCommon III.
BRAULIO CARRILLO-CARRILLO, a citizen of Mexico, entered a plea of guilty on August 28, 2018 to Illegal Reentry after being removed and deported from the United States on June 5, 2012, September 16, 2012, June 9, 2013, June 16, 2013 and June 16, 2015, and returning without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. He was found in Houston County unlawfully on February 7, 2018. He was sentenced on August 28, 2018 to time served.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. McCommon III.
Questions concerning these cases should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Fitzgerald Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Lakevis Woodard, age 31, of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia on September 13, 2018.
On October 19, 2017, local law enforcement was conducting an authorized roadblock in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Mr. Woodard approached the roadblock and drug agents, who had been receiving information that Mr. Woodard was selling drugs in the area, were present. A drug detection dog alerted on Mr. Woodard’s vehicle, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger, Model 1911, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat.
During a subsequent search of Mr. Woodard’s residence, officers located a gallon-sized Ziploc bag of marijuana and a box containing powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and a set of digital scales. Lab test results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined the presence of 22.625 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine.
“Guns and crack cocaine pose a significant danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision for their investigation and efforts in this case.”
This case was investigated by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Final Member of Major Middle Georgia Methamphetamine Organization Sentenced to Life in Prison Without ParoleRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Russell Todd Mathis, age 45, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced, on September 19, 2018, to life in prison for his role in a methamphetamine and marijuana distribution conspiracy. Mr. Mathis received a mandatory life sentence because he had two prior drug convictions. The sentence was handed down by U. S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Mathis was convicted of the charges on June 6, 2018 following a three-day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial showed that from July 2016 to October 2016, Mr. Mathis was a customer of Walter Williams, a/k/a “Bubba,” of Lizella, Georgia. Mr. Mathis purchased methamphetamine from Mr. Williams and distributed it to a number of other distributors in Middle Georgia. At Mr. Mathis’ trial, Mr. Williams estimated that he distributed one to two pounds of methamphetamine to Mr. Mathis weekly for 16 weeks.
Mr. Mathis was the sole defendant to go to trial. Eleven co-defendants entered guilty pleas and were previously sentenced:
- Ruben Perez, age 32 of Covington, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: February 27, 2018
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 20 years imprisonment
- Antonio Mendez-Ramos, age 33, of Jonesboro, Georgia and Mexico
- Guilty plea entered: March 21, 2018
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 17 years and 6 months imprisonment
- Walter Williams a/k/a “Bubba,” age 40, of Lizella, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: December 1, 2017
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 16 years and 8 months imprisonment
- James Howell, a/k/a “Flip,” age 28, of Macon, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: November 20, 2017
- Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine
- Sentence: 12 years and 7 months imprisonment
- Ashlee Shaw, age 29, of Lizella, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: March 20, 2018
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 10 years imprisonment
- Shana Walker, age 33, of Macon, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: December 19, 2017
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 8 years and 1 month imprisonment
- Milton Dobbin Evans, age 66, of Macon, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: February 27, 2018
- Offense: Use of Communications Facility in Causing or Facilitating the Commission of Felonies under the Controlled Substances Act
- Sentence: 4 years imprisonment
- Layla Keaney, age 38, of Gray, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: December 14, 2017
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 18 months imprisonment
- Danna Stokes, age 38, of Bonaire, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: February 27, 2018
- Offense: Use of Communications Facility in Causing or Facilitating the Commission of Felonies under the Controlled Substances Act
- Sentence: 1 year and 1 day imprisonment
- Bobby Martinez, age 28, of East Point, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: April 16, 2018
- Offense: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Sentence: 5 years of probation
- Chadwick Nicholson, age 41, of Lizella, Georgia
- Guilty plea entered: December 21, 2017
- Offense: Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
- Sentence: 5 years of probation
“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most destructive drugs in our district. It not only ruins the lives of those who choose to use it and choose to deal it, it also affects families, law enforcement, healthcare providers, governments, and citizens across our district,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “This life sentence sends a strong message that our office and our law enforcement partners will not rest until we hold accountable those responsible for spreading this poison. I want to thank the DEA, GBI, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Houston County Sheriff’s Office for leading the charge in this matter.”
“Bubba Williams was a major supplier in the Middle Georgia area for some time. Todd Mathis was his #1 distributor, and he was responsible for spreading a lot of this crystal poison in our community. It’s good to see local, state and federal law enforcement working together to take someone like him off the streets,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese. “This might not stop the flow of methamphetamine to this area but it will slow it down for some time. It will take a while for someone else to come in and set up a network such as the one we have just dismantled.”
“The cocktail of deadly chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine is a recipe for disaster,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These substances are not only volatile and toxic, but they also destroy families, communities and lives. Because of the collective effort between DEA, its local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, these defendants were brought to justice and will no longer be able to distribute this insidious drug.”
“These convictions demonstrate the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the distribution of illegal drugs affecting Georgia and our surrounding states,” said GBI Director Vernon Keenan. “The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth S. Howard handled the prosecution of the defendants who have been sentenced. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane is handling the prosecution of Mr. Mathis.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
- Ruben Perez, age 32 of Covington, Georgia
Greenville, Georgia Resident Sentenced Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Kevin Alford, age 41, of Greenville, Georgia, was sentenced to 144 months in Federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before the U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia on September 13, 2018.
According to court records, a cooperating witness whom Mr. Alford had previously given methamphetamine set up a meeting with Mr. Alford at the FairFax Motel in Leesburg, Georgia to take delivery of more methamphetamine. DEA agents contacted Lee County Sheriff’s Office personnel to advise them of Mr. Alford’s anticipated arrival. The Lee County Deputies set up surveillance to await Mr. Alford’s arrival at the motel. Mr. Alford subsequently arrived in a rental vehicle accompanied by Donna Parks. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, marijuana, cell phones, and a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver.
Both Mr. Alford and Ms. Parks are convicted felons. After waiving his Miranda rights, Mr. Alford acknowledged his multiple prior felony convictions and provided limited details into his drug distribution operation. Ms. Parks admitted that she was in joint possession of the firearm along with Mr. Alford. Court-authorized analysis of the cell phones seized in the car revealed numerous text messages between Mr. Alford and unknown persons regarding the acquisition and distribution of quantities of drugs. The methamphetamine was submitted for laboratory analysis and found to weigh 330 grams and be 95% pure d-methamphetamine hydrochloride.
On May 31, 2018, Donna Parks, age 37, also of Greenville, Georgia, also entered a guilty plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. She will be sentenced in December.
“Felons with a gun and methamphetamine pose a significant danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and efforts in this case.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Sale City Woman Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jeroen Tiller, age 32, of Sale City, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany on September 6, 2018.
In her plea agreement, Ms. Tiller admitted that in October 2015, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputies were contacted by a confidential informant (CI), who told them that large amounts of methamphetamine were being mailed to Ms. Tiller’s home in Mitchell County. On October 29, 2015, the CI told law enforcement that a package had been delivered to Ms. Tiller’s home. Agents initiated surveillance, and saw Ms. Tiller return home and bring a package inside. Thereafter, Ms. Tiller left her home, put the package in her SUV, and drove off.
Agents conducted a traffic stop of Ms. Tiller’s SUV and told her they believed she was transporting a package of methamphetamine. Ms. Tiller stated: “I know what’s in the box, and I am in big trouble.” Ms. Tiller consented to allow officers to remove the box from her car and open it. Inside, officers found suspected methamphetamine. Ms. Tiller waived her Miranda rights and admitted someone nicknamed “Bug” would have packages delivered to her home. Ms. Tiller then delivered the packages to “Bug.” In lieu of cash payment, “Bug” paid her with methamphetamine.
The contents of the package were submitted to a DEA laboratory for testing. It was found to contain 3.965 kilograms of methamphetamine which was 98.5% pure.
“Methamphetamine is a terribly destructive drug and a scourge in our communities,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their work in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA. Assistant United States Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
78-Year-Old Man Sentenced for Distribution of XanaxRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces Edward Lowell, age 78, of Americus, Georgia, was sentenced to 36 months of probation for Distribution of Xanax by Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on September 6, 2018.
Mr. Lowell admitted that on October 4, 2017, deputies were conducting surveillance of his residence in Sumter County and observed a confidential informant (CI) at the residence. The CI had revealed to agents that she routinely received prescription pills from “Eddie” at this residence. A subsequent traffic stop and search of the CI revealed 10 Xanax pills, which she confirmed she had just acquired from “Eddie.” In a subsequent interview, the CI estimated that she had received 8000 pills from “Eddie” over the years.
Another confidential informant (CI-2) turned over 61 pills—8 Xanax and 53 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine—which she had recently purchased from Mr. Lowell at the same residence for $150. CI-2 stated that she had been obtaining pills from Mr. Lowell for approximately ten years, and estimated that she had gotten at least 10,000 pills over time.
Ultimately, Mr. Lowell waived his Miranda rights and admitted that he had obtained and distributed 100 pills per month over a two-year period to multiple individuals.
“Distributing prescription pills in our communities is still dealing drugs,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for its work on this case.”
This case was investigated by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Four Walton County Residents Sentenced in Continued Dismantling of Monroe Drug and Gun ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ATHENS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that four defendants were sentenced on September 5, 2018, by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal in Athens for their roles in an illegal drug and firearms distribution conspiracy.
In approximately May 2015, Monroe Police Department (MPD) officers began investigating drugs and gang activities in and around Davis Street and Lacy Street in Monroe, Georgia. Members of the Monroe Police Department Drug Unit partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to tackle the increased activity by Gangster Disciples gang members in the area. Ultimately, numerous co-conspirators were identified and indicted in the Middle District of Georgia on a variety of drug and firearm distribution charges.
The following four (4) defendants were sentenced on September 5, 2018:
• Lachievious Smith a/k/a “Chief,” “Cheese,” “Chiev,” age 30, of Monroe , Georgia
Guilty plea entered: June 14, 2018
Offense: Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Sentence: 200 months imprisonment
• Chauncey Brantley a/k/a “Murder,” age 23, of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: June 13, 2018
Offenses: Distribution of Methamphetamine;
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Sentence: 120 months imprisonment
• Kendarious Gaither a/k/a “KD,” age 22, of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: June 1, 2018
Offense: Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Sentence: 60 months imprisonment
• Emmanuel Smith, a/k/a “Man-Man,” age 32, of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: June 1, 2018
Offense: Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Sentence: 30 months imprisonment
The following defendants were previously sentenced:
• Anthony Smith, a/k/a “Ant,” “Unc,” of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: January 3, 2018
Offense: Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Sentence date: April 17, 2018
Sentence: 34 months imprisonment
• Brittany Porter, of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: January 3, 2018
Offense: Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Sentence date: April 17, 2018
Sentence: 10 months imprisonment
• Krysty Davis-Smith, of Monroe, Georgia
Guilty plea entered: November 16, 2017
Offense: Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Sentence date: February 4, 2018
Sentence: 3 years of probation
Another co-defendant, James Anthony Johnson, entered a guilty plea on June 4, 2018, to Distribution of Crack Cocaine Mr. Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
“Organizations that attempt to control areas of our community so they can deal drugs and sell guns with no regard for the safety of others will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I want to thank the FBI and the Monroe Police Department for their hard work in this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Monroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett handled the prosecution of the defendants.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
Mauk Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Steven Derek Dukes, age 35, of Mauk, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to Receipt of Child Pornography on September 5, 2018. The plea was entered before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia. This plea subjects Mr. Dukes to a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Furthermore, as a condition of his supervised release after he is released from federal prison, Mr. Dukes shall register with the state sex offender registration agency in any state where Mr. Dukes resides, is employed, works, or is a student.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Dukes admitted that he had exchanged emails with an individual under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in which the two discussed their past sexual experiences and fantasies involving young boys. Mr. Dukes also admitted to exchanging files of child pornography with the individual under FBI investigation. On May 5, 2018, FBI agents executed a search warrant and seized Mr. Dukes’ computer. Subsequent forensic analysis revealed numerous depictions of child pornography on electronic devices seized from Mr. Dukes’ residence. Thereafter, Mr. Dukes waived his Miranda rights and confessed to sending, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted Felon Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Reginald Miller, age 35, of Columbus, Georgia, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia on September 5, 2018. This plea subjects Mr. Miller to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
On November 16, 2017, officers with the Columbus Police Department found Mr. Miller in possession of a Glock handgun during a traffic stop. Mr. Miller was prohibited from possessing a gun based on his prior convictions for Theft by Taking and for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, both in Superior Court in Muscogee County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.